Ingredient glossary
Potassium Sorbate
On your shelf ✓What Potassium Sorbate does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Potassium Sorbate
In short: Potassium Sorbate delivers preservation, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is strong. One thing to know: needs the right pH to work.
- What it does
- Preservation
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- Needs the right pH to work
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
Quiet, essential, and nothing to fear.
Potassium Sorbate keeps a product safe to use from the first pump to the last, at tiny amounts. Not something you pay a premium for.
— Maya
What it does
- preservation
strong evidenceData show potassium sorbate is effective and well tolerated as part of eco-preservative blends in rinse-off and leave-on products at skin-friendly pH.
On a label: usually effective at 0.2-1%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- all
Approach with care
- very sensitive individuals
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
- pH-dependentIts effect depends on the product's pH
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- sodium benzoate
- organic acids
Potassium Sorbate, answered
Is Potassium Sorbate safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Potassium Sorbate is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Potassium Sorbate?
Approach Potassium Sorbate with care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive.
What concentration of Potassium Sorbate actually works?
Potassium Sorbate tends to do its job in the 0.2 to 1% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
Can you mix Potassium Sorbate with
This, for every label you own
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