Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E386 - Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Disodium EDTA)
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 1 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 4 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 calcium disodium edta?
Calcium disodium EDTA (E385) is a synthetic chelating agent—closely related to disodium EDTA (E386)—that binds trace metals in foods to help prevent off-flavors, discoloration, and oxidation.
Is calcium disodium edta harmful?
Not at permitted food-use levels; regulators set an acceptable daily intake of roughly 1.9–2.5 mg/kg body weight/day, and typical intakes are well below this. Very high doses can chelate essential minerals and may cause stomach upset.
Is disodium edta safe for skin?
Yes—disodium EDTA is widely used in cosmetics at low levels and is considered safe, with a low risk of irritation for most people.
Is calcium disodium edta bad for you?
No—when used within legal limits in foods, it’s considered safe; concerns mainly arise only at excessive exposures that could deplete minerals.
Is disodium edta safe?
Yes—within approved uses and limits, disodium EDTA is considered safe; EDTA salts have an ADI of about 1.9–2.5 mg/kg body weight/day set by major regulators.