What It Is
Potassium sorbate (CAS 24634-61-5) is the potassium salt of sorbic acid and a mild
preservative. It is a white to off-white powder that dissolves readily in water. It is used
mainly to slow the growth of molds, yeasts, and some bacteria, and works best in mildly
acidic products.
Common Uses
Potassium sorbate is widely used in foods such as cheese, wine, baked goods, dried fruit,
and beverages, and in some personal care and cosmetic formulas. It is valued for controlling
molds and yeasts at low use levels. It is frequently paired with a second preservative to
broaden coverage.
How It Works
Like sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate is more effective at lower pH, where more of the
active sorbic acid form is present. Sorbic acid interferes with the enzymes and membrane
function that microorganisms need to grow, which slows or stops mold and yeast development.
Its practical working range generally extends up to around pH 6, higher than benzoate but
still acid-dependent. Because it is relatively mild and flavor-neutral, it is often selected
for delicate foods. It is commonly combined with a second preservative to cover the bacteria
it controls less strongly.
Safety and Regulation
The U.S. FDA lists potassium sorbate as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use as a
food preservative. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has re-evaluated sorbic acid
and its salts and set an acceptable daily intake. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has
also assessed sorbic acid and potassium sorbate for use in cosmetics. Permitted uses and
levels are defined in the relevant food and cosmetic regulations rather than being
open-ended.
Why Natural Flower Power Does Not Use It
We do not use potassium sorbate in our formulas. Like other acid-dependent preservatives,
its activity narrows as pH rises, so it is a less versatile match for our products than
benzisothiazolinone (BIT), which we have used across our in-house production since 2012.
Standardizing on one system keeps our formulation and testing straightforward.
Related Ingredients
Potassium sorbate is usually discussed next to sodium benzoate, another acid-dependent preservative, and contrasted with phenoxyethanol and NFP's preservative, benzisothiazolinone. See the preservative systems guide for how these fit together.
Sources
- U.S. FDA. "GRAS Substances (SCOGS) Database — Sorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate." Accessed 2026.
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). "Re-evaluation of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate as food additives." Accessed 2026.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). "Sorbic Acid and Its Salts." Accessed 2026.
- PubChem, National Library of Medicine (NIH). "Potassium Sorbate" record (CAS 24634-61-5). Accessed 2026.
