Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E331III - Trisodium citrate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 365 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 trisodium citrate bad for you?
No—trisodium citrate (E331iii) is widely used as a food acidity regulator and is considered safe at typical food levels (JECFA ADI: “not specified”); those on sodium-restricted diets or consuming very large amounts should be mindful of the added sodium and possible mild stomach upset.
What is trisodium citrate dihydrate?
It’s the hydrated crystalline form of trisodium citrate (Na3C6H5O7·2H2O); it functions the same in foods as a buffer/chelating agent, with the water of crystallization only affecting dosing by weight.
What is trisodium citrate used for?
In foods it serves as an acidity regulator/buffer and emulsifying salt (especially in processed cheese), and as a chelator that controls tartness and helps prevent oxidation; it’s also used to stabilize flavors in beverages.
During sample preparation, why must the solutions be buffered with trisodium citrate?
Citrate buffer maintains a controlled pH and chelates multivalent metals, helping prevent precipitation or oxidation and stabilizing analytes during preparation.
Fe during sample preparation, why must the solutions be buffered with trisodium citrate?
For iron analyses, citrate complexes Fe2+/Fe3+ and holds the pH where ferric hydroxide won’t precipitate, reducing losses and interferences from other metals.