Sodium Dehydroacetate — Frequently Asked Questions

Because its activity does not collapse with rising pH in the same way. Benzoic and sorbic acid depend on an undissociated acid fraction that disappears above about pH 5.5, confining them to acidic products. Sodium dehydroacetate retains useful broad-spectrum activity up to around pH 7, which covers surfactant systems, emulsions and hair products that cannot simply be acidified.

Typically 0.1 to 0.6 percent, and it is frequently paired with benzyl alcohol, which broadens coverage against gram-negative organisms. As with any preservative system, the level should be established by preservative efficacy testing on the finished formulation rather than by reference to a maximum permitted concentration.

Yes, which is a practical advantage. It survives hot-process manufacture without significant loss, so it can be added during the heating phase rather than requiring cool-down addition, and it does not degrade appreciably on the shelf under normal light exposure. That stability simplifies both manufacture and shelf-life management.

Its permitted status differs sharply between markets. It is permitted in some Asian markets but is not an authorised food additive in the European Union, where it is used in cosmetics instead. The intended application and destination market must be stated at enquiry so that permitted-use status can be confirmed before supply.