A preservative active mainly against moulds and yeasts.
What it is
Sorbic acid is an organic acid allowed as a preservative in the EU (Annex V) with a maximum concentration. It works best at low pH and is often used together with its salt potassium sorbate.
Where it is used
Found in creams, toners, cleansers and natural-positioned cosmetics.
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.
The label does not show the concentration used.
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 (593)
- Edelweiss Serum Concentrate Sheet Mask · The Body Shop
- Edelweiss Daily Serum Concentrate · The Body Shop
- Oils Of Life™ Sleeping Cream · The Body Shop
- Edelweiss Prep Essence · The Body Shop
- Revolution Superfix Grip Primer · Revolution
- Revolution Pro Miracle Night Rescue Serum Advanced Complex · Revolution
- I Heart Revolution Very Cherry Gripping Primer · Revolution
- Colourless Extra Hair Colour Remover · Revolution
- Revolution Skincare Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide Serum · Revolution
- Revolution Skin Clearly Me 2% Salicylic Acid Clarifying Cleansing Gel · Revolution
- Revolution Skin Jelly Gleam Natural Fruit AHAs Brightening Jelly Cleanser · Revolution
- Revolution Pro Miracle Serum · Revolution

