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 284 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