Potassium Benzoate is a functional cosmetic ingredient used primarily as a preservative in suitable cosmetic and personal-care formulations. It is the potassium salt of Benzoic Acid and is identified by CAS Number 582-25-2 and EC Number 209-481-3. Its molecular formula is C₇H₅KO₂, with a molecular weight of 160.21 g/mol.
Potassium Benzoate is generally supplied as a white crystalline powder, granules or flakes. Its water solubility makes it relevant to aqueous and water-containing formulation systems. The FCC describes Potassium Benzoate as white granules, crystalline powder or flakes and reports that one gram dissolves in approximately 2 mL of water.
Potassium Benzoate is the potassium salt of Benzoic Acid. It is used as a functional ingredient where preservation is required in appropriately designed formulation systems.
For cosmetic manufacturers and formulators, Potassium Benzoate can be considered as part of a broader preservation system. Its effectiveness depends on factors such as formulation pH, concentration, water activity, compatibility with other ingredients, packaging and the microbiological characteristics of the finished product.
The appropriate grade and concentration should therefore be determined according to the intended application and applicable cosmetic regulations.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Potassium Benzoate |
| INCI Name | POTASSIUM BENZOATE |
| CAS Number | 582-25-2 |
| EC Number | 209-481-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₅KO₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 160.21 g/mol |
| Chemical Name | Benzoic Acid, Potassium Salt |
| Chemical Class | Benzoic Acid Salt |
| Physical Form | White crystalline powder, granules or flakes |
| Cosmetic Function | Preservative |
USP identifies Potassium Benzoate as Benzoic acid, potassium salt and gives the molecular formula C₇H₅KO₂ with a formula weight of 160.21.
Potassium Benzoate is recognized as a preservative cosmetic ingredient. European cosmetic documentation lists Potassium Benzoate among salts of Benzoic Acid used as preservatives.
Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation, Potassium Benzoate is included under the group of salts of Benzoic Acid other than Benzoic Acid and Sodium Benzoate, with a maximum concentration of 0.5% expressed as acid in the applicable cosmetic preservative entry.
Regulatory limits are market- and product-specific, so this information should not be interpreted as a universal permitted concentration for every cosmetic product.
Potassium Benzoate can be considered for suitable cosmetic and personal-care formulation systems, including:
The suitability of Potassium Benzoate depends on the complete formulation and applicable regulatory requirements.
The primary cosmetic function of Potassium Benzoate is preservative. It can be incorporated into appropriately designed preservation systems intended to help control microbial growth.
Its performance depends on the formulation environment. Factors such as pH, concentration, water activity, other preservative ingredients and packaging can influence the overall preservation system.
For this reason, Potassium Benzoate should be evaluated as part of the finished formulation rather than considered independently.
Potassium Benzoate is water-soluble. The FCC describes the ingredient as white granules, crystalline powder or flakes and reports approximately 1 g dissolving in 2 mL of water. It is less soluble in alcohol, with the FCC reporting approximately 1 g in 75 mL of alcohol and 50 mL of 90% alcohol.
This water solubility can make Potassium Benzoate useful for water-containing cosmetic formulations.
Formulators should evaluate the order of addition, concentration, temperature and pH during product development to achieve appropriate incorporation.
Potassium Benzoate is generally described as a white crystalline powder, granules or flakes. Its physical appearance may vary according to the grade and manufacturing process.
Commercial customers should refer to the current product specification and batch-specific Certificate of Analysis for the exact physical characteristics of the supplied material.
USP-NF defines Potassium Benzoate as containing NLT 99.0% and NMT 101.0% Potassium Benzoate on the anhydrous basis.
This pharmacopoeial range can be used as a technical reference, but it should not automatically be presented as SDP's cosmetic-grade specification. The actual specification published on the SDP product page should correspond to the grade being sold.
When using Potassium Benzoate as a cosmetic ingredient, formulators should consider:
Appropriate microbiological and stability testing should be performed on the finished formulation.
Potassium Benzoate can be considered for selected skin-care formulations where a preservative ingredient is required. It may be used in suitable water-containing systems such as lotions, creams, gels and other personal-care formulations.
The final formulation should be evaluated for compatibility, stability and preservation performance.
Potassium Benzoate can also be considered in selected hair-care and cleansing formulations.
Potential applications include:
The suitability of the ingredient depends on the formulation composition and applicable regulatory requirements.
Potassium Benzoate is relevant to personal-care manufacturers seeking a water-compatible preservative ingredient for appropriate formulation systems.
Its defined chemical identity and established cosmetic preservative use make it a relevant raw material for cosmetic formulation development and B2B ingredient procurement.
For B2B cosmetic ingredient sourcing, Potassium Benzoate can be supplied with product identification, technical specifications and batch documentation.
Ingredient manufacturers, cosmetic formulators and procurement teams can evaluate the material according to their required grade, application, quality parameters and regulatory requirements.
A detailed product page provides useful technical information for customers researching Potassium Benzoate cosmetic ingredient supply in India.
Actual grade, specification, packaging, MOQ and availability should be confirmed against current commercial documentation.
Potassium Benzoate should be stored in suitable, properly closed packaging under conditions appropriate for the supplied grade. The material should be protected from contamination, excessive moisture and unsuitable storage conditions.
Customers should refer to the current product specification, SDS and batch-specific Certificate of Analysis for detailed storage and handling requirements.
Potassium Benzoate is an established cosmetic ingredient primarily associated with preservative functionality. Its defined chemical identity, water solubility and documented cosmetic use make it a relevant ingredient for cosmetic and personal-care formulation systems.
For B2B ingredient procurement, the appropriate Potassium Benzoate grade should be selected according to the intended application, technical requirements and regulations applicable to the target market.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | white to off-white crystalline powder |