Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E223 - Sodium metabisulphite
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 2,840 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 5 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 sodium metabisulfite bad for you?
For most people it isn’t “bad” at the low levels used in foods, but sulfite‑sensitive individuals (including some asthmatics) can have reactions such as wheezing, hives, or headaches. Regulators set a group ADI for sulfites of 0–0.7 mg SO2 equivalents per kg body weight per day.
Is sodium metabisulfite safe?
Yes—E223 is an approved preservative/antioxidant when used within regulated limits, though sulfites must be declared on labels and can trigger adverse reactions in sensitive people and some asthmatics.
Is sodium metabisulfite gluten free?
Yes. It’s a synthetic inorganic salt and contains no gluten; any gluten risk would come from other ingredients or cross-contact, not the additive itself.
What is sodium metabisulfite used for?
It’s used as an antioxidant and preservative to prevent browning and microbial spoilage in foods and drinks (e.g., wine, cider, dried fruits, seafood, potato products), and as a sanitizing agent for winemaking/brewing equipment.
How much sodium metabisulfite per gallon of wine?
To add about 50 mg/L (ppm) SO2 to 1 US gallon, use roughly 0.28 g sodium metabisulfite (about half a sodium Campden tablet); winemakers typically target 25–50 ppm free SO2 depending on pH and often use potassium metabisulfite instead.