Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) on your skin: a safety profile
Low risk(People-specific data is limited; this page draws from human adult context.) DHA is generally safe for topical use in self-tanning products at concentrations of 1-15%. FDA-approved for external application only.
What is dihydroxyacetone (dha)?
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a cosmetic ingredient, ketose sugar, tanning agent.
The IUPAC name is 1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-one.
Also known as: DHA, Dihydroxyacetone, 1,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-one, Glycerone.
- IUPAC name
- 1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-one
- CAS number
- 96-26-4
- Molecular formula
- C3H6O3
- Molecular weight
- 90.08 g/mol
- SMILES
- OCC(=O)CO
- PubChem CID
- 670
Risk for people
Low riskDHA is generally safe for topical use in self-tanning products at concentrations of 1-15%. FDA-approved for external application only.
DHA reacts with free amino acids in the stratum corneum (dead outer skin layer) via the Maillard reaction, producing brown melanoidin pigments. The reaction is confined to the outermost skin cells. Minimal systemic absorption occurs through intact skin. FDA has approved DHA for external cosmetic use since 1977. The primary safety concern involves inhalation during spray tanning, which the FDA has not evaluated or approved.
Symptoms of exposure
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases (per dermatology literature)
- Mild skin irritation with concentrated solutions (per MSDS)
- Respiratory irritation with spray application (per FDA advisory)
Regulatory consensus
3 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA | 1977 | Approved for external cosmetic use | Listed color additive (21 CFR 73.2150). Approved for external application only. Not approved for use on lips, eyes, mucous membranes, or for inhalation. |
| EU Cosmetics Regulation | 2009 | Annex III — Restricted cosmetic ingredient | Maximum concentration of 10% in cosmetic products. EC Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III. |
| CIR | 2005 | Safe as used in cosmetic formulations | Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded DHA is safe for use in cosmetic formulations at current concentrations when applied topically. |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where you encounter dihydroxyacetone (dha)
-
Cosmetic
Primary commercial use. Concentrations typically 1-15% DHA.
-
Cosmetic
Used in professional spray tanning booths and at-home spray products. FDA caution regarding inhalation.
-
Cosmetic
Lower concentrations (1-5%) for gradual tanning effect.
-
Biochemistry
Dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) is a key intermediate in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. DHA itself is a natural metabolite.
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Dihydroxyacetone (DHA):
- Erythrulose (slower-acting, often combined with DHA for more natural color)
- Cosmetic bronzing powders/makeup (temporary, no chemical skin reaction)
Frequently asked questions
Why do regulators disagree about dihydroxyacetone (dha)?
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) has been classified by 3 agencies including FDA, EU Cosmetics Regulation, CIR, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in the body app
Look up products containing dihydroxyacetone (dha), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in body View raw API dataReference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →