What it is
Potassium Acesulfame is the potassium salt of acesulfame, widely known as a calorie-free sweetener in foods and beverages. In cosmetics it is used in very small amounts as a flavoring agent, most commonly in lip products to provide a pleasant taste. It contributes no functional role to UV protection or skin care.
Safety & warnings
Used at the trace levels typical of cosmetics, it is considered well tolerated. It is present for taste only and does not act on the skin.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic. It is a manufactured sweetener produced through chemical synthesis and is not derived from a natural source.
Questions everyone asks
Why is a sweetener in a lip sunscreen?
It is added in tiny amounts as a flavoring agent to give the product a more pleasant taste, since lip products are likely to be tasted.
Is it the same as the sweetener in diet drinks?
Yes, it is acesulfame potassium, the same high-intensity sweetener used in many sugar-free foods and beverages.