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Benzoic Acid

What Benzoic Acid is & what it does

A preservative most active in acidic formulas, protecting against yeast and mold. It is mild and food-grade.

What is Benzoic Acid and what does it do in sunscreen?

Benzoic Acid is a preservative. In a sunscreen it helps protect the formula from yeast and mold, keeping the product stable and safe to use over its shelf life. It works best in slightly acidic formulas, which is why it is usually paired with other preservatives to cover the full pH range.

Is Benzoic Acid safe?

Yes. Benzoic Acid is a long-used, well-studied preservative and is also a permitted food additive, where it carries the number E210. It is mild and food-grade, and is used in small amounts in cosmetics. Some people with very sensitive skin can find acids mildly irritating, but at preservative levels that is uncommon.

Does Benzoic Acid clog pores?

Generally no. Benzoic Acid is a water-phase preservative used in tiny amounts, not a heavy oil or wax, so it is not a typical pore-clogging ingredient. If you are breaking out, the richer emollients and oils elsewhere in a formula are far more likely the cause.

Is Benzoic Acid a preservative?

Yes. Benzoic Acid is a preservative, included to stop yeast and mold growing in the product. It is most active in acidic formulas, where more of it is in its active form, so formulators often combine it with other preservatives to keep protection consistent. It is not a UV filter and adds nothing to a sunscreen's SPF.

What else is Benzoic Acid called?

On an ingredient list it appears under its INCI name, Benzoic Acid. As a food additive the same ingredient is labeled E210. Its salts, like Sodium Benzoate, are closely related preservatives you may also see on labels.

Sunscreens with Benzoic Acid

We rate 347 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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