Benzoic acid has been in the market for a while. It is widely known as an excellent preservative for food, cosmetics and drug preparations. The skincare industry holds this antifungal agent in a special place since it is a great preservative, killing or reducing microorganisms accidentally introduced during manufacturing or use (dabbing your fingers in the jar to scoop the product). 

Because what use is a skincare product if it goes bad over time and you have to throw it away? Also, contamination can lead to irritation and infections.

Hence, durability is key! Therefore, benzoic acid is present in moisturizers, sunscreen lotions, lipsticks, and numerous leave-on and rinse-off products like shampoos and cleansers.

But that is not the only benefit of benzoic acid. Derivatives from this compound have been found to display excellent properties as antioxidants, antiaging ingredients, humectants and emollients. 

So, "being a preservative" is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to benzoic acid.

Where Does Benzoic Acid Come from?

Benzoic acid is a carboxylic acid naturally found in plants and vegetables, such as strawberries, cranberries, cherry bark, apples, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, raspberries, nuts, prunes, mustard seeds, and cassia bark.

It was originally extracted from Benjamin gum or gum benzoin (a vegetable resin), hence the name. However, due to the high demand, it is now synthetically produced from toluene. 

This compound comes in white crystals with a slight almond scent, although it is not used in concentrations high enough to be considered a fragrance additive.

Benzoic Acid as A Preservative and pH Adjuster: How Does It Work?

Benzoic acid is an aromatic acid used in skincare formulations as a product stabilizer to prevent fungal contamination. It is added to adjust and reduce the pH level (acidic) of the formulation, making it very hard for fungi (yeast) and some bacteria to grow. 

The antifungal properties of benzoic acid are more than proven.

The cosmetic industry commonly uses benzoic acid plus salicylic acid in the Whitfield's ointment, for example (benzoic acid 6% and salicylic acid 3%), for treating tinea, ringworm and athlete's foot.

Benzoic acid is an excellent choice due to its well-documented and successful history of using it to preserve not only cosmetics but also foods and drugs.

Wait a minute, benzoic acid in food? Yes, and it is safe at allowable levels. Indeed, benzoic acid is approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), including its inactive water-soluble sodium salt, sodium benzoate (NaB), to be used as preservatives against fungi.

Benzoic acid is well-tolerated and can be used safely to a concentration of up to 5% without the risk of causing sensitization reactions or allergies. However, most formulations only use concentrations between 0,2-0,5 %. 

Often, benzoic acid is used with other preservatives for optimum protection against fungi growth that may change the composition of the products, primarily water-based formulas.

Usually, potassium sorbate is combined with benzoic acid in low pH formulations to provide a synergetic effect against fungi. Also, benzoic's acid action against bacteria is not very effective.

Is Benzoic Acid an Emollient?

Not benzoic acid per se, but C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a low molecular weight derivative of benzoic acid combined with long-chain alcohols that shows skin-conditioning ad emollient properties.

The topical application of this benzoic acid derivative plays an essential role in strengthening the natural skin barrier function, increasing moisture and soothing the skin. 

C12-15 alkyl benzoate creates an occlusive layer on the skin's surface that prevents water loss from evaporation. Also, it acts as a thickening agent improving the quality and performance of skincare products, especially those intended for psoriasis and sensitive skin. 

This benzoic acid derivative has a silky, soft feel without being greasy. So, C12-15 alkyl benzoate is a triple threat (in a good way)! 

It is an emollient, texture enhancer, and antifungal ingredient to be included in more skincare products in years to come. 

Is Benzoic Acid an Antiaging and Antioxidant Agent?

Again, not benzoic acid per se, but there is a major derivative known as phenolic veratric acid. 

This compound contains high levels of antioxidants that help neutralize damaging free radicals associated with sunlight exposure, aging, stress and pollution.

Indeed, veratric acid can reduce UV-induced skin injuries (inflammation and even DNA damage) and is safe to use without adverse reactions such as redness, burning sensation or itchiness. 

Thus, in the future, veratric acid could play a significant role in skin photo-protection therapy in UVB-induced skin disorders.

Use Benzoic Acid Crystal 99.5% Lab Grade from Lab Alley

Lab Alley Benzoic Acid Crystal 99,5% Lab Grade is a high-purity compound suitable for commercial and lab applications. This agent can be used in skincare products, herbicides, insect repellents, as a precursor plasticizer, or food preservative.

So, the bottom line is that benzoic acid is good for your skin (sure) and preserves food, but it also has other commercial uses. 

And, when it comes to shopping for the best benzoic acid in the market, you can't go wrong with Lab Alley. They offer top-grade chemical compounds to take your products to the next level.