Sorbic Acid

0-6 month old newbornsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for 0-6 month old newborns to use Sorbic Acid?

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NOT RECOMMENDED
Danger Score: 6 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Sorbic Acid not recommended for 0-6 month old babies when used in topical products. Always consult your pediatrician for newborns.

ℹ️General Overview

For newborns and babies up to 6 months, sorbic acid is a preservative that is mostly considered low risk for things like cancer, but it can irritate skin or cause allergic reactions. Because babies’ skin is very sensitive and there’s limited safety data for this age, extra caution is advised.

What to Do

If possible, choose products made for newborns that do not list sorbic acid. If you must use a product that contains it, use it only on small areas, avoid the face and diaper area, watch skin closely, and stop use right away if you see redness, rash, swelling, or any change in breathing. Talk to your pediatrician before using a new topical product on a baby under 6 months.

⚠️Warnings

Do not use on broken or inflamed skin. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction (redness, itching, rash, swelling) and stop use immediately if they appear. These warnings come from industry safety reviews that identify sorbic acid as a human skin allergen and from government/industry notes about limits on safe concentrations and data gaps (for example, Cosmetic Ingredient Review and food safety authorities). Some product-certification programs also restrict use of ingredients like this unless manufacturers provide safety evidence.

Confidence: MEDIUM

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: A safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) found strong evidence that sorbic acid can cause allergic and immune reactions in skin. Because it can trigger contact allergy, it is a real immune-system concern when put on skin, especially for children with sensitive skin.
Irritant: The CIR identifies sorbic acid as a human skin toxicant/allergen. That means it can cause skin redness, itching, or rashes when applied, so it can irritate sensitive baby skin.
Eczema: Because sorbic acid can cause skin allergic reactions, it can trigger or worsen eczema and similar flare-ups in children with atopic or sensitive skin, per the CIR safety findings and its recommended use limits.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Sorbic Acid

This ingredient may also be listed as:

sorbic acid nfsorbic acid2,4-SASORBIC ACID, POTASSIUM SALT (VAN)STR09707HY-N0626FEMA 3921TOX21_201719HMS3039E13TOX21_300182TOX21_111164SORBIC ACID, PHARMACEUTICAL SECONDARY STANDARD; CERTIFIED REFERENCE MATERIAL

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Products Containing Sorbic Acid

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Sorbic Acid or its alternative names.

Research Articles on Sorbic Acid

Scientific research related to this ingredient:

These research articles provide scientific evidence about Sorbic Acid safety and effects.

Common Questions About Sorbic Acid

Is this ingredient safe for newborns to use Sorbic Acid?

Sorbic Acid is not recommended for 0-6 month old babies due to potential safety risks.

What are the immune system risks of Sorbic Acid for newborns?

Could weaken or confuse immune system. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the irritant risks of Sorbic Acid for newborns?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the eczema risks of Sorbic Acid for newborns?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Sorbic Acid?

Sorbic Acid is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

When can infants start using products with Sorbic Acid?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 0-6 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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