Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E252 - Potassium nitrate
Overview
Synonyms
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Found in 16,173 products
Found in 14 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 nitrate soluble in water?
Yes—it's readily soluble in water (about 32 g per 100 g water at 20°C, increasing sharply with temperature) and only sparingly soluble in alcohol.
Why is potassium nitrate classified as an electrolyte?
Because it dissociates completely into potassium (K+) and nitrate (NO3−) ions in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity as a strong electrolyte.
How to make potassium nitrate?
Industrial and food-grade potassium nitrate is made by neutralizing nitric acid with a potassium base (e.g., potassium hydroxide or carbonate) and then purifying/crystallizing; it should not be made at home, and food use requires regulated, food-grade material.
What does potassium nitrate do for teeth?
In desensitizing toothpastes, it helps reduce sensitivity by calming dental nerves (via potassium ions), with benefits building over several days to a few weeks of regular use.
What is potassium nitrate used for?
As E252, it's used in certain cured meats and cheeses as a preservative/curing aid under strict limits; outside food it’s used in fertilizers, some toothpastes for sensitivity, and pyrotechnics.