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The ingredient, explained

Sorbic Acid

A published expert safety assessment covers the exact ingredient in the specified exposure context.

Preservative
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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Hexa-2‚4-dienoic acid

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

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

Panel judged sorbic acid and potassium sorbate safe in cosmetic uses and concentrations assessed; tested low-concentration formulations generally showed limited irritation.

What this does not tell us

Dated two-ingredient safety review; sensitization at high test concentrations was reported. No claim of universal tolerance or skin benefit efficacy.

Sources for this summary. DOI 10.3109/10915818809078711 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of local candidates, exact-name indexed primary journal/PubMed safety and topical searches; not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.

Read the 1 selected study

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Products containing this ingredient

All 141 products ↗

From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.

Names and identifiers

Registry identity

Hexa-2‚4-dienoic acid

INCI name on ingredient lists
SORBIC ACID
CAS registry number
110-44-1
EC number
203-768-7
Other recorded names (1)
  • acidum sorbicum

Sources for this ingredient record