Sodium Dehydroacetate-Cosmetic Grade Preservative（CAS 4418-26-2）
Product Name: Sodium Dehydroacetate
Chemical Name: Sodium 3-(1-hydroxyethylidene)-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2,4(3H)-dione / Dehydroacetic acid sodium salt
Alternative Names: DHA-S, Sodium Dehydroacetate Monohydrate, Dehydroacetic Acid Sodium Salt, Geogard® 111S
INCI Name: SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE
CAS No.: 4418-26-2 (Anhydrous); 64039-28-7 (Monohydrate)
EINECS No.: 224-580-1
E Number: E266
Molecular Formula: C₈H₇NaO₄ (Anhydrous); C₈H₉NaO₅ (Monohydrate)
Molecular Weight: 190.13 g/mol (Anhydrous); 208.15 g/mol (Monohydrate)
Chemical Class: Organic acid salt / Pyran derivative / Cyclic dicarbonyl compound
Purity: ≥99.0% (anhydrous basis), Cosmetic Grade
Also Available: Food grade, pharmaceutical grade, monohydrate form
Appearance: White to Off-White Crystalline Powder
Odor: Odorless or very slight characteristic odor
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, soluble in glycerin and propylene glycol, slightly soluble in ethanol
pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution): 7.5 - 9.0
Melting Point: ~295°C (decomposition)
Loss on Drying: ≤1.0% (anhydrous); ≤10.0% (monohydrate)
Residue on Ignition: ≤0.1%
Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤10 ppm
Arsenic (As): ≤2 ppm
Key Characteristics: Broad-spectrum preservative, highly effective against molds and yeasts, moderate activity against bacteria, pH-independent antimicrobial activity (effective pH 4-8), excellent heat and light stability, non-volatile, low toxicity, good water solubility, widely approved globally
Storage Condition: Sealed, dry, cool and well-ventilated place, protect from light and moisture, store at room temperature
Shelf Life: 24 Months under proper storage conditions
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): 1KG
Source / Origin: Synthetic production from dehydroacetic acid neutralization with sodium hydroxide
Application: Broad-spectrum preservative and antimicrobial agent for cosmetics and personal care products; used in creams, lotions, serums, shampoos, conditioners, sunscreens, makeup products, toothpastes and other personal care formulations
Sodium Dehydroacetate, DHA-S, Cosmetic Grade Preservative, Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial, Dehydroacetic Acid Sodium Salt, Cosmetic Preservative, Antifungal Agent
Sodium Dehydroacetate-Cosmetic Grade Preservative（CAS 4418-26-2）
Cosmetic Grade Sodium Dehydroacetate (DHA-S) is a high-purity broad-spectrum preservative widely used in cosmetics and personal care products. As the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid, it offers excellent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms, particularly molds and yeasts, with moderate activity against bacteria. Its unique cyclic dicarbonyl pyranone structure provides pH-independent antimicrobial activity, making it effective across a broad pH range of 4-8, much wider than traditional acid-based preservatives like benzoates or sorbates.
Sodium Dehydroacetate is highly valued for its exceptional stability - it is heat-resistant, light-resistant, and non-volatile, remaining effective even after high-temperature processing such as sterilization or hot filling. It is freely soluble in water, making it easy to incorporate into aqueous formulations. With a well-established safety profile, it has been approved for cosmetic use globally by regulatory bodies including the EU (Annex V), US CIR, and China NMPA. It is commonly used alone or in combination with other preservatives to create comprehensive broad-spectrum preservation systems for creams, lotions, serums, hair care products, sunscreens, and other cosmetic formulations.
Key Benefits
• Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial: Highly effective against molds, yeasts and fungi, with moderate activity against bacteria, providing comprehensive preservation.
• pH-Independent Efficacy: Active across a wide pH range (4-8), unlike many acid-based preservatives limited to acidic conditions.
• Excellent Heat Stability: Remains effective after high-temperature processing, sterilization, and hot filling procedures.
• Light Stability: Resistant to photodegradation, maintains efficacy in transparent packaging and light-exposed products.
• Non-Volatile: Does not evaporate or lose efficacy over time due to volatility, ensuring long-term product protection.
• Good Water Solubility: Freely soluble in water, easy to incorporate into aqueous formulations and emulsions.
• Low Use Concentrations: Effective at low concentrations (0.1-0.6%), cost-efficient for formulation.
• Well-Established Safety: Approved by global regulatory bodies (EU, US, China), CIR safety assessment confirmed.
• Odorless: No characteristic odor, does not affect product fragrance or sensory properties.
• Versatile Formulation Compatibility: Compatible with most cosmetic ingredients including surfactants, emulsifiers and active ingredients.
• Non-Irritating: Low irritation potential, suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin products.
• Sustainable Supply: Mature production technology, stable and reliable large-scale supply capability.
Applications
• Face Creams & Lotions: Primary or co-preservative in moisturizing creams, day creams, night creams, body lotions and emulsions.
• Serums & Essences: Preservative in facial serums, brightening essences, anti-aging serums and aqueous essence products.
• Shampoos & Conditioners: Preservative in shampoos, conditioners, hair masks and hair treatment products.
• Sunscreens & Sun Care: Heat-stable preservative in sunscreens, sun creams and after-sun products, suitable for hot processing.
• Makeup & Color Cosmetics: Preservative in liquid foundations, mascaras, eyeliners and lip products.
• Body Washes & Shower Gels: Preservative in body washes, shower gels, liquid soaps and cleansing products.
• Toothpaste & Oral Care: Preservative in toothpastes, mouthwashes and oral care products (E266 food-grade).
• Baby & Sensitive Skin: Gentle preservative option for baby care and sensitive skin formulations.
• Custom Preservative Systems: Supports customized development of combined preservative systems with other antimicrobials for enhanced broad-spectrum protection.
Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
Test Item | Standard Specification | Test Result |
Product Name | Sodium Dehydroacetate | Compliant |
INCI Name | SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE | Compliant |
CAS No. | 4418-26-2 (Anhydrous) | Compliant |
EINECS No. | 224-580-1 | Compliant |
Appearance | White to Off-White Crystalline Powder | Compliant |
Odor | Odorless or very slight | Compliant |
Purity (Assay, dry basis) | ≥99.0% | 99.68% |
Molecular Formula | C₈H₇NaO₄ | Compliant |
Molecular Weight | 190.13 g/mol | Compliant |
Identification (IR) | Conforms to reference standard | Compliant |
pH Value (1% Solution) | 7.5 - 9.0 | 8.15 |
Loss on Drying | ≤1.0% | 0.42% |
Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% | 0.06% |
Melting Point | ~295°C (decomposition) | 293°C (decomp.) |
Solubility in Water | Clear solution (10% solution) | Clear, fully soluble |
Dehydroacetic Acid Content | ≥98.0% (dry basis) | 98.85% |
Sodium Content | 11.5 - 12.5% | 12.05% |
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <5 ppm |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm |
Lead (Pb) | ≤2 ppm | <0.3 ppm |
Mercury (Hg) | ≤1 ppm | <0.1 ppm |
Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1 ppm | <0.1 ppm |
Total Aerobic Count | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g |
Yeast & Mold | ≤10 CFU/g | <1 CFU/g |
E. coli | Negative | Negative |
Salmonella | Negative | Negative |
Staphylococcus aureus | Negative | Negative |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Negative | Negative |
Candida albicans | Negative | Negative |
Conclusion | Conforms to cosmetic grade quality standard | Qualified |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Q1: What is the MOQ of cosmetic grade Sodium Dehydroacetate?
A1: The standard MOQ is 1KG, and sample orders are supported for quality inspection and formulation testing.
• Q2: What forms and grades are available?
A2: We offer anhydrous and monohydrate forms, in cosmetic grade, food grade and pharmaceutical grade. Cosmetic grade anhydrous (≥99% purity) is most commonly used for personal care products.
• Q3: Is Sodium Dehydroacetate approved for use in cosmetics globally?
A3: Yes, it is widely approved. EU: listed in Annex V, max 0.6% in cosmetics. US: CIR expert panel confirmed safe for cosmetic use. China: listed in IECIC. Always verify specific regional regulatory requirements.
• Q4: What is the recommended usage level in cosmetics?
A4: Typical use level is 0.1-0.6% depending on product type and formulation challenge. For general preservation: 0.2-0.4%; for high-risk or challenging formulations: 0.4-0.6%. EU maximum allowed is 0.6%. It can be used alone or combined with other preservatives for enhanced broad-spectrum activity.
• Q5: How does Sodium Dehydroacetate compare to other common preservatives?
A5: Key advantages include: broad pH range (4-8 vs 2.5-4.5 for benzoates/sorbates), excellent heat stability (survives sterilization), non-volatile, odorless, and very good antifungal activity. It is less effective against Gram-negative bacteria compared to parabens or formaldehyde releasers, so it is often combined with other antimicrobials for complete broad-spectrum protection.
• Q6: What formulation considerations should I be aware of?
A6: Sodium Dehydroacetate is water-soluble and compatible with most cosmetic ingredients. It is effective across pH 4-8. As an alkaline salt, it may slightly raise formulation pH. It is heat-stable and suitable for both cold and hot processing. For optimal broad-spectrum protection, consider combining with other antimicrobials like phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, or caprylhydroxamic acid.
• Q7: Can it be combined with other preservatives for enhanced efficacy?
A7: Absolutely - Sodium Dehydroacetate is highly synergistic with other preservatives. Popular combinations include: Sodium Dehydroacetate + Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin (broad spectrum classic), Sodium Dehydroacetate + Caprylhydroxamic Acid + Pentylene Glycol (clean beauty system), Sodium Dehydroacetate + Benzyl Alcohol + Dehydroacetic Acid (EU-compliant broad spectrum).
• Q8: Do you support long-term stable large-batch supply?
A8: Yes, our production facility has sufficient capacity to ensure sustainable and stable bulk supply all year round, with consistent quality across batches. We also offer custom packaging and specification options for bulk customers.
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