East Chemsources Limited was established in 2008, is a professional company engaged in the development of chemical products. In the past of 15 years，through continuous technological innovation and the use of talent introduction advantages, we have achieved rapid development, and has become an international diversified modern chemical enterprise. At present, our products have been exported to more than 80 countries,including food additives,  pharmaceutical raw materials, chemical products and personal care

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Chinese Synonyms:
1,3-Dihydroxy-2-propanone; Dihydroxyacetone; Dihydroxyacetone-+; Dihydroxyacetone; 1,3-Dihydroxyacetone; 1,3-Dihydroxyacetone (pale yellow solid)

 

English Name: 1,3-Dihydroxyacetone
CAS Number: 96-26-4
Properties: White powder
Molecular Formula: C3H6O3
Molecular Weight: 90.08

Main Uses and Characteristics:
1,3-Dihydroxyacetone, a naturally occurring ketose, is biodegradable, edible, and non-toxic to humans and the environment. It serves as a versatile additive in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food industries:

Summary of Multidisciplinary Applications and Characteristics of Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

I. Cosmetics and Beauty Industry

1. Artificial Tanning Agent (Sunless Tanning Ingredient)

• Mechanism:
  DHA undergoes a Maillard reaction with amino acids in the skin's stratum corneum to produce dark melanoidins, mimicking the complexion from natural sun exposure without UV radiation, thus avoiding UVA/UVB damage.
• Core Advantages:
  • Safely replaces traditional sun tanning, especially suitable for sensitive skin or high-sun-protection needs.
  • Can be compounded with humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid) and antioxidants (e.g., vitamin E) to improve skin tone while enhancing the skin barrier.
• Product Forms:
  Widely used in sunscreen lotions, tanning creams, sprays, mousses, and gels to provide natural and even "tan" effects. Some products also apply to hair dyeing (as an alternative to chemical hair dyes).

2. Skin Conditioning and Antioxidation

• Mildness:
  Low-concentration (usually ≤5%) DHA is mildly irritating to the skin, serving as a humectant to improve dryness and dullness, or added to anti-aging products to promote (corneocyte metabolism).
• Auxiliary Effects:
  Indirectly promotes collagen synthesis, reducing fine lines and enhancing skin elasticity.

II. Pharmaceutical and Biological Fields

1. Pharmaceutical Intermediates

• Synthetic Applications:
  Used in the preparation of antiviral drugs (e.g., lamivudine for AIDS) and anticancer drug intermediates, or as a chiral synthesis precursor.
• Biocompatibility:
  Due to its low toxicity and biodegradability, it is suitable for developing new pharmaceutical formulations as a raw material.

2. Biochemical Research

• Enzyme Substrate:
  Serves as a substrate for enzymes like glycerol dehydrogenase, used in enzyme activity assays or metabolic pathway studies.
• Cell Culture:
  Acts as a carbon source in specific culture media to support cell growth (requires experimental optimization of the formula).

III. Food and Health Products Industry

1. Food Additives

• Antioxidation and Preservation:
  As a natural antioxidant, it is used in meats, baked goods, and beverages to delay oxidation, deterioration, and extend shelf life.
• Flavor and Color Improvement:
  Adjusts flavors in brewed foods (e.g., fruit wines, soy sauce) or is used for surface treatment of frostings and chocolates to improve color and texture.

2. Health Product Ingredients

• Energy Supplementation:
  As a rapid energy source in sports nutrition drinks or health products, with a metabolic pathway similar to glucose but a lower glycemic index (GI).
• Oral Care:
  Combined with chlorhexidine in mouthwashes or toothpastes to inhibit oral bacterial growth and improve bad breath.

IV. Industrial and Material Fields

1. Polymer Synthesis

 

• Crosslinking Agent:
  Reacts with polyols and amines to prepare polymers like polyurethanes and epoxy resins, enhancing crosslinking density and mechanical properties.
• Paints and Adhesives:
  Improves water resistance and adhesion in water-based coatings; enhances bonding strength in wood adhesives.

2. Paper and Textile Industries

• Paper Strengthening Agent:
  Added to pulp as a wet-strength agent to improve the wet strength and tear resistance of paper.
• Textile Finishing Agent:
  Used for wrinkle resistance in cotton and linen fibers or as a dyeing auxiliary to improve dye fixation.

V. Other Applications

1. Agriculture and Animal Husbandry

• Feed Additives:
  Used as an antioxidant or energy supplement in livestock and poultry feed, particularly for young or sick animals.
• Plant Growth Regulation:
  Spraying low-concentration solutions may promote root development or enhance plant stress resistance (requires further verification).

2. Analytical Chemistry

• Detection Reagent:
  Used for qualitative detection of sugars and amino acids (e.g., reacting with phenylhydrazine to form osazone derivatives for distinguishing aldoses and ketoses).

VI. Safety and Physicochemical Properties

• Safety:
  • Concentration in cosmetics is typically controlled at 2%–5%; high concentrations may cause mild irritation.
  • As a food additive, it complies with national standards such as GB 2760; LD?? (oral administration in rats) > 2000 mg/kg, classified as low-toxic.
• Physicochemical Properties:
  • Appearance: White crystalline powder, highly hygroscopic (store in a sealed, dry environment at 2–8°C; bring to room temperature before use).
  • Compatibility: Soluble in water and ethanol, suitable for formulating various products like creams, lotions, and sprays.

VII. Market Trends and Consumer Demands

• Mainstream Choice for Sunless Tanning:
  Caters to the "healthy beauty" trend in Europe and America, replacing traditional sun tanning or UV tanning equipment to reduce skin cancer risks.
• Green Chemistry Orientation:
  Biologically fermented DHA (e.g., using glycerol as a raw material) is increasingly preferred in high-end cosmetics for its environmental friendliness and renewability.

Conclusion

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) demonstrates broad application potential in beauty, pharmaceuticals, food, and industry due to its versatility and safety. Its core value lies in simulating natural mechanisms (e.g., the Maillard reaction) while avoiding risks (e.g., UV damage), with continuous improvements in sustainability through biosynthesis technologies. As consumer demands for "clean labels" and "functional ingredients" grow, DHA is poised to play a significant role in more innovative products.

See More Isooctyl stearate Properties 

Hazard Identification

Classification of the substance or mixture

no data available

GHS label elements, including precautionary statements

Pictogram(s)	no data available
Signal word	no data available
Hazard statement(s)	no data available
Precautionary statement(s)
Prevention	no data available
Response	no data available
Storage	no data available
Disposal	no data available

Other hazards which do not result in classification

no data available

Handling and Storage

Precautions for safe handling

Handling in a well ventilated place. Wear suitable protective clothing. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Use non-sparking tools. Prevent fire caused by electrostatic discharge steam.

Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities

Store the container tightly closed in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place. Store apart from foodstuff containers or incompatible materials.

See More Isooctyl stearate Safety Data Sheet 