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Answer: Potassium Sorbate (Cosmetic) is restricted (not fully banned) in EU. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Acure Brightening Facial Scrub, Burts Bees Body Lotion, Desert Essence Facial Cleanser.
TL;DR: Potassium Sorbate (Cosmetic) is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (preservatives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name POTASSIUM SORBATE. Also called Potassium Sorbate. CAS 590-00-1.
Other names: Sorbic Acid Potassium Salt, E202 (food grade)
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Acure Brightening Facial Scrub, Burts Bees Body Lotion, Desert Essence Facial Cleanser |
| CAS number | 590-00-1 |
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a naturally occurring compound found in rowan berries. It is an antifungal and antiyeast preservative used in cosmetics, food, and personal care products.
Primarily used to prevent mold and yeast growth in cosmetic formulations. It is most effective in slightly acidic conditions and is commonly used alongside sodium benzoate for broader-spectrum preservation.
Potassium sorbate is one of the least allergenic preservatives used in cosmetics. The CIR and EU SCCS have confirmed its safety at permitted concentrations (≤0.6% in EU cosmetics, as sorbic acid equivalent). It is non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic, and not an endocrine disruptor. Mild skin sensitization is possible but uncommon. It is widely accepted in natural and organic cosmetics certifications.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Potassium Sorbate (Cosmetic)with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Sodium dehydroacetate for antifungal function; combination systems with sodium benzoate.
Sorbic acid occurs naturally in rowan berries, but commercial potassium sorbate is synthetically produced. It is accepted by most natural cosmetic certifiers (COSMOS, ECOCERT, NATRUE) as a permitted preservative.
Yes. It is a completely separate class of preservative with no structural relationship to parabens.
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