What are the benefits of Dehydroacetic Acid for skin?

broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antifungal, extends product shelf life, maintains formula stability, effective at low concentrations

What concentration of Dehydroacetic Acid is effective?

Typical effective concentrations of Dehydroacetic Acid are 0.1–0.6% in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products (EU Annex V maximum 0.6% as the acid), prohibited in aerosol dispensers.

What skin types is Dehydroacetic Acid suitable for?

Dehydroacetic Acid is suitable for all skin types, sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, natural/organic product users.

Dehydroacetic Acid — Skincare Ingredient Guide

Q: Can Dehydroacetic Acid cause skin irritation?

Dehydroacetic Acid has a low irritation risk. The CIR Expert Panel found dehydroacetic acid to be practically non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-photosensitising, and non-phototoxic in clinical testing. Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported. Individuals with sensitive or preservative-reactive skin should patch test. It is restricted under EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V (entry V/13) at a maximum concentration of 0.6% (expressed as the acid); prohibited in aerosol dispensers.

Q: Is Dehydroacetic Acid safe to use during pregnancy?

Dehydroacetic Acid is rated "caution" for pregnancy use. Limited pregnancy-specific data is available. A teratogenicity study in mice showed no significant adverse effects, and no mutagenic or tumour-inducing evidence was found (CIR assessment). Motherfigure classifies it as 'limited data suggests no known risk'. At cosmetic concentrations (≤0.6%), topical exposure is considered low risk, but as a precaution, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.

Q: Does Dehydroacetic Acid increase sun sensitivity?

Dehydroacetic Acid has a no sun sensitivity risk. Dehydroacetic acid is not a photosensitising ingredient. Clinical testing confirmed it is non-photosensitising and non-phototoxic. No additional sun protection precautions are required due to its presence in a formulation.

Dehydroacetic Acid

INCI: Dehydroacetic Acid

Dehydroacetic acid is a synthetic preservative (chemical name: 3-acetyl-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2,4(3H)-dione) used in cosmetic formulations to prevent microbial contamination. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mould, extending a product's shelf life and maintaining formula stability. It is Ecocert and Cosmos approved, making it popular in natural and organic formulations.

Is Dehydroacetic Acid safe? Key considerations

Can Dehydroacetic Acid cause irritation?

Low Risk

The CIR Expert Panel found dehydroacetic acid to be practically non-irritating, non-sensitising, non-photosensitising, and non-phototoxic in clinical testing. Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported. Individuals with sensitive or preservative-reactive skin should patch test. It is restricted under EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex V (entry V/13) at a maximum concentration of 0.6% (expressed as the acid); prohibited in aerosol dispensers.

Does Dehydroacetic Acid increase sun sensitivity?

No Risk

Dehydroacetic acid is not a photosensitising ingredient. Clinical testing confirmed it is non-photosensitising and non-phototoxic. No additional sun protection precautions are required due to its presence in a formulation.

Is Dehydroacetic Acid safe during pregnancy?

Caution

Limited pregnancy-specific data is available. A teratogenicity study in mice showed no significant adverse effects, and no mutagenic or tumour-inducing evidence was found (CIR assessment). Motherfigure classifies it as 'limited data suggests no known risk'. At cosmetic concentrations (≤0.6%), topical exposure is considered low risk, but as a precaution, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.

How does Dehydroacetic Acid work?

Individuals with known preservative sensitivity, allergy to dehydroacetic acid or sodium dehydroacetate should review the considerations above before use.