Preservative ingredient
Potassium Benzoate
The potassium salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative in cosmetics, particularly effective in low-pH formulations against bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
preservativeantimicrobial
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria, yeasts, and molds
- ✓Effective at low pH (below 4.5), well-suited for low-pH Korean skincare formulations
- ✓Generally considered mild and low-irritation when used at standard concentrations
Watch for
- ⚠May form benzene when combined with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in the presence of heat and light — avoid pairing with high-concentration ascorbic acid
- ⚠Can cause skin sensitization in some individuals at higher concentrations
