Comparing E211 - Sodium benzoate vs E270 - Lactic acid
Overview
Synonyms
Products
Found in 16,173 products
Found in 18,751 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 2 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 sodium benzoate bad for you?
Generally no—it's an approved preservative with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0–5 mg/kg body weight, and typical intakes are well below this. Rare sensitivities (e.g., hives/asthma-like symptoms) can occur, and in vitamin C–containing drinks exposed to heat/light it can form trace benzene, which manufacturers work to minimize.
Is sodium benzoate safe?
Yes—it's authorized by regulators (e.g., FDA, EFSA, JECFA) with an ADI of 0–5 mg/kg body weight and is GRAS in foods up to 0.1%. Those with sensitivities may wish to limit it, and beverages containing both sodium benzoate and ascorbic acid should be protected from heat/light to prevent benzene formation.
Is sodium benzoate safe for skin?
Yes—it's widely used as a cosmetic preservative at low concentrations and is considered safe by regulatory and review bodies. It may occasionally cause mild irritation or sensitization, especially on very sensitive or damaged skin.
Is sodium benzoate bad for hair?
No—at the low levels used to preserve shampoos and conditioners it does not damage hair fibers. As with many preservatives, higher concentrations can irritate the scalp, but consumer products use small amounts.
Is sodium benzoate harmful?
Not at permitted food and cosmetic levels; safety limits (e.g., ADI 0–5 mg/kg body weight) are set to prevent harm. Main concerns are rare intolerance reactions and trace benzene formation in vitamin C–containing drinks under heat/light, which industry monitors and minimizes.
Does milk help acid reflux?
Milk can briefly buffer stomach acid, but its fat and protein may stimulate acid production later, so effects vary by person; fermented dairy contains lactic acid (E270), whose acidity helps tartness and may help or bother individuals depending on sensitivity.
How to drain lactic acid from legs?
You don’t need to “drain” it—exercise-produced lactate (the same molecule as food additive E270 in ion form) is naturally cleared or reused for energy within about an hour. Muscle soreness after workouts is from microdamage, not trapped lactic acid; light movement and time help.
What does lactic acid do?
In foods, E270 is an acidity regulator and flavoring that lowers pH to add a tangy taste and stabilize products. It also inhibits spoilage microbes and is used to reduce pathogens on meats and in fermented foods, beverages, and pickles.
What does lactic acid do for skin?
As an alpha‑hydroxy acid, lactic acid gently exfoliates and increases skin hydration, helping smooth texture and brighten dullness. At higher strengths or low pH it can irritate sensitive skin.
How to get rid of lactic acid?
Your body naturally clears exercise-produced lactate quickly, so there’s no need to “flush” it. Staying hydrated and doing light activity can support normal clearance; lactic acid in foods (E270) doesn’t cause muscle lactate buildup.