Comparing E210 - Benzoic acid vs E572 - Magnesium stearate

Overview

E210 - Benzoic acid

Benzoic acid (E210) is a preservative used to help keep acidic foods and drinks safe and fresh by slowing the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria. It occurs naturally in small amounts in some berries and fermented foods, and is also made for food use under strict purity standards.

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E572 - Magnesium stearate

Magnesium stearate (E572) is a white, waxy powder used in tiny amounts to keep foods and supplements free-flowing and to stop tablets from sticking to equipment. It is the magnesium salt of common food fatty acids and is widely approved by regulators in both the U.S. and the EU for use at good manufacturing practice levels. It does not add taste or color and has no meaningful nutritional effect.

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Synonyms
E210
Benzoic acid
E572
Magnesium stearate
Functions
preservative
anticaking agentemulsifier
Origins
Plant
Synthetic
Plant
Animal
Products

Found in 386 products

Found in 1,447 products

Search rank & volume
#7533.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#8923K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×12.42
over-aware

×2.32
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

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Popular questions

  1. Is benzoic acid soluble in water?

    Only sparingly—about 3 g per liter at room temperature; its solubility increases in hot water and it dissolves readily in many organic solvents.

  2. Is benzoic acid polar?

    It has a polar carboxyl group but a nonpolar aromatic ring, so overall it’s only weakly polar; its benzoate salt is much more polar and water‑soluble.

  3. Is benzoic acid a strong acid?

    No—it's a weak acid, with a pKa of about 4.2.

  4. What is the melting point of benzoic acid?

    About 122–123 °C (251–253 °F).

  5. Is benzoic acid bad for you?

    At approved food levels it’s considered safe, with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight/day; some people may experience irritation or hypersensitivity, and benzene formation in certain acidic drinks is monitored and kept very low.

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  1. Is magnesium stearate safe?

    Yes—magnesium stearate (E572) is considered safe at permitted levels by major regulators (e.g., FDA GRAS; EFSA/JECFA no safety concern at typical uses).

  2. Is magnesium stearate bad for your liver?

    There’s no evidence it harms the liver at normal food or supplement levels; stearate is metabolized like other dietary fats and the magnesium contribution is minimal.

  3. What is magnesium stearate used for?

    It’s used as a lubricant/flow agent in tablets and capsules and as an anti-caking or release agent in foods to help powders flow and prevent sticking.

  4. Is magnesium stearate bad for you?

    No—at normal use levels it isn’t associated with harm; very high intakes may cause mild digestive upset in some people.

  5. What is vegetable magnesium stearate?

    It’s the same compound made from plant-derived stearic acid (e.g., palm or other vegetable oils) rather than animal fat, labeled for vegetarian or dietary preference reasons.

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