Comparing E551 - Silicon dioxide vs E557 - hemimorphite
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Found in 241 products
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Interest over time for 4 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 silicon dioxide safe?
Yes—food-grade silicon dioxide (E551), a synthetic amorphous silica used as an anti-caking agent, is permitted by regulators (e.g., FDA GRAS; EFSA found no concern at current uses) at typical food levels. This differs from inhaling crystalline silica dust, which is hazardous.
What happens if you eat silica gel?
Silica gel is an inert, amorphous silicon dioxide desiccant; if swallowed it usually passes through without being absorbed, though it can cause brief stomach upset or pose a choking risk. Indicator varieties (e.g., cobalt-dyed) aren’t meant to be eaten—seek advice if a child swallows a packet or a large amount.
Is silicon dioxide bad for you?
Not at the small amounts used in foods—E551 is considered safe and is largely not absorbed by the body. The main risk with silica is from inhaling crystalline silica dust, not ingesting food-grade amorphous silica.
Is silica bad for you?
In foods, amorphous silica (E551) used as an anti-caking agent is regarded as safe at permitted levels, and most ingested is excreted. Health concerns mainly relate to occupational inhalation of crystalline silica, which is hazardous.
What is silica gel?
Silica gel is a porous, amorphous form of silicon dioxide used as a desiccant to control moisture in packaging. It isn’t a food ingredient, and “Do not eat” labels are to prevent choking or misuse.
What is calamine lotion used for?
Calamine lotion (zinc oxide with a little ferric oxide) is used topically to relieve itching and mild skin irritation from bites, rashes, or poison ivy; this is different from E557 hemimorphite, a zinc silicate food anticaking agent.
What does calamine lotion do?
It soothes itching and irritation and helps dry oozing skin lesions via an astringent, protective barrier effect; this is not the same substance as E557 hemimorphite (zinc silicate) used in foods.
Can you leave calamine lotion on overnight?
Yes—on intact skin it’s generally fine to leave on for several hours or overnight, rinsing off if it over-dries or irritates; note this concerns calamine lotion, not E557 hemimorphite (a food additive).
Does calamine lotion expire?
Yes; check the bottle’s expiration date, as older product can separate or become less effective—replace if expired or if odor/texture changes; E557 hemimorphite is unrelated to this topical product.
Can you put calamine lotion on a dog?
Avoid unless a veterinarian advises—dogs may lick calamine (zinc oxide), and ingestion can be harmful; E557 hemimorphite is a food additive, not a veterinary topical.