Potassium Sorbate
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Sorbic Acid
Used as a preservative in cosmetics | Also used in food to prohibit the growth of yeast and mold
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Potassium Sorbate?
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid that is used as a preservative in cosmetics. While it can be naturally derived, most potassium sorbate is produced synthetically. It is almost always used in conjunction with other preservatives due to its weaker activity.
Potassium sorbate’s effectiveness as a preservative is pH-dependent and should be used when the pH is below 5. It is commonly used in combination with sodium benzoate to offer more broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel found that potassium sorbate is safe in amounts up to 10%; it is most used in skin care products in amounts of 1% or lower.
Potassium sorbate is also used as a food preservative, where it helps prohibit the development of yeast and mold in wine, cheeses, yogurt, and dried meats.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Science and Research, June 2015, Volume 4, Issue 6, pages 366-369 [https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=ART20198607]
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International Journal of Toxicology, 2008, Volume 27, Supplement 1, pages 77–142 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18569164/]
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https://thedermreview.com/potassium-sorbate/ [https://thedermreview.com/potassium-sorbate/]
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https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Potassium-sorbate#section=Deprecated-CAS [https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Potassium-sorbate#section=Deprecated-CAS]
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https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/P%20Sor%20technical%20advisory%20panel%20report.pdf [https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/P%20Sor%20technical%20advisory%20panel%20report.pdf]
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
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Benzoyl Peroxide
The acne eliminator
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Versatile polymer widely used in skin care and makeup | Aids texture and helps stabilise formulas
Kojic Acid
A fungal-derived brightener with a stability problem
Salicylic Acid
The oil-soluble acid that works inside the pore
Sodium Levulinate
Salt of levulinic acid | Levulinic acid helps condition and soften skin
Sorbic Acid
Preservative naturally derived from mountain ash berries | Used to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungi
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