Potassium Sorbate
INCI: POTASSIUM SORBATE
Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Potassium Sorbate. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | 1000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 5000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | dog | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 460 mg/kg bw/day | oral | mouse | Developmental | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 340 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Developmental | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 7500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | mouse | Carcinogenicity | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 2500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Carcinogenicity | COSMOS_DB |
| dose_tested | 1000 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Short Term Toxicity | COSMOS_DB |
| dose_tested | 500 mg/kg bw/day | oral | dog | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
| dose_tested | 460 mg/kg bw/day | oral | mouse | Developmental | COSMOS_DB |
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Potassium Sorbate based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Source: ESSCA; IVDK; NACDG
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Potassium Sorbate, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Source: CIR
Expert Verdict
Excellent safe preservative for sensitive-skin applications when formulated at pH <5.5. Potassium sorbate delivers very low sensitization rates — substantially lower than phenoxyethanol (0.3–1%) and vastly lower than MI (6–12%) — confirming suitability for leave-on sensitive and baby formulations. Antimicrobial spectrum is narrower than broad-spectrum systems (limited against yeasts and molds; moderate vs bacteria), making it best suited for combination use with sodium benzoate in pH-optimized formulations (pH <5.5). Formulating at pH 5.5 (acid mantle preservation for syndet cleansers and leave-on moisturizers) aligns perfectly with optimal pH for organic acid preservative activity. EU Annex V listed at ≤0.6% as sorbic acid equivalent. Not restricted in US. Supports clean-label positioning.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Potassium Sorbate safe in cosmetics?
Excellent safe preservative for sensitive-skin applications when formulated at pH <5.5. Potassium sorbate delivers very low sensitization rates — substantially lower than phenoxyethanol (0.3–1%) and vastly lower than MI (6–12%) — confirming suitability for leave-on sensitive and baby formulations. Antimicrobial spectrum is narrower than broad-spectrum systems (limited against yeasts and molds; moderate vs bacteria), making it best suited for combination use with sodium benzoate in pH-optimized formulations (pH <5.5). Formulating at pH 5.5 (acid mantle preservation for syndet cleansers and leave-on moisturizers) aligns perfectly with optimal pH for organic acid preservative activity. EU Annex V listed at ≤0.6% as sorbic acid equivalent. Not restricted in US. Supports clean-label positioning. The EU classifies Potassium Sorbate as "restricted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Is Potassium Sorbate allowed in the EU?
Potassium Sorbate EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 0.6% as sorbic acid equivalent. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Potassium Sorbate do in cosmetics?
Potassium Sorbate functions as: preservative. It is classified as a Preservative in our database. CAS number: 590-00-1.
What is the Margin of Safety for Potassium Sorbate?
not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
What is the NOAEL for Potassium Sorbate?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Potassium Sorbate is 1000 mg/kg bw/day based on a Short Term Toxicity study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.
Compliance Tools
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Related Ingredients
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