Sodium benzoate in cosmetics. What is it, benefits and harms, composition of the preservative, symptoms of overdose

A common ingredient in a lot of makeup and personal hygiene products is sodium benzoate. It is sometimes listed as a preservative on labels, preserving the freshness of your favorite shampoos, lotions, and creams. Nevertheless, what is sodium benzoate exactly, and why is it added to cosmetics?

This chemical compound is an excellent addition to goods that require a longer shelf life because of its reputation for inhibiting the growth of mold and bacteria. Though it aids in maintaining the efficacy and safety of products, some are worried about its possible effects on skin and health. Making educated decisions about the products you use can be aided by having a thorough understanding of their advantages, possible drawbacks, and optimal dosage.

We’ll delve into the definition of sodium benzoate, examine its use in cosmetics, and consider both its advantages and potential disadvantages in this post. We’ll also talk about how to use products containing this preservative safely and the warning signs of overexposure.

Composition of the preservative

The chemical components of sodium benzoate, a preservative, are as follows:

• benzene – a product of oil refining;
• 1,4-Dioxane – stabilizer;
• trichloroethylene;
• chloroform;
• heavy metals in small quantities (0.01%).

Preservatives like sodium benzoate are frequently used in cosmetics to keep them fresher longer. This article will explain what sodium benzoate is, discuss its advantages (like its ability to stop bacteria from growing) and drawbacks (like its tendency to cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in certain people). To assist you in selecting the right products, we’ll also go over its composition and potential overdose or adverse reaction symptoms.

Sodium benzoate in cosmetics

Products used for face and body care, particularly those that come into contact with water from the sink or shower, are highly susceptible to contamination from mold spores, bacteria, and yeast. Additionally, cosmetics have a very short shelf life even without preservatives because they contain fats, plant extracts, and essential oils.

Products that have been contaminated are bad for the body and the skin. Because cosmetics can last for a considerable amount of time on store shelves or on dressing tables, sodium benzoate helps cosmetics manufacturers deal with the issue of shelf life. This ingredient can be found in even organic cosmetics.

It permits the same length of storage for goods containing only natural ingredients as for goods containing only synthetic materials. The additive with a benzoic acid base can be utilized as an active ingredient or as a preservative in antifungal products, foot and hair cosmetics, and skin care products for problematic skin types.

Sodium benzoate is typically found in personal hygiene products like mouthwash, toothpaste, baby wipes, and hair products. Cosmetics with potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate have stronger preservative qualities.

Benzoate is added to products with an acidic environment, such as various hair conditioners, masks, and balms, as a stand-alone sodium preservative.

This ingredient is found in smaller amounts in foaming products (shower gels, bath foams), as it inhibits the formation of foam. Moreover, decorative cosmetics with a lengthy shelf life frequently contain sodium benzoate.

On a scale of 0 to 10, scientists evaluated the presence of sodium benzoate in personal hygiene products at hazard level 3. This indicates that there isn’t much of a risk involved in using it overall.

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Sodium benzoate has several beneficial cosmetic properties, including the following:

• preservative effect – sodium benzoate protects the cosmetic composition from the appearance of pathogenic organisms in it that cause fungus and mold;

• anti-inflammatory effect;
• antibacterial effect, which occurs when sodium benzoate is combined with lactic acid;
• relatively low toxicity when affecting the skin;
• antifungal effect — ​​acting as a preservative, sodium benzoate is able to cleanse the microflora not only in the cosmetic product itself, but also rid the skin of fungus.

All skin and hair types respond to sodium benzoate’s active ingredient action in an equal manner.

The harm of sodium benzoate

Sodium benzoate has been given the GRAS rating, or "generally recognized as safe," by the Office for Sanitary Supervision of the quality of food and medicines in the United States. When used sparingly and in small amounts, this ingredient is generally regarded by many hair and cosmetics testing specialists as harmless.

However, research on its impact on the human body is still lacking.

Some researchers think that small amounts of sodium gasoline applied topically or internally have no effect at all, while others think that these same small amounts can have major side effects in people with more sensitive bodies.

It is advised for someone whose health is already a concern to use as few chemicals as possible. If oncological diseases are the cause of the issue, then cleaning the body and hair at home is advised. Finding organic and healthful food products without even the smallest preservatives on the shelves is difficult, though.

Certain countries forbid the use of sodium benzoate as an additive in cosmetics and the food industry. Preservatives are thought to cause more harm than good.

The following are some of the risks connected to using E211 that researchers have identified:

• Sodium benzoate inhibits the activity of enzymes that are responsible for the implementation of oxidation-reduction reactions in the cells of the human body.
• Allergic reactions, urticaria, dermatitis, itching, suffocation occur, which are especially dangerous for people suffering from asthma and allergies.

• Provokes Parkinson"s disease and other diseases of the nervous system.
• Has a detrimental effect on the liver, which is fraught with cirrhosis.
• Accumulates in the body due to difficulties in its excretion.
• Sodium benzoate in cosmetics is often combined with ascorbic acid, resulting in the formation of the harmful carcinogen benzene. Consumption of benzene can lead to the development of cancerous tumors or a lack of hemoglobin and, as a consequence, to anemia. Products containing E211 and vitamin C have a low level of acidity, which contributes to the rapid formation of benzene. The reaction is also accelerated by air and exposure to sunlight, because not all cosmetics are packaged in light-proof tubes.
• In combination with artificial colors, it affects the behavior of children (causes hyperactivity), the nervous system and their intellectual abilities.
• Can cause attention deficit syndrome. This disease is most often found in children, but can also be present in adults. Affected people can be forgetful, have difficulty concentrating and following instructions, or are impulsive.
• When consumed in large quantities, it has a toxic effect on the kidneys.
• Changes the structure of the DNA shell due to its ability to penetrate into the cell. Since the DNA shell is involved in the transmission of genetic information, any change in it, and in the case of sodium benzoate, the formation of growths on it, can cause genetic failures. Scientists also associate such an effect of E211 on DNA with the subsequent emergence of a predisposition to drug addiction, smoking and even suicidal tendencies.
• Causes rapid aging of the skin due to the fact that sodium benzoate destroys not only pathogenic, but also beneficial bacteria.
• Disrupts the functioning of the respiratory tract as a result of the preservative getting into them.
• Irritates the mucous membrane when the substance gets into the eye.
• Can cause gastrointestinal disorders.
• Controls appetite by reducing the release of leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite.
• Causes high blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Sodium benzoate, found in decorative cosmetics, when used excessively without strict hygiene, can clog pores and cause acne.
• Combining sodium benzoate and sodium phenylacetate can cause additional serious side effects (severe headache, fainting, blurred vision, chest pain, slow heartbeat, unresponsiveness and slurred speech).

Acceptable dosage of sodium benzoate

It’s hard to say for sure how much sodium benzoate actually gets into the body because it’s in everything from food and cosmetics to cigarette smoke and dirty air. Everything is influenced by an individual’s lifestyle, diet, and personal hygiene products as well as their surroundings.

The International Program on Chemical Safety’s research indicates that consuming E211 in amounts no more than 5-8 mg/kg of body weight per day will be largely safe. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) for sodium benzoate has been established by the World Health Organization at 0-2.27 mg per pound (0-5 mg per kg) of body weight.

To extend the shelf life of cosmetics and reduce adverse effects on the body, sodium benzoate should not account for more than 0.3-0.5% of the product’s weight. Cosmetics should not be kept in the refrigerator for longer than one month if the dosage is reduced.

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Overdose

Remember that the body can’t really get rid of sodium benzoate, which is why doctors advise avoiding it as much as possible. Otherwise, taking too much of this drug could result in an overdose and unfavorable effects.

The following are signs of a sodium benzoate overdose:

• nausea;
• dizziness;
• vomiting;
• stomach pain;

• edema;
• allergic reactions (itching, redness);
• rapid heartbeat;
• weakness;
• pre-fainting condition;
• trembling in the body.

The first steps in treating an overdose of E211 include washing the stomach and taking an absorbent (like activated carbon). Then you should give yourself a call to a doctor and stop using this preservative altogether for a while.

Sodium benzoate during pregnancy

It is strictly forbidden to use sodium benzoate while pregnant. Hygiene products without E211 are not, though, if it is not possible to completely eliminate food products containing it from the diet. Sodium benzoate has the ability to alter DNA structure, which can result in genetic abnormalities in a child.

The development of the immune and nervous systems may also be directly hampered by this additive because the baby’s body is still developing and is susceptible to the effects of chemicals.

Overindulgence in products containing E211 can impact the development of the mother’s and child’s vital systems, leading to delayed fetal development. The baby may experience hyperactivity, additional neurological conditions, and brain abnormalities. Early in a pregnancy, there is a higher chance of miscarriage.

These effects are probably limited to the misuse of preservative-containing products. It is nearly impossible to produce cosmetics today without the use of preservatives, especially sodium benzoate. It can be difficult to make care products at home and use them right away to stop the growth of bacteria and fungus.

In this sense, a compromise is unavoidable, and cosmetics with less preservative content must be chosen in order to reduce the harmful effects on the body.

Written by Anna Vinnitskaya

Topic	Details
Sodium Benzoate	A common preservative used in cosmetics to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Benefits	Helps to extend the shelf life of products, ensuring they remain safe and effective over time.
Harms	Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals and may have potential links to allergic reactions.
Composition	Derived from benzoic acid and often combined with sodium hydroxide.
Symptoms of Overdose	Overuse can lead to skin irritation, redness, or itching. In severe cases, it may cause allergic reactions.

A common preservative in a lot of makeup and personal hygiene products is sodium benzoate. It keeps dangerous bacteria and fungi from growing, extending the shelf life of goods. This ingredient is a popular choice in the industry because it is generally regarded as safe when used within recommended limits.

The ability of sodium benzoate to maintain the safety and quality of cosmetics is one of its primary advantages. It aids in preserving the product’s integrity over time, guaranteeing that it will continue to be pure and effective. This is especially crucial for products that must remain fresh and are used regularly.

Even though sodium benzoate works well, it’s crucial to use it sparingly. High concentrations occasionally cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin. It’s important to know how concentrated an ingredient is in products and to stop using them if you have any negative reactions.

To sum up, sodium benzoate is beneficial to the cosmetics industry because it keeps the products safe and preserving. Like with any ingredient, you can choose the best options for your skincare routine by being knowledgeable and cautious when using it.

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