Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E304I - Ascorbyl palmitate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 513 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 ascorbyl palmitate safe?
Yes—it's approved as a food antioxidant in the EU, U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and is considered safe at permitted levels. The body breaks it down into vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and palmitic acid; high supplemental intakes may occasionally cause mild stomach upset.
What is ascorbyl palmitate in supplements?
A fat‑soluble form of vitamin C used either as the active vitamin C or to protect oils and softgels from oxidation. It’s hydrolyzed to ascorbic acid and palmitic acid, so its vitamin C activity is similar to regular vitamin C but it’s favored for oil‑based formulations.
What is ascorbyl palmitate made from?
It’s the ester of L‑ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and palmitic acid, typically derived from palm oil or other fats. It’s produced by chemical or enzymatic esterification; sources can be plant, animal, microbiological, or synthetic.
Ascorbyl palmitate what is it?
Ascorbyl palmitate (E304i) is a fat‑soluble ester of vitamin C used as an antioxidant in foods, especially those rich in fats. It helps slow oxidation and rancidity and can also act as a source of vitamin C.
What is ascorbyl palmitate used for?
Primarily as an antioxidant (E304) to prevent rancidity and preserve flavor and color in foods like oils, margarines, snacks, and baked goods. It’s also used in supplements to stabilize oil‑based ingredients and sometimes as a vitamin C source.