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Skin conditioning agents and actives

Dihydroxyacetone

Also known as 1,3-dihydroxyacetone, 1,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-one, glycerone

CAS 96-26-4Formula C3H6O3Molar mass 90.08 g/molEC 202-494-5
GHS signal word: Warning. Pictograms: Harmful or irritant 116 suppliers listed Drug substance
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Dihydroxyacetone chemical structure, C3H6O3, CAS 96-26-4
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Crystalline powder
Melting point
90 °C
Solubility
In water, 9.3 × 10⁺⁵ mg/L at 25 dege C
HS code
291440
Category
Skin conditioning agents and actives
Illustrative photo, drums, an IBC tote and sacks in a chemical warehouse in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Dihydroxyacetone?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Dihydroxyacetone is a ketotriose consisting of acetone bearing hydroxy substituents at positions 1 and 3. The simplest member of the class of ketoses and the parent of the class of glycerones. It has a role as a metabolite, an antifungal agent, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a primary alpha-hydroxy ketone and a ketotriose.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-one
CAS number
96-26-4 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
202-494-5
Molecular formula
C3H6O3
UNII
O10DDW6JOO
MDL number
MFCD00004670
INCI name
DIHYDROXYACETONE
InChIKey
RXKJFZQQPQGTFL-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C3H6O3/c4-1-3(6)2-5/h4-5H,1-2H2
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
C(C(=O)CO)O

Synonyms

  • 1,3-dihydroxyacetone
  • 1,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-one
  • glycerone
  • Chromelin
  • 1,3-Dihydroxy-2-propanone
  • Oxantin
  • Triulose
  • Viticolor
  • Dihyxal
  • Oxatone
  • Soleal
  • Otan
  • 2-Propanone, 1,3-dihydroxy-
  • 1,3-Dihydroxypropanone
  • 1,3-Dihydroxydimethyl ketone
  • Dihydroxyacetone (USP)
  • 1,3 Dihydroxy 2 Propanone
  • GZE Tanning Cream
  • Dihydroxyacetone 10%
  • MELAO Body Tanning Oil
  • GlyTouCan:G69666WN
  • Melao facial tanning serum
  • Ketochromin
  • Bis(hydroxymethyl) ketone
  • dihydroxy-acetone
Show all 36 synonyms
  • 2-Propanone, 1,3-dihydroxy
  • 1,2-Dihydroxy-2-propanone
  • alpha,alpha'-dihydroxyacetone
  • Vitadye
  • Protosol
  • Aliphatic ketone
  • Chromelin (TN)
  • 1,3-Dihydroxyaceton
  • 1.3-dihydroxyacetone
  • a,a'-Dihydroxyacetone
  • 1,3-dihyroxy-acetone

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Crystalline powderexp.
Odour
Characteristic odorexp.
Taste
Sweet, cooling tasteexp.
Melting point
90 °Cexp.
Solubility
In water, 9.3 × 10⁺⁵ mg/L at 25 dege Cexp.
Vapour pressure
4.35 × 10⁻⁵ mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
90.08 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
90.0317 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-1.46calc.
Topological polar surface area
57.53 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
2calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
3calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
6calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.67calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Warning
GHS07: Harmful or irritant
Harmful or irritant

Hazard statements

  • H315Causes skin irritation.
  • H319Causes serious eye irritation.
  • H335May cause respiratory irritation.
Precautionary statements (16)
  • P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P302 + P352If on skin: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P351 + P338If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P319Get medical help if you feel unwell.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P332 + P317If skin irritation occurs: Get medical help.
  • P337 + P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical help.
  • P362 + P364Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403 + P233Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Dihydroxyacetone suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 116 suppliers
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Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

116 suppliers in 17 countries

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Dihydroxyacetone price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Intermediate, emulsifier, humectant, plasticizers, fungicides, cosmetics (creates synthetic suntan).

Artificial tanning agent.

Industrial uses: Fragrance.

Consumer uses: Fragrance.

Use classes: Cosmetics.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name DIHYDROXYACETONE(hair dyeing, tanning, skin conditioning - miscellaneous)

Roles

  • Escherichia coli metabolite
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite
  • animal metabolite
  • antifungal agent
  • antimicrobial agent
  • bacterial metabolite
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • fungal metabolite
  • human metabolite
  • mammalian metabolite
  • metabolite
  • mouse metabolite
  • prokaryotic metabolite

Functional uses

  • Dye
  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Reducing agent
  • Softener and conditioner

Cosmetic functions

  • Hair dyeing
  • Skin conditioning - miscellaneous
  • Tanning

How it is made

Action of sorbose bacterium on glycerol.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory
  • EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III, restricted in cosmetics
    Name: DIHYDROXYACETONE, Ref no: 322, Annex ref: III/322
  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Dihydroxyacetone is traded under.

HS 2914.40Indicative HS code

Ketone-alcohols and ketone-aldehydes

World exports in 2024
$199M
+2.5% vs 2023, imports $247M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China29.5%
  2. Germany14.4%
  3. Netherlands12.7%
Top importers
  1. United States37.2%
  2. Netherlands8.5%
  3. Germany6.4%
Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Dihydroxyacetone is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Dihydroxyacetone, based on the data on this page

What is Dihydroxyacetone?

Dihydroxyacetone is a ketotriose consisting of acetone bearing hydroxy substituents at positions 1 and 3. The simplest member of the class of ketoses and the parent of the class of glycerones.

What is the CAS number of Dihydroxyacetone?

The CAS registry number of Dihydroxyacetone is 96-26-4.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Dihydroxyacetone?

The molecular formula of Dihydroxyacetone is C3H6O3 and its molar mass is 90.08 g/mol.

What is Dihydroxyacetone used for?

Intermediate, emulsifier, humectant, plasticizers, fungicides, cosmetics (creates synthetic suntan). Artificial tanning agent. Industrial uses: Fragrance. Consumer uses: Fragrance. Use classes: Cosmetics.

Is Dihydroxyacetone hazardous?

Dihydroxyacetone carries the GHS signal word "Warning". Main hazards: causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, may cause respiratory irritation. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Dihydroxyacetone?

Dihydroxyacetone is usually classified under HS code 291440 (Ketone-alcohols and ketone-aldehydes). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Dihydroxyacetone?

CompoundList lists 116 suppliers of Dihydroxyacetone in China, United States, United Kingdom, Germany and 13 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Dihydroxyacetone in India?

2 suppliers in India list Dihydroxyacetone on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Dihydroxyacetone?

Suppliers quote Dihydroxyacetone on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Dihydroxyacetone

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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