Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E321 - Butylated hydroxytoluene
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 5,513 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 5 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.
What is bht in food?
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene, E321) is a synthetic antioxidant added in small amounts to keep fats and oils from oxidizing, helping foods stay fresh and resist rancidity.
Is bht bad for you?
Major regulators (FDA, EFSA, JECFA) consider BHT safe at permitted levels, with an acceptable daily intake around 0.25–0.3 mg/kg body weight/day. High doses in animal studies have caused liver/thyroid effects, but evidence of harm at normal food-use levels in humans is limited.
What is bht in cereal?
It’s an antioxidant preservative used to keep the cereal’s fats from going rancid; in some products it’s applied to the packaging liner rather than the cereal itself to help preserve freshness.
What is bha and bht?
BHA (E320, butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (E321, butylated hydroxytoluene) are synthetic antioxidants used to slow the oxidation of fats and oils in foods, helping preserve flavor and shelf life.
What is bht and why you should avoid it?
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant used to prevent rancidity and preserve freshness. It’s considered safe at regulated levels, but some people choose to avoid it due to its synthetic origin or concerns from high-dose animal studies.