Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E316 - sodium erythorbate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 7,337 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 sodium erythorbate bad for you?
No—regulators consider it safe at permitted food-use levels; most people tolerate it well, though very large intakes may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Is sodium erythorbate gluten free?
Yes. It’s a pure antioxidant made from sugars and contains no wheat, barley, or rye proteins, though you should check the overall product for other gluten sources.
What is sodium erythorbate made from?
It’s the sodium salt of erythorbic acid, produced by fermenting sugars (e.g., from corn, sugar cane, or beets) and then neutralizing with sodium—despite myths, it’s not made from earthworms.
Is sodium erythorbate a carcinogen?
No. It is not classified as a carcinogen and, in cured meats, it actually helps inhibit formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.
What is sodium erythorbate used for in food?
It’s an antioxidant used mainly in cured meats to speed nitrite curing, maintain a pink color, improve flavor stability, and reduce nitrosamine formation; it’s also used in some beverages and baked goods.