Ingredient dictionary

Dehydroacetic Acid

Dehydroacetic Acid is a synthetic preservative that helps keep water-based products free from mold and yeast. It is on the label of 46 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Dehydroacetic Acid does

Slows mold and yeast growth in products
Helps water-based formulas stay fresh
Extends shelf life after opening

Dehydroacetic acid is a synthetic preservative, made in a lab rather than taken from plants. Some formulas use its salt form, which dissolves more easily in water. Its main job is to slow the growth of mold and yeast in creams, gels and liquids.

Formulators like it because it works well at low levels and holds up in many water-based recipes. You will often find it in body washes, cleansers, moisturizers and makeup removers. It works within the formula itself, keeping the product fresh after opening.

Good for

Suits body washes, cleansers, moisturizers and other water-based products that need protection from microbes.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dehydroacetic Acid safe to use?

It is a preservative used in cosmetics at low levels and is generally well tolerated. A small number of people may still react to it, so patch testing a new product on a small area first is a sensible habit.

Is Dehydroacetic Acid the same as sodium dehydroacetate?

They are closely related. Dehydroacetic acid is the parent form, and sodium dehydroacetate is its salt, which dissolves more easily in water. Both are used as preservatives, and the ingredient list shows which one is in the product.