Dihydroxyacetone has been regulated for some time in the US and until recently DHA was also regulated in the EU. The EU Commission wrote in July 5, 2021, amendments to Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009that 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone (INCI: Dihydroxyacetone or DHA), in applications that provide moisture and color to skin, has previously been unregulated, and therefore the regulation is added in Annex III.
Most self-tanning products that focus on gradual build-up of color are around 1-5% of this ingredient and will in most cases not be affected. There are probably more challenges for spray-on products, salon treatments, as well as ointment tanning products for darker skin tones. These products will become illegal to sell from the start of 2022.
The maximum concentration in self-tanners according to the new regulation is 10% and 6.5% in leave-in hair colors.