Sorbic acid is a weak organic acid used in cosmetics primarily as an antimicrobial preservative, especially effective against molds and yeasts at acidic pH. It is typically used at low concentrations (around 0.1-0.2%) to extend product shelf life.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild stinging or transient redness may occur, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin. |
Non-immunologic contact urticaria | Uncommon | Sorbic acid is a recognized cause of immediate, localized erythema or wheal, often on facial skin shortly after application. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions have been reported but are infrequent. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.