Ingredient dictionary

Potassium Sorbate

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, a mild preservative that helps keep water-based products free from mold and yeast. It is on the label of 227 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Potassium Sorbate does

Stops mold and yeast from growing
Keeps water-based formulas fresh longer
Works best in slightly acidic formulas

Sorbic acid occurs naturally in some berries, and the version used in beauty products is made through chemical processes. Potassium sorbate is the salt form of that acid. Formulators like the salt because it dissolves easily in water, so it blends smoothly into water-based products.

In a finished product, it helps stop mold and yeast from growing, which keeps the formula stable over time, especially after the jar is opened. It works best when the formula is slightly acidic, so formulators adjust the recipe with that in mind. It has little scent or color, so it rarely changes how a product looks or feels.

Good for

It suits water-based products such as cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, moisturizers and mascara, where mold and yeast could otherwise grow.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is potassium sorbate safe for skin?

Potassium sorbate is widely used in cosmetics and is generally well tolerated. Reactions to it are uncommon. As with any ingredient, a person with a known sensitivity should check the label and patch test a new product first.

Is potassium sorbate natural?

Sorbic acid occurs naturally in some berries, but the form used in beauty products is made through chemical processes. Potassium sorbate is then made from it as a salt. It is not a plant extract, so it is best seen as a synthetic preservative.