Dihydroxyacetone
Dihydroxyacetone suppliers and sourcing guide
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a simple three-carbon sugar, 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone. Commercial DHA is made by bacterial fermentation of glycerin, usually with Gluconobacter, then purified and crystallized. It is sold as a white crystalline powder, mostly as a dimer that slowly converts to the monomer in solution. Brands buy it as the color additive in sunless tanning lotions, sprays, mousses and drops.
- Category
- Colors
- Also known as
- DHA · 1,3-Dihydroxyacetone · 1,3-Dihydroxy-2-propanone · Glycerone
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of dihydroxyacetone
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Crystalline powder
High-purity DHA crystals, the standard form dissolved into the water phase of tanning products.
Naturally derived or non-GMO
Grades made by fermentation from vegetable glycerin, sometimes with non-GMO or other sourcing statements.
Encapsulated grades
DHA in encapsulated or slow-release systems that suppliers offer to change how color develops.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- DHA assay
- 1,3-Dihydroxy-2-propanone content by HPLC or titration, which the regulation requires to be not less than 98 percent.
- Volatile matter
- Volatile matter under vacuum, limited to 0.5 percent, a check on moisture.
- Residue on ignition
- Residue on ignition, limited to 0.4 percent.
- Heavy metals and iron
- Lead, arsenic and iron by ICP-MS; iron speeds DHA breakdown and is limited to 25 ppm.
- Solution pH and color
- pH and color of a standard solution, which flag degradation.
- Microbiology
- Total plate count, yeast and mold, and pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store DHA refrigerated (often 2–8 °C) in tightly sealed containers away from moisture and light; it degrades with heat and turns yellow-brown and odorous. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and stock past the retest date is rechecked for assay, pH and color.
Lots and expiry dates
Assay, color and solution pH can drift with age and storage temperature, so record the receipt date and storage conditions with each lot. Rotate strictly first-expired, first-out.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.1150 identifies the color additive dihydroxyacetone as 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone and requires not less than 98 percent purity.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.2150 permits dihydroxyacetone in externally applied cosmetics intended to impart a color to the human body, exempt from certification.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.1150 limits iron to 25 ppm and lead to 20 ppm.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Dihydroxyacetone suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking dihydroxyacetone suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell dihydroxyacetone? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of dihydroxyacetone can brands buy?
Common forms include crystalline powder, naturally derived or non-GMO and encapsulated grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for dihydroxyacetone include?
Expect dHA assay, volatile matter, residue on ignition, heavy metals and iron, solution pH and color and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should dihydroxyacetone be stored?
Store DHA refrigerated (often 2–8 °C) in tightly sealed containers away from moisture and light; it degrades with heat and turns yellow-brown and odorous. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and stock past the retest date is rechecked for assay, pH and color.
What is the regulatory status of dihydroxyacetone?
21 CFR 73.1150 identifies the color additive dihydroxyacetone as 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone and requires not less than 98 percent purity. 21 CFR 73.2150 permits dihydroxyacetone in externally applied cosmetics intended to impart a color to the human body, exempt from certification. 21 CFR 73.1150 limits iron to 25 ppm and lead to 20 ppm.
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