What is dehydroacetic acid?

Dehydroacetic acid is a synthetic preservative used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in cosmetics and personal-care products. It's been approved for use in cosmetics by major regulatory bodies including the FDA and EU.

Is dehydroacetic acid safe?

Published cosmetic safety reviews grade dehydroacetic acid as low concern at typical use levels in finished products. Concentrations are kept well below the thresholds observed to cause irritation in safety studies.

Why is dehydroacetic acid in products?

Dehydroacetic acid is used as a preservative to extend shelf life and prevent contamination. It's effective at low concentrations and is approved in most global cosmetic regulations. It's a practical choice for brands focused on safety and stability.

preservative

Dehydroacetic Acid

Watch if sensitive·Moderate evidence

Dehydroacetic acid is a preservative regulated under the EU preservative annex with a set maximum concentration. Sensitization appears to be rare, though occasional contact dermatitis case reports exist, so people with reactive skin may want to patch test.

Worth knowing

Known contact sensitizer for some
Restricted in the EU

Regulated as an EU Annex V preservative with a maximum permitted concentration of 0.6% (as acid).

Questions

What is dehydroacetic acid?: Dehydroacetic acid is a synthetic preservative used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in cosmetics and personal-care products. It's been approved for use in cosmetics by major regulatory bodies including the FDA and EU.
Is dehydroacetic acid safe?: Published cosmetic safety reviews grade dehydroacetic acid as low concern at typical use levels in finished products. Concentrations are kept well below the thresholds observed to cause irritation in safety studies.
Why is dehydroacetic acid in products?: Dehydroacetic acid is used as a preservative to extend shelf life and prevent contamination. It's effective at low concentrations and is approved in most global cosmetic regulations. It's a practical choice for brands focused on safety and stability.

Products with Dehydroacetic Acid

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.