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Sorbic acid (hexa-2,4-dienoic acid) and its salts e.g. sorbic acid

New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 4.

All New Zealand recordsOpen ingredient profileCompare all marketsOpen official source

Regulatory decision and full conditions

Status
Permitted list with conditions
Legal role
Binding rule
Regulatory summary
New Zealand Cosmetic Products Group Standard Schedule 7, reference 4.
Conditions and restrictions
Maximum concentration: 0.6% (acid)

Substance identity

Official source name
Sorbic acid (hexa-2,4-dienoic acid) and its salts e.g. sorbic acid
CAS
110-44-1
EC
203-768-7
Identity mapping
cas_number
Linked ingredient
SORBIC ACID
Search this identity across the siteCAS 110-44-1EC 203-768-7

Linked CosIng identity data

Names and aliases

SORBIC ACIDsorbic acidacidum sorbicum

CosIng description: Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid

EU inventory restriction note: V/4

Recorded cosmetic function: FRAGRANCE, PRESERVATIVE

Function pages:FRAGRANCE, PRESERVATIVE

View the complete ingredient profile

Cross-market snapshot for this identity

Exact linked records currently present in this site. An absent market means no imported exact match, not permission to use the substance.

5 market datasets

European Union

Positive-list entry with conditions

1 linked record · 1 with specific conditions

Open supporting record

Great Britain

Permitted list with conditions

1 linked record · 1 with specific conditions

Open supporting record

New Zealand

Current record
Permitted list with conditions

1 linked record · 1 with specific conditions

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

Verified chemistry for CAS 110-44-1

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
Monoisotopic mass
112.052429494 Da
XLogP3
1.3
Topological polar surface area
37.3 Ų
Molecular complexity
122.0
Formal charge
0
Hydrogen-bond donors
1
Hydrogen-bond acceptors
2
Rotatable bonds
2
Heavy atoms
8
Covalent units
1

Names and synonyms reported to PubChem

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 recordSafety and hazards at PubChemPubChem annotationsChemical classifications3D structure image
External database identifiers
Advanced structure statistics
Defined atom stereocentres
0
Undefined atom stereocentres
0
Defined bond stereocentres
2
Undefined bond stereocentres
0
3D pharmacophore features
4
3D rings
0
3D hydrophobes
1
3D acceptor features
2
3D donor features
0
3D anionic centres
1
3D cationic centres
0
3D conformers
4
Effective 3D rotors
2.0
Machine-readable structure identifiers
SMILES
C/C=C/C=C/C(=O)O
InChI
InChI=1S/C6H8O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6(7)8/h2-5H,1H3,(H,7,8)/b3-2+,5-4+
InChIKey
WSWCOQWTEOXDQX-MQQKCMAXSA-N

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.

Official source and provenance

Registered source
New Zealand cosmetic product schedules 4–8
Source reference
Schedule 7, reference 4, source row 29
Source record ID
S7-29
Source version
effective-2026-01-01
Source language
English
Translation status
Original is English
Effective date
2026-01-01
Source updated
2024-01-01
Snapshot checked
2026-08-30 04:54 UTC
Validation method
openpyxl extraction; reviewed per-schedule counts
SHA-256
4e62e372fb0aad7ac630af8c41fa50b38b52a793fd51b99697a65f8ecce1ae8a

Registered dataset notes

Dataset coverage
Prohibited and restricted substances, permitted colorants, preservatives and UV filters
Authority note
Official EPA group standard schedules; current market-specific rule source
Inspect the exact official sourceRegulator guidance

How this record fits the market dataset

2913
current New Zealand records
357
records marked Permitted list with conditions
2913
records from this source version
2821
market records with CAS identity

Status distribution

Permitted list with conditions: 357Prohibited: 2166Restricted: 390

Condition text is present on 747 of 2913 current records. An empty condition field is interpreted according to the record type above; it is never converted into an unrestricted-use claim.

New Zealand market context

Complete schedules dataset

Coverage version: Cosmetic Products Group Standard schedules effective 1 January 2026

Schedules 4–8: prohibited, restricted, colourant, preservative and UV-filter entries.

Verification checklist

  1. Search exact identity across Schedules 4–8.
  2. Apply use, concentration and warning conditions.
  3. Check hazardous-substance classification and Group Standard scope.
  4. Confirm the latest legal instrument, not only the spreadsheet.

Official market sources

Verification workflow and record completeness

Before using this result in a compliance decision

  1. Confirm that “Sorbic acid (hexa-2,4-dienoic acid) and its salts e.g. sorbic acid” and every CAS/EC identifier refer to the material in your supplier specification.
  2. Search exact identity across Schedules 4–8.
  3. Apply use, concentration and warning conditions.
  4. Check hazardous-substance classification and Group Standard scope.
  5. Confirm the latest legal instrument, not only the spreadsheet.
  6. Document the source version and recheck the regulator before manufacture, notification or market placement.

Fields available in this record

  • Official substance nameAvailable
  • CASAvailable
  • ECAvailable
  • Separate condition textAvailable
  • Effective dateAvailable
  • Snapshot hash and methodAvailable

Questions this page answers

This identity appears on a market positive list for the list function represented by the source record. Confirm that the intended function and product use fall within the list scope and every stated condition.

Positive-list presence is purpose-specific and is not blanket approval for every cosmetic use. The searchable spreadsheet is an aid; the legal Group Standard and incorporated notices remain authoritative.

The record cites Schedule 7, reference 4, source row 29, source version effective-2026-01-01. Open the official source.

No. CAS helps resolve identity, but jurisdictions can classify the same substance differently and can apply different product scopes, limits, warnings and transition dates.

Stable citation

Sorbic acid (hexa-2,4-dienoic acid) and its salts e.g. sorbic acid. Schedule 7, reference 4, source row 29. New Zealand. Source version effective-2026-01-01. CosIng Checker regulatory record: https://cosingchecker.com/regulations/nz/records/9449/

Cite the regulator as the legal authority. This page is a structured evidence index and verification aid, not a substitute for the official text or professional legal assessment.

Interpretation and limits for New Zealand

This identity appears on a market positive list for the list function represented by the source record.

Confirm that the intended function and product use fall within the list scope and every stated condition.

How to interpret the legal role

The cited row forms part of a binding rule or legally incorporated list for this market.

Evidence on this page

  • Recorded outcome: Permitted list with conditions
  • Legal role: Binding rule
  • Source version: effective-2026-01-01
  • Effective date: 2026-01-01

What it does not prove

The searchable spreadsheet is an aid; the legal Group Standard and incorporated notices remain authoritative.

Further authoritative substance research

These sources can add identity, safety, exposure or hazard context. A link is not evidence that the database contains this exact substance, and none of these sources overrides the market decision above.

Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessments

Expert Panel conclusions, assessed ingredient groups, use conditions, dates and report documents

Independent expert review considered by FDA; not a government approval or binding market rule

Research this identity at the source

FDA Global Substance Registration System

UNII identifiers, preferred names, substance types, codes and public substance relationships

Identity registry only; UNII availability does not imply FDA review or approval

Research this identity at the source

ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards

Hazards, symptoms, first aid, storage, incompatibilities and physical properties for covered chemicals

International occupational chemical-safety reference; not cosmetic-use approval

Research this identity at the source

Japan NITE-CHRIP

Chemical identity, Japanese and foreign legal lists, GHS hazards and exposure-related information

Chemical-management evidence; cosmetic status remains governed by the applicable MHLW standard and market rules

Research this identity at the source

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

REL, PEL, IDLH, properties, exposure routes, symptoms, target organs, first aid and measurement methods for covered workplace chemicals

US occupational-health guidance and limits; not a cosmetic ingredient decision

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OECD eChemPortal

Gateway to authority-owned physical-property, fate, ecotoxicity, toxicity, exposure and GHS records

Discovery gateway; each linked authority remains responsible for its data

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US EPA CompTox CTX APIs

API key required for import

DTXSID identity, experimental and predicted properties, toxicity, bioactivity, exposure and environmental data

Scientific and computational evidence; predictions must remain labelled and do not determine cosmetic legality

Research this identity at the source