Potassium Sorbate (E202)
Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid and is used in food and cosmetics to prevent the growth of mould and yeast. It is among the best-studied and best-tolerated preservatives. It is considered safe at permitted levels; skin sensitivity has rarely been reported in cosmetics.
Risk range
1 is the lowest and 10 the highest risk. The range depends on the amount used, whether the product is rinsed off and how it is used. The Temiz İçerik app uses the same ranges.
It is used at low concentrations and is well tolerated; the upper end is for rare irritation on sensitive skin.
Its safety profile is good; the upper end of the range reflects the fact that it can be consumed from many processed foods at once and that the products are generally processed.
What is potassium sorbate and what does it do?
Sorbic acid is a fatty acid first obtained from the berries of the rowan tree; today it is produced synthetically. Potassium sorbate is the readily water-soluble salt of sorbic acid. It is effective against moulds and yeasts, particularly in mildly acidic conditions, and does not noticeably change the taste or smell of the product.
In the body it is thought to be metabolised like other fatty acids and converted into carbon dioxide and water; this is one of the reasons for its good safety profile.
Which products contain it?
- Cheese (especially sliced and grated), yoghurt-based sauces and desserts
- Packaged bread, cakes and baked goods
- Wine, fruit juice and some fizzy drinks
- Dried fruit, jam, olives and pickles
- Shampoos, moisturisers and cosmetics with “natural” claims
Is it safe? The scientific assessment
EFSA has re-evaluated sorbic acid and potassium sorbate and set an acceptable daily intake (ADI); this limit is not expected to be exceeded with a normal diet. The substance is not classified as a carcinogen by the IARC. In Türkiye, E202 may be used in certain foods and in limited amounts under food additive legislation aligned with the EU.
In cosmetics, potassium sorbate is among the preservatives permitted in the EU and has been found safe in independent assessments. Because its effectiveness on its own is limited, it is usually used together with other preservatives such as sodium benzoate.
Who should be careful?
- People with sorbate sensitivity: Although very rare, skin redness, itching or irritation around the mouth have been reported.
- People with chronic urticaria: If sensitivity to certain additives is suspected, a specialist can be consulted.
- Children: The risk is low; however, limiting processed foods is generally recommended.
How it differs from sodium benzoate
Both substances prevent mould and yeast in acidic products and are often used together. Sodium benzoate is assessed with a slightly higher range in food because of the possibility that it can form benzene together with ascorbic acid. Potassium sorbate has no such issue.
What to do when you see it on a label
Potassium sorbate is one of the preservatives you can comfortably accept on a label. A preservative improves the safety of products that could go mouldy soon after opening; so a completely “preservative-free” product is not always better. Still, choosing minimally processed, fresh foods generally means consuming fewer additives.
Frequently asked questions
Is E202 bad for your health?
It is considered safe at permitted levels. It is one of the best-studied and best-tolerated preservatives.
Is potassium sorbate natural?
Sorbic acid was first obtained from a fruit; however, the potassium sorbate used today is produced synthetically. Chemically it is identical to the natural form.
Are potassium sorbate and sorbitol the same thing?
No. Although their names are similar, sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and humectant, while potassium sorbate is a preservative.
Why do natural cosmetics contain potassium sorbate?
Any product that contains water is open to microbial growth. Potassium sorbate is among the preservatives accepted by most natural cosmetics certifications.
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-11 · How we score
This page is for general information and is not personal medical advice. Warnings on the product label and the advice of a health professional always come first.