Potassium sorbate, also known as E202, is a salt of sorbic acid which is naturally found in some fruits (originally found in the mountain ash tree). As a potassium salt, potassium sorbate is used as a food preservative and is now produced synthetically. This preservative breaks down into water and carbon dioxide in your body. At room temperature, it looks like a white crystalline powder, but the mixture will quickly dissolve in water, which will revert it back to sorbic acid as the potassium dissolves. Some forms of potassium sorbate appear as a yellowish powder which can be dissolved in propylene glycol, ethanol or water to create a preservative with a variety of pH levels. This chemical can easily be produced and is quite inexpensive, making it an ideal choice for many industrial applications as well. While the material is generally considered safe for contact and consumption, it can be harmful if it is used excessively.

Uses of Potassium Sorbate

1. Potassium sorbate is mainly used as a food preservative, it can be found in many foods which need to be well stored and eaten at room temperature. It helps to prevent mold and fungus from causing foods to spoil. Potassium sorbate can be found in baked foods, processed fruits and vegetables, dairy products, etc.
2. You can also find potassium sorbate in personal care or beauty products including shampoo, lotion, cream-based concealers and other liquid products which is used to prevent the products spoiling or breaking down as they sit on the shelf or in room temperature storage for long periods of time.
3. Sealants, glosses and industrial coatings will often use potassium sorbate as well. This will help prevent the seal from breaking down over time and will help preserve the materials underneath. If the gloss is used on an organic material such as wood, it will prevent mold, fungus or yeast from attaching to the surface and causing damage.
4. Potassium sorbate can be used as a wine additive to help prevent re-fermentation of sweet or semi-sweet wines so that wine can develop without yeast that would alter the flavor by devouring the sugar content of the berries. In the same way, it is used in waxed wrappings or coatings on foods to increase preservative levels without altering the recipe of the food.

Potassium Sorbate

Side Effects of Potassium Sorbate

A 2010 study published in “Toxicology in Vitro” found that exposure of human blood cells to potassium sorbate in the laboratory caused damage in DNA. But further study, including a long-term study on people, is still required. In addition to potentially causing harm to DNA, potassium sorbate may cause an allergic reaction when used externally, as it is sometimes used in skin lotions.

In most cases, potassium sorbate is considered non-toxic and safe for use in commercial and culinary applications. However, some scientists believe that the addition of synthetic ingredients to foods, especially foods which are consumed quite regularly, can cause long term side effects which can be harmful.

Those who consume large amounts of food containing potassium sorbate may suffer from diarrhea which can cause them to deplete the nutrient value in their system. In lesser cases, the patient may suffer from nausea as your body becomes overwhelmed with the amount of potassium in your system.

Those who frequently use cosmetic products that have potassium sorbate as a preservative can experience rashes or irritation if their body becomes overexposed to the drug. It can also cause irritation to the eyes if it comes in contact with them.

Those who are allergic to potassium are even more likely to develop a negative reaction to potassium sorbate. These individuals will need to avoid products that have potassium sorbate listed as an ingredient to avoid a potentially serious reaction. In extreme cases this can lead to renal or kidney problems which can cause serious damage over time.