Sodium benzoate (CAS 532-32-1) — Citrus Non-aromatic Note Fragrance Ingredient
Sodium benzoate
CAS 532-32-1
What Is Sodium benzoate?
Sodium benzoate is a common preservative found in foods, cosmetics, and personal care products. It helps prevent microbial growth, extending shelf life. While primarily functional, it can influence fragrance stability in perfumes and body products. Though odorless itself, sodium benzoate interacts with other ingredients, sometimes altering scent profiles over time. Its presence matters because it allows fragrances to maintain consistency without spoilage, though formulators must account for potential pH-related interactions in complex blends.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Sodium benzoate Smell Like?
Sodium benzoate itself is odorless in pure form, serving as an invisible guardian rather than an aromatic contributor. In formulations, its presence may subtly influence the behavior of other volatile compounds, sometimes muting top notes or altering diffusion patterns. At high concentrations, a faint alkaline sharpness might be detectable to trained noses, reminiscent of clean laboratory surfaces or diluted baking soda solutions. It leaves no trace in dry-down phases when properly formulated.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, formed by neutralizing benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide. This white crystalline powder exhibits excellent water solubility (unlike its parent acid). Industrially produced through toluene oxidation or from benzoic acid derived from gum benzoin. Acts as a preservative by entering microbial cells and acidifying their interior when in acidic environments, disrupting metabolic processes. Lacks chirality due to its simple ionic structure.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Melting Point | >300 °C (decomposes) |
|---|---|
| Solubility | 62.7 g/100 mL (water at 25°C) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Preservative system component |
| Fragrances | 0.05-0.2% | Up to 0.5% | Stabilizer in alcohol bases |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citric acid to maintain pH above 4.5 and prevent benzene formation.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Broad-spectrum preservative with better compatibility in acidic systems, though less effective in neutral pH ranges.
Liquid preservative for water-based systems, requires different solubilizers than sodium benzoate.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA – classified as non-allergenic preservative.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM considers sodium benzoate safe at current cosmetic use levels with no sensitization risk.
Sustainability
Produced synthetically from petroleum-derived toluene or natural benzoic acid. Energy-intensive manufacturing offset by low usage concentrations. Biodegradable in wastewater systems. Some concerns about benzene formation potential in landfill conditions if improperly disposed with acidic waste.
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References
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2001). Safety assessment of sodium benzoate. DOI: 10.1177/109158180101900408
- EFSA Panel (2016). Re-evaluation of sodium benzoate as food additive. EFSA Journal 14(3):4433
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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