Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate
- Role
- Helps protect a water-based formula from mold and yeast.
- Catalog formulas
- 9
- Type
- Stability
- Verified
- 06.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
This potassium salt of sorbic acid works as a preservative. It is most effective in a mildly acidic environment.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
It appears in water-based roll-ons, often together with other preservatives. On its own it has no effect on sweat or odor.
In the EU, sorbic acid and its salts are permitted as preservatives in Annex V of Regulation 1223/2009 at up to 0.6% calculated as the acid. The CIR found sorbic acid and potassium sorbate safe in the present practices of use and concentration.
In the studies summarized by the CIR, sensitization in repeat-insult patch tests was rare. An individual reaction is still possible.
It is not the same as Sorbitol: sorbitol is a humectant polyol, while potassium sorbate is a preservative.
Products containing Potassium Sorbate
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V: sorbic acid and its salts Supports: function, permitted concentration
- CIR: Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sorbic Acid and Potassium Sorbate (1988) Supports: safety assessment, irritation and sensitisation