Dehydroacetic acid is a synthetic organic acid used primarily as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative in cosmetic and skincare formulations, where it inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. It is often combined with other preservatives such as benzyl alcohol to enhance product stability and shelf life.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild redness or stinging possible, more likely at higher concentrations. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization reported in isolated patch-test and case studies. |
Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can occur with direct contact in eye-area products. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.