murphydehydroacetic acid
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Preservative
Acid
Clean
OriginDerived from acetic acid and other organic compounds through synthetic chemical processes. Synthesized by acetylation and dehydration reactions of cellulose or similar organic precursors.
3-Acetyl-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2,4(3H)-dione
CAS #
520-45-6, 771-03-9, 16807-48-0
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Preserves Formula
Antioxidant Protection
Fights Bacteria
Prevents microbial growth
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
CIR Panel statement found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 896)
Not a Skin Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 197)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 197)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0000029–0.5%
Rinse-off0.0000042–0.7%
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 0.6%
CIR reported use · 2023 survey
EU regulatory limit: 0.6%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 13.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR