1, 3-Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)—The primary active ingredient in sunless tanners

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a simple carbohydrate that is primarily used as an ingredient in sunless tanning products. Dihydroxyacetone is a common ingredient in self-tanning lotions and creams. It is often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane, by the fermentation of glycerin. 

What is Dihydroxyacetone?

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sunless tanner, is the most popular approach for achieving a tanned appearance without sun exposure because it poses less health hazards than any other method. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it as the only active ingredient for sunless tanning thus far.

DHA concentrations can range from 2.5 to 10% or more (mostly 3-5 percent ). This may correspond to product lines that list light, medium, and dark tones. For new users, a product with a lower concentration (lighter shade) may be preferable because it is more tolerant of uneven application or rough surfaces.

Function:

1. The best and most popular self tanning agent for gaining a natural tan-like appearance without sun exposure.
2. Significant and proved photo protection to UVA due to the cutaneous pigmentation induced by DHA.
3. Incorporation in skin care formulations for daily use to prepare or to prolong the suntan.

How does dihydroxyacetone work?

DHA is found in all effective sunless tanners. DHA is a colorless 3-carbon sugar that, when applied to the skin, induces a chemical reaction with amino acids in the skin’s surface cells, darkening the skin. DHA does not harm the skin because it only affects the epidermis’ outermost cells (stratum corneum).

Within an hour of application, a color shift is frequently visible. Maximum darkening can take anywhere from 8 to 24 hours to appear. If a darker color is required, apply numerous times over the course of a few hours.

DHA produces an artificial tan that lasts until the dead skin cells rub off, which is normally 5-7 days with a single application. The same color can be maintained with repeat applications every 1 to 4 days, depending on the region.