POTASSIUM SORBATE

Origin

Potassium Sorbate is a naturally derived preservative that is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a compound originally found in the berries of the mountain ash tree (Sorbus aucuparia). Commercially, it is produced through neutralization of sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide, yielding a highly effective, food- and cosmetic-grade antimicrobial agent.

Summary

Potassium Sorbate is a broad-spectrum preservative widely used in cosmetics, personal care, and food products to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria. It is valued for its low toxicity, high efficacy, and compatibility with natural formulations. This preservative helps extend shelf life without compromising product safety or sensory quality, making it a key ingredient in “clean label” and natural product formulations.

Technical Data

• INCI Name: Potassium Sorbate
• CAS Number: 24634-61-5
• Chemical Class: Potassium salt of sorbic acid
• Source: Synthetic (nature-identical, derived from natural sorbic acid)
• HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance): Not applicable (not a surfactant)
• Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
• Solubility: Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol
• pH Range for Effectiveness: 4.0–6.5
• Melting Point: 270 °C (decomposes)
• Shelf Life: 36 months (store in a tightly closed container, away from moisture and light)

Usage Level in Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

Recommended inclusion levels vary by formulation type and microbial challenge:

• General Cosmetic Use: 0.1–0.5 %
• Natural/Organic Formulations: 0.2–0.4 %
• Combined with Other Preservatives: 0.1–0.2 % (enhances system synergy)
• Works best in formulations with a pH below 6.0, where sorbic acid is more active.

Properties

• Effective against yeasts and molds
• Works synergistically with other preservatives such as sodium benzoate or phenoxyethanol
• Stable in a wide range of aqueous and emulsion systems
• Mild and non-sensitizing to skin
• pH-dependent activity; optimal below pH 6
• Non-volatile, odorless, and color-stable
• Widely accepted in natural and organic formulations

Appearance

White to off-white crystalline powder or granules; odorless and tasteless.

Product Overview

Suncoast Personal Care Products Potassium Sorbate is a high-purity, broad-spectrum preservative that effectively inhibits microbial growth in water-based and emulsion formulations. Its excellent solubility, low toxicity, and clean safety profile make it ideal for natural and eco-friendly cosmetic systems. Easy to incorporate and compatible with most ingredients, Suncoast Personal Care Products Potassium Sorbate ensures your formulations remain safe, stable, and naturally preserved.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) Safety Level

EWG Rating: 2 (Low Hazard) — Considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products; minimal irritation potential at typical usage levels.