Erythrulose effectiveness in combination with DHA

This page contains information about another common ingredient in sunless tanning. Erythrulose is not as commonly used as DHA, but many solutions combine the two together for a supposedly better sunless tan. Between our wide selection of solutions and the constantly changing spray tanning market, The Tanning Store expects to carry solutions developed with both DHA and Erythrulose at any given time.

Erythrulose and Sunless Solution

Erythrulose is a natural keto-sugar which reacts with the amino acids of keratin in the epidermis of the skin to produce a brownish coloration, similar to how DHA reacts (read here for more about DHA.) and leaving a color comparative to a UV suntan. It takes more than double the time of DHA to develop on the skin, usually 24-48 hours, and leaves a lighter tan color than a DHA tan. When used alone, a Erythrulose tan fades faster than a DHA tan but some consider it to leave a more naturally pleasing result with less streaks. Due to being less obtainable and thus more expensive than DHA, Erythrulose is very rarely used by itself as the single active ingredient in tanning. Some individuals who are sensitive to DHA may find Erythrulose as a non-harmful self tanning replacement, but because of the similarities in composition, this is not always the case.

Erythrulose Benefits When Used with DHA

Top quality, effective solutions can be developed with either DHA or Erythrulose, and the added use of Erythrulose does not appear to guarantee the product a definite edge. However, the combination of the two seem to produce a more even, longer-lasting, less-streaky tan than either ingredient used alone. A deeper, more natural color tone is produced and the skin stays consistently more hydrated. With these type solutions, side effects stay minimal with an allergic reaction called Contact Dermatitis being rarely reported.