Sodium sorbate

Functions
Preservative
CAS Number(s)
7757-81-5
EINECS number(s)
231-819-3

Sodium sorbate (2,4-Hexadienoic Acid, Sodium Salt) is the sodium salt of sorbic acid. It is a white powder, unstable in the solid state, thus it is produced as an aqueous solution in concentrations up to 30% which is a clear to yellow, nearly odorless liquid.

Like potassium sorbate, sodium sorbate is also used as a food-grade preservative, also suitable for personal care applications. Still, its usage as a food preservative is limited in the EU because of potential genotoxic effects depending on oral administration and concentration. FDA assigned a GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status when it is used in accordance with good manufacturing or feeding practice.

In cosmetic and dermatological preparations, Sodium sorbate acts as a classic preservative effective against bacteria, mold, and yeast. It prolongs the shelf-life of cosmetic products and the usage period after the opening of the packaging.

 
Synonyms
Sodium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate
Sodium Salt of 2,4-Hexadienoic Acid