Potassium Sorbate

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Potassium Sorbate?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Potassium Sorbate is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For infants aged 6–12 months, potassium sorbate is a common preservative and is usually safe in small amounts, but it can sometimes cause skin irritation or an allergic skin reaction.

What to Do

Use baby-formulated products that list ingredients clearly. Before using a new product on your baby (infant), do a small patch test on a little area of the inner forearm or thigh and wait 24–48 hours. Avoid putting products that contain potassium sorbate on broken, red, or irritated skin. If your baby has eczema or a history of skin sensitivity, consider choosing products labeled without this preservative. If you see persistent redness, bumps, swelling, blistering, or if your baby seems uncomfortable, stop use and contact your pediatrician.

⚠️Warnings

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has strong evidence that potassium sorbate can cause skin allergy or irritation in some people — so watch for rashes or worsening skin. Some product-verifying programs restrict or avoid this ingredient unless manufacturers provide extra safety information. Other official reviews note low concern for cancer or developmental harm and that it does not build up in the body (Environment Canada, FDA references).

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Immune system: A cosmetic safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) found strong evidence that potassium sorbate can cause allergic reactions in human skin. That means some children could have immune system responses (contact allergy) if their skin touches products with this ingredient.
Irritant: A safety assessment by a cosmetic review panel lists potassium sorbate as a human skin toxicant or allergen. This supports a real risk of skin redness, itching, or rashes when used on sensitive or damaged skin.
Eczema: Because this ingredient is shown to be a skin allergen, it can trigger or make eczema and similar skin conditions worse in people who are sensitive.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Potassium Sorbate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

potassium sorbateD02411J-5240289207-EP2316834A12,4-HEXADIENOIC ACID, POTASSIUM SALT, (E,E)- (9CI)9207-EP2314589A1Q4107449207-EP2316835A19207-EP2316829A1J-015607A817411

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

Products Containing Potassium Sorbate

This ingredient is found in the following products:

This list shows products that contain Potassium Sorbate or its alternative names.

Common Questions About Potassium Sorbate

Can older babies safely use Potassium Sorbate?

Yes, Potassium Sorbate is generally considered safe for 6-12 month old babies based on current research.

What are the immune system risks of Potassium Sorbate for older babies?

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 Potassium Sorbate for older babies?

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 Potassium Sorbate for older babies?

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 Potassium Sorbate?

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

Is this appropriate for older babies to using products with Potassium Sorbate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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