POTASSIUM SORBATE

Other Names: 2,4-hexadienoic acid, potassium salt, 2,4 hexadienoic acid, potassium salt 2,4-hexadienoic acid.

What it is: It is a preservative that helps increase the shelf life of cosmetics. It is also used in the food industry.

Mode of usage pertaining to the discussion below: Topical application in cosmetics and personal care products.

Safety Profile (Based on regional guidelines):

Safety in special situations:

Safe to use, as per current practice

Not listed as an ingredient to be avoided by nursing mothers based on currently available data

Not listed as an ingredient to be avoided in baby products based on currently available data

Not listed as an ingredient to be avoided by children based on currently available data

Though some concerns have been noted with oral use of potassium sorbate as a preservative in the food industry, topical use of potassium sorbate at current levels of usage has not been noted to have any negative impact

Note:

• It would be better to avoid application on nipples to prevent oral exposure in babies, as direct oral exposure through a nursing mother may not be safe.
• Some studies show that the oral use of this ingredient may be related to mutagenicity. However no such data for topical use exists. Research on mutagenicity has also not been conclusive, as this agent has been shown to be non-mutagenic when used at low levels, even orally.

Environmental and Ecological Concerns:

Note:

• You may need to check the exact product label to know if a naturally derived ingredient was used.

Attributes:

Note:

• Potassium sorbate is not listed as an ingredient to be comedogenic based on currently available data
• Potassium sorbate is not listed as an ingredient to be avoided by persons with acne prone skin based on currently available data.
• Those with very sensitive skin are recommended to do a patch test, but the skin and scalp irritation is based on the overall formulation, and it may vary between different products.

Conclusion
Potassium Sorbate is safe as per the current practice of use.

References

1. https://european-union.europa.eu
2. EFSA FEEDAP Panel. EFSA Journal.
3. Mamur S, et al., Toxicol In Vitro.

Disclaimer: The above information is based on ongoing toxicology research at CHOSEN®’s R&D. We will do our best to update the information as and when the latest studies are available. If you have any inputs regarding the above information, please email us at ingredients@chosenstore.in