Sorbic Acid

1-2 year old toddlersSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this toddler-safe to use Sorbic Acid?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Sorbic Acid is generally considered safe for 1-2 year old toddlers when used in topical products. Watch for toddler-specific sensitivities.

ℹ️General Overview

For toddlers (1-2 years), sorbic acid is usually low risk and is used to stop products from growing bacteria. But some children can get a skin allergy or irritation from it, so it should be used carefully.

What to Do

Choose products made for toddlers or labeled gentle for young children. Before using on a large area, test the product on a small patch of skin (inside of the elbow or inner thigh) and wait 24–48 hours. Do not use on broken, red, or very dry skin. If your child has eczema or a history of skin allergies, check with your pediatrician before use. If you see any redness, swelling, rash, blisters, or your child seems uncomfortable, stop use and contact your child’s healthcare provider.

⚠️Warnings

There is strong evidence that sorbic acid can cause skin allergy in some people (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Some safety reviews note limits on concentration and how it is used in products (source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review). Other assessments say it does not build up in the body and is not expected to cause organ or developmental harm (source: Environment Canada). Some verification programs restrict its use in products unless manufacturers provide supporting safety data — if a product claims special verification, check the label or company information (source: product verification guidelines).

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 toddler-safe to use Sorbic Acid?

Yes, Sorbic Acid is generally considered safe for 1-2 year old toddlers based on current research.

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

Could weaken or confuse immune system. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the irritant risks of Sorbic Acid for toddlers?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

What are the eczema risks of Sorbic Acid for toddlers?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions. Young children may be more sensitive to these effects.

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 toddlers using products with Sorbic Acid?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 1-2 year old toddlers. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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