Sodium benzoate (SB) is a preservative that is used a lot in the pharmaceutical industry and other areas . Due to its ability to prevent microbes from growing, it is often used to make products last longer like other preservatives . However, SB biodegraded easily and not environmentally persistent pharmaceutical pollutants (EPPPs), referring to pharmaceuticals that stay in the environment for a long time . Although SB is generally biodegradable, the rate of degradation is contingent upon the particular circumstances and concentrations present. This generates concern over the potential adverse impacts on both human beings and ecosystems. Sodium benzoate (C6H5COONa) is an organic sodium salt derived from benzoic acid, where a sodium ion replaces a proton from the carboxy group. Additionally, SB is extensively employed as a preservative in packaged foods and beverages. Some studies suggest potential therapeutic roles in treating conditions like depression, pain, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders . The main reason SB is commonly employed in the pharmaceutical sector is owing to its effective preservative and antibacterial characteristics . It efficiently hinders the proliferation of bacteria, yeast, and fungi , which is essential for prolonging the durability of diverse pharmaceutical items like syrups, ointments, and topical creams . The significance of this rests in its capacity to uphold the stability and safety of formulations, especially in liquid pharmaceuticals, by averting contamination and deterioration. In tablet formulations, SB is utilized as an excipient to augment the solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients, hence enhancing the medication's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy . SB, commonly utilized as a medicinal preservative, studies showed that it has the potential to induce allergic reactions and perhaps contribute to mental hyperactivity like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), especially in children . Moreover, it has the potential to disturb the balance of microorganisms in the intestines . Under specific conditions, it decompose into benzene, a well-established carcinogenic compound . Although SB is usually deemed safe, those with allergies or special health issues should get advice from a healthcare practitioner prior to utilizing goods that include this component. SB's impact on the environment in wastewater can be minimal when the wastewater is not properly treated , due to its toxicity it can contribute to pollution and disrupt aquatic ecosystems if not managed effectively . Environmentally friendly technology applied to this field can drastically lower this risk . This mini-review investigates SB in pharmaceutical products, SB is commonly employed preservative in the fields of pharmaceuticals and food industry. The review examines the uses of this substance in different formulations and investigates its possible adverse effects and the potential harm it may do to the environment. The objective of the review is to present an impartial assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of sodium benzoate, taking into account its effects on human health as well as its impact on the environment. The study provides valuable insights into the compound's characteristics, regulatory status, and rising concerns about its long-term presence in ecosystems by combining existing researches.