IngredientsEuropean Union
Sorbic acid in EU cosmetics: status and maximum concentration
INCI SORBIC ACID · CAS 110-44-1
EU status: Allowedmax 0.6 % as acid
Data from Certo’s regulatory database as of
The short answer
Sorbic acid is allowed in cosmetic products sold in the European Union (max 0.6 % as acid). The binding limits are set in Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex V, entry 4.
EU legal requirements
| Product type or use | Limit | Conditions and label wording | Applies from |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex V 4 — Every use, whatever its function. Legal text | |||
| Every product type | ≤ 0.6 % as acid, for sorbic acid, calcium sorbate, sodium sorbate and potassium sorbate combined | Sorbic acid and its salts count together. | In force |
What the texts say
Reference number: 4 Chemical name/INN: Hexa-2,4-dienoic acid and its salts Name of Common Ingredients Glossary: Sorbic acid, calcium sorbate, sodium sorbate, potassium sorbate CAS number: 110-44-1, 7492-55-9, 7757-81-5, 24634-61-5 EC number: 203-768-7, 231-321-6, 231-819-3, 246-376-1 Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation: 0,6 % (acid)
Sources
This page is general regulatory information, not legal advice. Rely on the legal texts linked above and on your own regulatory experts before making a compliance decision.