Para substituted benzoic acid derivatives of general formula (1) ##STR1## and their physiologically compatible salts, where R.sup.1 may be H, isopropyl, t-butyl p0 X may be ##STR2## and R.sup.2 may be --OH, --OR', where R' is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkylmoiety, or a --NHCH.sub.2 COOH-- group, have hypolipedemic activity. They may be obtained by known methods either from the corresponding unsaturated ketones or from saturated hydroxycompounds, where the esterified benzoic acid moiety may be saponified or converted to a carboxymethylamide.