Sodium Benzoate

Sodium Benzoate is a widely used preservative for cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food/beverage formulations .

It is easy to work with and is readily soluble in water. 

Sodium benzoate inhibits the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, mold, and other microbes in food and cosmetics thus increasing shelf life.

It is considered to be primarily an anti-fungal, but it shows some activity against bacteria.  

NOTE: You must buffer the pH of your formulation to below 4.0 for sodium benzoate to be completely active.