Propyl Gallate vs Polysorbate 80: which is worse?
Quick answer: Propyl Gallate carries the heavier risk profile. Propyl Gallate is — in the EU and — in the US; Polysorbate 80 is — in the EU and — in the US.
| Property | Propyl Gallate | Polysorbate 80 |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | — | — |
| US status | — | — |
| Risk level | — | — |
| Banned in | Japan (banned for food use) | — |
| Restricted in | European Union (restricted to 200 mg/kg in specific fat/oil applications), United Kingdom, Australia | European Union (ADI 25 mg/kg body weight per day), Australia |
| Category | additive | additive |
| Where it hides | — | — |
What is Propyl Gallate?
Propyl gallate is a synthetic antioxidant preservative derived from gallic acid and propanol. It prevents oxidation of fats and oils, extending shelf life of fat-containing foods. It is often used in combination with BHA and BHT for synergistic antioxidant effect. Chemical formula: C10H12O5.
What is Polysorbate 80?
Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) is a synthetic nonionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid (from vegetable oils) through ethoxylation. It is widely used in food to keep water-based and oil-based ingredients uniformly mixed. Chemical formula: polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate.
Documented risks
Propyl Gallate: Animal studies have shown propyl gallate may cause liver damage at high doses. Concerns about estrogenic activity have been raised — some studies suggest propyl gallate may weakly mimic estrogen. Contact dermatitis and allergic reactions are documented in both food and cosmetic applications. Japan banned propyl gallate for food use as part of its precautionary approach to synthetic food preservatives. NTP bioassays found dose-dependent liver effects. EFSA's re-evaluation set an ADI of 0.1 mg/kg body weight — one of the lowest ADIs for food additives, reflecting toxicological concern.
Polysorbate 80: Emerging research has raised concerns about polysorbate 80's effects on the gut. A landmark 2015 study in Nature (Chassaing et al.) found that dietary polysorbate 80 and polysorbate 60 at concentrations approaching food use levels promoted colitis and metabolic syndrome in genetically susceptible mice by disrupting the intestinal mucus layer and altering gut microbiome composition. The emulsifiers thinned the protective mucus layer, allowing bacteria to come into closer contact with gut epithelial cells and triggering inflammation. This study was a seminal contribution to gut health research, though it was conducted in mice and requires confirmation in humans. A 2020 follow-up study found that dietary emulsifiers including polysorbate 80 promoted gut inflammation and altered gut microbiome in human participants with Crohn's disease. People with inflammatory bowel disease may be most vulnerable to polysorbate 80's potential gut effects.
Scan a barcode and we'll flag both Propyl Gallate and Polysorbate 80 (plus 200+ other ingredients banned overseas).
Scan free →