Potassium Sorbate
What is Potassium Sorbate?
Potassium sorbate (K-sorbate) is a potassium salt of sorbic acid, which is considered as an effective preservative in cosmetic and personal care products. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms, mould, bacteria and yeast and is considered safe for most people when used in appropriate concentrations. Potassium sorbate can be found in skincare, makeup, haircare and in food and beverages.
CAS No.: 24634-61-5
Synonyms: Sorbic acid potassium salt, potassium 2,4-hexadioate, potassium (E,E)-hexa 2,4- dieonate, potassium (E,E)-sorbate, potassium salt of (E,E)-sorbic acid
Properties of Potassium Sorbate
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H7O2K |
| IUPAC name | Potassium 2,4-hexadienoate |
| Molecular weight | 150.22 g/mol |
| Solubility | Freely Soluble in water, Soluble in ethanol |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Density | 1.363 g/cm3 |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White |
| State | White powder or granules |
| Melting point | >270 °C (decomposes) |
| LogP | -1.72 at 20℃ |
Uses of Potassium Sorbate
- Haircare products – It increase the shelf life and stability of products like conditioners and shampoos
- Skincare and cosmetics – Potassium sorbate is compatible with many cosmetic formulations, and certain manufacturers use it as a replacement for parabens. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms and increases the shelf life of lotions, serums and moisturisers.
- Food and beverages – It prevents spoilage and contamination of fungal growth in dairy products, baked goods, and dried and processed foods. It also acts as a preservative in beverages like juices, soft drinks, etc, and dried and processed foods.
Side Effects of Potassium Sorbate
Potassium Sorbate is generally considered safe, but some people may experience side effects such as:
- Allergic reactions: Hives, swelling of the mouth, throat, rashes and itching.
- Skin irritation
- Eczema and Asthma
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Irritable bowel
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
| Pictograms : |
|
| Hazard Statements : | H319 Causes serious eye irritation |
| Precautionary statements : | P280 Wear protective gloves/eye protection P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact |
What is Potassium Sorbate?
Potassium sorbate (K-sorbate) is a potassium salt of sorbic acid, which is considered as an effective preservative in cosmetic and personal care products. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms, mould, bacteria and yeast and is considered safe for most people when used in appropriate concentrations. Potassium sorbate can be found in skincare, makeup, haircare and in food and beverages.
CAS No.: 24634-61-5
Synonyms: Sorbic acid potassium salt, potassium 2,4-hexadioate, potassium (E,E)-hexa 2,4- dieonate, potassium (E,E)-sorbate, potassium salt of (E,E)-sorbic acid
Properties of Potassium Sorbate
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C6H7O2K |
| IUPAC name | Potassium 2,4-hexadienoate |
| Molecular weight | 150.22 g/mol |
| Solubility | Freely Soluble in water, Soluble in ethanol |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Density | 1.363 g/cm3 |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | White |
| State | White powder or granules |
| Melting point | >270 °C (decomposes) |
| LogP | -1.72 at 20℃ |
Uses of Potassium Sorbate
- Haircare products – It increase the shelf life and stability of products like conditioners and shampoos
- Skincare and cosmetics – Potassium sorbate is compatible with many cosmetic formulations, and certain manufacturers use it as a replacement for parabens. It inhibits the growth of microorganisms and increases the shelf life of lotions, serums and moisturisers.
- Food and beverages – It prevents spoilage and contamination of fungal growth in dairy products, baked goods, and dried and processed foods. It also acts as a preservative in beverages like juices, soft drinks, etc, and dried and processed foods.
Side Effects of Potassium Sorbate
Potassium Sorbate is generally considered safe, but some people may experience side effects such as:
- Allergic reactions: Hives, swelling of the mouth, throat, rashes and itching.
- Skin irritation
- Eczema and Asthma
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Irritable bowel
- Headaches
- Stomach pain
| Pictograms : |
|
| Hazard Statements : | H319 Causes serious eye irritation |
| Precautionary statements : | P280 Wear protective gloves/eye protection P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact |
FAQ's
Potassium sorbate is generally considered as safe, as it harmlessly metabolizes into water and carbon dioxide. However, it may cause skin irritation in some individuals with sensitive skin.
Potassium sorbate works by binding to the sulfhydryl groups of microbial enzymes, disrupting their enzyme systems and inhibiting essential metabolic processe.
Potassium Sorbate is made by neutralizing sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide. It also naturally found in Rowan berries (Sorbus aucuparia).
Potassium sorbate is considered vegan as it synthesised from sorbic acid and potassium hydroxide reaction ands it does not involve any animal products or testing.
