Practically all currently available self-tanning products have as their active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which may or may not be combined with erythrulose, tyrosine derivatives, and occasionally a naphthoquinone.
The active ingredient in most sunless tanners is the coloring agent DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which combines with amino acids in the skin. The resulting reaction causes browning, but unlike the reaction caused by UV rays, it involves only the outermost, dead cell layer of the skin.
Tyrosine. Tyrosine is a natural amino acid found in the body. It is a precursor to melanin, meaning it is converted into melanin under the action of an enzyme, specifically tyrosinase. This active ingredient thus has a beneficial effect on tanning and facilitates it.
Tanning lotions, sprays, creams, mousses and combined moisturiser and fake tan products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a chemical or vegetable dye that temporarily stains the skin, giving a tanned appearance. The dye interacts and binds with the dead skin cells located in the upper layer of the skin.
DHA - aka dihydroxyacetone, is the key ingredient in the most effective self-tanning products, like our Gradual Tanning Drops. It acts as the colour additive that temporarily darkens skin. Think of it as the active ingredient which makes the magic happen.
Using skin depigmenting ingredients: Ingredients such as Glycolic Acid, Kojic Acid, and Vitamin C etc. have been proven to lighten the skin and thus will help remove tanning.
The Maillard reaction induced by DHA can generate free radicals such as reactive oxygen species, resulting in damage to collagen, elastin, and DNA in cells. This may contribute to Skin ageing and the appearance of wrinkles. Free radical generation is increased when DHA is used in combination with UV exposure.
Worst Ingredients in Self Tanner: Formaldehyde
Found in many hair straightening products, formaldehyde is also an active ingredient in some sunless tanners. Although the chemical helps darken skin quickly due to its “oxidizing” property, it can cause reactions if exposed to the skin for too long.
The active ingredient in spray tans and other sunless tanning products is an additive called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA for short. “DHA is actually a sugar compound,” explains dermatologist Jennifer Lucas, MD.
Fake tan remover, available as gels, lotions, or sprays, typically contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, or urea for exfoliation and tan removal.
According to Dr. Peter Katz, board-certified dermatologist with Forefront Dermatology, “there is no such thing as a healthy or safe tan. Tanned skin is a result of damage to the skin cells, your skin producing pigment in response to UV damage in an attempt to protect itself.
Boost Your Beta-Carotene Intake
Foods rich in beta-carotene, like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale, can give your skin a natural glow while enhancing its ability to tan.
This happens because “Each of us produces a different quantity and quality of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by our cells found in the basal layer of the skin,” explains Dr Puig.
In an interview with Redbook, Jennifer Aniston revealed that her favourite self-tanning product is the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes, she says: "I like the L'Oréal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes. They're great."
Practically all currently available self-tanning products have as their active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which may or may not be combined with erythrulose, tyrosine derivatives, and occasionally a naphthoquinone.
Opt for sunless self-tanners or spray tans. These are available in many forms, including lotions, sprays, and creams. The Skin Cancer Foundation advocates that no tan is a safe tan, and that regardless of whether women decide to go with their own glow or use sunless tanning methods, they avoid UV tanning.
Tan accelerators stimulate melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin colour. The active ingredients in these products, such as tyrosine and riboflavin, help activate the melanocytes in your skin, encouraging them to produce melanin at an accelerated rate.
One commonly used ingredient in these products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a color additive that darkens the skin by reacting with amino acids in the skin's surface.
Luckily, DHA-free self-tanners like Glimmer Goddess Organic Self Tanner Lotions and Self Tan Drops offer a fantastic alternative. Using natural ingredients, these products provide a more subtle, buildable glow—without the risk of irritation or unpleasant smells.
If you're a fan of fake tanning, we come bearing good news. The common consensus among dermatologists is that self-tanners are a safe way to achieve a golden glow. Particularly when compared with the very real risk of unprotected sun exposure.
The answer is YES. Sunless tanners are totally safe. They work through a simple sugar (DHA) that attaches to amino acids in the top layer of skin and causes darkening of the skin cells, resulting in a natural-looking tan.
It also can cause liver damage, impaired vision and hives. Talk to your health care provider if you're considering using a sunless tanning product. If you do use it at home, you should carefully follow the directions on the label and avoid getting it in your mouth, nose or eyes.
Parabens: One problematic ingredient inside self-tanners is parabens. Parabens are linked to cancer, and developmental and reproductive toxicity. In fact, they are typically found inside breast cancer tumors. Parabens are used in cosmetics to prevent mold, yeast, and bacteria from forming.
Not only can it cause wrinkles, age spots, and discoloration, but it can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Documented side effects of spray tans containing DHA include rashes, cough, dizziness, and fainting. Fragrances and preservatives can be added to self-tanners during spray application, which may contain parabens that have been linked to rosacea and allergic contact dermatitis (Garone et al., 2015).