The ingredient, explained

Benzoic Acid

Benzoic Acid has published research relevant to the stated experimental context.

BulkingMaskingPreservative

Explore connections

Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Benzoic acid

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

Bulking: Changes a product's bulk density.
Masking: Reduces or conceals the formula's underlying odour or taste.
Preservative: Helps inhibit microbial growth in the cosmetic product.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Laboratory and human research

The tested compounds produced dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with overall correlation between cell-assay results and human irritation measurements.

What this does not tell us

The abstract reports pooled conclusions rather than a benzoic-acid-specific effect size. Twenty-four-hour model exposure is not a routine cosmetic-use scenario and does not demonstrate efficacy.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 11736893 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Selective exact-identity review of 1 supplied local candidates and the targeted primary-source search recorded below. Bounded review, not a systematic search.