Preservative

Potassium Sorbate

The most famous "natural" preservative — potassium sorbate has been used in the food industry and cosmetics for decades. Effective against mold and yeast with low potential toxicity.

PreservativeNaturalSafeAntifungal

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Potassium Sorbate (INCI: Potassium Sorbate) — the potassium salt of trans-trans-sorbic acid (2,4-hexadienoic acid). The active form is sorbic acid, released at pH < 6. Mechanism: disrupts mitochondrial respiration of microorganisms. Effective against mold, yeast, and some bacteria. Active at pH ≤ 6. Naturally found in rowan berries. EWG: 3 (low/moderate risk). Allowed in the EU (Annex V) up to 0.6% (in acid form).

Part of preservative systems along with sodium benzoate or benzoic acid. An effective combination for pH < 6. Popular in 'natural' and 'clean' cosmetics as an alternative to parabens.

Key Benefits

✦

Antifungal and anti-yeast preservation

Potassium sorbate is most effective against Candida and Aspergillus — fungi and mold that most commonly contaminate aqueous formulas. Less effective against bacteria — hence it is usually combined with bactericidal preservatives (phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate).

◈

Stable preservation without odor and without dermatological risks

Odorless and tasteless, well soluble in water. Not associated with significant allergic reactions (unlike parabens in discussion). EWG 3 — moderate risk, mainly due to theoretical carcinogenic metabolites when heated in food products (not applicable to cosmetics).

✧

Compatibility with "clean" cosmetics

Widely used in COSMOS Natural and ECOCERT-certified products. Not banned by any significant 'clean' standard. Natural origin (from rowan, although in cosmetics — synthetically identical) — well received by supporters of natural cosmetics.

Suitable for

For all skin types

Main Actions

✓ Preservation against fungi and yeast

Potassium Sorbate + Sodium Benzoate = ?

A popular combination in natural cosmetics. Effective at pH < 5.5. Important: when combined in one formula, benzene formation is possible (theoretically, upon oxidation) — however, at typical concentrations and pH of cosmetics, the level is minimal. Quality manufacturers control this. An alternative is to use each separately or in combination with hydroxyacetophenone.

CategoryPreservatives

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