Sodium benzoate has the chemical formula NaC7H5O2; it is a widely used food preservative, with E number E211. It is the sodium salt of benzoic acid and exists in this form when dissolved in water. It can be produced by reacting sodium hydroxide with benzoic acid. It is bacteriostatic and fungistatic under acidic conditions.

Cosmetic Uses: Sodium Benzoate is used as a preservative in cosmetics.