Is sodium benzoate safe in cosmetics and personal care products?

Sodium Benzoate has been flagged by CSPI + EFSA as a forms benzene with vitamin C; linked to hyperactivity; possible carcinogen concern (MEDIUM risk level). onlyonlywholefood has found it in 0 products in our database. Our scores are based on peer-reviewed toxicology data and are never adjusted for brand partners.

Which products contain sodium benzoate?

We have identified 0 products containing sodium benzoate. You can scan any product barcode on onlyonlywholefood.com to check for this and other flagged ingredients.

Medium Concern

Sodium Benzoate

Flagged by CSPI + EFSA as a forms benzene with vitamin C; linked to hyperactivity; possible carcinogen concern

What it is

A preservative that can react with ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to form benzene, a known carcinogen. Linked to hyperactivity in children in a 2007 UK study.

No products in our database currently contain this ingredient.

Products that avoid this ingredient

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