Sorbic acid and its salts are antimicrobial agents often used as preservatives in food and drinks to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi. In general the salts are preferred over the acid form because they are more soluble in water, but it is the acid form that is active. The optimal pH for the antimicrobial activity is below pH 6.5. Sorbic acid is used as food antiseptic, or used as antiseptic for medicine, light industry & cosmetics, or used in resin, flavour and rubber.