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INCI name

BENZOIC ACID

Benzoic acid

FragrancePreservativepH adjusterreviewed

A preservative effective in acidic formulas.

What it is

Benzoic acid is an organic acid found naturally in some fruits and resins. It is an allowed preservative in the EU (Annex V) and works best at low pH.

Where it is used

Found in creams, cleansers, toners and products with natural claims, often with sodium benzoate or sorbic acid.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

Maximum concentrations depend on the product type; see the EU regulation section.

Functions

Fragrance
Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
Preservative
Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
pH adjuster
Controlling the pH of cosmetic products.

EU regulation

EU · Annex V, entry 1Benzoic acid and its sodium salt
Product type
a) Rinse-off products, except oral care products b) Oral care products c) Leave-on products
Maximum concentration
a) 2.5% (acid) b) 1.7% (acid) c) 0.5% (acid)
As of
3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223

Safety Gate alerts (EU)

2 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.

See all alerts →

Products with this ingredient (1118)

Check a full ingredient list