Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E297 - Fumaric acid
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 3,925 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 3 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 fumaric acid bad for you?
No—at the small amounts used in foods it’s not considered harmful; very high intakes may irritate the stomach or teeth due to its acidity.
Is fumaric acid safe in food?
Yes; it’s an approved food acidulant (e.g., GRAS in the U.S.) and EFSA has found no safety concern at authorized uses and levels.
Is fumaric acid vegan?
Yes; it’s typically made synthetically or by microbial fermentation and does not require animal-derived ingredients.
What is fumaric acid in food?
An acidulant that adds tartness, controls pH, and functions as a slow-dissolving leavening acid—commonly used in beverages, confections, and tortillas to improve flavor and shelf life.
What is fumaric acid made from?
Commercially it’s produced by isomerizing maleic anhydride/maleic acid (petrochemical route) or by fermenting sugars with fungi such as Rhizopus; it also occurs naturally in small amounts in some plants and fungi.