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Annex V Entry 4 16/10/2010

SORBIC ACID / CALCIUM SORBATE / SODIUM SORBATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE

Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid and its salts

SORBIC ACID / CALCIUM SORBATE / SODIUM SORBATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE appears in Annex V as a positive-list preservative entry for EU cosmetics. Maximum concentration in this record: 0.6% (acid).

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Permitted preservative— Annex V, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Max conc.: 0.6% (acid)
Entry: 4

Chemical identity and properties

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 110-44-1
CAS 110-44-1PubChem CID 643460

Sorbic Acid

Sorbic acid is a hexadienoic acid with double bonds at C-2 and C-4; it has four geometrical isomers, of which the trans,trans-form is naturally occurring. It is a hexadienoic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, a medium-chain fatty acid and an alpha,beta-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a sorbate. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
(2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid
Molecular formula
C6H8O2
Molecular weight
112.13 g/mol
Exact mass
112.052429494 Da
XLogP3
1.3
Topological polar surface area
37.3 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Covalent units
1
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

2E,4E-Hexadienoic acidSorbistatPanosorb2-Propenylacrylic acidHexadienoic acidtrans,trans-Sorbic acid(2E,4E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid(E,E)-2,4-Hexadienoic acid
16 more reported names
2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (2E,4E)-(E,E)-Sorbic acidPreservastat2,4-Hexadienoic acid, (E,E)-alpha-trans-gamma-trans-Sorbic acidKyselina sorbovaCrotylidene acetic acidAcetic acid, crotylidene-trans,trans-2,4-Hexadienoic acidAcetic acid, (2-butenylidene)-Hexadienoic acid, (E,E)trans-trans-2,4-Hexadienoic acid1,3-Pentadiene-1-carboxylic acid(2-Butenylidene)acetic acid(E,E)-1,3-pentadiene-1-carboxylic acidHexadienic acid
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Evidence from additional scientific databases

NIH PubChem PUG-View
Exact identifier match643460

Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental and use annotations.

  • First Aid: EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.; SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital for treatment after washing the affected areas.; INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whene Source: CAMEO Chemicals
  • Note: This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 2.9% (63 of 2158) of reports. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315 (84%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (94.7%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335 (21.8%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 2158 reports by companies from 48 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 63 of 2158 reports by companies.; There are 47 notifications provided by 2095 of 2158 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315 (100%): Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319 (100%): Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335 (50%): May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • ECHA C&L Notifications Summary: Aggregated GHS information provided per 2 reports by companies from 2 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.; Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website. Source: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
  • Signal: Warning Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • GHS Hazard Statements: H315: Causes skin irritation [Warning Skin corrosion/irritation]; H319: Causes serious eye irritation [Warning Serious eye damage/eye irritation]; H335: May cause respiratory irritation [Warning Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure; Respiratory tract irritation] Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Precautionary Statement Codes: P261, P264, P264+P265, P271, P280, P302+P352, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P319, P321, P332+P317, P337+P317, P362+P364, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement) Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Finding(s): Safe in the present practices of use and concentration. Ingredient, concentration, and use information are available in documents discoverable at https://cir-reports.cir-safety.org Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Toxicity Summary: IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Sorbic acid is white crystalline solid or powder. It is used as intermediate for plasticizers and lubricants. In addition, it is used as preservative and antimicrobial agent for foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. To improve the characteristics of drying oils. In alkyd type coatings to improve gloss. To improve milling characteristics of cold rubber. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Application of 150 mg of sorbic acid to human skin for 1 hr produced severe irritation. An allergic response to sorbic acid (2.5% in petrolatum) reportedly occurred in five of 606 eczema patients suspected of having contact sensitivities, who were tested over a 3-year period. Allergic contact dermatitis from sorbic acid has most frequently been reported after the use of topical medicaments such as corticosteroid creams that contain this preservative. Twenty-five cases of contact allergy were reported to Unguentum Merck, most of which were due to sorbic acid. Sorbic acid can also cause stinging and nonimmunologic contact urticarial reactions. Ocular irritation associated with the use of a hydrogel lens care system containing 0.10% sorbic acid was observed in 15% of 135 patients. Ge Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Bioconcentration: An estimated BCF value of 3 was calculated in fish for sorbic acid(SRC), using a log Kow of 1.33(1) and a recommended regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF value suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 9(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that sorbic acid is expected to have very high mobility in soil(SRC). The pKa of sorbic acid is 4.76(3), indicating that this compound will exist almost entirely in the anion form in the environment and anions generally do not adsorb more strongly to soils containing organic carbon and clay than their neutral counterparts(4). Volatilization from moist soil is not expected because the compound exists as an anion and anions do not volatilize. Sorbic acid is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure of 3.08X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C(5). An 83% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in a 2-week Japanese MITI test(6) suggests that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in soil(SRC). Sorbic acid absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(7) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight on soil surfaces(SRC). Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 9(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that sorbic acid is not expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). The pKa of sorbic acid is 4.76(3), indicating that sorbic will exist almost entirely in the anion form at pH values of 5 to 9 and, therefore, volatilization from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process. According to a classification scheme(4), an estimated BCF of 3(SRC), from its log Kow of 1.33(5) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). An 83% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in a 2-week Japanese MITI test(6) suggests that biodegradation is an important environmental fate process in water(SRC). Hydrolysis studies found sorbic acid to be hydrolytically stable with the half-lives expected to exceed one year at 25 °C(7). Sorbic acid absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(8) and, therefore, may be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC). Sorbic acid, 0.4 uL/mL, was degraded 23.2% following 5 hours of irradiation by sunlight(9). Sorbic acid is an olefinic Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Environmental Fate: ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), sorbic acid, which has a vapor pressure of 3.08X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase sorbic acid is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 7.6 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.0X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Vapor-phase sorbic acid is also degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with ozone and nitrate radicals. The half-life for the reaction with ozone in air is estimated to be 5.2 hours(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 5.3X10-17 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). The half-life for the reaction with nitrate radicals in air is approximated to be 1.4 hours(SRC), calculated from the measured rate constant of 1.34X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec of an analogous compound (2,4-hexadienal)(4). Sorbic acid absorbs at wavelengths >290 nm(5) and, therefore, Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Review Link: CIR ingredient: Sorbic Acid Source: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
  • Sources/Uses: Used as mold and yeast inhibitor, fungistatic agent, and preservative (foods, tobacco, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and silk-screen inks); Also used in drying oils, in alkyd type coatings, to improve milling characteristics of cold rubber, to inhibit fermentation in wines, to impregnate polyethylene wrappers for raw farm products, and to improve growth stimulation of animal feeds; [HSDB] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Industrial Processes with risk of exposure: Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint]; Silk-Screen Printing [Category: Other]; Farming (Feed Additives) [Category: Industry] Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
  • Uses: For sorbic acid (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 75901) there are 0 labels match. /SRP: Not registered for current use in the U.S., but approved pesticide uses may change periodically and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./ Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Reported uses (ppm):; Table: Reported uses (ppm): (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association, 2000) [Table#1690] Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Intermediate for plasticizers and lubricants. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: To improve the characteristics of drying oils. In alkyd type coatings to improve gloss. To improve milling characteristics of cold rubber. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: For more Uses (Complete) data for SORBIC ACID (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page. Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
  • Uses: Use (kg; approx.) in Germany (2009): >100; Consumption (g per capita; approx.) in Germany (2009): 0.00122; Calculated removal (%): 92.1 Source: NORMAN Suspect List Exchange

Mapped by: Existing checksum-valid CAS to unique PubChem CID match. Retrieved: 2026-08-31. Open source record

Scientific classifications and hazard annotations provide context and do not replace the market-specific regulatory decision shown above.

Additional source coverage and match status
SourceResultChecked
NIH PubChem PUG-ViewExact match2026-08-31

A recorded no-match is useful evidence that the source was checked; it is not a claim that the substance does not exist elsewhere.

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-08-31 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 24634-61-5
CAS 24634-61-5PubChem CID 23676745

Potassium Sorbate

Potassium sorbate is a potassium salt having sorbate as the counterion. It has a role as an antimicrobial food preservative. It contains an (E,E)-sorbate. — ChEBI

IUPAC name
potassium (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate
Molecular formula
C6H7KO2
Molecular weight
150.22 g/mol
Exact mass
150.00831095 Da
Topological polar surface area
40.1 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Covalent units
2
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Sorbistat potassiumSorbic acid potassium saltBB PowderSorbic acid, potassium saltSorbistat-potassiumSorbistat kFEMA No. 2921Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate
16 more reported names
1VPU26JZZ4Potassium (E,E)-2,4-hexadienoateIns no.202Potassium (e,e')-sorbateIns-202Potassium sorbate (e 202)2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt, (2E,4E)-E-202CHEBI:778682,4-Hexadienoic acid, (E,E)-, potassium salt2,4-Hexadienoic acid, potassium salt (1:1), (2E,4E)-RefChem:6159246-376-1680-685-6590-00-1Potassium (E,E)-sorbate
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 7492-55-9
CAS 7492-55-9PubChem CID 6433506

Calcium sorbate

IUPAC name
calcium bis((2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate)
Molecular formula
C12H14CaO4
Molecular weight
262.31 g/mol
Exact mass
262.0517998 Da
Topological polar surface area
80.3 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
4
Covalent units
3
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Calcium dihexa-2,4-dienoateSorbic Acid Calcium SaltSorbic acid, calcium salt2,4-Hexadienoic acid, calcium saltHSDB 587UNII-2P47R6817FEINECS 231-321-6Calcium 2,4-hexadienoate, (E,E)-
16 more reported names
2P47R6817FCALCIUM SORBATE [FCC]CALCIUM SORBATE [HSDB]INS NO.2032,4-Hexadienoic acid, calcium salt, (E,E)-INS-2032,4-Hexadienoic acid, calcium salt, (2E,4E)-SORBIC ACID CALCIUM SALT [MI]2,4-Hexadienoic acid, calcium salt (2:1), (2E,4E)-E-203RefChem:122909CALCIUM SORBATE [INCI]Calcium 2,4hexadienoate, (E,E)2,4Hexadienoic acid, calcium salt2,4Hexadienoic acid, calcium salt, (E,E)calcium (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

PubChem 2D chemical structure for CAS 7757-81-5
CAS 7757-81-5PubChem CID 23665582

Sodium Sorbate

IUPAC name
sodium (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate
Molecular formula
C6H7NaO2
Molecular weight
134.11 g/mol
Exact mass
134.03437374 Da
Topological polar surface area
40.1 Ų
Hydrogen-bond donors
0
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Covalent units
2
Defined stereocentres
0

Also known as

Sorban sodnySorbic acid, sodium saltTGW6Q2CCVM2,4-Hexadienoic acid, sodium salt2,4-Hexadienoic acid, sodium salt, (E,E)-Sodium (E,E)-2,4-hexadienoateE 201RefChem:184099
16 more reported names
231-819-3Sorbic Acid Sodium Saltsodium;(2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoateSorban sodny [Czech]Sodium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoateCCRIS 5163HSDB 771C6H7NaO2UNII-TGW6Q2CCVMEINECS 231-819-3Sodium 2,4-hexadienoate, (E,E)-AI3-150842,4-Hexadienoic acid, sodium salt, (2E,4E)-SORBICACIDSODIUMSALTSODIUM SORBATE [HSDB]INS NO.201
Open full PubChem recordPubChem annotations3D structure image
External database identifiers

Retrieved from NIH PubChem on 2026-09-02 by checksum-valid CAS matching. Chemical properties do not replace the regulatory decision on this page.

Record details

Maximum concentration

0.6% (acid)

INCI glossary name

SORBIC ACID / CALCIUM SORBATE / SODIUM SORBATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE

Chemical name

Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid and its salts

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2009/1223

See every entry this act set

SCCS opinions

Identified ingredients

Key data

CAS
110-44-1 / 7492-55-9 / 7757-81-5 / 24634-61-5
EC
203-768-7 / 231-321-6 / 231-819-3 / 246-376-1
Annex
V
Entry number
4

Inventory links for SORBIC ACID / CALCIUM SORBATE / SODIUM SORBATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE

Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 32346

CALCIUM SORBATE

CAS: 7492-55-9
EC: 231-321-6
Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 37025

POTASSIUM SORBATE

CAS: 24634-61-5 / 590-00-1
EC: 246-376-1 / -
Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 38059

SODIUM SORBATE

CAS: 7757-81-5
EC: 231-819-3
Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 38173

SORBIC ACID

CAS: 110-44-1
EC: 203-768-7

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex V are shown as well.

Annex V 11
Nearby record in the same annex

CHLOROBUTANOL

CAS: 57-15-8
EC: 200-317-6

What Annex V means for SORBIC ACID / CALCIUM SORBATE / SODIUM SORBATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE

SORBIC ACID / CALCIUM SORBATE / SODIUM SORBATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE is an approved preservative listed in Annex V of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Only substances on this positive list may be used as cosmetic preservatives in the EU.

Each preservative entry specifies maximum permitted concentrations and applicable product scope. Concentrations must not exceed the listed maximum. Some preservatives require warning statements on the product label.

This record is linked to 5 CosIng inventory ingredients for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Use concentration must not exceed: 0.6% (acid)
  • Verify the preservative is effective at the permitted concentration for your matrix.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. SORBIC ACID / CALCIUM SORBATE / SODIUM SORBATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE is listed in Annex V of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 as a permitted preservative. It may be used in cosmetics up to the maximum concentration specified above, within the permitted product scope.

CAS 110-44-1 / 7492-55-9 / 7757-81-5 / 24634-61-5 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to SORBIC ACID / CALCIUM SORBATE / SODIUM SORBATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

The maximum concentration of 0.6% (acid) applies to the concentration of the substance in the ready-to-use cosmetic product. When the substance is supplied as part of a blend or mixture, the calculation must account for the contribution of all sources in the formulation. The combined concentration must not exceed the stated limit.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex V record SORBIC ACID / CALCIUM SORBATE / SODIUM SORBATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE

This page summarizes one Annex V record for SORBIC ACID / CALCIUM SORBATE / SODIUM SORBATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex V conditions for SORBIC ACID / CALCIUM SORBATE / SODIUM SORBATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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