DropBio® DHA | Dihydroxyacetone

DropBio® DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is a three-carbon sugar derived from natural plant sources like sugar beets and sugar cane through the fermentation of glycerin. It has been a widely used ingredient in self-tanning products since the 1960s. DropBio® DHA is recognized for its ability to provide a temporary, safe, and even tan by reacting with the amino acids in the outermost skin layer through the Maillard Reaction. The resulting color typically lasts 5–7 days and gradually fades as the skin exfoliates.

INCI Name: Dihydroxyacetone
Trade Name: DropBio® DHA
CAS Number: 96-26-4
EC Number: 202-494-5
Function: Self-tanning
EWG Score: 1 (Low Hazard)

Benefits

1. Natural Browning Effect:

   • Provides an even, natural-looking tan without exposure to harmful UV rays.
   • Durable coloring effect lasting 5–7 days.

2. Sun Protection Support:

   • Offers a UVA protection factor of 1.7–2.2, depending on concentration, protecting against long-wave ultraviolet (λ > 320 nm).

3. Cosmetic Applications:

   • Used for sunless tanning and for masking hypopigmented macules (e.g., vitiligo).
   • Adds a healthy glow to fair-skinned individuals while avoiding harmful sun exposure.

4. Safe and Stable:

   • Does not damage the skin and is safe for regular cosmetic use.
   • Resistant to water, swimming, and perspiration but can be lightened with exfoliation or heavy sweating.

Suggested Usage

• Concentration:
  • Sunless Tanning Products: 1%–10%
  • Drugstore Products: 3%–5%
  • Professional Products: 5%–15%
• Applications:
  • Self-tanning creams, lotions, sprays, and mousses.
  • Cosmetic formulations for tanning effects or masking skin conditions.
• Formulation Guidelines:
  1. Maintain a pH range of 4.5–5.5 in formulations.
  2. Avoid contact with incompatible materials like α-Hydroxy acids, iron/zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or high amounts of gel formers (e.g., Carbomers, Xanthan gum).
  3. Combine only with organic sunscreens that lack amino groups.

Features

• Action Mechanism: Reacts with amino acids in the stratum corneum (outer skin layer) to create a natural tan.
• Appearance: White to almost white fine crystalline powder, with occasional granular parts.
• Stability: Best stored at 4°C–8°C to maintain efficacy.

Physicochemical Properties

• Assay: 98.0%–102%
• Appearance of Solution: Clear
• Water Content: ≤0.5%
• pH (5% Solution): 4–6
• Protein Content: ≤0.1%
• Heavy Metals (Pb): ≤10 ppm
• Iron: ≤20 ppm
• Arsenic: ≤3 ppm
• Formic Acid: ≤30 ppm
• Microbial Safety:
  • Total viable count ≤100 cfu/g
  • Absence of E. coli, Salmonella species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans.

Cautions

• Formulation Incompatibility:
  • Avoid α-Hydroxy acids, iron/zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide to prevent adverse reactions.
  • Minimize buffers and ethanol concentrations for stable formulations.
• Storage:
  • Store at 4°C–8°C for long-term stability.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 27°C.

Packaging and Shelf Life

• Packaging: Supplied in sealed containers.
• Shelf Life: 2 years when stored under recommended conditions.