Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E325 - sodium lactate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 2,190 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 lactate dairy?
No—sodium lactate is not a dairy ingredient; it’s made by fermenting sugars (e.g., corn or beets) and contains no lactose or milk proteins.
How much sodium lactate in soap?
Typical use in cold-process soap is 0.5–3% of the oil weight (about 1 teaspoon per pound of oils), added to cooled lye water; using too much can make bars brittle.
What does sodium lactate do in soap?
It makes bars harder and easier to unmold, helping them last longer and feel smoother; in liquid soap it also acts as a humectant.
Is sodium lactate natural?
It’s generally considered naturally derived—made by fermenting sugars to lactic acid then neutralizing with sodium—though “natural” labeling depends on local regulations.
Does sodium lactate contain dairy?
No; despite the name, it doesn’t contain milk proteins or lactose and is typically made from fermented plant sugars (if highly sensitive to dairy, you can confirm the source with the manufacturer).