Potassium Sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a mild preservative effective against molds and yeasts. It is commonly used in natural and organic cosmetics as a paraben-free alternative, frequently paired with sodium benzoate for broader protection.
Key Skin Benefits
+ Effective against mold and yeast
+ Mild and well-tolerated by most skin types
+ Approved for organic/natural formulations
+ Water-soluble, easy to formulate with
Pros
+ Very low irritation potential
+ Food-grade safety profile (GRAS by FDA)
+ Accepted in COSMOS and ECOCERT natural cosmetics
+ Non-sensitizing
Cons
− Limited effectiveness against bacteria (needs combination)
− Degrades at high pH (ineffective above pH 6.5)
− Can oxidize and cause discoloration over time
Specifications
Property
Value
Usage Areas
Face, Body, Hair
Product Type
Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source
Synthetic
Natural Level
Synthetic (nature-identical)
Safety Ratings
Metric
Rating
Skin Sensitivity
1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
EWG Score
3/10
Regional Regulatory Limits
Region
Leave-on %
Rinse-off %
Status
EU (CosIng)
Max 0.6%
Max 0.6%
Allowed — Annex V
US (CIR/FDA)
Up to 0.6%
Up to 0.6%
Allowed — GRAS, CIR safe
Japan (MHLW)
Max 0.5%
Max 0.5%
Allowed
ASEAN
Max 0.6%
Max 0.6%
Allowed — follows EU
China (NMPA)
Max 0.6%
Max 0.6%
Allowed
Typical Usage % by Product Type
Product Type
Typical %
Cream / Lotion
0.1 - 0.3%
Toner / Mist
0.1 - 0.3%
Shampoo / Body Wash
0.1 - 0.5%
References
CIR (2019) — Safety Assessment of Sorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate. PMID: 31808357