Sorbic acid

Sorbic acid (CAS 110-44-1), also designated E200, is a naturally derived organic acid used commercially as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative.

Where is Sorbic acid used?

• Food manufacturing: applied to baked goods, dairy products, wines and processed meats to control spoilage organisms and meet regulatory requirements
• Cosmetic and personal care: preservative active in creams, lotions and leave-on products
• Beverage and flavour systems: mild acidulant functionality at low concentrations
• In personal care it is frequently paired with potassium sorbate to balance solubility and efficacy across water-based formulations.
• Added to foods either dissolved or dry; for foods undergoing prolonged heat treatment it should be added after heat treatment.
• Effective in acidic and near-neutral pH foods.

Good to know: Also recognised under FEMA 3921 as an approved flavouring agent. Particularly useful where pH-sensitive systems limit the use of parabens or formaldehyde releasers.

Formulation notes

• Limited water solubility; more soluble in alcohols and warm water. The more water-soluble salts (sorbates) are often used when high water solubility is required.
• More effective against mold and yeast than against bacteria.

Typical specification

• Assay is 99.0 – 101.0%.
• Heavy metals (as Pb): 10 ppm max.
• Optimal pH is below 6.5.
• Sulphated ash is 0.2% max.

Regulatory status

• In pre-packaged foods, the preservative must be listed by name or E-number: E 200 (sorbic acid), E 202 (potassium salt), or E 203 (calcium salt).
• In the EU, sorbic acid (E 200) and potassium sorbate (E 202) are regulated as a group under food additive regulations.
• Subject to EU REACH registration (EC 203-768-7).
• Delivery into the EU requires a valid REACH registration under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Dust can form explosive mixtures with air when in powder or granular form.
• Commonly packed in 25 kg bags.

Frequently asked questions about Sorbic acid

What forms of sorbic acid are available on the market?

It is available in powder or granular form.

What factors determine the amount of sorbic acid added to foods?

The amount added depends on moisture, temperature, pH, and packaging method.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.