Comparing E235 - Natamycin vs E211 - Sodium benzoate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 4,349 products
Found in 16,173 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 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
What is natamycin in cheese?
A natural antifungal preservative (E235) applied to the surface of cheeses to prevent mold and yeast growth; it stays near the rind and has minimal penetration or effect on flavor.
Natamycin what is it?
Natamycin (E235) is a polyene antifungal produced by Streptomyces, used in foods to inhibit molds/yeasts and also as a topical antifungal medicine.
How natamycin works?
It binds to ergosterol in fungal cell membranes, disrupting their function and stopping mold and yeast growth; it doesn’t act on bacteria because they lack ergosterol.
Is natamycin an antibiotic?
Yes—it's an antifungal antibiotic (polyene), but in foods it’s used specifically to control molds and yeasts and isn’t active against bacteria.
Why did whole foods ban natamycin?
Whole Foods excludes natamycin under its ingredient standards that avoid certain preservatives/antimicrobial agents; this is a retailer policy choice rather than a regulatory safety ban.
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.