Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate is a widely used preservative in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Here are some common uses:

### 1. **Food and Beverages**
   - **Preservative**: Sodium benzoate is commonly added to acidic foods like soft drinks, pickles, sauces, and jams to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds.
   - **pH Control**: It is effective in low-pH environments (below 4.5), which is why it's mainly used in acidic foods.

### 2. **Pharmaceuticals**
   - **Medicinal Products**: Sodium benzoate is found in some medicines, especially syrups, as a preservative to ensure longer shelf life.
   - **Urea Cycle Disorders**: It can be used as a treatment to reduce blood levels of ammonia in people with urea cycle disorders.

### 3. **Cosmetics**
   - **Skincare and Haircare Products**: It is used in creams, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners as a preservative to prevent microbial contamination.

### 4. **Industrial Applications**
   - **Corrosion Inhibitor**: In some industrial applications, sodium benzoate is used to prevent corrosion in products like antifreeze and lubricants.

### Safety and Regulations
   - It is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used in the prescribed limits.
   - The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is up to 5 mg per kg of body weight.

Sodium benzoate is typically combined with other preservatives like potassium sorbate for enhanced effect.