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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-08-06 Origin: Site
Sodium dehydroacetate (CAS 4418-26-2, E number E266) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative widely used in food processing, cosmetic formulations, and industrial applications. As the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid, it offers strong fungicidal and bactericidal activity across a broad pH range — making it a versatile alternative to traditional preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate.
Property | Value |
Chemical Name | Sodium dehydroacetate |
CAS Number | 4418-26-2 |
E Number | E266 |
Molecular Formula | C₈H₇NaO₄ |
Molecular Weight | 190.13 g/mol |
Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
Odor | Odorless or slight characteristic odor |
Solubility | Freely soluble in water (≈33 g/100 mL at 25°C); soluble in propylene glycol and glycerin; slightly soluble in ethanol |
pH (1% aqueous solution) | 7.0 – 8.5 |
Assay (on anhydrous basis) | 98.0% – 100.5% (food grade) |
Loss on Drying | ≤ 8.5% (food grade) |
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
Arsenic (As) | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
Melting Point | Decomposes at approximately 295°C |
Available Grades:
Food Grade (FCC / GB 25547)
● — for food preservation applications
Cosmetic Grade
● — meeting EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex V
Industrial / Technical Grade
● — for non-food and non-cosmetic uses such as adhesives, coatings, and packaging materials
Sodium dehydroacetate dissociates in aqueous solution to release dehydroacetic acid, the active antimicrobial species. Its effectiveness is maintained across a pH range of 3–9, which is significantly broader than acid-dependent preservatives like sodium benzoate (effective only below pH 4.5) or potassium sorbate (optimal below pH 6.5).
Sodium dehydroacetate inhibits mold, yeast, and a wide spectrum of bacteria in food products. It has been used as a food preservative for decades, particularly in Asia, for products with moderate to high moisture content.
Common food applications include:
Food Category | Typical Use Level | Function |
Pickled vegetables (cucumber, radish, cabbage) | 0.3 g/kg | Mold and yeast inhibition during fermentation and storage |
Fermented soybean products (tofu, soy paste) | 0.3 g/kg | Prevents surface mold growth |
Compound seasonings and sauces | 0.5 g/kg | Extends shelf life in high-moisture condiments |
Processed meat products | ≤ 0.5 g/kg | Controls yeast and mold on surface |
Bread, pastry, and baked goods | 0.3 – 0.5 g/kg | Anti-mold agent for extended shelf life |
Fruit juice and beverages | 0.1 – 0.3 g/kg | Prevents fermentation and spoilage |
Butter, margarine, and concentrated butter products | Previously permitted; now restricted in some jurisdictions | Anti-mold in fat-based products |
Sodium dehydroacetate is a globally approved preservative for leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic products. It is listed in Annex V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, with a maximum authorized concentration of 0.6% (as acid) in finished formulations.
Why formulators choose sodium dehydroacetate:
Paraben-free and formaldehyde-free— aligns with clean beauty and consumer preference trends
Broad pH compatibility (3–9)— works in formulations where acid-based preservatives fail
Non-sensitizing at use levels— CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Expert Panel has deemed it safe at concentrations up to 1.0%
Good compatibility— with most cosmetic ingredients including surfactants, emulsifiers, and botanical extracts
Typical cosmetic applications:
Product Type | Typical Use Level | Notes |
Shower gels and body washes | 0.2% – 0.5% | Often combined with phenoxyethanol for broad-spectrum coverage |
Facial cleansers | 0.2% – 0.5% | Gentle on skin at recommended levels |
Creams and lotions (leave-on) | 0.2% – 0.5% | Effective against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi |
Shampoos and conditioners | 0.2% – 0.6% | Compatible with anionic and nonionic surfactants |
Sunscreen formulations | 0.2% – 0.5% | Stable under UV exposure |
Wet wipes and makeup removers | 0.3% – 0.5% | Water-soluble; easy to incorporate |
Beyond food and cosmetics, sodium dehydroacetate serves as an effective antimicrobial agent in industrial settings:
Adhesives and food packaging materials— listed by the U.S. FDA as an indirect food additive for use as a preservative in adhesives that contact food
Cut flower preservatives— extends vase life by controlling bacterial growth in stem water
Metalworking fluids— prevents microbial degradation in water-miscible cutting fluids and coolants
Paints and coatings— in-can preservative for water-based architectural coatings
Leather processing— mold inhibitor during the wet-blue and finishing stages
Paper and pulp— slime control agent in paper mills
Animal feed— mold inhibitor in compound feed and feed ingredients
Q1: What is the difference between sodium dehydroacetate and dehydroacetic acid?
Dehydroacetic acid (DHA, CAS 520-45-6) is the parent acid form; sodium dehydroacetate is its sodium salt. Both share the same antimicrobial mechanism — release of dehydroacetic acid in solution. The sodium salt is preferred in formulations because of its superior water solubility (~33 g/100 mL vs. < 1 g/100 mL for the free acid).
Q2: Is sodium dehydroacetate natural or synthetic?
It is a synthetic compound produced through the condensation of ethyl acetoacetate or via the dimerization of diketene, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide.
Q3: Can sodium dehydroacetate be used in organic-certified products?
No. As a synthetic preservative, sodium dehydroacetate is not permitted in organic-certified food or cosmetic products under USDA NOP, EU Organic Regulation, or equivalent standards.
Q4: What is the shelf life of sodium dehydroacetate powder?
When stored properly in sealed original packaging at temperatures below 30°C and relative humidity below 60%, the typical shelf life is 24 months from the date of manufacture.
Q5: What microorganisms does sodium dehydroacetate work against?
It is highly effective against molds (Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopus), yeasts (Candida, Saccharomyces), and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus, Bacillus). It has moderate activity against Gram-negative bacteria; for broad-spectrum coverage in cosmetics, it is often paired with phenoxyethanol or ethylhexylglycerin.
