Comparing E553B - Talc vs E559 - Aluminium silicate

Synonyms
E553b
Talc
talcum
hydrated magnesium silicate
E559
Aluminium silicate
Kaolin
Products

Found in 119 products

Found in 25 products

Search rank & volume
#7832.7K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#12512.2K / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×38.53
over-aware

×59.79
over-aware

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
  1. Is talc bad for you?

    Food‑grade talc (E553b) that is asbestos‑free is considered safe at permitted levels in foods by major regulators; the main concerns are from inhaling talc dust or contamination with asbestos, not from normal dietary exposure.

  2. What is talcum powder?

    Talcum powder is finely ground talc (hydrated magnesium silicate) used as a cosmetic/body powder to absorb moisture and reduce friction; it is distinct from food‑grade talc (E553b) used in foods as an anti‑caking and release agent.

  3. Does talc cause cancer?

    Asbestos‑containing talc is carcinogenic, but asbestos‑free talc used in foods has not been shown to cause cancer; perineal use of talc‑based body powders is classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B).

  4. What is talc used for?

    In foods, E553b is used mainly as an anti‑caking, release, and glazing agent to keep powders free‑flowing and to coat products like rice, chewing gum, and confectionery.

  5. Is talcum powder safe?

    Asbestos‑free talcum powder is generally considered safe for external use, but avoid inhalation and perineal (genital) application due to potential risks; keep powders away from infants’ faces to prevent breathing problems.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.