Understanding Additives: What They Are and How They Work

Additive refers to something that can be added or combined with other things without changing their basic nature or properties. In other words, an additive does not alter the underlying substance or component, but rather adds something new to it.

For example, sugar is an additive in baking because it can be added to flour and other ingredients without changing their fundamental characteristics. Similarly, a colorant is an additive in paint because it can be mixed with other pigments and solvents without affecting their basic properties.

In contrast, a substance that cannot be added to another substance without changing its properties is called a reactive or a synthetic. For example, a chemical that reacts with other substances to form a new compound is a reactive, while a substance that is combined with other ingredients to form a new product is a synthetic.

Additives are commonly used in a wide range of products, including food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials. They can serve a variety of purposes, such as improving the taste, texture, or appearance of a product, enhancing its performance or shelf life, or providing additional health benefits.