Sodium Benzoate

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Sodium Benzoate?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Sodium Benzoate is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies 6–12 months old, sodium benzoate in small amounts is generally low risk when used in skin products. Babies this age handle it better than newborns, but it may irritate very sensitive or broken skin.

What to Do

Pick products made for infants with short ingredient lists and low irritation claims. Prefer rinse‑off products (baby wash, shampoo) over leave‑on creams when possible. Do a quick patch test on a small area (inner forearm) and wait 24 hours before regular use. If your baby has eczema or very sensitive skin, check with your pediatrician before regular use.

⚠️Warnings

Regulators and industry reviewers (Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Japan Ministry of Health, U.S. FDA) note limits on how this preservative should be used and some certification programs restrict it. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes some data gaps about long‑term exposure. Because of this, avoid using products with sodium benzoate on broken, inflamed, or actively irritated skin; stop use and wash the area if you see redness, swelling, or a rash; and consult your pediatrician if you are unsure.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Banned: Some official reviews and regulators limit or restrict sodium benzoate in personal care products. A cosmetic safety review group (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) says it is safe only with concentration or use limits. One national health ministry (Japan) sets concentration limits for cosmetics. Regulatory reviews also note gaps in safety data. Because of these formal restrictions, this ingredient may be banned or tightly limited in some countries or product certification programs.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Sodium Benzoate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

sodium benzoateSODIUM BENZOATEsodium benzoate" }3860-EP2289893A13860-EP2287160A13860-EP2295424A13860-EP2280009A1J-5197523860-EP2295427A13860-EP2287154A13860-EP2292611A13860-EP2298735A13860-EP2295426A1

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Sodium Benzoate

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Sodium Benzoate or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Sodium Benzoate

Can older babies safely use Sodium Benzoate?

Yes, Sodium Benzoate is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.

What are the banned risks of Sodium Benzoate for older babies?

Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Sodium Benzoate?

Sodium Benzoate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

Is this appropriate for older babies to using products with Sodium Benzoate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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