Preservative Ingredient Potassium Sorbate for Global Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Formulations
Potassium Sorbate is a widely used preservative recognized for its efficiency, safety, and compatibility with natural and eco-conscious product development. Known under its INCI name Potassium Sorbate, this compound appears as a white crystalline powder or fine granules, nearly odorless, with excellent water solubility — up to 50 g per 100 ml at 20 °C. It remains stable and active in pH environments up to 6.0, making it especially suitable for mildly acidic cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. Though synthesized, Potassium Sorbate is approved for use in natural cosmetics, aligning with multiple global clean beauty standards.
Its main role is to inhibit the growth of mold, yeasts, and certain bacteria, thereby extending the shelf life of formulations without resorting to harsh or sensitizing agents.
Applications Across Industries
Potassium Sorbate serves a broad range of industries due to its gentle action and regulatory approval:
in cosmetic manufacturing, it is used in facial care, body products, natural baby care, and water-based serums
in the pharmaceutical field, it is included in topical solutions, mouthwashes, throat sprays, and preservative systems in dermal products
in food applications, it stabilizes juices, sauces, bakery items, and semi-dry goods
in personal hygiene and soap formulations, it supports microbial stability in gel-based and fluid textures
in household care products, it’s part of eco-certified cleaning sprays and fabric mists
Its ability to combine easily with various formulation ingredients and maintain system integrity makes it ideal for B2B production settings.
Usage in Formulations
Potassium Sorbate is typically added to the aqueous phase or post-emulsification, depending on the system type. It works well in:
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micellar waters
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lotions and emulsions
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facial and body serums
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cleansing foams and scrubs
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intimate care solutions
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natural bar and liquid soaps
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rinse-off masks and mild peels
It is compatible with surfactants, hydrosols, botanical extracts, peptidic actives, emulsifiers, and fruit acids, ensuring broad functional use without compromising on texture, pH balance, or preservation effectiveness.
Recipe Example
Clarifying serum for oily skin with Potassium Sorbate
Lavender hydrosol – 45 ml
Aloe vera gel – 10 ml
Salicylic acid – 0.5 g
Glycerin – 3 ml
Coco Glucoside (non-ionic surfactant) – 6 ml
Sage CO₂ extract – 0.2 g
Potassium Sorbate – 0.4 g
Lactic acid – 0.2 g (pH adjusted to 5.2)
Hypoallergenic fragrance – 0.3 g
Preservative (EcoDerm or compatible blend) – optional if required
Blend all ingredients under 40 °C. Homogenize thoroughly. Store in a sterile pump bottle. Shelf life: up to 6 months when kept in a cool, dry environment.
Conclusion
Potassium Sorbate is an essential multifunctional ingredient for brands prioritizing clean, effective, and globally compliant formulations.
Mylo Opt offers bulk supply of Potassium Sorbate with international delivery for cosmetic labs, food manufacturers, hygiene product developers, and R&D companies. Its proven stability, skin tolerance, and broad-spectrum utility make it a trusted ingredient across natural cosmetics and pharmaceutical production. Suitable for scalable batch processes, eco-label products, and innovative new launches.
And also go to the Blog from Мыло Опт, where we share useful information about creating the right natural cosmetics