The Clean Sheet™
Ingredient Directory
Low to MediumVegan

Sodium Anisate

Sodium 4-methoxybenzoate

Safety Flags
Allergen: Potential sensitivity possible; fragrance/masking role should be disclosed if relevant
Safety Notes

Often paired with Sodium Levulinate. Should not be treated as a complete preservative system without ISO 11930 PET.

Function & Common Use

Function

Antimicrobial support / Masking / Skin conditioning

Category

Preservative Booster / Multifunctional

Common In

Natural positioned moisturisers, cleansers, toners, preservative booster systems

Origin

Synthetic / Nature identical

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit verified

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No cosmetic maximum identified in source checked

US FDA (21 CFR)

No limit verified

Korea (MFDS)

No limit verified

Format restriction: Both; preservation effect is pH and formula dependent

Baby restriction: Requires PET and mildness testing; use caution in baby leave on

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified; assess full formula

IFRA: Check IFRA only if used as fragrance/masking component in fragrance system

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sodium Anisate safe to use in skincare?

Sodium Anisate has a High concern rating. Often paired with Sodium Levulinate. Should not be treated as a complete preservative system without ISO 11930 PET.

Is Sodium Anisate allowed in India?

Sodium Anisate is currently classified as "Not specifically restricted in source checked" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is No limit verified.

What is Sodium Anisate used for in cosmetics?

Sodium Anisate functions as: Antimicrobial support / Masking / Skin conditioning. It is commonly found in: Natural positioned moisturisers, cleansers, toners, preservative booster systems.

Can Sodium Anisate cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Sodium Anisate has an allergen flag (Potential sensitivity possible; fragrance/masking role should be disclosed if relevant). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

Is Sodium Anisate safe for babies?

Sodium Anisate has baby/child restrictions: Requires PET and mildness testing; use caution in baby leave on. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Low to Medium
Data Confidence
Medium
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Not specifically restricted in source checked
EU
No Annex restriction identified in source checked
US FDA
No specific cosmetic restriction identified in source checked
Korea (MFDS)
Not specifically restricted in source checked
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic preservative support ingredient; no TGA relevance
Canada (NHPID)
Not verified in NHPID source checked

EU Annex: Not identified

Identifiers

CAS536-45-8
EC208-633-2

Want to check if your product contains Sodium Anisate?

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More Preservative Booster / Multifunctional Ingredients

Sodium Levulinate
Low Concern
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