Dihydroxyacetone

Dihydroxyacetone is a simple ketotriose monosaccharide (C3H6O3) and the only ketose sugar with three carbon atoms. It is primarily used as the active ingredient in sunless tanning products, where it reacts with amino acids in the stratum corneum of the skin via a Maillard reaction to form brown melanoidins that mimic a tan[3][4][5][6]. This pigmentation occurs without ultraviolet light exposure and typically appears within hours of topical application, lasting several days. Dihydroxyacetone can also be used experimentally as an additive in blood preservation solutions to maintain 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels[2]. In biochemistry, its phosphorylated form (dihydroxyacetone phosphate) is an intermediate in glycolysis and fructose metabolism[4][6]. Commercially produced by microbial fermentation of glycerol or derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and cane[4][6], dihydroxyacetone is considered safe for most people when used topically but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Brand names

ChromelinChromelin Complexion Blender

Other names

1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-oneglycerone