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Quick answer: Sodium Benzoate (Cosmetic) carries the heavier risk profile. Polyaminopropyl biguanide is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US; Sodium Benzoate (Cosmetic) is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Polyaminopropyl biguanide | Sodium Benzoate (Cosmetic) |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Restricted | Restricted |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium | low |
| Banned in | — | — |
| Restricted in | European Union | EU |
| Category | preservative | preservative |
| Where it hides | wipes, sprays, lotion | Various natural brand cleansers and toners, Some Jason Natural products |
Polyaminopropyl biguanide (Polyaminopropyl Biguanide) is a preservative (PHMB).
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.
Polyaminopropyl biguanide: A possible carcinogen by inhalation; the EU restricts it.
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.
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