Natural Sunless Tanners

Sunless tanning products with natural and organic ingredients

The natural and organic segment of the cosmetics industry has grown in popularity over the last several years. Mainstream cosmetics are full of chemicals, preservatives and synthetic components. Although these are not inherently bad, long term side effects are largely unknown and studies are inconclusive. Experts on one side of the controversy say that quantities are so low that side effects are unlikely and that the benefits outweigh any potential risks. Consumer advocates, on the other hand, say that any risk is too high, especially without long term studies to rule them out. It's important to note that natural ingredients are not always better and can cause their own side effects, including but not limited to skin irritation. Preservatives are often challenged by watchdog groups but greatly increase shelf life and reduce the chances of bacterial growth. If you're concerned, experts say that parabens (preservatives) and phthalates (chemical ingredients used as solvents in cosmetics and to create a film on skin, moisturize it and help other ingredients penetrate it) are the ones to avoid.

Like all other sunless tanning products, natural self tanners rely on the same ingredients to bronze the skin, namely dihydroxyactetone (DHA) and erythrulose. Both of these ingredients are derived from sugar and react with the outermost layer of skin to create a bronzed appearance. Color produced from DHA generally starts to appear within two to six hours, while erythrulose takes approximately two to three days. Erythrulose is commonly found in gradual self tanners.

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunless Tanning (*Est. $10 for 4 oz.) is a paraben- and phthalate-free self tanner that has many natural and organic components. Paula Begoun, who defends the use of synthetic ingredients in cosmetics and skin care, gives Alba Botanica self tanner her highest rating. She praises the formula for its inclusion of several emollient, or moisturizing, plant oils and antioxidants which make it more than just a sunless tanner. The fact that Alba Botanica doesn't participate in animal testing makes it a favorite among consumer watchdog groups and environmentalists. TheDailySupplement.com, a group of bloggers that test and rate natural products and herbal supplements, gives it a thumbs up for avoiding harsh chemicals and using certified organic and natural ingredients. Alba self tanner contains aloe vera, chamomile, gingko biloba and green tea. Editors say that it is easy to apply, produces even color and smells good.

 Diana Baros, author of TheBudgetBabe.com, says she likes the subtle color that Very Emollient Sunless Tanning produces but wishes that it didn't take so long to develop. The manufacturer states that it takes three hours, but Baros says that her tan took a full 24 hours to develop. Like most sunless tanners, Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunless Tanning contains DHA and erythrulose. It comes in one shade, but it can be reapplied for more intense color.

Neither Nature's Gate Glow Lotion (*Est. $10 for 16 oz.) nor Nature's Gate Sunless Tanner (*Est. $8 for 4 oz.) are reviewed as often as other self tanners but both contain natural ingredients and are paraben-free. Glow Lotion is a gradual tanner that uses small amounts of DHA. Editors at Allure magazine say that it "absorbs evenly and builds to subtle bronze." Editors also praise  it because it doesn't contain any trace of the "noxious" odor typically associated with sunless tanners.

Nature's Gate Sunless Tanner provides an instant tan and contains antioxidants in the form of green tea and red raspberry extracts. Editors say that these ingredients also give the formula a "natural, refreshing scent." A couple of users at Drugstore.com, however, say that Nature's Gate still carries the tell-tale odor associated with self tanners are known.