Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E212 - Potassium benzoate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 3,222 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
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.
Popular questions
Is sodium benzoate bad for you?
Generally no—it's an approved preservative with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–5 mg/kg body weight, and typical intakes are well below this. Rare sensitivities (e.g., hives/asthma-like symptoms) can occur, and in vitamin C–containing drinks exposed to heat/light it can form trace benzene, which manufacturers work to minimize.
Is sodium benzoate safe?
Yes—it's authorized by regulators (e.g., FDA, EFSA, JECFA) with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight and is GRAS in foods up to 0.1%. Those with sensitivities may wish to limit it, and beverages containing both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid should be protected from heat/light to prevent benzene formation.
Is sodium benzoate safe for skin?
Yes—it's widely used as a cosmetic preservative at low concentrations and is considered safe by regulatory and review bodies. It may occasionally cause mild irritation or sensitization, especially on very sensitive or damaged skin.
Is sodium benzoate bad for hair?
No—at the low levels used to preserve shampoos and conditioners it does not damage hair fibers. As with many preservatives, higher concentrations can irritate the scalp, but consumer products use small amounts.
Is sodium benzoate harmful?
Not at permitted food and cosmetic levels; safety limits (e.g., ADI 0–5 mg/kg body weight) are set to prevent harm. Main concerns are rare intolerance reactions and trace benzene formation in vitamin C–containing drinks under heat/light, which industry monitors and minimizes.
Is potassium benzoate bad for you?
At permitted food-use levels it's considered safe by regulators (JECFA ADI for benzoates: 0–5 mg/kg body weight/day, expressed as benzoic acid); a small number of people may be sensitive. In acidic drinks with vitamin C and heat/light, trace benzene can form, so manufacturers manage formulations and conditions.
E212: can't open file for writing?
That message refers to a Vim editor error, not the food additive E212; in foods, E212 is potassium benzoate, a preservative used to inhibit yeast and mold in acidic products.
E212 can't open file for writing?
This is a Vim error code rather than the additive; E212 in food labeling denotes potassium benzoate, a preservative effective in low‑pH beverages and foods.
Vim e212 can't open file for writing?
You're citing a Vim error, not the food additive; E212 on ingredient lists is potassium benzoate, used to preserve acidic foods and soft drinks.
Vim e212: can't open file for writing?
That line is about a Vim error, whereas E212 in food is potassium benzoate, a common preservative for acidic products to curb yeast and mold growth.