Sodium Dehydroacetate is permitted by the US FDA. Several countries restrict, warning-label, or have reviewed it for safety concerns. The US has more lenient additive rules than the EU, UK, Canada, and Japan, which is why this ingredient remains widely used here.
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.
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