Dihydroxyacetone

Dihydroxyacetone is a cosmetic ingredient used as a hair dyeing, tanning agent. It is used in 311 products in our dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 180 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI nameDIHYDROXYACETONE
FunctionHAIR DYEING, TANNING, SKIN CONDITIONING - MISCELLANEOUS
CAS number96-26-4
EC number202-494-5
Prevalence311 products (0.34% of dataset)
Most used inBody
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Scientific studies180 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches2,400

Used in

Tanning 92.9%Eyebrows 1.3%Serums 1%Body Lotions 0.6%Day Moisturizers 0.6%Night Moisturizers 0.6%

Frequently asked

What does Dihydroxyacetone do in skincare?
Dihydroxyacetone functions as a hair dyeing, tanning agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Dihydroxyacetone allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Dihydroxyacetone?
It is most commonly found in Body products, especially tanning (92.9% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Dihydroxyacetone

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.