Ingredient glossary / Preservative
Dehydroacetic acid
On the label: Dehydroacetic Acid · Preservative
What it is
A preservative often paired with benzyl alcohol in formulas sold as paraben-free.
Preservatives: Preservatives stop bacteria and mould growing in a product that contains water; every water-based product needs one.
Wikidata: Chemical compound. Q920725 →
In the research
18 PubMed papers mention it with skin, cosmetics or hair; the three most recent:
- In Vitro Percutaneous Absorption of Dehydroacetic Acid and Benzoic Acid From Pig Skin Using the Franz Diffusion Cell System · Journal of applied toxicology : JAT, 2026
- Nontarget screening and identification of emerging preservatives and their metabolites in human urine · Journal of chromatography. A, 2025
- Sodium Dehydroacetate and Dehydroacetic Acid · International journal of toxicology, 2024
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on cells or mice says little about a cream on a face.
Products whose label lists it
3 on the siteMatched from the ingredient list the supplier printed; the position in the list (first or thirtieth) is on each product page.
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USAOther preservatives
Dew & Balm describes ingredients from the public record and makes no claim about what a product will do for you. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA. If a product causes a reaction, stop using it; a reaction that spreads or affects breathing is a call to a doctor or 911.