Almost all modern sunless tanning products contain Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as their main active ingredient. This is a colorless sugar that interacts with the proteins and amino acids in the outer layer of the skin to produce a golden brown color. No more are the orange tones associated with the sunless tanning solution products of yesteryears.

Aside from DHA, most solutions nowadays contain an immediate bronzer. The formulation of this bronzer is the one that will determine your skin’s initial color after application. The color will last until you take your first shower. You will then be left with the color that is produced by the DHA that reacted with your skin. The DHA will always produce the same results based on concentrate and application levels.