Comparing E551 - Silicon dioxide vs E559 - Aluminium silicate
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 241 products
Found in 25 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
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 kaolin clay?
Kaolin clay is a naturally occurring hydrated aluminium silicate mineral (mainly kaolinite), used as the food additive E559 (aluminium silicate). It’s a fine, white, inert powder formed by the weathering of feldspar-rich rocks.
What is kaolin used for?
In foods (as E559), it’s used mainly as an anti‑caking and release agent in powdered products and as a processing aid; outside foods, it’s widely used in ceramics, paper, rubber, and cosmetics.
Where is kaolin clay found?
It occurs worldwide in deposits formed by weathering of granite/feldspar; major sources include China (Gaoling), the southeastern United States (Georgia), the UK (Cornwall), and Brazil.
How much kaolin clay per pound of soap?
A common usage rate is about 0.5–1 teaspoon per pound of oils (roughly 1–3 g per 454 g), pre-dispersed in a little water or oil; higher amounts can make soap feel draggy or more drying.
Is kaolin clay good for skin?
Cosmetic‑grade kaolin is a mild, fine clay that can absorb excess oil and add slip, so it’s commonly used in masks and powders; it’s generally well tolerated, but overuse may be drying—patch test if you have very dry or sensitive skin.