Potassium Sorbate: Our Natural Preservative

Brigid uses potassium sorbate in all lotion products; we find it is a very effective, natural option that has worked well in our recipes over the past 10 years. Without any preservatives, our lotions begin to spoil within 3-4 days due to how oil and water react. So, we consider using preservative a necessary compromise! We believe it's an extremely effective, natural alternative to parabens.

Potassium sorbate is a salt that's found in many vegetable sources, including the berries of the mountain ash tree. Commonly used in brewing and wine making, potassium sorbate makes our lotions shelf-stable by stopping the growth of yeast, mold, and fungi.

History

First discovered in the 1850s in France, the first potassium sorbate was derived from mountain ash tree berries (native in France, invasive in the PNW). At Brigid, we purchase from a natural brand that uses a synthetic method of combining sorbic acid and potassium hydroxide. This is chemically identical to natural mountain ash-derived version, however we plan to change to a more natural source asap (if you know of a source, contact us!), or even make our own from wildcrafting when they are in season. We use it in tiny quantities to protect the mixture of natural oils.

Over the past 50 years, it has been used safely as a preservative in food and natural cosmetics like ours. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes it as generally safe when appropriately used. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review also concluded the base ingredients are safe and effective. Many other natural care companies use potassium sorbate as well.