Benzoic Acid is a widely recognized aromatic carboxylic acid used as a functional cosmetic ingredient in personal-care and cosmetic formulation systems. It is identified by the INCI name BENZOIC ACID and is known by CAS Number 65-85-0 and EC Number 200-618-2. Its molecular formula is C₇H₆O₂, with a molecular weight of 122.12 g/mol. Benzoic Acid is typically supplied as a white crystalline solid or crystalline powder.
Benzoic Acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid consisting of a benzene ring attached to a carboxylic acid functional group. Its defined chemical identity and established functional characteristics make it a useful ingredient for cosmetic formulation and personal-care ingredient sourcing.
In cosmetic formulations, Benzoic Acid is primarily associated with preservative functionality. It can also be relevant to pH-related formulation systems. The actual role and performance of the ingredient depend on the composition, pH, concentration, processing conditions and preservation strategy of the finished formulation.
For manufacturers and formulators, selecting an appropriate Benzoic Acid grade requires consideration of the intended cosmetic application, technical specification, regulatory requirements and batch documentation.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Benzoic Acid |
| INCI Name | BENZOIC ACID |
| CAS Number | 65-85-0 |
| EC Number | 200-618-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₆O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 122.12 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Aromatic Carboxylic Acid |
| Physical Form | White crystalline solid / crystalline powder |
| Cosmetic Function | Preservative |
The chemical identity, molecular formula, molecular weight and physical description are supported by PubChem and cosmetic ingredient references.
Benzoic Acid is relevant to cosmetic ingredient systems where preservation is required. It is included in regulatory references for permitted cosmetic preservative use, subject to applicable conditions and concentration limits.
For example, the EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V lists Benzoic Acid and its sodium salt among permitted preservatives and specifies maximum concentrations according to product type. The listed maximum concentrations are expressed as Benzoic Acid/acid equivalent and differ between rinse-off, oral and leave-on products.
Therefore, cosmetic formulators should not apply one universal concentration to every formulation. The appropriate level must be established according to the finished product, intended market and applicable regulations.
Benzoic Acid can be considered for a range of cosmetic and personal-care formulation systems, including:
The suitability of Benzoic Acid depends on the formulation design and regulatory requirements applicable to the finished cosmetic product.
The principal cosmetic function associated with Benzoic Acid is preservative. Its use can contribute to preservation systems designed to control microbial growth in appropriately formulated cosmetic products. PubChem also identifies Benzoic Acid in cosmetic ingredient records as a preservative.
Its acidic nature can also make Benzoic Acid relevant to formulation pH management. However, the finished formulation should be evaluated as a complete system rather than assuming that Benzoic Acid alone provides the required preservation performance.
Benzoic Acid has limited solubility in water. A European Commission scientific assessment reports approximately 2.91 g/L at 20 °C, while other published sources report values that vary according to temperature and test conditions.
This property is important during cosmetic formulation development. Formulators may need to consider the solvent system, temperature, pH and order of addition when incorporating Benzoic Acid into a formulation.
Benzoic Acid is generally described as a white or almost white crystalline material. Its melting/congealing range is approximately 121–123 °C, with a reported melting point around 122 °C.
These physical characteristics are relevant to storage, handling and manufacturing processes.
Benzoic Acid quality can be assessed using several analytical parameters depending on the grade and applicable standard.
The USP monograph specifies 99.5%–100.5% Benzoic Acid on an anhydrous basis. It also specifies NMT 0.05% residue on ignition, NMT 0.7% water, and a 121–123 °C congealing temperature.
These values are useful as a technical reference, but they should not automatically be represented as the specification of every cosmetic-grade product. The specification displayed on the SDP product page should correspond to the actual commercial grade supplied by SDP and its current COA/specification.
When Benzoic Acid is used as a cosmetic ingredient, formulators should evaluate:
Preservative effectiveness should be established through appropriate formulation testing rather than inferred from the presence of the ingredient alone.
Benzoic Acid can be incorporated into selected skin-care and personal-care formulations where its documented functional properties are appropriate. It may be considered during development of creams, lotions, cleansers and other formulation systems where preservation requirements are part of the product-development strategy.
The final formulation should be assessed for stability, compatibility, microbiological quality and regulatory compliance.
Benzoic Acid can also be considered as a cosmetic ingredient for selected hair-care and cleansing formulations. Its suitability depends on the formulation's pH, ingredient compatibility, preservation strategy and finished-product requirements.
Hair-care formulators should establish the appropriate concentration and processing conditions during formulation development.
For B2B cosmetic ingredient sourcing, Benzoic Acid should be supplied with appropriate technical information, product specifications and batch documentation. Ingredient buyers and formulation companies can evaluate the material according to their intended application, quality requirements and regulatory needs.
A clear technical product page helps procurement teams identify the ingredient, understand its chemical characteristics and review the relevant formulation information before requesting commercial details.
Actual grade, specifications, packaging, MOQ and availability should be confirmed against the current commercial documentation.
Benzoic Acid should be stored in appropriately closed containers under suitable conditions specified for the supplied grade. The material should be protected from contamination, excessive moisture and unsuitable environmental conditions.
For commercial handling, customers should refer to the current product specification, SDS and batch-specific Certificate of Analysis for the supplied Benzoic Acid ingredient.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.05% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| Water Content | NMT 0.7% |
| Melting Point | 121–123 °C |