7.0
ISS Score
C — Moderate caution — review exposure context
↑ Higher = Safer
Environmental
(ESS)
(ESS)
—
Confidence
(CSS)
(CSS)
—
Preservative · Antimicrobial agent
Potassium Sorbate
Molecular Formula
C6H7KO2
Category
Preservative
Bottom Line: Potassium Sorbate is generally considered safe for use in food and cosmetics, though individual reactions may vary.
Quick Answer
✔ Generally Safe If:
- Used within recommended concentrations
- Formulated in stable products
- Applied to intact skin
⚠ Use with Awareness If:
- You have sensitive skin
- You are using multiple preservatives
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
✕ Avoid If:
- You have a known allergy to sorbates
- You experience irritation upon use
- You are using on broken skin
Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C6H7KO2 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
Common Use Cases
1 Categories
Safety by Route of Exposure
dermal
dermal
Risk Level: Low
Dermal exposure to Potassium Sorbate is generally considered low risk, though some individuals may experience irritation.
oral
oral
Risk Level: Low
Oral consumption of Potassium Sorbate is typically considered safe in food products, but excessive intake should be avoided.
inhalation
inhalation
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Inhalation data for Potassium Sorbate is limited, and specific risks are not well documented.
ocular
ocular
Risk Level: Insufficient Data
Ocular exposure data is insufficient, and caution is advised to avoid contact with eyes.
Who Should Use or Avoid
⚠ Higher Risk Groups
- Pregnant Individuals — Limited data on safety during pregnancy.
- Infants and Children — Safety data for young children is limited.
✔ Well-Tolerated Groups
- General Adult Population — Generally well tolerated with minimal adverse effects.
Population-Specific Safety Data
| Population | Risk Level | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| General Adult Population | Low | Generally well tolerated in adults, though individual sensitivities may vary. |
| Pregnant Individuals | Insufficient Data | Limited data on the safety of Potassium Sorbate during pregnancy. |
| Infants and Children | Insufficient Data | Safety data for young children is limited, and caution is advised. |
Toxicology Data
0 Endpoints
Potassium Sorbate is widely used and generally recognized as safe, though individual responses may vary.
| Endpoint | Value | Test Method | Interpretation | Source |
|---|
Data Quality: All toxicology values are sourced from verified regulatory assessments (CIR, SCCS, ECHA REACH) following OECD test guidelines. Values are used to calculate the Ingredient Safety Score (ISS).
Scientific Evidence
Key Assessments
Potassium Sorbate is widely used and generally recognized as safe, though individual responses may vary.
- Commonly used as a preservative
- Effective against mold and yeast
- Regulatory bodies generally recognize its safety
Switch to Detailed mode to view full scientific assessments and citation database.
Pending formal assessment
Report: No formal safety assessment identified
Year: 2026
Conclusion: This ingredient has not been formally assessed by major regulatory or scientific bodies based on available records.
Regulatory Status
Global
Regulatory restrictions apply in some jurisdictions. Max 0.6% (as acid) Switch to Detailed mode for full regulatory breakdown.
European Union
European CommissionPERMITTED AS PRESERVATIVE - ANNEX V ENTRY 4
Max 0.6% (as acid)
United States
FDAGRAS FOR FOOD; PERMITTED IN COSMETICS
Frequently Asked Questions
Potassium Sorbate is primarily used as a preservative in food and cosmetic products to help prevent spoilage.
Generally, Potassium Sorbate is considered safe for use in food and cosmetics, though individual sensitivities may occur.
If you have sensitive skin, it's advisable to patch test products containing Potassium Sorbate to check for any potential adverse reactions.
Version History
Audit Trail
| Version | Date | ISS Score | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-10-01 | — |
⚠ Important Notice: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, professional, or regulatory advice. HumanSafe™ evaluates ingredient safety across cosmetics, food, and supplements. Scores are exposure-route and context-specific. Always consult product-specific information and, if needed, a healthcare professional for medical concerns.