In the world of advanced skincare, every ingredient plays a role; some shine as the main active, while others work quietly behind the scenes to keep skincare products safe and stable.
Sodium benzoate falls into the latter category. Though often overlooked, this preservative is vital to maintaining the integrity and safety of your skincare essentials.
At Clique Clinic Malaysia, where we fuse science with aesthetics to deliver clinically proven skincare and aesthetic solutions, we educate our clients on what goes into the products they trust, whether it is suitable for their skin type and concerns, and if those ingredients support their skin improvement efforts.
When you receive a personalized skin treatment from our experienced medical team, knowing what skincare actives do can help you make more informed decisions for your post-procedure and maintenance skincare routine.
What is Sodium Benzoate in Skincare?
Sodium benzoate is a synthetic preservative used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi in cosmetic and personal care products. It is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, which occurs naturally in fruits like cranberries, plums, and apples.
In skincare, sodium benzoate ensures formulations remain safe for use over time, especially in water-based products. In fact, sodium benzoate is one of the well-regulated, science-backed ingredients that can be included when needed.
Chemical Composition & Properties
- Molecular formula: C₇H₅NaO₂.
- Water-soluble: Easily integrates into aqueous-based skincare.
- Antimicrobial: Works best in products with acidic pH levels (<7).
- Often paired with other preservatives: like potassium sorbate to create a broader antimicrobial effect.
Sodium benzoate’s effectiveness depends on the pH of the formula. This is why professional skincare brands carefully formulate their products to stay within a specific pH range.
What Does Sodium Benzoate Do to Your Skin?
While sodium benzoate doesn’t offer direct skin benefits like vitamin C or niacinamide, its behind-the-scenes role is essential.
- Prevents microbial growth: in creams, toners, masks, and serums.
- Extends shelf life: reducing the chance of spoilage.
- Allows safe storage: without refrigeration.
- Keeps water-based formulas: from becoming breeding grounds for bacteria.
Without preservatives like sodium benzoate, your favourite calming serum or nourishing cream could become unsafe within weeks of opening.
At Clique Clinic, we prioritize product integrity and patient safety. Many of the skincare lines we recommend, especially for post-treatment care, rely on safe preservation systems to ensure optimal effectiveness from first use to last.
Sodium Benzoate Uses and Benefits
Sodium benzoate is often used in:
- Cleansers.
- Toners and serums.
- Moisturizers and night creams.
- Face masks: and even sheet masks.
- Shampoos and hair conditioners.
Key Benefits:
- Preserves formulation quality: Prevents microbial contamination in both skincare and hair care.
- Boosts product safety: Minimizes the risk of irritation caused by spoiled products.
- Increases shelf stability: Makes it possible for skincare to remain effective even in humid environments like Malaysia.
Sodium Benzoate Side Effects & Considerations
While sodium benzoate is generally well-tolerated, here’s what you should know:
- Approved by global regulatory bodies: including the FDA and the EU.
- Safe up to 0.5% concentration: in cosmetics.
- May cause mild irritation: in those with extremely sensitive or allergic skin.
- Not an “active” ingredient: meaning it doesn’t treat any skin condition itself.
If you have had past sensitivities to preservatives, our Clique doctors can help you assess which formulations are best for your skin type.
How to Use Sodium Benzoate in Your Routine?
You won’t need to apply it separately; sodium benzoate is added to skincare products. You will find it in:
- Cleansers
- Toners
- Hydrating serums
- Moisturizers
- Overnight masks
You may also see it listed in shampoos, especially those made for sensitive scalps or post-scalp microneedling procedures. If you’re shopping for sodium benzoate in shampoo, know that it’s primarily used for preservation, not hair nourishment.
No special routine changes are needed. However, if you’re sensitive to preservatives or have very reactive skin, check the product’s label. Or better yet, ask your Clique aesthetic doctor to help guide your product selections.
Who Should Use Sodium Benzoate?
- All skin types: including oily, dry, combination, and mature
- Especially useful for those: using water-based or gel-textured products
- Avoid: if you have had a previous preservative allergy. Do consult your dermatologist
Is Sodium Benzoate Safe for Skin?
Yes, sodium benzoate is safe for topical application, provided it is used within approved limits (0.5% in cosmetics). It is important to remember:
- It has a long history of use: and scientific safety data.
- Used in pharmaceutical formulations: as well as food preservatives.
- Accepted globally: including Europe, the US, and Malaysia.
Read more in this peer-reviewed source from the International Journal of Toxicology – Safety Assessment of Benzoic Acid, and Sodium Benzoate.
Final Thoughts
While it may not be the star of your skincare lineup, sodium benzoate plays a vital role in protecting your products from contamination, spoilage, and reduced efficacy.
It allows your favourite hydrating serum or antioxidant cream to work exactly as intended, without the risk of microbial growth.
Whether you’re recovering from an in-clinic procedure or maintaining your skin at home, every ingredient counts, and we make sure they all work harmoniously.
Curious about what’s in your current skincare lineup?
Let our Clique Clinic team help you decode your products and find safer, science-backed solutions for your skin goals. Book a consultation with our doctors today, not just for treatments, but for real answers: wa.me/60123537960
Science-backed. Patient-focused. That’s the Clique way.
