Sorbic Acid

5+ year old childrenSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this kid-friendly to use Sorbic Acid?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Sorbic Acid is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children when used in topical products. Kids may have different tolerance levels.

ℹ️General Overview

For children aged 5 and older (school-age kids, older children, teens) sorbic acid is generally considered low risk when used in normal skin products. The main issue is skin allergy or irritation — some kids with sensitive skin or eczema may react.

What to Do

If you plan to use a product that lists sorbic acid on the label: 1) Do a small patch test on your child’s inner forearm and wait 24–48 hours for redness, itching, or rash. 2) Avoid using it on broken, scraped, or very inflamed skin. 3) Prefer products made for children or from reputable brands that state safe concentrations. 4) If your child has a history of allergic skin reactions or eczema, test more cautiously or check with your pediatrician before regular use.

⚠️Warnings

Stop use and see a doctor if you notice persistent redness, swelling, itching, or blistering after use — Cosmetic Ingredient Review found evidence it can cause skin allergy. Some safety reviews and regulatory bodies recommend limits or special handling, and certain product verification programs restrict its use unless manufacturers provide safety data (sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review; U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Environment Canada).

Confidence: HIGH

Are you holding the product?

Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.

Scan the full label for free
Get instant analysis of all ingredients together

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 kid-friendly to use Sorbic Acid?

Yes, Sorbic Acid is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.

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

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

What are the irritant risks of Sorbic Acid for children?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

What are the eczema risks of Sorbic Acid for children?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions.

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 kids start using products with Sorbic Acid?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

📱

Want to scan another product?

Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels

Scan Another Product