What is Benzoic Acid? Benzoic Acid is a chemical compound with the molecular structure C7H6O2 or C6H5COOH. Benzoic Acid acquired its unique name because for much of its history scientists thought it could only be extracted from gum benzoin. However, scientists now know that Benzoic Acid is naturally bound and free and appears in almost all plants and animals, serving as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of many secondary metabolites. It is a fungistatic compound that is commonly used as a food preservative as well as in the paint and coating industry. In appearance Benzoic Acid is a colorless, crystalline solid. Further, it is a simple aromatic carboxylic acid. What Does USP Mean? The USP designation is important to look out for when purchasing products to be used in food or medical grade products. USP stands for the United States Pharmacopeia and designates that a certain product has been manufactured using a standard, approved, and uniform process. This designation also guarantees that they have undergone the proper testing and ensures that they have met certain standards. Any product that holds the USP designation is guaranteed to meet necessary identity, potency, purity, and performance standards. Benzoic Acid can be used in a variety of ways which include medicinal purposes, cosmetic purposes, paint and coating applications, and in food products, or as a preservative. ***Please note the following; We sell several different types of USP Acids. We also do not provide instructions for use with this product. It is an ingredient that can be used in many different applications. Please conduct your own research to ensure that this is the best fit for your application or recipe.***