PLDEFRESITJęzyk: polski
INCI name

DIHYDROXYACETONE

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

Hair dyeingTanningSkin conditioning – miscellaneousreviewed

A simple sugar used in self-tanning products.

What it is

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a simple three-carbon sugar (1,3-dihydroxyacetone). It reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin to form brown pigments. CosIng lists it as a hair-dyeing, tanning and skin-conditioning ingredient.

Where it is used

Found in self-tanning lotions, mousses, sprays, drops and gradual tanning creams.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

The colour it produces does not provide sun protection, and the label does not show its concentration.

Functions

Hair dyeing
Imparting color to hair. Hair dyeing preparations may be temporary, semi-permanent, permanent, depending on the length of time the colorant remains on the hair.
Tanning
Darkening the skin with or without exposure to UV.
Skin conditioning – miscellaneous
Enhancing the appearance of dry and/or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.

EU regulation

EU · Annex III, entry 3221,3-Dihydroxy-2-propanone
Product type
(a) Hair dye substance in non-oxidative hair dye products () (b) Self-tanning products () () From 26 January 2022 hair dye and self-tanning products containing that substance and not complying with the restrictions shall not be placed on the Union market. From 22 April 2022 hair dye and self-tanning products containing that substance and not complying with the restrictions shall not be made available on the Union market
Maximum concentration
(a) 6,25 % (b) 10 %
As of
3 November 2026 · (EU) 2021/1099

Scientific opinions (SCCS)

Opinions of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety that mention this ingredient. They assess specific uses and concentrations; read the opinion for its scope.

Products with this ingredient (107)

Check a full ingredient list