A preservative used in foods and cosmetics. It causes allergic reactions, eye problems, and can be considered toxic. We often see this label on foods and beverages, but try to avoid benzoic acid. However, few people know this same checmical is in methyl paraben, which is often used in cosmetics. (see Methyl Paraben)

 
Related Reading:
https://online.personalcarecouncil.org/jsp/CIRList.jsp?id=2130

Benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, and potassium benzoate. According to the OECD SIDS initial assessment report on benzoates, benzoic acid and benzyl alcohol were slightly irritating to the skin, whereas sodium benzoate was nonirritating.3