Common Name(s): Potassium e,2-hexenoate,sorbate of potash
CAS Number: 24634-61-5
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides mould and yeast focused broad-spectrum preservation in a widely accepted food-grade preservative.
Why It's Used: Standard mould and yeast preservative โ potassium sorbate is effective at slightly higher ph than sodium benzoate, making it the preferred sorbate preservative for formulations at ph 4.5-6.
How It Works: Inactive salt form โ sorbic acid (free acid, pka 4.76) is active. more effective than benzoate at higher ph (pka 4.76 vs benzoate 4.2). active at ph up to ~6.0 (meaningful sorbic acid present). inhibits malassezia and candida at lower concentrations than bacteria. synergistic with sodium benzoate.
Typically Found In: Cosmetics ph 4-6,natural preservation systems,combined with sodium benzoate
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ sorbate preservative
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ0.6%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ synthetic
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Eu max 0.6% cosmetics. fda gras. synergistic with sodium benzoate. oxidises to sorbaldehyde (yellow colouration) on uv exposure โ protect from light.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Potassium sorbate's antifungal mechanism (disruption of mitochondrial electron transport in fungi) is different from its antibacterial mechanism (cell membrane and enzyme disruption). this mechanistic bifunctionality provides broad spectrum from a single preservative, though the lower antifungal mic values mean mould and yeast protection is achieved at lower concentrations than bacterial protection.
Last Verified: Cosing database,eu preservative annex v,fda gras,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12