Potassium Sorbate

Brief Overview

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, chemical formula CH₃CH=CH−CH=CH−CO₂K. It is a white salt that is very soluble in water (58.2% at 20°C). It is primarily used as a food preservative (E number 202). It is novel, highly efficient, safe, and nonpoisonous food preservatives. It can be a substitute for the benzoic acid as a traditional preservative.

Manufacturing Process

Potassium sorbate is a synthetic ingredient produced by reacting sorbic acid with potassium hydroxide. Though this ingredient can be derived from natural sources, such as Rowan berries (Sorbus aucuparia), most of the world is supplied by more sustainable synthetic methods.

Food Industry
Potassium sorbate is used to inhibit molds and yeasts in many foods, such as cheese, wine, yogurt, dried meats, apple cider, soft drinks and fruit drinks, and baked goods. It can also be found in the ingredients list of many dried fruit products. In addition, herbal dietary supplement products generally contain potassium sorbate, which acts to prevent mold and microbes and to increase shelf life. Also known as "wine stabilizer", potassium sorbate produces sorbic acid when added to wine.

Cosmetics
It is used in the formulation of facial and eye makeup and personal skin-care and hair products.