Sorbic acid is a preservative that is used in a variety of cosmetics and personal care products in order to extend the shelf-life by preventing microbial contamination. Origin Sorbic acid, or 2,4-hexadienoic acid, is a straight-chained monocarboxylic acid. In 1859, German chemist A. W. Hoffmann first isolated sorbic acid by distillation of the unripe berries … Continue reading Sorbic Acid