Potassium Sorbate
INCI: POTASSIUM SORBATE
Type: Preservative, antimicrobial agent
Origin: The potassium salt of sorbic acid, a naturally occurring compound first isolated from mountain ash berries (Sorbus aucuparia). Cosmetic-grade potassium sorbate is produced synthetically to ensure purity and consistency.
What it does
Potassium Sorbate is a mild, well-established preservative widely used in food, personal care, and cosmetic products. Primary functions:
- Antimicrobial protection: Exhibits strong efficacy against molds and yeasts, with supplementary activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria. It works by inhibiting key enzymatic functions within microbial cells, preventing their growth and reproduction
- Formula safety: Protects water-containing formulations from spoilage during manufacturing, storage, and the product's entire usage period, ensuring safety and stability from first use to last.
Why we use it
We pair Potassium Sorbate with Sodium Benzoate as our complete preservative system. This synergistic combination allows us to ensure the microbiological integrity of our water-containing products with confidence, using ingredients that are mild, well-understood, and aligned with our commitment to clean, responsible formulation. Exceptionally well-tolerated, with a very low irritation and sensitization profile. It is globally approved for cosmetic use and has an excellent long-term safety record. Readily biodegradable and environmentally compatible.