Ingredient dictionary

Sodium Anisate

Also listed as: Sodium p-Methoxybenzoate

Sodium Anisate is the sodium salt of anisic acid, a plant-derived compound used mainly as a preservative. It is on the label of 6 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Sodium Anisate does

Helps keep products free from bacteria
Helps limit yeast and mold growth
Dissolves easily in water-based formulas

Anisic acid is a small molecule found naturally in anise and some other plants. Sodium Anisate is made by combining anisic acid with a sodium base, which turns it into a salt that dissolves easily in water. That makes it easier to work with in water-based products than the acid form.

Formulators use it mainly as a preservative. Water-based creams, lotions and cleansers can support the growth of bacteria, yeast and mold over time, so a preservative helps keep them stable on the shelf. Sodium Anisate is often combined with other preservatives and used in small amounts.

Good for

Good for formulas that contain water, such as lotions, cleansers and toners, where a preservative helps protect against spoilage.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sodium Anisate safe for skin?

Sodium Anisate is used in cosmetics as a preservative at low levels and is generally well tolerated. As with any preservative, a small number of people with sensitive skin may react, so patch testing a new product is a sensible habit.

Is Sodium Anisate natural?

Its starting compound, anisic acid, occurs naturally in anise and some other plants. The sodium salt is made by a straightforward chemical step, so it is not a plant extract.