Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E433 - Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 5,529 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 3 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 polysorbate 80 safe?
Yes—at approved levels it’s considered safe by regulators such as the FDA and EFSA, which set an ADI of 0–25 mg/kg body weight/day. Rare hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, and very high doses may cause gastrointestinal upset.
What is polysorbate 80 used for?
It’s an emulsifier and stabilizer that helps oil and water mix, prevents separation, and improves texture. In foods it stabilizes flavors and colors and improves whipping and melt resistance in products like ice cream.
Is polysorbate 80 bad for you?
Not at typical food-use levels: it’s permitted with safety limits and isn’t linked to harm for the general population. Some people may be sensitive, and effects seen in animals at high doses are well above normal dietary exposure.
Is polysorbate 80 natural?
No. It’s a synthetic ingredient made from sorbitan (from sorbitol) reacted with ethylene oxide and oleic acid that can be sourced from plants or animals.
What foods contain polysorbate 80?
It’s commonly found in ice cream and other frozen desserts, salad dressings and sauces, flavored beverages and coffee creamers, whipped toppings, and some bakery mixes, icings, and confectionery.