Sodium dehydroacetate

Sodium dehydroacetate (CAS 4418-26-2), also known as DHA-S and approved as E266, is the sodium salt form of dehydroacetic acid used as a broad-spectrum preservative in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.

Where is Sodium dehydroacetate used?

• Food processing: E266 approved for certain fruit and vegetable products, cut surfaces, and margarines where mold inhibition is required without affecting flavor profile
• Cosmetics: DHA-S in creams, lotions, and aqueous personal care products as a paraben alternative with antifungal performance
• Pharmaceuticals: shelf-life extension in topical preparations and oral care products where microbial stability is a regulatory requirement
• Flavoring systems: stabilizer preventing oxidative degradation
• It controls microbial growth, particularly molds and yeasts, at low use concentrations.
• Recommended to combine with other antimicrobial substances for broad-spectrum protection.

Good to know: Harven and Prevan are recognized trade designations in personal care markets.

Formulation notes

• Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents and acids.
• Beneficial when used together with parabens.

Typical specification

• Efficacy largely depends on the pH being between 5 and 6.5.
• Solubility at 25°C (g/100g): ethanol 1; propanediol 48; glycerin 15; water 33; acetone 0.2.
• Assay (on dry basis) is 98.0–100.5%.
• Arsenic content is ≤ 3 mg/kg.
• Supplied in powder form.

Regulatory status

• According to EU Regulation 1223/2009 and CU TR 009/2011, the maximum allowed concentration in cosmetics is 0.6% expressed as free acid.
• In the EU, not approved for use in food under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008.
• Use in aerosols is prohibited.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Commonly packaged in 25 kg drums.

Frequently asked questions about Sodium dehydroacetate

What is the pH of sodium dehydroacetate in aqueous solution?

The pH is 8.8–9.3 for a 100 g/L solution in water at 20 °C.

What are the stability characteristics of sodium dehydroacetate?

It has heat resistance and good light resistance.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.