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Self-tanning products

Here we look at products to use on the skin.  Self-tanning tablets are not cosmetic products.

How do self-tanning products work?

Also known as “sunless tanning”, and “fake tan”, most self-tanning products contain the active ingredient DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which creates a ‘healthy glow’ by chemically reacting with the amino acids in the dead layer (the stratum corneum) of the skin’s surface. This reaction is non-toxic and skin-safe, it requires no UV exposure and involves no permanent pigmentation.

Some “sunless tanners” contain erythulose as the active ingredient. This works in the same way as DHA, but the colour it produces develops more slowly. Some products use both DHA and erythulose, which may produce a longer-lasting effect. The effect of all self-tanning products is temporary and, depending on the individual product, can last up to 10 days.

Why use a self-tanning product?

Sunless tanners are a safe and harmless way of achieving the colour of a tan. Unlike sun-bathing and sun-beds, “self-tan” involves no exposure to UV light, the harmful radiation which can cause skin cancer.

UV (ultra violet) light is made up of UVA, UVB and UVC rays. UVB penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the cells, causing the skin to become inflamed and red (sunburn). UVA penetrates deeper and causes direct damage to supporting tissues, making the skin age. Both are linked to causing skin cancer. UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and do not normally reach us at ground level.

Most “self-tan” products contain moisturising ingredients which keep the skin healthy and supple. They do not cause the skin to age, or to become inflamed and red as they do not involve exposure to UV rays. However, not all sunless tanning products contain UV filters, and so they do not provide any sun protection. If the sunless tanner is also a sunscreen, it will have an “SPF” (sun protection factor) and UV protection rating on the label.  If the sunless tanner does not provide any UV protection then it is important to also apply a sun protection product before going out in the sun.

Is it safe to use self-tanning lotions during pregnancy or when breastfeeding?

Yes, self-tanning products are safe to use during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding although you probably wouldn’t want to apply it to your breasts because it won’t taste or smell very nice for your baby and you wouldn’t want them to swallow it. Some mothers worry about the effect of cosmetics on their breast milk. There is no evidence to suggest that cosmetics make breast milk unsafe.

New innovations

Self-tanning moisturisers

There are many moisturisers with added “self-tanners” available. These have the same effect as a moisturiser but simultaneously build a gradual and temporary ‘tan’ on application. Such products contain the same tanning ingredient as “sunless tanners”, i.e. DHA or erythulose; however, this is diluted with moisturising agents, so the products usually need to be applied regularly for the colour to build up over time.

Sunscreens with added “self-tan”

These products protect the skin from harmful UV rays, using UV filters, as any normal sunscreen does. The difference is that they simultaneously create a glow, regardless of sunlight, because they contain either DHA or erythulose.

Where can I find out more?

Read our top tips for healthy, happy skin on holiday.

For more information on dermatology, visit the British Association of Dermatologists website.

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) is an association of manufacturers of cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery products, founded in 1945 to promote the interests of members, primarily with government. That remit has now extended to include the European Commission and many other regulatory bodies, national and international groups.

Members are manufacturers (full members), raw material suppliers and suppliers of services (associate members). Our Council is made up of senior industry representatives from small, medium, large and multi-national companies. Activities are funded through membership subscriptions.

The focus of our work centres on scientific, regulatory and legislative issues. We have a constant dialogue with the UK Government and this process is repeated at European level through COLIPA, the European trade body and internationally through an extensive network of national association contacts.

Visit the CTPA main website »

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) is the voice of the cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery industry in the UK. Our members vary from small and medium-sized companies to large multi-nationals and include manufacturers, raw material suppliers and service providers.

Our primary goal is to promote good working practice to ensure that consumers are provided with the very best products. To this end, we co-ordinate the industry's viewpoint on key issues such as science, innovation and safety and maintain an open dialogue with government, both at UK and European level, as well as with international regulatory authorities and key opinion formers.

CTPA recognises that the consumer has a right to understand the processes that industry and the regulatory bodies go through to ensure the safety and efficacy of cosmetic and toiletry products. Over the years we have steadily increased our focus on providing the public with direct access to the industry's perspective and progress on safety, science and innovation.

In April 2008 we launched our consumer information website, www.thefactsabout.co.uk, which provides scientific facts about common ingredients used in cosmetics and the industry's perspective on common safety questions as well as information on how products are regulated to ensure safety and efficacy.

Further information on the work of the CTPA is available from our main website www.ctpa.org.uk which also houses the full set of legislation under 'Cosmetic regulations'.