TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Is Potassium Sorbate?
Potassium Sorbate derives from sorbic acid produced by berry fruits of the Mountain Ash tree also known as Sorbus aucuparia. It should not be confused with ascorbic acid. Potassium sorbate is the salt of the potassium sorbate sorbic acid. The commercial version of potassium sorbate is synthetically fabricated yet contains the same chemical composition as the natural source. The method includes producing the acid through condensation of ketene and crotonaldehyde. It is stabilized with potassium hydroxide [1].
Potassium Sorbate is a mild food preservative that is also prominent in the fabrication of personal care products. In food, Potassium Sorbate is added to protect flavors. It acts as an alternative to paraben to prevent the increase of microorganisms such as mold, fungi, and yeast. It is not considered a broad spectrum preservative but can be very useful in dealing with lactic acid bacteria when used in conjunction with other more potent preservatives.
Potassium Sorbate appears as a white salt which is highly soluble in water at 20 °C, similar to sodium benzoate. As an inactive salt, potassium sorbate is tasteless and odorless. It sometimes appears to be a crystalline powder when dried, and it converts to sorbic acid when dissolved in water. Unlike other potent preservatives such as potassium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulphite, and sodium metabisulphite, potassium sorbate does not give off a sulfur-like odor [2].
Since it is pH dependent, its activity varies from one level of pH to another. Potassium sorbate is most active at pH 4.4 with 70% activity, 37% productive in pH. 5.0, and works with limited activity of 6% at pH 6. Most formulations include an acetic acid in their mixture to adjust the overall pH of products [3].
Potassium sorbate, like sorbic acid and calcium sorbate, is an unsaturated fatty acid which means it is sensitive to oxidation. When subjected to UV light, the acid solution can turn yellow. In mixing this ingredient for personal-care products, chemists stabilize potassium sorbate with gluconolactone to prevent it from further discoloration [4].
Origins Of Potassium Sorbate
The French first discovered Potassium Sorbate in the 1850s where it was extensively used to prolong the shelf-life of food and prevent fungi, yeast cells, and mold from taking over during fermentation. There are multiple accounts of scientific evidence that dates back fifty years chronicling its uses as a preservative. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration recognizes it as generally safe for use in food products, dietary supplements, and personal care products [5].
Is Potassium Sorbate Safe For Baby?
Is potassium sorbate safe for baby? The answer is, yes! Potassium sorbate is already used as a food-grade preservative. That means products that contain potassium sorbate solution in their formulations are safe for both adults and infants to use. Typically, they do not cause irritation, allergic reactions or any long-term effects with regards to overall health.
Some people have reported allergic reactions to potassium sorbate in food and soft drinks. However, these reactions are infrequent. In fact, the toxic levels of potassium sorbate on the skin are similar to that of table salt. The Environmental Working Group rates it as a low-risk skin irritant [6].
The Cosmetics Ingredient Review approves potassium sorbate, and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration considers it to be non-toxic [7]. It is also in the Handbook of Green Chemicals and approved by both the Natural Products Association and Whole Foods Premium Body Care [8].
Potassium sorbate is a mild and natural ingredient in baby products. It is considered a low hazard and has a non-toxic profile because it does not cause cancer and produces fewer results regarding endocrine disruption and neurotoxicity. Even at concentrations up to 10%, potassium sorbate appears to be non-irritating to the eyes and only slightly irritating to the skin [9].
How Is Potassium Sorbate Used In Baby Products?
Potassium sorbate is used in products because it fights bacteria. Unlike the preservative sodium nitrite, sorbic does not pose any health threats but instead creates a bacteria-free environment on the skin. It smells good and works efficiently in ensuring health and wellness for your baby.
Potassium sorbate may be found in the ingredient list of certain coconut waters as it decreases the risk of yeast cells in the fermentation process. For this reason, it is widely popular in skin care products. Potassium sorbate fights off molds and retains the smell, appearance and other qualities of a product. Potassium sorbate works well at room temperature and is readily soluble in water.
Potassium Sorbate References
[1] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Evaluation of the genotoxic potential of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate., Jung R1, Cojocel C, Müller W, Böttger D, Lück E, January 1992.
[2] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Evaluation of the genotoxic potential of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate, Jung R1, Cojocel C, Müller W, Böttger D, Lück E, January 1992.
[3] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; An attempt to optimize potassium sorbate use to preserve low pH (4.5-5.5) intermediate moisture bakery products by modelling Eurotium spp., Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium corylophilum growth, Guynot ME1, Marín S, Sanchis V, Ramos AJ, May 2005.
[4] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Evaluation of the genotoxic potential of sorbic acid and potassium sorbate., Jung R1, Cojocel C, Müller W, Böttger D, Lück E, January 1992.
[5] U.S. Food & Drug Administration; Potassium sorbate, April 01, 2018.
[6] EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database; Potassium Sorbate.
[7] U.S. Food & Drug Administration; Potassium sorbate, April 01, 2018.
[8] EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database; Potassium Sorbate.
[9] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Re-examination of potassium sorbate and sodium sorbate for possible genotoxic potential., Münzner R, Guigas C, Renner HW, June 1990.
