preservative
Sorbic Acid
Generally safe·Strong evidence
Sorbic acid is a widely used preservative, also found naturally in some berries, and has a long safety record in cosmetics and food. Occasional mild irritation has been reported, but this appears uncommon at typical use levels.
Worth knowing
- Can irritate, especially left on
References
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.