Sodium Benzoate (E211)
Sodium benzoate is a common preservative that prevents the growth of mould and yeast in acidic foods and drinks and in cosmetics. In cosmetics it is considered low risk. In food it is found safe within the permitted limits; however, it is assessed slightly more cautiously because trace amounts of benzene can form under heat and light in drinks where it is present together with vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and because of the hyperactivity debate in children.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
It is used at low concentrations on the skin and is well tolerated; the upper end is only for rare irritation on sensitive skin.
The range is raised by its regular intake by mouth, often in sugary drinks, its ability to form benzene with ascorbic acid, and the hyperactivity debate in combination with colourings.
What is sodium benzoate and what does it do?
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid. Benzoic acid also occurs naturally in cranberries, cinnamon and some fermented dairy products. In an acidic environment (low pH) it converts into benzoic acid and inhibits the growth of moulds, yeasts and some bacteria. This makes it particularly effective in acidic products such as fizzy drinks, fruit juices, pickles and sauces.
Which products contain it?
- Fizzy drinks, fruit-flavoured drinks and syrups
- Ketchup, mayonnaise, salad dressings, pickles and olives
- Jam, marmalade and some ready-made desserts
- Shampoos, shower gels, moisturisers and oral care products
- Some medicines in syrup form
Is it harmful? The scientific assessment
EFSA has re-evaluated benzoic acid and its salts and set an acceptable daily intake (ADI). Most adults stay well below this limit; however, it was noted that some children who drink large amounts of fizzy drinks may come close to it. In Türkiye, E211 may be used only in permitted foods and in specified amounts under legislation aligned with the EU.
In cosmetics, sodium benzoate is among the preservatives permitted in the EU and is used with upper limits depending on the product type. Skin irritation is rare.
Benzene formation with vitamin C
When sodium benzoate is present in the same drink together with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), small amounts of benzene can form, especially under the influence of heat and light. Benzene is classified by the IARC as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). This issue came to light in the 2000s; tests by the FDA in the US found benzene at very low or undetectable levels in the vast majority of products, and manufacturers adjusted their formulas accordingly.
The practical advice is simple: do not leave drinks containing both sodium benzoate and vitamin C in the sun, in a hot car or in a warm place for long periods.
The hyperactivity debate in children
A study carried out in the UK reported that mixtures containing sodium benzoate together with certain artificial colourings could increase hyperactive behaviour in some children. The EU subsequently made a warning statement mandatory on products containing those colourings; this warning applies not to sodium benzoate itself but to colourings such as tartrazine. The effect of sodium benzoate on its own is unclear.
What to do when you see it on a label
Seeing sodium benzoate in cosmetics is not a cause for concern. In food, a single product is not a problem; what really matters is how often sugary drinks containing E211 are consumed. Especially for children, putting water and plain drinks first reduces both additive and sugar intake. Potassium sorbate, a preservative with a similar role, is assessed as slightly lower risk in food.
Frequently asked questions
Does E211 cause cancer?
Sodium benzoate is not classified as a carcinogen. The concern relates to trace amounts of benzene that can form with vitamin C under heat and light; that is why it is advisable not to leave such drinks in the heat.
Is sodium benzoate natural?
Benzoic acid occurs naturally in some fruits and spices; however, the sodium benzoate used in food and cosmetics is produced synthetically.
Is sodium benzoate in cosmetics safe?
Yes. It is among the preservatives permitted in the EU and is considered low risk for the skin when used within the set limits.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.