Dehydroacetic acid (DHA) is a synthetic organic compound with the chemical formula C8H8O4. It is a white to light yellow powder that is soluble in various organic solvents such as glycerol, propylene glycol. Dehydroacetic acid (DHA) belongs to the family of pyrones.
Dehydroacetic acid Chemical properties
Appearance : Dehydroacetic Acid is a beige to light-yellow crystalline powder.
Odor : slight sourness
Molecular weight : 168.15 g/mol
Melting point : Approximately 109-111 °C (228-232°F)
solubility of (25℃,g/100g) : ethanol 3, glycol 1.7, olive oil<1.6, glycerin<0.1, water<0.1. Its pH value of a saturated aqueous solution is 4.
Dehydroacetic acid applications
Preservative in cosmetics
Dehydroacetic acid (DHA) is a widely preservative in cosmetics and personal care products particularly in skincare and haircare products.. It helps prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, thereby extending the shelf life of these products. Formulator use it in moisturizers, creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and other personal care items.
Food and beverage industry
Dehydroacetic acid is a food preservative in some countries. It is effective against a wide range of microorganisms and can be used in various food and beverage products to inhibit spoilage.
Agriculture
Dehydroacetic acid is sometimes used as a preservative in agricultural products. It can be applied to crops, fruits, and vegetables to prevent microbial growth and extend their shelf life.
Pharmaceutical
Dehydroacetic acid (DHA) is a preservative in some pharmaceutical formulations. It helps maintain the integrity and stability of medicines by inhibiting microbial contamination.
Water treatment
Dehydroacetic acid (DHA) can be also as a biocide in water treatment systems. It helps control the growth of bacteria and algae, preventing fouling and maintaining water quality.
Regulations
The use of dehydroacetic acid is regulated by various authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States and the European Union. Maximum allowable concentrations and specific guidelines may vary depending on the intended use and product category.
FAQ
- Is Dehydroacetic Acid good for skin?
Dehydroacetic acid is a synthetic chemical that is a low hazard for human health and for the environment. Clinical tests have shown present inclusion rates of dehydroacetic acid (less than 0.6%) to be non-irritating and safe for use in cosmetics.
2. Is Dehydroacetic Acid non toxic?
While the name may sound a little foreboding, Dehydroacetic Acid is a non-toxic ingredient. Dehydroacetic Acid a common material in cosmetics and food as a fungicide and bactericide whose primary function is to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
3. What is Dehydroacetic Acid in sunscreen?
Dehydroacetic acid DHA, or Sodium Dehydroacetate is as a preservative in cosmetics. It kills microorganisms and prevents their growth and reproduction, thus protecting cosmetics and personal care products from spoilage.
4. What is Dehydroacetic Acid in shampoo?
Extraction: dehydroacetic acid is a mild preservative in cosmetics for products. Benefits: prevents cosmetics and personal care products from deteriorating and becoming contaminated by preventing the growth and reproduction of microorganisms.
5. Is dehydroacetic acid organic?
Dehydroacetic acid is an organic compound that usually comes in the form of an odourless white crystalline powder. It has potent antifungal and antibacterial properties, and is a common material in many personal and skin care products as a preservative.
6. Is Dehydroacetic Acid good for hair?
Products need preserving, and Dehydroacetic acid is a mild preservative in both haircare and cosmetics. It prevents products from deteriorating and becoming contaminated, by stopping the growth and reproduction of microorganisms.
7. What is Dehydroacetic Acid and its sodium salt?
The chemical, sodium dehydroacetate (Na-DHA) (CAS No. 4418-26-2) is a salt resulting from dehydroactic acid (DHA) (CAS No. 520-45-6) reacting with one molecule of sodium hydroxide.