Potassium Sorbate

Description

Potassium Sorbate – Food Grade Preservative

Description

Potassium sorbate is a highly effective, food-grade preservative used to inhibit the growth of molds, yeasts, and some bacteria in a wide range of food and beverage products. It is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a naturally derived compound, and is odorless, tasteless, and colorless when dissolved.

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a naturally occurring compound originally derived from the berries of the rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia). It is synthetically produced for commercial use , and is a nature-identical compound chemically equivalent to the molecule found in nature . It is widely used as a mild preservative in food, cosmetics, and personal care products to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria.

Key Features
•  Food-grade and safe
•  Water-soluble
•  Does not affect flavor or appearance
•  Prevents spoilage and extends shelf life
•  Widely approved by global food safety authorities

Chemical Details
• E Number: E202
• CAS Number: 24634-61-5
• Appearance: White crystalline powder or granules
• Solubility: Soluble in water
• pH range for effectiveness: Best below pH 6.5

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Benefits in Food Applications
• Extends product shelf life
• Reduces food waste
• Controls mold and yeast growth
• Supports clean-label preservation
• Safe and non-toxic when used within limits

Common Food Applications Includes:

Baked goods: Cakes, pastries, bread, fillings

Beverages: Juices, soft drinks, wines, syrups

Dairy: Cheese, yogurt, sour cream

Processed fruits: Dried fruits, jams, jellies, preserves
Sauces & condiments: Pickles, ketchup, salad dressings

Snacks: Nuts, chips, dried meats.

Pharmaceuticals:
• Liquid medications
• Oral care products (mouthwash, toothpaste)

Regulatory & Safety Information:
• GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FDA (21 CFR 182.3640)
• Approved by EFSA (E202) and WHO/FAO JECFA
• No known toxicity when used appropriately
• Does not accumulate in the body

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IN COSMETICS, used to prevent mold and microbial contamination in both oil-in-water emulsions and water-based formulations.

Potassium sorbate is the inactive salt of sorbic acid. It readily dissolves in water where it converts to sorbic acid, its active form, at a low pH. Sorbic acid is very pH dependent. While it shows some activity up to pH 6 (about 6%), it is most active at pH 4.4 (70%). At pH 5.0 it is 37% active.

As sorbic acid, it is considered to be active against mold, fair against yeast and poor against most bacteria. Sorbic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid and as such is subject to oxidation (use of an antioxidant like Mixed Tocopherols T50 is recommended). It is also sensitive to UV light and may turn yellow in solution. Gluconolactone is reported to stabilize potassium sorbate against discoloration and darkening in aqueous solutions and may be useful in stabilizing sorbic acid in the water phase of a product.

Sorbic acid can cause contact dermatitis at concentrations above or below 0.5%. Studies show that if it is used at a concentration of no more than 0.2% it is unlikely to constitute a safety hazard.

Potassium sorbate is not a broad spectrum preservative for cosmetic use and should be combined with other preservatives. If potassium sorbate is used as a preservative, the pH of the finished product may need to be reduced for potassium sorbate to be effective. This is because potassium sorbate is the inactive salt form of sorbic acid. To be useful, the pH of the formulation must be low enough to release the free acid for useful activity.

Benefits of Potassium Sorbate in COSMETICS:
1.  Prevents spoilage – Extends shelf life by preventing microbial growth.
2.  Gentle preservative – Less harsh than parabens or formaldehyde-releasing agents.
3.  Non-toxic at low levels – Recognized as safe by FDA, EFSA, and other global regulatory bodies.
4.  Water-soluble – Easy to incorporate into water-based formulations.
5.  Effective in acidic conditions – Works best in low-pH environments (below pH 6).

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Uses of Potassium Sorbate

Cosmetic & Personal Care Products:
• Lotions & creams
• Shampoos & conditioners
• Facial toners
• Serums
• Makeup
• Deodorants

CAS No. 24634-61-5

INCI: Potassium sorbate

Usage Rate: 0.1-0.3%

pH range: 2-6 (It is mostly effective at pH at below 4,5)

Solubility: Water soluble

Mixing method: Add to the water phase of formulations at a temperature below 60°C, If adding to the cool down phase of an emulsion, Dissolving potassium sorbate in a portion of the water phase will make it easier to incorporate in cool down phase.

Limitations
• Less effective in alkaline (high pH) formulations
• May need to be combined with other preservatives like sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, or ethylhexylglycerin for broader protection
• Not effective against all bacteria (especially in very basic formulas).

Packaging: Our powders are packed in water proof ziplock pouches to avoid spillage

Recommended Storage: Our powders should be stored in cool temperatures away from direct sunlight and moisture in an airtight container.

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