Why We Use Sodium Benzoate (And Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of It)

When you care about what goes on your skin, every ingredient label matters. If you’ve ever flipped a product around and spotted “sodium benzoate,” you might have wondered: is this safe? Is it synthetic? And more importantly, is sodium benzoate bad for you?

Let’s Clear It Up: What Is Sodium Benzoate?

Sodium benzoate is a preservative. It’s used in skincare, cosmetics, and even food and drinks. Its main job? To stop the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. That’s a big deal, especially for formulas made without harsh chemical preservatives.

In short, sodium benzoate helps keep products fresh and safe. Without it, your favorite clean moisturizers or deodorants could go bad within days. This gentle ingredient plays a powerful behind-the-scenes role in keeping your skincare stable and effective.

Sodium Benzoate in Skincare and Cosmetics

You’ll find sodium benzoate in all kinds of personal care products. Think moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and even baby lotions. Why? Because it’s one of the safest, most reliable clean beauty preservatives available today.

Here’s what makes it a favorite in clean and natural formulas:

• Broad-spectrum protection: It helps prevent microbes from growing in water-based products.
• Gentle on sensitive skin: Sodium benzoate is non-sensitizing and rarely causes irritation.
• Eco-friendly profile: It’s biodegradable and approved by natural product standards.

So if you’re wondering about sodium benzoate in cosmetics, know this: it’s there to help, not harm.

Is Sodium Benzoate Bad for You?

This is probably the most common question we hear. The short answer: No, sodium benzoate is not bad for you when used correctly.

Let’s break it down:

• It's used in tiny amounts: In skincare, sodium benzoate is typically used at concentrations between 0.1% and 0.5%. That’s very low.
• Approved by global health agencies: Organizations like the FDA and the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety have reviewed its safety. They’ve all concluded it’s safe at low levels.
• Non-toxic and non-carcinogenic: Despite internet myths, there’s no solid evidence that sodium benzoate causes cancer or serious harm in humans.

The confusion often comes from studies involving sodium benzoate combined with high levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in sodas. In very specific conditions, this can create small amounts of benzene. But those conditions don’t happen in skincare. And even in drinks, levels are far below safety limits.

Sodium Benzoate Safety: What the Science Actually Says

When it comes to sodium benzoate safety, science is on our side. Here’s what research tells us:

• Low risk of irritation: It’s considered a low-risk preservative, even for sensitive skin types.
• Safe for use in clean beauty: It’s approved by COSMOS and ECOCERT, two of the top clean certification bodies.
• No link to hormone disruption: Unlike some synthetic preservatives, sodium benzoate does not mimic hormones in the body.

So if you’re wondering “sodium benzoate safe or not,” rest easy. It’s one of the most studied and regulated preservatives in use today.

Why MAGS Skin Uses Sodium Benzoate

At MAGS Skin, we believe in clean ingredients that work. That includes smart, safe preservatives. We use sodium benzoate because it checks every box for clean beauty:

• It keeps our formulas stable without relying on harsh chemicals or parabens.
• It protects your skin by preventing bacteria and mold from growing in your products.
• It’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive underarms, faces, and dry spots.

Without a preservative like sodium benzoate, a “natural” product could quickly become a petri dish. And that’s not something we’re okay with.

Sodium Benzoate Benefits for Your Skin

Here’s something people often overlook: sodium benzoate actually benefits your skin when it’s used properly. Not directly like a moisturizer or vitamin, but by keeping your products safe and effective.

Here’s how:

• Prevents microbial contamination: This protects your skin from harmful bacteria that could cause irritation or breakouts.
• Maintains product integrity: That means every pump or scoop gives you the same clean, balanced formula you started with.
• Supports sensitive skin: Because it’s non-sensitizing, it’s less likely to trigger redness or reactions.

In other words, sodium benzoate helps your skincare do its job without putting your skin at risk.

Clean Beauty Preservatives: Why They Matter

Preservatives aren’t bad. In fact, they’re essential. Especially in clean beauty, where you’re avoiding the stronger synthetic chemicals that used to keep products shelf-stable for years.

Clean beauty preservatives like sodium benzoate strike a balance. They’re effective enough to stop microbial growth. But gentle enough not to irritate your skin or disrupt your microbiome.

Without safe preservatives, natural products would spoil quickly. They could even pose a health risk. That’s why ingredients like sodium benzoate are so important and why we’re proud to use them at MAGS Skin.

Quick Takeaways

• Sodium benzoate is a safe, gentle preservative used in skincare, cosmetics, and food.
• It helps stop bacteria, mold, and yeast from growing in your products.
• It’s non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and approved by global health and safety agencies.
• It’s ideal for clean beauty formulas because it works without irritating sensitive skin.
• MAGS Skin uses it to keep your skincare effective and your skin protected.

Still Wondering: Is Sodium Benzoate Harmful?

It’s totally normal to be cautious about ingredients. But when it comes to sodium benzoate, the science is clear. It’s one of the safest, most responsible choices for preserving clean skincare products.

At MAGS Skin, we use it because we care about what goes on your body. We choose every ingredient with clarity, care, and science in mind. So when you see sodium benzoate on our label, know that it’s there to protect your skin, not harm it.

Want to learn more about how we build clean, safe formulas? Check out our ingredient glossary or drop us a question our skin nerds love to help.