Dehydroacetic acid in skincare
A preservative that can form part of combined systems.
What is dehydroacetic acid?
A preservative that can form part of combined systems. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Dehydroacetic Acid. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does dehydroacetic acid do for skin and the product?
Contributes to protection against microbial growth.
Preservation protects the product during storage and use. Water-containing formulations require an assessment of microbial safety. The overall system depends on factors including pH, packaging and other ingredients.
Read the full ingredient list. The term natural does not tell you which preservation system is used.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about dehydroacetic acid
What does dehydroacetic acid do in skincare?
Contributes to protection against microbial growth.
What should I know about dehydroacetic acid?
Read the full ingredient list. The term natural does not tell you which preservation system is used.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations