Potassium Sorbate
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INCI Name: Potassium Sorbate
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Molecular Formula: C₆H₇KO₂
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CAS Number: 24634-61-5
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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.
