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Potassium Benzoate is the potassium salt of benzoic acid and is used as an antimicrobial preservative to inhibit yeasts, molds, and some bacteria in acidic foods, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical preparations.
Potassium Benzoate is valued because Potassium Benzoate provides benzoate preservation with good water solubility and Potassium Benzoate can be selected when potassium-based formulation goals are preferred over sodium-based salts.
Potassium Benzoate works best in acidic conditions where benzoic acid is present in the undissociated form, so Potassium Benzoate use requires pH control and formulation validation to achieve reliable shelf-life performance.
CAS Number: 582-25-2
EC Number: 209-481-3
Molecular Formula: C7H5KO2
Molecular Weight: 160.21 g/mol
Synonyms: Potassium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid Potassium Salt, Potassium Benzenecarboxylate, Potassium Benzoate Preservative, Potassium Benzoate Food Grade, Potassium Benzoate Powder, Potassium Benzoate Granular, Potassium Benzoate Antimicrobial, Potassium Benzoate Beverage Preservative, Potassium Benzoate Cosmetic Preservative, Potassium Benzoate Pharmaceutical Grade, Potassium Benzoate Reagent, Potassium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid Potassium Salt, Potassium Salt of Benzoic Acid, Potassium Benzenecarboxylate, Potassium Phenylcarboxylate, Monopotassium Benzoate, Potassium Monobenzoate, Benzoate of Potash, Benzoate of Potassium, Potassium Benzoate FCC, Potassium Benzoate USP, Potassium Benzoate BP, Potassium Benzoate EP, Potassium Benzoate NF, Potassium Benzoate Food Grade, Potassium Benzoate Technical Grade, Potassium Benzoate Pharmaceutical Grade, Potassium Benzoate Industrial Grade, Potassium Benzoate Reagent Grade, Potassium Benzoate Analytical Grade, Potassium Benzoate Laboratory Grade, Potassium Benzoate Pure, Potassium Benzoate Powder, Potassium Benzoate Granular, Potassium Benzoate White Powder, Potassium Benzoate Crystalline, Potassium Benzoate Food Additive, Potassium Benzoate Preservative, Potassium Benzoate Food Preservative, Potassium Benzoate Beverage Preservative, Potassium Benzoate Antimicrobial, Potassium Benzoate Antifungal, Potassium Benzoate Stabilizer, Potassium Benzoate Corrosion Inhibitor, Potassium Benzoate Feed Grade, Potassium Benzoate Feed Additive, Potassium Benzoate E212, E212, INS 212, Potassium Benzoate CAS 582-25-2, Potassium Benzoate C7H5KO2, C7H5KO2, KC7H5O2, Potassium Benzoate KC7H5O2, Benzoic Acid Monopotassium Salt, Monopotassium Salt of Benzoic Acid, Potassium Carboxybenzene, Potassium Benzoate Solution, Aqueous Potassium Benzoate, Potassium Benzoate Liquid, Potassium Benzoate High Purity, Potassium Benzoate Synthetic, Potassium Benzoate Additive Grade, Potassium Benzoate Pharma Grade, Potassium Benzoate Tech Grade, Potassium Benzoate FG, Potassium Benzoate Preservative Grade, Potassium Benzoate Cosmetic Grade, Potassium Benzoate Personal Care Grade, Potassium Benzoate Water Soluble, Potassium Benzoate Fine Powder, Potassium Benzoate Odorless Grade, Potassium Benzoate White Crystals, Potassium Benzoate Anti-Yeast Agent, Potassium Benzoate Anti-Mold Agent, Potassium Benzoate Shelf Life Extender, Potassium Benzoate Bacteriostatic Agent, Potassium Benzoate Acid Preservative, Potassium Benzoate Buffer Component
APPLICATIONS
Potassium Benzoate is used in beverages to inhibit yeast and mold growth and improve shelf stability in acidic drinks.
Potassium Benzoate is incorporated into fruit drinks, flavored waters, and syrups to prevent fermentation and spoilage.
Potassium Benzoate is used in beverage concentrates to protect against microbial growth during storage and distribution.
Potassium Benzoate is used in sauces and condiments to improve microbial stability and reduce spoilage risk in acidified products.
Potassium Benzoate is incorporated into salad dressings to inhibit yeast growth in acidic emulsions.
Potassium Benzoate is used in pickles and vegetable brines to reduce spoilage in acidic preserved foods.
Potassium Benzoate is used in jams, jellies, and fruit preparations to inhibit yeast growth and extend shelf life after opening.
Potassium Benzoate is incorporated into fruit fillings and dessert toppings to reduce spoilage in high-sugar acidic systems.
Potassium Benzoate is used in fruit sauces to support preservation hurdles and stable storage.
Potassium Benzoate is used in bakery fillings and glazes to reduce yeast and mold growth in moist sweet systems.
Potassium Benzoate is incorporated into icing and fruit toppings to improve fungal stability in packaged products.
Potassium Benzoate is used in high-moisture bakery products to extend shelf life when pH allows effective preservation.
Potassium Benzoate is used in cosmetics and personal care as a preservative or preservative booster in compatible acidic formulations.
Potassium Benzoate is incorporated into lotions and creams where pH is controlled for preservative performance.
Potassium Benzoate is used in shampoos and cleansers in some markets as part of preservative systems compliant with local regulations.
Potassium Benzoate is used in pharmaceuticals as an antimicrobial preservative in syrups and oral liquids in compatible pH ranges.
Potassium Benzoate is incorporated into topical preparations to improve microbial stability and prevent spoilage during storage.
Potassium Benzoate is used in mouthwashes and oral liquids where preservation of aqueous systems is required.
Potassium Benzoate is used in reduced-sodium product development where sodium benzoate reduction is desired while maintaining benzoate preservation chemistry.
Potassium Benzoate is incorporated into “low sodium” beverage and sauce systems to maintain preservative performance.
Potassium Benzoate is used in formulations where potassium labeling and ionic balance are preferred.
Potassium Benzoate is used in multi-hurdle preservation strategies alongside pH control, packaging, and sanitation.
Potassium Benzoate is incorporated into shelf-life extension programs to reduce waste and spoilage returns in distribution chains.
Potassium Benzoate is valued because Potassium Benzoate provides effective benzoate preservation with good solubility and flexibility in sodium-reduction strategies for acidic products.
Potassium Benzoate is used as a preservative in acidic foods and beverages.
Potassium Benzoate inhibits yeasts and molds most effectively at low pH.
Potassium Benzoate helps extend shelf life in products prone to microbial spoilage.
Potassium Benzoate is used in fruit juices and juice drinks to control yeast spoilage.
Potassium Benzoate supports stability of acidic juice blends during distribution and storage.
Potassium Benzoate helps prevent fermentation, haze, and package swelling caused by yeast growth.
Potassium Benzoate is used in carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks as an antimicrobial preservative.
Potassium Benzoate supports microbial stability in flavored sodas and sparkling beverages.
Potassium Benzoate helps reduce gas formation and off-flavors linked to yeast contamination.
Potassium Benzoate is used in flavored waters and sports drinks in some formulations.
Potassium Benzoate supports preservation of low-calorie beverages with added flavors and acids.
Potassium Benzoate helps prevent yeast growth that can cause cloudiness and off-odor.
Potassium Benzoate is used in ready-to-drink teas and acidified herbal drinks to inhibit spoilage organisms.
Potassium Benzoate supports shelf stability of sweetened tea beverages in acidic systems.
Potassium Benzoate helps reduce risk of unintended fermentation during storage.
Potassium Benzoate is used in coffee-based ready-to-drink beverages with acidified profiles in some systems.
Potassium Benzoate supports preservation of flavored coffee drinks when pH is controlled.
Potassium Benzoate helps reduce yeast and mold spoilage in packaged beverages.
Potassium Benzoate is used in salad dressings and emulsified sauces with acidic formulations.
Potassium Benzoate supports control of yeast and mold growth in dressings and sauces.
Potassium Benzoate helps extend shelf life after opening in some products.
Potassium Benzoate is used in ketchup, tomato sauces, and condiment sauces to inhibit spoilage organisms.
Potassium Benzoate supports preservation of tomato-based products with acidic pH.
Potassium Benzoate helps prevent surface mold growth and fermentation in condiments.
Potassium Benzoate is used in pickles and pickling brines to support microbial stability.
Potassium Benzoate supports protection of acidified vegetables from yeast spoilage.
Potassium Benzoate helps maintain clarity and flavor stability in brined products.
Potassium Benzoate is used in jams, jellies, and fruit spreads to inhibit molds and yeasts.
Potassium Benzoate supports shelf life extension in sweet, acidic preserves.
Potassium Benzoate helps reduce surface mold formation in opened jars in some systems.
Potassium Benzoate is used in syrups and flavored concentrates to prevent microbial growth.
Potassium Benzoate supports stability of beverage syrups during storage.
Potassium Benzoate helps prevent yeast fermentation in sugar-containing concentrates.
Potassium Benzoate is used in confectionery fillings and fruit preparations to control yeast spoilage.
Potassium Benzoate supports stability of acidic fruit fillings used in bakery and desserts.
Potassium Benzoate helps prevent gas formation and off-odors in fillings.
Potassium Benzoate is used in bakery products that include acidic, high-moisture components in some formulations.
Potassium Benzoate supports mold inhibition in certain packaged baked goods.
Potassium Benzoate helps extend shelf life when water activity and pH conditions allow.
Potassium Benzoate is used in tortillas and flatbreads in some markets to reduce mold growth in acidified systems.
Potassium Benzoate supports extended shelf life in packaged breads with suitable acidity.
Potassium Benzoate helps reduce spoilage-related returns in distribution chains.
Potassium Benzoate is used in fermented vegetable products and acidic sauces to control surface yeasts.
Potassium Benzoate supports stability when post-processing contamination risk exists.
Potassium Benzoate helps reduce film yeast formation and surface spoilage.
Potassium Benzoate is used in dairy-based beverages that are acidified and flavored in some systems.
Potassium Benzoate supports yeast and mold control in acidic dairy drinks.
Potassium Benzoate helps reduce spoilage risk when cold chain is imperfect.
Potassium Benzoate is used in plant-based beverages with acidic flavor systems to reduce microbial spoilage.
Potassium Benzoate supports shelf stability of flavored plant-based drinks with controlled pH.
Potassium Benzoate helps reduce yeast growth that causes haze and off-odors.
Potassium Benzoate is used in cosmetics as a preservative in water-based products with acidic pH where permitted.
Potassium Benzoate supports microbial protection in creams, lotions, and gels with controlled pH.
Potassium Benzoate helps reduce yeast and mold growth in cosmetics during shelf life.
Potassium Benzoate is used in rinse-off personal care products as part of preservative systems.
Potassium Benzoate supports microbial control in shampoos and body washes at suitable pH.
Potassium Benzoate helps improve product safety by limiting contamination during
DESCRIPTION
Potassium Benzoate is a white crystalline powder that dissolves readily in water, and Potassium Benzoate is commonly used in liquids because it is easy to dose and disperse.
Potassium Benzoate functions by generating benzoic acid in solution, and preservative effectiveness increases at lower pH where more undissociated benzoic acid is present.
Potassium Benzoate inhibits microbial growth by interfering with cell membrane transport and internal pH balance, and Potassium Benzoate is especially effective against yeasts and molds in acidic foods and beverages.
Potassium Benzoate has limited effectiveness against many bacteria unless combined with other hurdles, so Potassium Benzoate is often used with low pH, refrigeration, and good hygiene.
Potassium Benzoate should be dosed carefully because excessive Potassium Benzoate can affect taste and can interfere with fermentation where live cultures are desired.
Potassium Benzoate stability is generally good under normal conditions, but Potassium Benzoate formulations should consider oxidative conditions and packaging to maintain quality.
Potassium Benzoate should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place protected from moisture and contamination.
Potassium Benzoate dust can irritate eyes and respiratory tract, so dust control and appropriate PPE are recommended during handling.
Potassium Benzoate should be used according to applicable food additive, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical regulations for the target market.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C7H5KO2
Molecular Weight: 160.21 g/mol
Common Name: Potassium Benzoate
Chemical Type: Benzoate salt; preservative
Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Highly soluble in water; soluble in ethanol to a limited extent
pKa (benzoic acid): ~4.20 (typical; governs activity vs pH)
Preservative Activity: Strong in acidic systems; best performance at low pH
Stability: Stable under recommended storage; avoid strong oxidizers and contamination
Typical Use: Food and beverage preservative; cosmetic preservative booster; pharma preservative (market dependent)
Storage Temperature: 10–25°C, dry, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 24–60 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during weighing and powder transfer.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a large amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, and use dust protection as needed.
Avoid generating dust and avoid inhalation of fine powder.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during weighing, charging, and blending operations.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Protect from moisture to prevent caking and maintain free-flowing behavior.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep up spilled material and avoid dust generation.
Collect into suitable containers for reuse or disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residues with wet wiping if needed to reduce airborne dust.
Handling Precautions:
Control pH and preservative system design because Potassium Benzoate effectiveness depends on formation of undissociated benzoic acid in acidic products.
Avoid using Potassium Benzoate in products where fermentation is desired unless dosing strategy is specifically controlled.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable preservative performance.
