Preservative

Dehydroacetic Acid

DHA — an effective broad-spectrum preservative that inhibits the enzymes of microorganisms. Works in a wide pH range (up to 7.0), stable up to 100°C. Particularly effective against fungi and yeasts. Often used in conjunction with benzyl alcohol.

preservativeDHAantifungalthermally stable

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Dehydroacetic Acid — a pyrone derivative obtained by the dehydration of acetic acid. The mechanism of preservative action: inhibition of dehydration enzymes (dehydrogenases and peroxidases) of microorganisms → bacteriostatic and fungistatic action. Effective against fungi, yeasts, and some bacteria. Maximum concentration in the EU: 0.6% (counting the acid). Stable when heated up to 100°C and at pH up to 7.0. INCI: Dehydroacetic Acid (or Sodium Dehydroacetate — sodium salt). Often used as a DHA/Benzyl Alcohol system.

A wide range of cosmetic products: creams, serums, shampoos. Particularly popular in "clean beauty" formulas as an alternative to parabens and phenoxyethanol.

Key Benefits

✦

Effective protection against fungi and yeasts

DHA is particularly active against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and other fungi that often develop in cosmetic formulas with natural extracts and oils. This is its main advantage over phenoxyethanol, which is weaker against fungi. Effective concentration: 0.1–0.3%.

◈

Thermal stability — maintains effectiveness during production

DHA is stable at temperatures up to 100°C — an important property for production (emulsification, pasteurization). Most unstable preservatives lose effectiveness when heated. DHA is introduced at early stages of production without the risk of degradation. Stable even when stored at elevated temperatures (shipping conditions).

✧

Effectiveness at neutral pH

DHA works in the pH range of 4.0–7.0 — significantly broader than that of organic acids (benzoic, sorbic), which are effective only at pH < 5. This allows it to be used in creams and lotions with neutral or slightly acidic pH. In combination with benzyl alcohol or glyceryl caprylate — a complete broad-spectrum system.

Suitable for

for all skin typesskin reacting to phenoxyethanol

Main Actions

✓ preservation (antifungal focus)✓ broad-spectrum protection✓ thermally stable preservation

DHA/Benzyl Alcohol — a popular system

Benzyl Alcohol (0.5–1%) — a bactericidal preservative. DHA (0.1–0.3%) — an antifungal component. Together: broad-spectrum protection without phenoxyethanol and parabens. This system is popular in natural and "clean" cosmetics. Disadvantages: benzyl alcohol is an EU allergen at >0.001% in rinse-off, DHA may irritate at concentrations >0.3%.

CategoryPreservatives

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