Potassium Sorbate

adultsSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Potassium Sorbate?

YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 2 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Potassium Sorbate is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults: Potassium sorbate is a common preservative and is low risk for most people when used in normal cosmetic amounts. The main concern is that it can cause skin irritation or an allergic rash in some people.

What to Do

Before using a new product, test a small amount on the inside of your forearm and wait 24–48 hours. Do not use it on open cuts, sunburn, or irritated skin. If you get redness, itching, swelling, or a rash, stop using the product and rinse the area. If a reaction is strong or spreads, get medical help.

⚠️Warnings

A safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) reports strong evidence that this ingredient can cause skin allergies in some people — watch for redness, itching, hives, or swelling. Some product-certification programs restrict its use unless makers provide extra safety data. Regulatory reviews note it is low concern for cancer, reproduction, and environmental buildup (references: 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 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

Is this safe for adults to use Potassium Sorbate?

Yes, Potassium Sorbate is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the immune system risks of Potassium Sorbate for adults?

Could weaken or confuse immune system.

What are the irritant risks of Potassium Sorbate for adults?

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

What are the eczema risks of Potassium Sorbate for adults?

Linked to triggering or worsening eczema and similar skin conditions.

What products contain Potassium Sorbate?

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

When can adults using products with Potassium Sorbate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. 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