FROM OUR TOWN SHOPPERS
No reviews yet
Be the first to put this one on the record. Bought it? Tell your fellow shoppers what you reckon — it takes a minute, with a real name behind it.
Price history
We’ve only just started tracking this one.
Tracked since 06 Oct 2026.
Checkout always completes on Essentially Natural’s own store — your card and address go straight to them.
<p>
Essentially Natural Potassium Sorbate is a preservative ingredient commonly used in DIY water-based cosmetics. It is
effective against mould and yeast and is often paired with sodium benzoate for broader preservation support. Potassium
sorbate is activated in water and works best in acidic formulas. This ingredient is used at low percentages and is
added to the water phase of suitable formulations.
</p>
<p>
Interesting reading:
<a href="https://essentiallynatural.co.za/blogs/the-essentially-natural-blog/quick-guide-to-preservatives">
Quick Guide To Preservatives
</a>
</p>
<h4>Key Properties</h4>
<ul>
<li>Ingredient Name: Potassium sorbate</li>
<li>Form: Powder</li>
<li>Typical Usage Rate: 0.1 to 0.3%</li>
<li>Best Efficacy pH: Around 4.4</li>
<li>pH Limits: Not effective above pH 6</li>
<li>Application: Water phase preservative support</li>
<li>Size Options: 50g, 100g, 250g, 500g, 1kg or 5kg</li>
</ul>
<h4>What It’s Used For</h4>
<p>This product is commonly used to:</p>
<ul>
<li>Help preserve creams, lotions, shampoos, and water-based cosmetics</li>
<li>Support protection against mould and yeast in DIY formulas</li>
<li>Pair with sodium benzoate for broader preservation coverage</li>
<li>Add to the water phase of emulsions, gels, and cleansers</li>
</ul>
<h4>Who It’s For</h4>
<p>This product is suitable for:</p>
<ul>
<li>DIY formulators making water-based products that need preservation</li>
<li>Makers who understand pH adjustment and preservative systems</li>
<li>Formulators looking for a low-use-rate preservative ingredient</li>
</ul>
<p>This product is not for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Oil-only products with no water phase</li>
<li>Formulas that cannot be adjusted into an acidic pH range</li>
<li>Anyone looking for a finished preservative-free product</li>
</ul>
<h4>How To Use</h4>
<ul>
<li>As a Water Phase Preservative: Dissolve in the water phase at 0.1 to 0.3% and mix until clear.</li>
<li>As a Combined System: Use with sodium benzoate for broader protection.</li>
<li>Processing Tip: Adjust the final pH to around 4.4 for best efficacy and confirm with a pH test.</li>
</ul>
<h4>Safety Instructions</h4>
<ul>
<li>Patch test finished products before use, some people may be sensitive.</li>
<li>Avoid inhaling powder and avoid contact with eyes.</li>
<li>Keep well sealed and store away from moisture, sunlight, and heat.</li>
<li>Keep out of reach of children and pets.</li>
<li>If pregnant or breastfeeding, seek professional guidance before use.</li>
</ul>
<h4>FAQs</h4>
<p>
Q: Can I use potassium sorbate alone as my preservative?
<br>
A: It is mainly effective against mould and yeast, many formulas use it together with another preservative to broaden
protection.
</p>
<p>
Q: Why does pH matter so much?
<br>
A: Potassium sorbate is most effective in acidic formulas and becomes much less effective at higher pH.
</p>
<p>
Q: Can I use it in soap?
<br>
A: It is generally not suitable for high pH products like true soap.
</p>