Potassium Sorbate[1][2] ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a preservative used mainly to control yeast and mold growth in water-containing formulas. It is often paired with broader antimicrobial systems because its antibacterial coverage is limited.
What does Potassium Sorbate[1][2] do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a preservative used mainly to control yeast and mold growth in water-containing formulas. It is often paired with broader antimicrobial systems because its antibacterial coverage is limited.
Is Potassium Sorbate[1][2] clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is widely accepted and not a common allergen. The main caveat is mild stinging or irritation potential in acidic formulas, especially around the eyes or on compromised skin.
Is Potassium Sorbate[1][2] sustainable?
This material is readily biodegradable and used at low concentrations, which supports a favorable environmental profile. It is typically manufactured through synthetic chemical processing rather than direct renewable sourcing.
Is Potassium Sorbate[1][2] COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic as an approved preservative, subject to the standard’s allowed-use conditions. Its Green Chemistry profile is solid on biodegradability and low-dose function, with a weaker mark for synthetic feedstock origin.
How does Potassium Sorbate[1][2] work chemically?
The molecule is an ionic carboxylate derived from a conjugated six-carbon unsaturated acid, and it performs best when enough of the acid form is present. Typical use levels are about 0.1% to 0.3%, with best preservation performance below pH 6 and strongest activity around pH 4 to 5.
Last updated 2026-05-15