Sodium benzoate, a widely used food additive, has several important applications:

1. Foods and Beverages:

   • Sodium benzoate is the first FDA-approved preservative in foods.

   • It inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and other microbes, thus preventing spoilage.

   • Commonly found in foods like soda, bottled lemon juice, pickles, jelly, salad dressing, and other condiments.

2. Medications:

   • It serves as a preservative in some over-the-counter and prescription medications, especially in liquid forms like cough syrup.

   • Sodium benzoate also acts as a lubricant in pill manufacturing, making tablets transparent and smooth for easy swallowing.

3. Cosmetics and Personal Care:

   • Sodium benzoate is added to cosmetics and personal care products such as hair products, baby wipes, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

   • It helps maintain product stability and shelf life.

4. Industrial Applications:

   • Beyond food and cosmetics, sodium benzoate is used in various industrial products.

   • For example, it deters corrosion in coolants for car engines.