Loading…
Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. Chlorhexidine is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US; Sodium Benzoate (Cosmetic) is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Chlorhexidine | Sodium Benzoate (Cosmetic) |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Restricted | Restricted |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | low | low |
| Banned in | — | — |
| Restricted in | European Union | EU |
| Category | preservative | preservative |
| Where it hides | mouthwash, cleansers | Various natural brand cleansers and toners, Some Jason Natural products |
Chlorhexidine (Chlorhexidine Digluconate) is an antimicrobial preservative.
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics, personal care products, and food. In cosmetics it is most effective at acidic pH (<5.5), where it converts to the active benzoic acid form.
Chlorhexidine: Concentration-restricted in the EU over sensitization.
Sodium Benzoate (Cosmetic): Sodium benzoate is considered safe for cosmetic use by the CIR and EU SCCS at regulated concentrations (≤2.5% in EU cosmetics). It is a weak sensitizer and can cause urticaria (hives) in some sensitive individuals. At low cosmetic concentrations, systemic risk is negligible — it is rapidly metabolized and excreted. The concern about sodium benzoate + ascorbic acid forming benzene is food-specific and not relevant to most cosmetic applications.
Scan a barcode and we'll flag both Chlorhexidine and Sodium Benzoate (Cosmetic) (plus 140+ other ingredients banned overseas).
Scan free →