Benzoic Acid
A preservative that keeps things fresh.
What it does
Stops bacteria, mold and yeast from growing, and helps set a product's pH.
Good to know
Also used in food (E 210). EU food scientists (EFSA) reviewed it in 2016.
Often found in: Shampoos, Shower gels, Hand creams
Around the world
- United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
- EU and UK: Max 2.5% in rinse-off products, 1.7% in oral care and 0.5% in leave-on products. Source
- Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
- Australia: Only controlled in farm products. No limit for cosmetics in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source
Sources
- EFSA: Re-evaluation of benzoic acid and its salts as food additives (2016) (Independent)
- CIR: Safety Assessment of Benzyl Alcohol, Benzoic Acid and its Salts, and Benzyl Benzoate (2017) (Industry-funded)
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