Description

1,3-Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) Powder

Imagine this: you want a golden, sun‑kissed glow. But you don't want the UV damage (wrinkles, sunspots, skin cancer). You don't want the orange streaks. And you definitely don't want to smell like a forgotten bag of burnt pretzels.

Enter 1,3-Dihydroxyacetone - known to its friends as DHA. DHA is the active ingredient in every reputable sunless tanning product on the market. It's a three‑carbon sugar (a ketose) that reacts with the amino acids in the dead layer of your skin - the stratum corneum - in a classic Maillard reaction (yes, the same chemical reaction that browns bread crust and sears a steak).

The Chemistry of Glow: When DHA meets the free amino groups of keratin proteins on your skin surface, they produce melanoidins - brown, harmless polymers that stain the top layer of skin. No UV exposure required. Your skin's DNA is not damaged. No melanin stimulation. No cell penetration.

The "Streak‑Free" Challenge: DHA reacts faster in dry spots (elbows, knees, ankles), creating the dreaded "patchy" look. That's why formulation is everything - the right emollients and application technique make the difference between a "goddess glow" and a "zebra costume."

The Smell Problem: DHA itself has a faint sweetish odor, but during the Maillard reaction on skin, it can produce a slight "bready" or "sweet biscuit" smell. We cannot change the chemistry, but we can provide formulation assistance with odor‑masking agents (cyclodextrins, fragrance).

🧴 Safety Note: DHA is FDA‑approved for external use. It does not penetrate beyond the dead skin layer. However, avoid inhaling spray mists (respiratory irritation) and avoid contact with eyes, lips, and mucous membranes.

Specification: 98.0% – 102.0% (on dried basis)
Sample: Sample Available
Test method: HPLC / Titration / Polarimetry
Synonyms: Dihydroxyacetone, DHA, Glycerone, 1,3-Dihydroxy-2-propanone, Ketose (triose sugar)
MOQ: 1 KG | Package: 1kg/foil bag (light‑protected), 25kgs/drum
Certificate: HACCP, ISO 22000, HALAL, GMP, Kosher (available upon request)
Molecular Formula: C₃H₆O₃ | CAS: 96-26-4

Product Characteristics

☀️

Appearance

Fine, free‑flowing white to off-white crystalline powder; faint sweetish odor.

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Purity

≥98% (fermentation‑derived, clean label).

💧

Solubility

High - ≥80 g/100 mL water at 20°C. Dissolves rapidly, even in cold water.

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pH (5% solution)

3.0 – 5.0 (mildly acidic). Most stable at pH 3–5.

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Particle Size

>95% pass 80 mesh; micronized available.

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GMP Manufacturing

Fermentation‑derived (Gluconobacter oxydans) - natural, sustainable.

COA (Certificate of Analysis)

Benefits of DHA Powder

01UV‑Free Sunless Tanning

DHA produces a natural‑looking tan without exposure to harmful UVA/UVB radiation. No DNA damage, no photoaging, no skin cancer risk from the tan itself.

02Temporary & Reversible

The color lasts 5–7 days, fading naturally as the stratum corneum sheds. No permanent staining, no commitment. Perfect for seasonal or occasional tanners.

03Customizable Shade Depth

Concentration determines color depth: 1–3% = light glow; 3–5% = medium tan; 5–10% = dark tan / deep bronze. Full formulation flexibility.

04Synergy with Erythrulose

A 1:1 or 2:1 DHA:erythrulose blend produces a longer‑lasting, more even, and more natural‑looking tan with a milder odor profile.

05Proven Safety Profile

FDA‑approved for external use. Non‑toxic, non‑carcinogenic. Does not penetrate beyond the stratum corneum or enter the bloodstream.

06Fermentation‑Derived (Natural)

Our DHA is produced via fermentation of glycerol - clean, sustainable, and free from formaldehyde contaminants found in synthetic DHA.

Application Fields

Sunless Tanning (Hero Application): Self‑tanning lotions & creams (3–5% DHA), mousses & foams (5–8% DHA), sprays (3–6% DHA), wipes/towelettes, gradual tan lotions (1–2% DHA), face serums & drops (5–10% DHA).
Other Cosmetic Applications: Eyelash & eyebrow tints (off‑label), scalp concealers, body bronzers.
OEM Finished Products: Self‑tanning mousse, premium tanning lotion (DHA + erythrulose), gradual tan body lotion, face drops, self‑tanning wipes, bronzing face serum - full custom manufacturing available.

Production Process

Production process of DHA

Product Quality Advantage

≥98% Purity – High-quality fermentation‑derived DHA.

Low Color (APHA ≤50) – Fresh, stable, non‑degraded material.

Low Heavy Metals – Pb <0.3 ppm, As <0.5 ppm.

Low Residual Glycerol – ≤0.2% - no sticky feel.

Excellent Solubility – Dissolves instantly in water or alcohol.

cGMP Certified – Full traceability and documentation.

Annual Capacity: 1,500 Tons | 15+ years of fermentation‑derived ingredients

Professional ODM/OEM Services

We provide full OEM/ODM manufacturing for finished sunless tanning products featuring DHA as the active ingredient.

① Finished Sunless Tanning Products
Self‑Tanning Mousse (5% DHA): Lightweight, quick‑drying, with aloe vera and vitamin E.
Premium Tanning Lotion (DHA + Erythrulose 2:1): Longer‑lasting, more natural tan.
Gradual Tan Body Lotion (2% DHA): Daily use, builds color slowly.
DHA Face Drops (10% DHA): Concentrated, customizable intensity.
Self‑Tanning Wipes: Single‑use, alcohol‑based, travel‑friendly.
Bronzing Face Serum: With hyaluronic acid and niacinamide.

② Formulation Support
pH stabilization (target 4.0–4.5), DHA/erythrulose ratio optimization (for color and longevity), odor masking (cyclodextrins, fragrances), preservative selection, stability testing (monitor DHA degradation over 12–24 months).

③ Additional Services
Third‑party certification (Kosher, HALAL, Ecocert – DHA is natural if fermentation‑derived), regulatory documentation (EU Cosmetic Regulation, FDA OTC monograph compliance).

Export Certificates

Certificates HACCP ISO HALAL GMP Kosher

Why choose us

XI'AN LANDNUTRA CO., LTD. – Your Trusted Manufacturer of Antioxidant & Functional Ingredients. Rooted in Quality, Driven by Expertise, Committed to Health and Excellence.

Strong Production Capability: Annual capacity 1,500 tons. 15+ years experience, own facility.
Leading Service: ONE-STOP OEM/ODM from pre-sales to after-sales.
Quality Assurance: CQC-certified enterprise, purity embedded in every process.
Broad Market: Botanical Extracts, Cosmetic Ingredients, Functional Ingredients.

15+ years of fermentation‑derived cosmetic ingredients. cGMP‑certified facilities. Full in‑house OEM/ODM capabilities for sunless tanning products. Regulatory documentation for global markets (FDA OTC, EU Cosmetic Regulation). Batch‑specific COA including assay, water content, color (APHA), and residual glycerol. Technical support for formulation (pH stabilization, odor masking, erythrulose synergy).

FAQ

Q1: Is DHA safe for my skin?

A: Yes. DHA has been used in sunless tanning products for over 60 years and is FDA‑approved for external use. It does not penetrate beyond the stratum corneum (dead skin layer) or enter the bloodstream. It is non‑toxic and non‑carcinogenic.

Q2: Why does DHA sometimes look orange instead of tan?

A: At high concentrations (>8–10%) or with poor formulation, the Maillard reaction can produce orange‑brown melanoidins. Adding erythrulose (a slower‑reacting sugar) and optimizing pH (4.0–4.5) produces a more natural, golden‑brown color.

Q3: Does DHA protect me from the sun?

A: No. DHA provides no UV protection. You must wear SPF when using self‑tanner. Do not assume a tan (real or fake) equals sun protection.

Q4: Why does DHA smell like biscuits?

A: The Maillard reaction produces aromatic compounds similar to bread crust or caramel. Formulators can mask the odor with fragrances or use erythrulose (which has a milder odor) in combination with DHA.

Q5: Can I use DHA if I have sensitive skin?

A: Most people tolerate DHA well. However, always patch test before full application. If you have eczema, psoriasis, or broken skin, do not apply DHA (it will stain unevenly and may irritate).

Q6: How long does a DHA tan last?

A: 5–7 days, depending on how quickly your skin sheds. Exfoliating accelerates fading. Moisturizing extends the tan.

Q7: Is DHA natural?

A: Yes, if fermentation‑derived. Our DHA is produced by fermenting glycerol with Gluconobacter oxydans - a natural process. Synthetic DHA (from formaldehyde) is cheaper but less pure; we do not supply it for cosmetics.

Q8: Can DHA be used on the face?

A: Yes - but use a face‑specific product (lower DHA concentration, 3–5%, with added humectants). Avoid the eye area.

Q9: Does DHA cause wrinkles?

A: No. DHA stains only the dead stratum corneum and does not penetrate to the dermis (where collagen lives). However, drying formulations may temporarily accentuate existing lines.

Q10: What is the shelf life of DHA powder?

A: 24 months in original sealed container stored at 2–8°C (refrigerated), protected from light. At room temperature (25°C), shelf life is 12–18 months. Once opened, use within 6 months.

Q11: Can I use DHA in a clear gel formulation?

A: Yes. DHA dissolves completely in water, producing a clear solution. However, clear gels require careful pH adjustment (4.0–4.5) and chelators to prevent DHA degradation.

Q12: Does DHA stain clothes or sheets?

A: DHA reacts with protein fibers (wool, silk, leather) but not with cotton or synthetics. Cotton sheets are safe; wool sweaters are not. Always wash hands after application.

Test Item	Specification (Cosmetic/Pharma Grade)	Test Result	Conclusion
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder	Conforms	Pass
Assay (HPLC)	98.0% – 102.0%	99.3%	Pass
Water Content (KF)	≤1.0%	0.4%	Pass
pH (5% solution)	3.0 – 5.0	4.2	Pass
Residue on Ignition	≤0.2%	0.06%	Pass
Lead (Pb)	≤1.0 ppm	<0.3 ppm	Pass
Arsenic (As)	≤1.0 ppm	<0.5 ppm	Pass
Residual Glycerol	≤0.5%	0.2%	Pass
Color (APHA, 10% solution)	≤50	35	Pass
Total Plate Count	≤1,000 cfu/g	<100 cfu/g	Pass
E. Coli / Salmonella	Negative	Negative	Pass

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