sorbic acid

sorbic acid molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 110-44-1, (2E, 4E)-hexa-2, 4-dienoic acid, 2E, 4E-Hexadienoic acid, Sorbistat, Panosorb, 2-Propenylacrylic acid, Hexadienoic acid, Trans, Trans-Sorbic acid, 4E)-2, 4-Hexadienoic acid
Synthetic
Preservative
Acid
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.
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C6H8O2
Mol. Weight
112.13
CAS #
110-44-1
Form
Liquid
State
Sorbic acid appears as white powder or crystals. Melting point 134.5 °C. Slightly acidic and astringent taste with a faint odor.
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.
Antioxidant
Antimicrobial
Improves Elasticity
Prevents microbial growth
Provides scent
Traditional Use
Discovered in the 1850s in the berries of mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia). Adopted as a preservative in cosmetics and food in the early 20th century due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to inhibit mold and yeast growth.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-2
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-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
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR