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Potassium Sorbate

Well toleratedPreservativepreservative

No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.

Also written as: Sorbic Acid, Potassium Salt · E202

What it is

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a compound originally isolated from rowan berries. Like sodium benzoate it only works when enough free acid is present, so it needs a formula pH below about 6. It is the standard antifungal partner in the sodium benzoate / potassium sorbate pairing found in many natural-positioned masks.

What it does well

  • Effective against moulds and yeasts with a strong food-safety record

    It is one of the most widely used food preservatives in the world and has a well-characterised, benign toxicological profile at cosmetic use levels.

    Moderate evidence

Worth knowing

  • Can cause mild irritation or, rarely, contact urticaria

    Sorbic acid and its salts are recognised causes of transient non-allergic stinging or redness on sensitive skin, particularly around the mouth and eyes.

    Matters most toPeople with reactive skin or a tendency to flush.

Where the EU stands

Approved preservative (Annex V)

Permitted preservative, maximum 0.6% expressed as sorbic acid.

Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex V entry 4 · source ↗

Masks that contain Potassium Sorbate