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| Catalog Number | CI-SC-0052 |
| Product Name | Sorbic Acid |
| CAS | 110-44-1 |
| Structure |  |
| Synonyms | Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid |
| Description | Sorbic acid (synonym: 2,4-hexadienoic acid) is a natural, straight-chained fatty acid. It is widely been used as a preservative in foods and cosmetics.For equal preservative power, only three parts of sorbic acid must be used to equal four parts of potassium sorbate. Purity >99% (FCC grade). |
| IUPAC Name | (2E,4E)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid |
| Molecular Weight | 112.13 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C6H8O2 |
| Canonical SMILES | C/C=C/C=C/C(=O)O |
| InChI | WSWCOQWTEOXDQX-MQQKCMAXSA-N |
| InChI Key | InChI=1S/C6H8O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6(7)8/h2-5H,1H3,(H,7,8)/b3-2+,5-4+ |
| Boiling Point | 228°C |
| Melting Point | 132-135 °C (lit.) |
| Flash Point | 127°C |
| Purity | 99% |
| Density | 1.2 g/mL |
| Solubility | Barely soluble in water (about 1% at 20°C, and 4% at 90°C); somewhat better soluble in plant oils and propylene glycol (1% at 20°C and 10% at 90°C) |
| Appearance | Fine white to off-white, free-flowing powder |
| Application | All kinds of cosmetic products like creams, lotions, shampoos, makeup & sunscreen products. |
| Storage | Store in a closed container at a dry place at room temperature |
| Composition | Sorbic acid |
| Features And Benefits | Has antimicrobial activity against molds, yeast and aerophile bacteriaEffective in a wide pH range of 2.5-7.Kosher grade |
| GMO | GMO-free (does not contain plant-derived components) |
| HS Code | 2916191000 |
| INCI | Sorbic acid |
| Manufacture | Synthetically produced by aldol condensation of acetaldehyde to form crotonaldehyde which is then reacted with ketene to form sorbic acid |
| pH | 3.3 (1.6g/l, H2O, 20°C) |
| Purity Grade | No purity grade applicable |
| Raw Material Source | Crotonaldehyde and ketene |
| Uses | Typical concentration 0.05-0.3% (if used alone) or 0.05-0.15% (if used in combination with other preservatives). Under certain conditions, sorbic acid may oxidize and cause slight color changes in the cosmetic product. This can normally be prevented by adding 0.10.3% citric acid to the product. For external use only. |
What is sorbic acid derived from?
Sorbic acid is naturally derived from mountain ash berries or can be manufactured synthetically.
What is the main function of sorbic acid?
The main function of sorbic acid is to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and fungi.
What pH does sorbic acid work best at?
Sorbic acid works best at an acidic pH of 4.5 or lower.
What form does sorbic acid come in?
Sorbic acid comes in a white, crystalline powder form.
What is the maximum safe usage level of sorbic acid in cosmetics?
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review board has ruled sorbic acid safe as used up to 0.6% in cosmetics.
Why are preservatives necessary in cosmetic and skincare products?
Preservatives are necessary to prevent microbial contamination and degradation caused by environmental factors like heat, light, and air.
What types of cosmetics are more prone to microbial contamination?
Creams and lotions that are packed in jars, opened frequently, and applied with fingers are more prone to microbial contamination.
How can inadvertent contamination occur with cosmetics?
Inadvertent contamination can occur through the use of makeup brushes, leaving product containers open for extended periods, or poor storage conditions.
Why is sorbic acid considered a suitable preservative for cosmetics?
Sorbic acid is considered a suitable preservative for cosmetics because it is strong yet non-irritating.
How has the safety of sorbic acid been assessed?
The Food and Drug Administration and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel have both assessed the safety of sorbic acid and determined it to be safe for use in food, cosmetics, and personal care products.
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