Sodium benzoate helps keep food fresh by slowing down or preventing changes in color, taste, pH, and texture. It does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, so it can be used in the production of vegan food products. Sodium benzoate comes in the form of a white, odorless crystalline powder.

In the cosmetics industry, sodium benzoate can be found in face and body washes, lotions, creams, cleansing products, hair care products, eye creams, baby creams, and oral hygiene products. Sodium benzoate is a preservative in some over-the-counter and prescription medications, especially liquid medications such as cough syrup.

Sodium benzoate can also act as a lubricant in tablet manufacturing and makes tablets transparent and flexible, allowing them to dissolve quickly when swallowed. Larger amounts of sodium benzoate are prescribed to treat elevated levels of ammonia in the blood. A new application is the formulation of sodium benzoate in plastics, such as polypropylene, to improve strength and transparency.

The shelf life of sodium benzoate is 24 months.