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Answer: Sodium Dehydroacetate is restricted (not fully banned) in EU. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Various Acure products, Andalou Naturals Moisturizers, Puracy Natural Body Wash.
TL;DR: Sodium Dehydroacetate is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (preservatives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE. Also called Sodium DHA. CAS 4418-26-2.
Other names: Sodium DHA, Dehydroacetic Acid Sodium Salt
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Various Acure products, Andalou Naturals Moisturizers, Puracy Natural Body Wash |
| CAS number | 4418-26-2 |
Sodium dehydroacetate is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid, a broad-spectrum preservative effective against yeasts, molds, and some bacteria. It is frequently used in combination with benzyl alcohol as part of a natural-positioned preservative system.
Used to prevent microbial contamination in water-based cosmetics such as creams, lotions, and shampoos. The combination with benzyl alcohol (e.g., Geogard series) provides broad-spectrum coverage and is accepted by many natural cosmetic certifiers.
Sodium dehydroacetate is permitted in the EU at ≤0.6% (as acid) under Annex V of Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. The CIR and SCCS have reviewed it and confirmed safety at permitted concentrations. Potential for skin sensitization is low. No carcinogenic or endocrine effects are documented at cosmetic use levels.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Sodium Dehydroacetatewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Potassium sorbate + sodium benzoate (cosmetic) as an alternative broad-spectrum system; ethylhexylglycerin combinations.
It is an acceptable preservative in several natural cosmetic certification schemes (COSMOS, Natrue) because of its relatively simple structure and low toxicity profile, though it is synthetically produced.
Yes at permitted concentrations. The EU restricts it to ≤0.6% and the CIR has confirmed safety. It is considered a well-tolerated preservative alternative to parabens and isothiazolinones.
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