Published: 28 October 2024  (Updated: 06 November 2024)

SAG-CS Opinion on Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

On 24 October 2024, the Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety in Consumer Products (SAG-CS) published its opinion on dihydroxyacetone (DHA).

Based on the evidence available to the SAG-CS, the group concluded that DHA is safe for use by adults, at the below concentrations, when used in the following cosmetic products to produce a tanned appearance or brown colour in the absence of UV light:

  • leave on self-tan (lotion and non-aerosol spray)- 14%
  • leave on self-tan (spray booth weekly application)- 14%
  • rinse-off self-tan (rinse-off lotion)- 22.5%
  • non-oxidative hair colourant (leave-on)- 6.25%

SAG-CS also concluded that DHA is also safe for use by adults at the concentrations stated above when considering an aggregate usage scenario.

It is important to point out that SAG-CS has raised some challenges about the use of such products in those aged under 14 years old. 

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