Potassium Sorbate[1] ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a preservative used mainly to control yeast and mold in water-containing formulas. It is usually paired with broader antibacterial preservation when a formula needs full-spectrum coverage.
What does Potassium Sorbate[1] do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a preservative used mainly to control yeast and mold in water-containing formulas. It is usually paired with broader antibacterial preservation when a formula needs full-spectrum coverage.
Is Potassium Sorbate[1] clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is widely accepted and has a long safety record at cosmetic use levels. Irritation is uncommon, though performance depends strongly on formula pH.
Is Potassium Sorbate[1] sustainable?
This material is typically made by chemical synthesis rather than direct agricultural extraction. It is readily biodegradable and is not known for environmental persistence or bioaccumulation.
Is Potassium Sorbate[1] COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS standards as a listed nature-identical preservative, subject to concentration and formulation limits. Its Green Chemistry profile is solid on biodegradability and low use level, though less strong on renewable feedstock sourcing.
How does Potassium Sorbate[1] work chemically?
The molecule is an alkali-metal carboxylate derived from a six-carbon unsaturated acid, and its preservative activity is strongest when enough of the acid form is present. Typical use is about 0.1 to 0.3%, with common regulatory ceilings expressed around 0.6% acid equivalent, and it performs best below roughly pH 6.
Last updated 2026-05-13