Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in your home: a safety profile
Moderate risk for your homeFDA has not approved DHA for inhalation. Spray tanning may cause respiratory irritation and exposes mucous membranes.
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 your household
Moderate riskFDA has not approved DHA for inhalation. Spray tanning may cause respiratory irritation and exposes mucous membranes.
During spray tanning, DHA-containing aerosol can be inhaled, depositing on respiratory mucosa. FDA has explicitly stated that DHA is approved for external application only and has not evaluated safety for inhalation. Studies suggest potential for reactive carbonyl formation and genotoxic effects on pulmonary cells in vitro, though human data is limited.
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 your home 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
Is dihydroxyacetone (dha) safe for your home?
FDA has not approved DHA for inhalation. Spray tanning may cause respiratory irritation and exposes mucous membranes.
What should I do if my your home is exposed to dihydroxyacetone (dha)?
Use protective nose filters and avoid inhaling spray mist. Prefer lotion-based self-tanning products. Ensure spray tan booths have adequate ventilation.
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 home app
Look up products containing dihydroxyacetone (dha), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in home 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 →