Sodium Anisate

Average

Preservative

No known benefits

Sodium Anisate at a glance

  • Sodium salt of p-anisic acid
  • Used for its preservative properties
  • Helps extend products’ shelf life
  • Cosmetics applications use in concentrations between 0.05% and 0.4%

Sodium Anisate description

Sodium anisate is a sodium salt of the plant metabolite p-anisic acid mainly used in skin care as a preservative. Preservatives are used in cosmetics to prolong a product’s life and to make sure that mold, fungus and other undesirable organisms don’t multiply within the product. Sodium anisate is often sought out at as a natural alternative to other cosmetic preservatives, as p-anisic acid is derived from the herbaceous plant Pimpinella anisum. To generate the best results, sodium anisate should be used in conjunction with other preservatives when formulating a cosmetic product. As a raw material, sodium anisate appears as a white powder. Sodium anisate works best when formulated at a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 and at concetration levels between 0.05% and 0.4%.

Sodium Anisate references

  • ULProspector, Accessed February 2023, Webpage
  • Scientific Reports, April 2021, ePublication
  • Materials, September 2020, ePublication
  • Molecules, January 2019, ePublication

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.