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Sodium Dehydroacetate

What Sodium Dehydroacetate is & what it does

The salt form of dehydroacetic acid, a preservative that protects against mold, yeast, and bacteria. It is gentle and water-soluble.

What is Sodium Dehydroacetate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Sodium Dehydroacetate is the salt form of dehydroacetic acid, used as a preservative. In a sunscreen it protects the formula against mold, yeast and bacteria so the product stays safe to use over its shelf life. It is water-soluble and gentle, which makes it a common choice in lighter preservative systems.

Is Sodium Dehydroacetate safe?

Yes, for most people. It is a well-established cosmetic preservative used at low levels and is generally well tolerated. Like any preservative it is there to keep the product free of harmful microbes, which is itself a safety benefit.

Does Sodium Dehydroacetate clog pores?

No. It is a water-soluble preservative used in tiny amounts, not an oil or wax, so it is not a pore-clogging ingredient. Breakouts from a sunscreen are far more likely to come from the heavier emollients in the formula.

Is Sodium Dehydroacetate a preservative or an active ingredient?

It is a preservative, not an active. Its job is to protect the formula from mold, yeast and bacteria, not to treat the skin or provide sun protection. The UV filters do the sun protection, while Sodium Dehydroacetate simply keeps the product stable and safe.

What else is Sodium Dehydroacetate called?

Sodium Dehydroacetate is the INCI name printed on the label, and it is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid. You may see the acid form, Dehydroacetic Acid, used in other products for the same preserving purpose. Both work the same way to guard against microbial growth.

Sunscreens with Sodium Dehydroacetate

We rate 136 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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