The ingredient, explained
Potassium Sorbate
A published expert assessment examines cosmetic-use safety.
Ingredient guide
What it is and what it does
Potassium sorbate is a preservative used to help inhibit microbial growth within the cosmetic formula.
About this ingredient: CosIng identity and functions via Open Beauty Facts ↗ · European Commission ingredient function definitions ↗
- Preservative
- Helps inhibit microbial growth in the cosmetic product.
Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗
Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.
A closer look
What the research shows
Safety assessment
The historical assessment supported the cosmetic uses and concentrations described, drawing on toxicology and formulation patch tests.
What this does not tell us
The tested concentrations and formulations matter. A group safety conclusion does not guarantee that an individual will not react.
Sources for this summary. DOI 10.3109/10915818809078711 ↗
Research review checked Oct 1, 2026
Bounded review of 0 local candidate records, selected relevant abstracts, and targeted exact-name primary-source searches. Not a systematic review.
Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.
Read the 1 selected study
Safety assessment
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate ↗
· 1988
Follow the formula
Products containing this ingredient
From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.
Names and identifiers
Registry identity
Potassium -E,E--hexa-2‚4-dienoate
- INCI name on ingredient lists
- POTASSIUM SORBATE
- CAS registry number
- 24634-61-5, 590-00-1
- EC number
- 246-376-1 / -
Other recorded names (1)
- kalii sorbas
Sources for this ingredient record
- EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗ · ODbL 1.0 (Open Beauty Facts database) · Recorded Aug 8, 2026
- European Commission ingredient function definitions ↗ · Recorded Sep 30, 2026