Potassium sorbate

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, with the chemical formula C₆H₇KO₂. As a commonly used food preservative (E number 202), it is widely applied in fields such as food, wine and personal care products, with excellent application effects.
Its preparation method is simple: it is produced by the reaction of sorbic acid with an equimolar amount of potassium hydroxide, and the product can be crystallized from aqueous ethanol, with easily controllable purity.
In the food field, the core function of potassium sorbate is to inhibit the growth of molds and yeasts. It is commonly found in cheese, wine, yogurt, dried meat products, apple cider, soft drinks, fruit juices and baked goods, and is also a common ingredient in dried fruit products. In addition, it is also added to herbal dietary supplements for mold and bacteria inhibition and shelf life extension. Under regular addition dosage, there are no known adverse health effects when used for a short period of time.

Food preservative

Potassium sorbate is an acidic preservative, and its antiseptic effect can be further improved when used in combination with organic acids. It is produced using potassium carbonate or potassium hydroxide and sorbic acid as raw materials. The prepared sorbic acid (potassium) can effectively inhibit the activity of molds, yeasts and aerobic bacteria, and while extending the shelf life of food, it can perfectly retain the original flavor of food.

Cosmetics field

Promopotassium sorbate is also used as an organic acid preservative, with a regular addition amount of about 0.5%, and can be used in combination with sorbic acid. It should be noted that although it has good water solubility and is convenient to use, the pH value of its 1% aqueous solution is 7–8, which tends to increase the pH value of the cosmetic system, so extra care should be taken when using it.te the proliferation of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the human body and extend the shelf life.