Colorless to white scaly crystal or crystalline powder, odorless or slightly smell. Instability in the air. Can be oxidized coloring. Molecular weight of 150.22. Hygroscopicity. Soluble in water, ethanol. 
 Usage: cosmetic preservatives. The case of organic acids, preservatives. The addition of 0.5%. Mixed with sorbic acid. Potassium sorbate, although soluble in water, easy to use, but its 1% aqueous solution pH of 7-8, there is a tendency to make cosmetics rise in pH, when in use should be noted.