The potassium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative and listed in Annex V.
What it is
Potassium benzoate is the potassium salt of benzoic acid. CosIng lists it as a preservative. In the EU it is listed in Annex V (allowed preservatives).
Where it is used
Found in shampoos, cleansing products, creams and other water-based products.
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.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits. The label does not show the concentration actually used.
Functions
- 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.
EU regulation
EU · Annex V, entry 1aSalts of benzoic acid other than that listed under reference number 1 and esters of benzoic acid
- Maximum concentration
- 0.5% (acid)
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223
Products with this ingredient (6)
- Invigo Balance Clean Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo · Wella Professionals
- Invigo Balance Aqua Pure Purifying Shampoo · Wella Professionals
- Moisturizing Lotion Coconut & Vanilla · Native
- Miracle Leave-In Product · It's a 10
- Shower gel surgras soap free Citruses · les petits bains de provence
- Shampooing douche délassant · Douce Nature