Potassium Sorbate Food Grade - Natural Preservative

Potassium Sorbate

• INCI Name: Potassium Sorbate
• Molecular Formula: C₆H₇KO₂
• CAS Number: 24634-61-5
• Alternate Names:
  • Sorbic Acid Potassium Salt
  • Potassium Salt of Sorbic Acid
  • Food Grade Preservative E202
  • Anti-fungal Preservative

Key Benefits:

• Prevents growth of molds and yeasts in formulations
• Extends shelf life of water-based products
• Works well in combination with other preservatives
• Helps maintain product stability and safety
• Ideal for mild, cosmetic-friendly preservation systems

Benefits & Uses (Short):

• Preservative for skincare and personal care products
• Used in creams, lotions, shampoos, gels, and serums
• Common in food-grade and natural cosmetic formulations
• Helps protect against fungal contamination
• Works best in mildly acidic formulations

Recommended Usage Level:

• Skincare products: 0.1% – 0.3%
• Hair care products: 0.1% – 0.5%
• Rinse-off products: up to 0.5%
• Food applications: as per regulatory limits (E202 standard)
• Works best at pH: 4.0 – 6.5

How It Works (Short):

• Works by inhibiting enzyme systems of fungi and yeasts, preventing their growth and reproduction
• Disrupts microbial cell membrane function over time
• Most effective in acidic environments where it remains in active acid form (sorbic acid)
• Acts mainly against mold and yeast, with limited antibacterial activity
• Often combined with other preservatives (like phenoxyethanol) for full-spectrum protection
• Helps maintain formulation stability without affecting texture or clarity

Olfactory Notes:

• Odorless to very faint acidic smell
• Neutral in finished cosmetic products
• Does not affect fragrance composition

FAQs:

Q: Is Potassium Sorbate a natural preservative?
A: It is nature-identical (derived from sorbic acid found in berries but industrially produced).

Q: Does it protect against bacteria?
A: Mainly effective against fungi and yeasts, not strong against bacteria.

Q: Can it be used alone as a preservative?
A: It is usually not sufficient alone; it is combined with other preservatives.

Q: What is the ideal pH for Potassium Sorbate?
A: Best performance is in pH 4–6.5 formulations.

Q: Is it safe for skincare?
A: Yes, it is widely approved and commonly used in cosmetics and food.