The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Potassium Sorbate
aka sorbic acid potassium salt · potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate
A widely used cosmetic preservative with established safety record, accepted across natural, organic, and clean-beauty frameworks. Typically combined with sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, or benzyl alcohol for broad-spectrum coverage.
- Effective against mould, yeast, and some bacteria
- COSMOS-certified in natural and organic formulations
- Food-grade safety record
- Low sensitisation potential
- Broad use concentration range
- Natural certified face creams
- Body oils
- Eyeshadow sticks
- Mascara formulas
- K-beauty serums
Most effective at pH <6. Above pH 6, efficacy decreases markedly. Must be combined with antibacterial agent for full-spectrum coverage. Incompatible with some protein-based actives at high concentrations.
At pH >6 has significantly reduced efficacy — frequent source of under-preservation when formulations are not pH-tested. Some dermatitis case reports in individuals with sorbate sensitivity.
Universally accepted in clean beauty, including strict natural and COSMOS-certified formulations. EWG rating 1. One of the most trusted clean-beauty preservatives.
The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.
Potassium Sorbate
aka sorbic acid potassium salt · potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate
A widely used cosmetic preservative with established safety record, accepted across natural, organic, and clean-beauty frameworks. Typically combined with sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, or benzyl alcohol for broad-spectrum coverage.
- Effective against mould, yeast, and some bacteria
- COSMOS-certified in natural and organic formulations
- Food-grade safety record
- Low sensitisation potential
- Broad use concentration range
- Natural certified face creams
- Body oils
- Eyeshadow sticks
- Mascara formulas
- K-beauty serums
Most effective at pH <6. Above pH 6, efficacy decreases markedly. Must be combined with antibacterial agent for full-spectrum coverage. Incompatible with some protein-based actives at high concentrations.
At pH >6 has significantly reduced efficacy — frequent source of under-preservation when formulations are not pH-tested. Some dermatitis case reports in individuals with sorbate sensitivity.
Universally accepted in clean beauty, including strict natural and COSMOS-certified formulations. EWG rating 1. One of the most trusted clean-beauty preservatives.