1,3-Dihydroxyacetone (DHA, CAS 96-26-4): The FDA-Approved Self-Tanning Active Behind the Sunless Tanning Aisle
A practical supplier guide to 1,3-Dihydroxyacetone / DHA (CAS 96-26-4, C3H6O3, MW 90.08, EINECS 202-494-5): the simplest ketotriose produced by glycerol fermentation that is the only FDA-approved self-tanning active. Covers the Maillard reaction mechanism, the 5-7 day tan, UV-free safety, 3-10% use levels, and formulation pairings with squalane, ethylhexylglycerin, sodium lauroylsarcosinate, lauryl betaine, glycolic/salicylic/mandelic acid, kojic acid, alpha-arbutin, glabridin, L-ascorbic acid, urea, trehalose, soybean lecithin, citric acid, and D-tartaric acid, plus compliance and sourcing notes.
