Erythrulose
INCI: Dihydroxyacetone
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Dihydroxyacetone, DHA
Substance chemically similar to the self-tanning agent dihydroxyacetone.
EWG Safety Score
What Is Erythrulose?
Substance chemically similar to the self-tanning agent dihydroxyacetone. Depending on your skin color, there can be a difference in the color with erythrulose. Erythrulose needs about two to three days for the skin to show a color change, while dihydroxyacetone completely changes the color of skin within two to six hours. For this reason, most products that contain erythrulose also contain dihydroxyacetone.
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Erythrulose is a variant of Dihydroxyacetone, the form you will most often see on an ingredients list.
DHA | Reacts with amino acids found in the top layers of skin to create a shade of brown
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DHA | Reacts with amino acids found in the top layers of skin to create a shade of brown
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