Preservative
POTASSIUM BENZOATE
Safety score · 0–100
Fine
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
Potassium salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative against yeast and mold in acidic formulas. EU-approved up to 0.5%; mild skin/eye irritant on the raw ingredient, safe in finished products.
Potassium benzoate (CAS 582-25-2, PubChem CID 23661960) is the potassium salt of benzoic acid. In cosmetics it is a preservative listed in EU Annex V entry 1, permitted up to 0.5% acid in rinse-off and leave-on products, and active only at pH <5. ECHA aggregated GHS classification reports H315 (skin irritation, 81.2% notifiers) and H319 (eye irritation, 17.3%) for the raw material, which is why handling concentrations are restricted; at use-level in finished cosmetics it is generally well tolerated. Decades of food-preservative use support a robust safety profile.
Function
Skin benefits
- Broad-spectrum preservative
- Effective against yeast and mold at low pH
- Well-studied regulatory history
Known concerns
- GHS H315 skin irritation (81.2%)
- GHS H319 serious eye irritation (17.3%)
- Only active in acidic formulations
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related preservatives
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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.