Dihydroxyacetone
Explained
Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, is a simple sugar. It is frequently used in self-tanning products.
DHA binds to the amino acids in your dead skin cells to create a brown/orange color. Darkening begins to kick in a few hours after application and will continue to develop for up to 3 days. This ingredient can be drying.
Both the US and the EU have approved DHA in self-tanning products. In the EU, DHA is allowed at a maximum concentration of 10%. Most tanning products usually contain amounts between 3-5%.
If you are pregnant or have underlying medical conditions, it is best to speak with a dermatologist about using self-tanning products.
See all 274 products with Dihydroxyacetone
Users who like it
14%
Users who avoid it
86%
What it does
Skin Conditioning
To hydrate and soften skin
Tanning
Darkening of the skin
Alternative names
Dha
Prevalence
Less common
Percentage of products that contain it
0.3%
Top categories
Sunscreens
Treatments
Moisturizers
Position
Predominant list placement
Top 25%
Concentration
Concentrations we've seen
100%
References
Products with Dihydroxyacetone
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
75563
INCI Name
DIHYDROXYACETONE
EC #
 202-494-5
All Functions
Redu CI Ng, Skin Conditioning, Tanning