Ingredient · dataset v56
Sodium Benzoate and fungal acne
No known trigger
Why it's not a known trigger
A single-ring aromatic salt preservative; no fatty chain of any length.
Works best in acidic formulas, often with potassium sorbate.
Evidence strength
Judged neutral — no trigger evidence
Function
Preservative
Also listed as
Benzoic Acid, Potassium Benzoate
Checked products with this ingredient (18)
Product types: Antifungal treatments, Body care, Cleansers, Hair care, Micellar waters, Serums & Treatments, Shampoos, Sunscreens, Toners
Antifungal treatments (3)
- Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Ketoconazole 1%)
- Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Selenium Sulfide 1%)
- Humane Maximum-Strength Acne Wash 8 oz
Body care (2)
Cleansers (4)
- Eucerin Dermopure Cleansing Gel
- Simple Water Boost Micellar Facial Gel Wash
- Sebamed Clear Face Cleansing Foam
- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser Fragrance-Free 16 oz
Hair care (2)
Micellar waters (1)
Serums & Treatments (1)
Shampoos (3)
- Native Moisturizing Shampoo Coconut & Vanilla 16.5 oz
- Pantene Miracle Bond Repair Sulfate-Free Shampoo 13.5 oz
- VERB Dandruff Shampoo 3% Salicylic Acid 8 oz
Sunscreens (1)
Toners (1)
Related preservative
- Anisic Acid — No known trigger
- Benzisothiazolinone — No known trigger
- Benzyl Alcohol — No known trigger
- Butylated Hydroxytoluene — No known trigger
- Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate — No known trigger
- Butylparaben — No known trigger
- Caprylhydroxamic Acid — No known trigger
- Chlorhexidine Digluconate — No known trigger
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Sodium Benzoate trigger fungal acne?
No known trigger: A single-ring aromatic salt preservative; no fatty chain of any length.
Does Sodium Benzoate feed Malassezia?
No known link: Sodium Benzoate is judged with no known trigger. One screened ingredient is not a product verdict — when in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Sodium Benzoate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.