Potassium Sorbate is the most widely used food grade preservative. This water soluble preservative forms sorbic acid when dissolved in water, (its active form). It is effective up to pH 6.5, but is more effective as the pH decreases (ie more acidic). Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid.
This is not a broad spectrum preservative system. It is important to check the pH of products if you wish to use this preservative. In foods, it is used to inhibit mould, yeast and fungi and is used in wine, cheese and baked products, it is not effective against bacterial attack.
Cosmetic products should undergo microbial testing to ensure the efficacy of any preservative system.
Suitable for a pH of up to 5
Usage Rate: 0.1 - 0.5%
(ie: at 0.1% = 1g per 1kg product)
