Dehydroacetic acid

Dehydroacetic acid (CAS 520-45-6), also known by its food additive designation E265, is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and preservative active against fungi, yeasts, and bacteria. DHA is used across food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical manufacturing to extend shelf life and maintain product integrity. In personal care and cosmetics, it is commonly paired with benzyl alcohol as a preservative system.

This combination is used in creams, lotions, and rinse-off products, offering effective protection at low use levels. Food manufacturers apply it as a surface preservative on cut vegetables, fruit, and bakery goods. In these applications, mold inhibition is the primary concern for the manufacturer. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it functions as a preservative in topical formulations and semi-solid preparations requiring fungistatic protection.

Cosmetic formulators also use it in leave-on products where paraben-free preservation is a formulation requirement. Dehydroacetic acid is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder for industrial use. Standard commercial grades include food-grade material meeting E265 specifications and cosmetic-grade material aligned with supplier-specific purity requirements. Pharmaceutical-grade material is available from select manufacturers.

The purity of these high-grade materials is typically stated at 99% or higher. This ensures compliance with various global regulatory frameworks and safety standards for sensitive consumer applications.