Potassium Sorbate

Potassium Sorbate 1
Potassium Sorbate 2
Potassium Sorbate 3
Potassium Sorbate 4
AKA: 4-HEXADIENOIC ACID, POTASSIUM SALT
Synthetic
Preservative
Clean
(2E,4E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid is a preservative for many foodstuffs. Generally used as K salt or (less frequently) as Ca salt. (2E,4E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid is an antimicrobial agent against a wide variety of microorganisms, especially yeasts and moulds. (2E,4E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid is a preservative action more efficient in acidic foods. Typical usage levels 500-2000 ppm (2E,4E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid belongs to the family of Unsaturated Fatty Acids. These are fatty acids whose chain contains at least one CC double bond.
Formula
C6H7KO2
Mol. Weight
150.22
CAS #
24634-61-5, 590-00-1
Form
Powder
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Prevents microbial growth
Provides scent
Traditional Use
A synthetic organic acid developed in the 20th century, sometimes used as a preservative and pH buffer in cosmetic formulations.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-2
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
0.6%
0%1%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 0.6%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 4.
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU✔ permitted
JAPAN✔ permitted
CANADA✔ permitted
Skin Types
●gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
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Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR