Comparing E904 - Shellac vs E1521 - Polyethylene glycol

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Overview

E904 - Shellac

Shellac (E904) is a food-grade glaze that gives candies, nuts, and some fruits a smooth, shiny finish. It is a purified natural resin made from the secretions of the lac insect and is approved in many regions as a surface treatment for foods.

E1521 - Polyethylene glycol

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a smooth, water‑soluble polymer used in small amounts to coat, carry, or dissolve other ingredients. In food, it appears as E1521 and helps give tablets and dragees a clean, glossy finish while keeping moisture under control. Regulators in the EU allow it for defined uses and set strict purity rules.

Synonyms

E904

Shellac

Bleached shellac

E1521

Polyethylene glycol

Functions

glazing agent

carrier glazing agent

Origins

Animal

Synthetic

Products

Found in 1,341 products

Found in 163 products

Search rank & volume

#8329.3K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

#4467K / mo🇺🇸U.S.

Awareness score

×3.18

over-aware

×58.32

over-aware

Search volume over time

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

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Popular questions

What is shellac nails?
In beauty, “shellac nails” are a UV-cured hybrid gel-polish service (e.g., CND Shellac); despite the name, it does not use the food additive shellac (E904) resin used as a glaze.
How to remove shellac nail polish?
Soak the nails in acetone for about 10–15 minutes (using cotton and foil or remover wraps), then gently push off the softened coating—do not peel to avoid nail damage.
Is shellac the same as gel?
Not exactly—Shellac is a specific brand of gel-polish hybrid, while “gel” can refer broadly to many soak-off UV/LED gel systems; they cure similarly and have comparable wear.
What is a shellac manicure?
A manicure using a UV/LED-cured gel-polish system branded “Shellac” for long-lasting color; it’s unrelated to the food glazing agent shellac (E904).
What are shellac nails?
They are nails coated with a UV-cured gel-polish branded “Shellac” for chip-resistant wear, not coated with the food additive shellac (E904) used in food glazes.