what is in your self-tan: ingredients explained

the ingredient list on most self-tan products reads like a chemistry lesson. long names, hard to pronounce, harder to understand.

knowing what is actually in your self-tan matters. you are applying it to your skin regularly. you should know what you are putting on it.

here is what the key ingredients in ALTSOL Hydrating Tanning Mist do, in plain language.

DHA (dihydroxyacetone)

the active tanning ingredient in every self-tan product on the market. DHA reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin to produce a brown colour. it does not penetrate beyond the surface. it does not affect melanin. it is the same process whether you use a cheap product or an expensive one.

ALTSOL uses 4% DHA. that is on the lower end of the spectrum, which is why the colour builds gradually rather than developing all at once. lower concentration also means a more golden, less orange result.

Centella Asiatica

one of the most studied ingredients in skincare. used for decades in products for sensitive and compromised skin. it calms inflammation, supports the skin barrier, and helps skin repair itself. in a tanning product, it works against the drying effect that repeated DHA use can have. read more on what Centella Asiatica does for your skin.

Licorice Root Extract

a natural brightening ingredient derived from the root of the licorice plant. it inhibits melanin production, which helps even out skin tone. the result is a more uniform base for the tan to develop on, and a more natural-looking finish overall. read more on what licorice root extract does for your skin.

Chamomile

a calming, conditioning botanical. chamomile is particularly well suited to sensitive skin. it reduces redness and irritation, which makes the formula appropriate for people who normally find self-tan products harsh.

Green Tea

rich in antioxidants. green tea helps protect skin against environmental stress and free radical damage. it also has mild anti-inflammatory properties that complement the other calming ingredients in the formula. read more on antioxidants in skincare.

Xylitol and humectant sugars

these are hydrating ingredients that draw moisture into the skin and help it stay there. they work against the drying effect of DHA and contribute to the smooth, soft feeling the formula leaves behind.

every ingredient in ALTSOL is there because it does something useful. that is what tanning that works like skincare actually looks like on an ingredient list.