Potassium benzoate is the potassium salt of benzoic acid used as an antimicrobial preservative in cosmetics and skincare formulations, primarily effective against yeasts, molds, and some bacteria in slightly acidic products. It functions in the formulation base rather than as a treatment active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Transient redness or stinging, especially in leave-on products or on sensitive skin. |
| Contact urticaria (non-immunologic) | Rare | Benzoates can cause immediate localized hives or burning sensation upon contact. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | True sensitization is infrequent but documented in patch-test studies. |
| Mucosal or eye irritation | Uncommon | May irritate eyes or mucous membranes if used in higher concentrations or near these areas. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.