A preservative, mainly against moulds and yeasts.
What it is
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, an allowed preservative in the EU (Annex V). It is most effective at low pH.
Where it is used
Often combined with sodium benzoate in water-based products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
Functions
- Fragrance
- Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
- Preservative
- Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
EU regulation
EU · Annex V, entry 4Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid and its salts
- Maximum concentration
- 0.6% (acid)
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2009/1223
Products with this ingredient (4966)
- Gardenia with Shea Butter Hand Cream · Florinda
- Spray Activateur Boucles N°3 Extrait de Mangue & Acide Aminé · Lovéa
- Your Hand Sapone Liquido Energizzante Frutti Rossi & Aloe Vera · Near
- Cytrusowy poncz · 4 szpaki
- Repair Soothing Gel · Mad Rabbit
- Be You Jelly Cleanser · dm Balea
- Classico Sapone Profumato · Felce Azzurra
- Face Peeling Exfoliating 3 in 1 · Cien
- Hair Care Damaged Hair Shampoo with Keratin · Amalfi
- Guarana & Coffee Energising Cleanser for Men · The Body Shop
- British Rose Body Yogurt · The Body Shop
- Edelweiss Serum Concentrate Sheet Mask · The Body Shop