INCI Name
DIHYDROXYACETONE
Functions
1 Roles
Sustainability
N/A
Category
General
What It Does
This ingredient serves a specialized role in cosmetic formulations, contributing to the overall efficacy, stability, or sensory experience of the final product.
Molecular Profile
Molecular Weight
90.08
g/mol
LogP
-1.40
Partition coefficient (lipophilicity)
H-Bond Donors
2
Hydrogen bond donor count
H-Bond Acceptors
3
Hydrogen bond acceptor count
Polar Surface Area
57.5
Angstroms squared
Ingredient Compatibility
Known Interactions
DHA undergoes Maillard browning with free amino acids on skin to produce melanoidins (the tan). Free amino acids IN THE FORMULA (aloe vera juice, hydrolyzed proteins, peptide complexes, amino acid blends) react with DHA pre-application, degrading the active and accelerating off-smell development over shelf life. Remove the amino-acid source, switch to glycerin/propanediol/sodium PCA for hydration, or use encapsulated DHA if the amino-acid ingredient is brand-critical.
Ethoxylated surfactants (Ceteareth-*, PEG-*, Polysorbate-*, Poloxamer-*) accumulate peroxides over shelf life via air oxidation of the polyoxyethylene chain. The resulting peroxides degrade DHA, accelerating off-smell and producing orange tones. For DHA formulations, prefer non-ethoxylated emulsifiers: Polyglyceryl-* esters (Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate), Lecithin, Sucrose Stearate, Olivem 1000 (Cetearyl Olivate + Sorbitan Olivate).
Available Variants
2 forms available
Fine Powder, Cosmetic Grade
Fine White Powder (cosmetic grade, >99% purity)
Quick Reference
- Full INCI Name
- DIHYDROXYACETONE
- Common Name
- Dihydroxyacetone