Erythrulose
Erythrulose is approved by FDA only as a color additive for external application via the Maillard-type browning reaction with skin proteins. It is not an authorized food additive; ingestion is not an established safe use.
What it is
A four-carbon ketose sugar (C4H8O4); used primarily as a self-tanning agent in cosmetics, often combined with DHA.
Cosmetic self-tanner — not approved or used as a direct food additive in the U.S. or EU.
Why it's flagged
- not approved for food use
- potential reactive carbonyl species formation
What regulators actually say
"Dihydroxyacetone, and by extension related sugar ketones used as self-tanning agents, are approved only for external application."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Approved color additive for externally applied cosmetics (21 CFR 73.2099); not for ingestion.
European Union — EFSA
Not authorized as direct food additive.
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