GROWING DEMAND IN PACKAGED FOOD AND BEVERAGES
The increasing consumption of benzoic acid in the food and beverage industry is majorly one of the key drivers boosting the growth of the Benzoic Acid Market. Benzoic acid is majorly used as a preservative in various food and beverage products due to its antimicrobial properties, which help extend shelf life and maintain product quality. Benzoic acid and its salts, such as sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate, are effective preservatives against bacteria, yeast, and molds. They inhibit the growth of microorganisms, thus preventing spoilage and extending the shelf life of food and beverage products.
It can be used in a variety of food and beverage products, such as carbonated and non-carbonated beverages jellies, sauces, jams, salad dressings, fruit juices, pickles and baked goods. Benzoic acid is used as an antifungal agent and food preservative, which inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria, thereby extending the shelf life of the product.
It also acts as a pH adjustor and changes the internal pH of microorganisms to an acidic state that is incompatible with their growth and survival. Benzoic acid exhibits low solubility in water and thus complicates its application in products with large water quantities. Therefore, the water-soluble sodium salt of benzoic acid, i.e., sodium benzoate is used. The potassium and calcium salts of benzoic acid are also used. Benzoic acid is frequently used in blend with sorbic acid at levels of 0.05 to 0.1%. Its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of products makes it a popular choice for manufacturers.
GROWING PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY
Benzoic acid and its salts, such as sodium benzoate, are widely used as preservatives in pharmaceutical formulations to prevent microbial growth and spoilage. They help extend the shelf life of liquid preparations, syrups, and oral medications by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeast, and molds. Benzoic acid has been used in combination with salicylic acid, as in Whitfield's ointment, for use as an antifungal for athlete's foot and ringworm. Benzoic acid is also a precursor to many chemical reactions yielding organic compounds.
When absorbed systemically, it is coupled to glycine in the liver and excreted as hippuric acid; it is not considered highly toxic. Additionally, it is also along with salicylic acid is used in the treatment for fungal skin diseases, such as tinea, ringworm, and athlete’s foot and inflammation caused by burns, insect bites, and eczema.
GROWING USE OF BENZOATES IN COSMETICS & PERSONAL CARE APPLICATIONS
Benzoic acid and its salts, such as sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate, are extensively consumed as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products to inhibit microbial contamination and extend shelf life of the product. These preservatives help to maintain product quality and safety by inhibiting the growth of yeast, bacteria, and molds, especially in water-based formulations like lotions, creams, and shampoos. Benzoic acid is also used in mouthwashes, body cleansers, toothpaste, deodorants, hair & nail products, detergents, aftershave lotions, and sunscreens, which is expected to offer lucrative opportunities to manufacturers.
Benzoic acid exhibits antimicrobial properties, making it useful for controlling microbial growth in personal care and cosmetics products. It helps inhibit the proliferation of microorganisms that can lead to product spoilage, odors, and contamination. In oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash, benzoic acid may be used as a flavouring agent to impart a pleasant taste or mask the taste of other ingredients. Its low odor and taste make it suitable for enhancing the overall sensory experience of these products.
The global benzoic acid market is poised for growth, driven by increasing demand in food preservation and the expanding applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, suggesting a robust trajectory for the coming years.
U.S. Geological Survey