Preservative based on the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid. Effective against yeasts and molds, weaker against bacteria. EU 1223/2009 caps it at 0.6% in leave-on products. Since 2023 not recommended for the oral area and children under 3. Pregnancy-safe.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional mild preservative active mainly against yeasts and molds. Safety profile confirmed by SCCS, with restrictions for children under 3 and the oral area since 2023. No standalone cosmetic activity.
Sodium Dehydroacetate is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid (3-acetyl-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2,4(3H)-dione). It is water-soluble and works in neutral formulas at pH 5-7. INCI: Sodium Dehydroacetate. In food, it is listed as E266. In cosmetics it works as a multifunctional preservative. It performs well against yeasts (Candida) and molds (Aspergillus), but is weaker against gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas). It is therefore almost always combined with other preservatives – benzoic acid, potassium sorbate, phenoxyethanol. Use levels are 0.3-0.6%. EU Regulation 1223/2009 caps it at 0.6% (Annex V). Recent EU restrictions (since 2023). After an SCCS review, Sodium Dehydroacetate has been banned since 2023 in oral-area products (lip balms, toothpastes) and in leave-on products for children under 3. There are no restrictions for older age groups and adult leave-on applications. Pregnancy safety. Topical use at standard cosmetic concentrations is safe. Systemic absorption through intact skin is low. No teratogenic effects in the human literature. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen potential at <0.6%. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for sensitive skin. Comparison with parabens. Comparable to methylparaben in yeast/mold efficacy but more widely accepted in clean marketing. It is 2-3 times more expensive than parabens. No standalone cosmetic effects.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Sodium Dehydroacetate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Sodium Dehydroacetate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Preservative based on the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Sodium Dehydroacetate. It may also appear as: Dehydroacetic Acid Sodium Salt, Натрия дегидроацетат.
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