Dihydroxyacetone
A self-tanning sugar. It tints the top skin layer without sun for a temporary tan. Well tolerated, fades as skin renews.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Dihydroxyacetone (INCI: Dihydroxyacetone), or DHA, is a simple sugar that works as a self-tanner. It reacts with the amino acids in the outermost skin layer through the Maillard reaction and forms a brown pigment that gives a temporary tan without sun. Here there is a proven effect: DHA is the most studied and effective tanning active for self-tan, with results showing within a few hours. It matters to understand that the color is cosmetic and offers no real sun protection, so sunscreen is still essential. Topically the systemic uptake is very low, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is high: low irritation potential and low allergy risk. The color fades naturally with skin renewal over a few days. It is best not to inhale DHA spray products, a usual precaution for the aerosol format.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dihydroxyacetone safe during pregnancy?
Dihydroxyacetone is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Dihydroxyacetone for?
Dihydroxyacetone suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Dihydroxyacetone and what does it do in cosmetics?
A self-tanning sugar.
What's the INCI name for Dihydroxyacetone?
The INCI name is Dihydroxyacetone. It may also appear as: DHA.
See Dihydroxyacetone in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Diisopropyl Adipate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Dimethicone PEG-7 Phosphate, Dimethyl Adipate, Menthoxypropanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Sodium Salicylate, Benzyl Glycol
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