Comparing E420 - Sorbitol vs E422 - Glycerol

Synonyms
E420
Sorbitol
glucitol
E422
Glycerol
Glycerin
Glycerine
vegetable glycerine
Products

Found in 5,351 products

Found in 12,762 products

Search rank & volume
#7037.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#5167.1K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×1.01
normal

×1.91
over-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 5 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions
  1. Is sorbitol safe for dogs?

    Sorbitol isn’t toxic to dogs (unlike xylitol), and small amounts in pet products are generally safe, but larger amounts can cause gas and diarrhea. Avoid giving it in large quantities and monitor for gastrointestinal upset.

  2. Is sorbitol bad for you?

    No—sorbitol (E420) is considered safe at typical food levels, but excess intake can cause bloating and a laxative effect. People with IBS or FODMAP sensitivity may react at lower amounts.

  3. Can dogs have sorbitol?

    Yes, in small amounts, but it can act as a laxative in dogs if they eat too much. Don’t confuse it with xylitol, which is dangerous to dogs.

  4. Is sorbitol bad for dogs?

    It isn’t inherently harmful or toxic, but dogs may develop diarrhea and gas if they consume large amounts. Keep portions small and avoid high-polyol treats.

  5. Is sorbitol toxic to dogs?

    No—unlike xylitol, sorbitol (E420) is not considered highly toxic to dogs and is even used in some pet products; however, large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea due to its laxative effect. If a dog consumes a lot or shows persistent vomiting/diarrhea, contact a veterinarian to prevent dehydration.

  1. What is vegetable glycerin?

    Vegetable glycerin is glycerol (E422) derived from plant oils (e.g., soybean, palm, coconut); it’s chemically identical to other glycerin and commonly used as a humectant and sweetener.

  2. Is glycerin bad for you?

    Generally no—at typical food and cosmetic levels it’s considered safe (FDA GRAS; EFSA found no safety concern at reported uses); large amounts may cause bloating, diarrhea, or thirst.

  3. Is glycerin good for your skin?

    Yes—glycerin is a humectant that draws and holds water in the outer skin layers, helping hydration and barrier function; very high, undiluted use can feel sticky or occasionally irritate.

  4. What is glycerin used for?

    In foods it works as a humectant, mild sweetener, thickener, and solvent/carrier for flavors and colors to keep products moist and stable; it’s also used in pharmaceuticals and personal care as a moisturizer, solvent, and plasticizer.

  5. What is glycerin made of?

    It’s most often produced by hydrolysis, saponification, or transesterification of natural triglycerides from plant or animal fats; it can also be made by microbial fermentation of sugars or synthetically from petrochemical routes.