TEA-Sorbate
AKA “Triethanolamine Sorbate
Preservative
Ingredient Facts
TEA-Sorbate
AKA: Triethanolamine Sorbate
Preservative · Antimicrobial · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Preservative
Not Clean
TEA-Sorbate is the triethanolamine salt of 2,4-hexanedienoic acid
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
A synthetic preservative compound combining triethanolamine with sorbic acid (originally derived from rowan berries). Developed in the 20th century as a food and cosmetic preservative.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR