Sorbic Acid
What is it?
Sorbic Acid is used as a preservative in cosmetics and topical medications.
How can I avoid it?
Skin contact with sorbic acid is required for it to cause a rash. Discontinuation of exposure to products containing sorbic acid should result in improvement and/or resolution of your dermatitis. By law, all products made in the U.S. for topical use have the ingredients listed either on the product package or the box that contains it, so check the labeling of your skin care products for this ingredient. If there is not enough information, ask your pharmacist or retailer or contact the company directly. At work, request a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to help identify potential sources of exposure.
Direct contact with foods or products containing sorbic acid may cause symptoms including burning, irritation and redness. Direct contact may occur on the skin, lips, or mouth. Although it is rare, it is possible that ingestion of sorbic acid could cause generalized symptoms such as itching or redness of the skin.
Uses:
- Adhesives and glues
- Alkyd coatings
- Cosmetics/Personal care products
- Eye drops and contact lens solution
- Dental creams
- Baby products
- Blush
- Body and hand preparations
- Bubble bath
- Feminine hygiene products
- Foundation/Make-ups
- Hair colorant
- Hair grooming aids
- Make-up removers
- Manicuring preparations
- Shaving cream
- Skin fresheners
- Suntan gels, creams, and liquids
- Wipes
- Inks
- Leather tanning agents
- Metal work
- Paints and varnishes
- Oral medication preservative
- Foods
- Baked goods
- Berries (cranberries, strawberries, currants)
- Cheese products
- Fresh vegetables
- Fruit juices
- Meats
- Pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Soft drinks
- Spices
- Wines
- Tobacco
- Pesticides
- Rubber industry
Other names for Sorbic Acid:
- 2,4-Hexadienoic acid
- 2-Prophenyl acrylic acid
- Preservastat
- Sorbistat
- Hexadienoic acid
- Panosorb
- 1,3-Pentadiene-1,carboxylic acid
