Comparing E433 - Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate vs E1520 - Propylene Glycol
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 5,529 products
Found in 3,052 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 4 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
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.
Is propylene glycol safe?
Yes—E1520 is authorized in the EU and considered GRAS by the FDA when used within limits; the ADI is 25 mg/kg body weight per day. Very high exposures (mainly from medicines), especially in infants or those with kidney/liver impairment, can cause adverse effects.
What is propylene glycol used for?
In foods it functions as a humectant and solvent/carrier for flavors, colors, and emulsifiers, helping retain moisture and distribute ingredients evenly. It’s commonly used in baked goods, icings, confectionery, and flavor extracts.
Does propylene glycol cause cancer?
No—propane-1,2-diol has not shown carcinogenic effects in studies and is not classified as a human carcinogen. Regulatory evaluations report no cancer concern at permitted food-use levels.
Is propylene glycol antifreeze?
Propylene glycol is used in “low-toxicity” antifreeze and cooling systems, whereas the more toxic antifreeze is typically ethylene glycol. Food-grade propylene glycol is the same chemical but produced to high purity and used at much lower amounts in foods.
Is propylene glycol bad for you?
For most people, typical amounts in foods are not harmful and are well below the ADI (25 mg/kg body weight/day). Some individuals may experience irritation or rare allergic reactions, and excessive exposure—mainly from pharmaceuticals—can be problematic.