Self-tanning products can offer a safe, effective and natural-looking alternative to sun exposure. But not all tans are created equal! Formulators today are searching for high-performance ingredients that deliver a more even colour, last longer, and have added skin benefits.
HARKE UK & Ireland is proud to offer a high performing range of active ingredients for sunless tanning and tan enhancement. From streak-free self-tanners to skin-friendly tan boosters, these ingredients give formulators powerful tools to create effective and on-trend tanning products.
Sunsafe® DHA: Reliable, Natural-Looking Colour
Sunsafe® DHA (INCI: Dihydroxyacetone) is a sunless tanning agent derived from glycerol. It is the most popular sunless tanning ingredient on the market and the only one approved by the American FDA. Sunsafe® DHA works by binding to amines, peptides, and free amino acids in the outer layers of the stratum corneum to trigger a Maillard reaction. This leads to the formation of brown-coloured compounds known as melanoidins, which develop into a natural-looking tan.
A visible tan appears within two to three hours after application and continues to darken for up to six hours, delivering a warm bronze tone without UV exposure. According to Uniproma, Sunsafe® DHA provides consistent performance across different skin tones, and the resulting tan can last several days to a week depending on the formulation.
Key features of Sunsafe® DHA:
- Creates a natural-looking tan within 2–3 hours, deepening for up to 6 hours
- Delivers consistent, streak-free results across different skin tones (according to Uniproma)
- Naturally derived 3-carbon sugar with high purity (min 98%)
- Approved by the American FDA as a sunless tanning ingredient
Sunsafe® DHA can be used in bronze concealers and emulsions as well as self-tanning sprays.
Erythrulose & Kleensolve™ DMI: Enhance & Extend Your Tan
Erythrulose by Kraeber (INCI: Erythrulose) is a natural keto-sugar made from non-GMO European maize. It works synergistically with Sunsafe® DHA to deepen and even out colour while reducing the risk of streaking or patchiness. Its smooth, honey-like texture makes it ideal for use in drops, serums, sprays, and creams, especially in sensitive or allergen-free ranges.
Key features of Erythrulose:
- 100% natural, vegan, and allergen-free
- Water- and alcohol-soluble, easy to formulate
- Smooth, even colour for a natural look
- Ideal for sensitive skin and high-SPF ranges
Kleensolve™ DMI (INCI: Dimethyl Isosorbide) is a multifunctional solvent from KCI that boosts the delivery and effectiveness of Sunsafe® DHA and Erythrulose. By enhancing skin penetration and improving solubility, Kleensolve™ DMI helps to optimise tanning performance without irritation.
Key benefits of Kleensolve™ DMI:
- Increases skin absorption of tanning actives
- Reduces tackiness and greasy skin feel
- Low odour and high purity
- Safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on products
Together, Erythrulose and Kleensolve™ DMI make a perfect pairing with Sunsafe® DHA for boosting tan intensity, evenness, and longevity.
Tyrostan® PF & Tyrosinol: Boost Natural Melanin for a Sun-Kissed Look
Tyrostan® PF (INCI: Potassium Caproyl Tyrosine) is a melanin-boosting active ingredient by Sinerga that is derived from L-Tyrosine, the amino acid involved in the skin’s natural tanning response. Unlike self-tanners, Tyrostan® PF works with the skin’s own melanin production process, enhancing the tan that develops with sun exposure or supporting natural pigmentation when used over time.
Key benefits of Tyrostan® PF:
- Increases tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis
- Helps skin develop colour faster under UV exposure
- May offer mild protective effects against sun damage
- Hydrophilic and easy to formulate, recommended at 3 – 5%
Testing by Sinerga has shown that Tyrostan® PF at 5% concentration significantly boosts pigmentation compared to placebo, with up to 77% more visible colour after three weeks of UV exposure. In sunscreen formulations, it also increased melanin levels and the skin’s resistance to erythema.
Oil-soluble alternative: Tyrosinol
Tyrosinol (INCI: Caproyl Tyrosinic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glyceryl Oleate) is an oil-soluble active ingredient by Sinerga with many of the same benefits as Tyrostan® PF. Thanks to its stimulating action on melanin production, Tyrosinol promotes a long lasting and homogeneous suntan. It is ideal for applications such as suncare oils, emulsions and lipogels.
Ready to Formulate with these Tanning Ingredients?
Whether you’re working on a high-performance self-tanner, a tan booster serum, or a sun care product that supports natural pigmentation, this selection of tanning ingredients offers proven results and formulation flexibility.
To find out more, or to request a sample, get in touch with the HARKE UK & Ireland team today. We look forward to hearing from you.
