CAS#: 532-32-1
CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) numbers are unique identifiers assigned to every chemical substance, ensuring accurate identification across the industry.
What is it?
Sodium benzoate is the sodium salt of benzoic acid, a compound that occurs naturally in many plants, fruits, and berries including cranberries, plums, apples, and cinnamon. While it can be extracted from natural sources, it is typically synthesized for commercial use to ensure purity and consistency. Sodium benzoate has been used as a food preservative for over a century and is one of the most widely studied and well-understood preservatives available.
What does it do?
Sodium benzoate functions as a preservative and antimicrobial agent in our detergent formulations. It prevents the growth of yeast, mold, bacteria, and fungi that could otherwise develop in liquid detergents, particularly in warm or humid storage conditions. By inhibiting microbial growth, sodium benzoate ensures our products remain safe, effective, and shelf-stable throughout their useful life. This preservation is essential for maintaining the integrity of the detergent's cleaning enzymes and other active ingredients.
How is it made?
Sodium benzoate is produced through the neutralization of benzoic acid with sodium hydroxide (or sodium bicarbonate). Benzoic acid can be derived from natural plant sources or synthesized from toluene through a chemical process. The resulting sodium benzoate is purified, crystallized, and dried to create the white, odorless powder used in our formulations. This manufacturing process creates a highly pure preservative that meets strict food-grade and cosmetic-grade standards.
Safety & Certifications
Sodium benzoate meets the stringent safety standards required for EPA Safer Choice certification:
- EPA Safer Choice Approved: Pre-approved ingredient meeting EPA's criteria for human health and environmental safety
- FDA GRAS Status: Recognized as "Generally Recognized as Safe" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food products
- Widely Used and Studied: One of the most thoroughly researched preservatives, with over 100 years of safe use
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Low Toxicity: Considered one of the safest preservative options available
Effective at Low Concentrations: Requires only small amounts to prevent microbial growth - Biodegradable: Breaks down naturally in the environment
- EWG Verified: Meets Environmental Working Group's strictest standards for health and transparency
All Heritage Park detergents containing this ingredient are both EPA Safer Choice Certified and EWG VERIFIED®, providing independent, third-party validation of safety.
What product is this ingredient in?
All-Purpose Detergents:
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Fragrance-Free
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Shore Breeze
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Lavender Mist
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Spring Magnolia
Silk & Wool Detergents:
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Fragrance-Free
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Lavender Mist
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Spring Magnolia
Specialty Detergents:
* Not yet EPA Safer Choice Certified or EWG VERIFIED