Ingredient index / Personal care & food
Sodium Benzoate
A salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in certain foods and cosmetics.
- Label name
- Sodium Benzoate
- Typical function
- Preservative
- Use
- Personal care & food
- Other names, identifiers and related terms
- E211
Where is it commonly found?
Drinks, sauces, preserved foods and cleansers.
What should you check on the label?
Preservation depends partly on pH. E211 and Sodium Benzoate refer to the same substance.
Sources and context
Reference materials cover ingredient names, uses or the context of an ingredient group. They do not assess a specific product. FDA materials describe the US context, while CosIng covers the EU; conditions of use may differ.
A name alone does not establish concentration, finished-product safety or individual tolerance. Read the full label and manufacturer directions. This information is educational.
How to use the index ↗