Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E262I - Sodium acetate
Overview
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Found in 16,173 products
Found in 597 products
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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.
How to make sodium acetate?
Industrial food-grade sodium acetate is produced by neutralizing acetic acid with a sodium base (such as sodium carbonate/bicarbonate or sodium hydroxide), then crystallizing—often as the trihydrate—and drying as needed.
Is sodium acetate dangerous?
No—at permitted food-use levels it's considered safe (e.g., GRAS in the U.S.; ADI not specified by EFSA); concentrated material can irritate eyes/skin and large intakes add sodium to the diet.
What is sodium acetate used for?
In foods it acts as a preservative and acidity regulator, helping inhibit spoilage/pathogen growth (commonly in meats, snacks, and bakery) and also functions as a sequestrant; it can contribute a mild salt-and-vinegar flavor.
Is sodium acetate soluble in water?
Yes—sodium acetate (both anhydrous and trihydrate) is highly soluble in water and is deliquescent.
What is sodium acetate trihydrate?
It’s the hydrated form of sodium acetate (NaC2H3O2·3H2O), a stable crystalline grade that dissolves readily and is widely used in the same food applications as the anhydrous form to supply acetate.