Best Smelling Self-Tanners
Self-tanners make it easy to achieve that bronzed look without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays, but one of the biggest drawbacks is if it has a lingering chemical scent. Beauty science has come a long way, so you don’t have to smell chemicals to get a permanent just-back-from-vacation glow. Brown Bee’s self-tanning formulas are created with light notes of coconut, vanilla, almond, and more, while hydrating your skin, and giving you a beautiful tan.
What Gives Self-Tanners Their Scent?
The ingredient that gives self-tanners their scent is dihydroxyacetone, better known as DHA. DHA is a plant-derived sugar usually sourced from sugar beets or sugar cane. When applied as a self-tanning lotion or mousse, DHA reacts with the amino acids in the dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin, which gives your skin that sun-kissed glow. The scent you notice a few hours after applying self-tanner is a result of the chemical reaction between DHA and your skin. This process is called the Maillard reaction. Because the process takes a few hours to fully develop, the scent often gets stronger as your tan deepens.
DHA Concentration
The main factor that gives self-tanner its scent is the amount of DHA in the product. Gradual tanning lotions like Brown Bee's contain a low percentage of DHA, so they have a light scent. On the other hand, professional spray tans contain high concentrations of DHA, which means they have a strong, burnt smell.
Skin Chemistry
Your unique body chemistry plays a part in how a self-tanner smells on you. The pH level of your skin, the specific amino acids on your skin's surface, and even your diet can affect how a self-tanner smells.
Self-Tanner Ingredients
The DHA and the other ingredients in the self-tanners also affect how they smell. Lower-quality DHA can degrade self-tanners, which causes them to have a more pungent smell. Brown Bee’s self-tanning formulas use high-quality DHA and a carefully balanced pH to deliver optimal results, while minimizing byproduct odors.
Brown Bee also uses DHA with erythrulose, another sugar-based bronzing ingredient. Erythrulose reacts much more slowly than DHA and produces almost no odor. By combining DHA with erythrulose, you can still get a beautiful tan without the burnt smell.
Shop Brown Bee’s Best Smelling Self-Tanners
Get your summer glow without the risk of harsh UVA rays penetrating your skin, with Brown Bee’s self-tanners. Our self-tanning moisturizer and mousses have light notes of coconut, vanilla, almond, mango, pineapple, and pistachio.
Gradual Tan Daily Moisturizer
Brown Bee’s lightweight self-tanning lotion delivers a subtle, even tan while deeply hydrating the skin. It has notes of pistachio, coconut, mango, and pineapple for a refreshing smell.
Self-Tanning Air Mousse
Infused with skin-nourishing ingredients, Brown Bee’s self-tanning air mousse delivers a natural-looking glow while nourishing your skin. It has a light coconut and vanilla scent.
Self-Tanning Hydro Mousse
Brown Bee’s lightweight, fast-drying self-tanning hydro mousse offers a clean self-tanning formula with no instant color guide. This mousse has a light almond scent.
Shop our application mitt for a clean, streak-free application, and our exfoliation mitt to prep for self-tanner application.
FAQs
Which self-tanner smells the best?
Self-tanning products like coconut or vanilla scented mousses and moisturizers smell fresh and tropical.
Why do some self-tanners smell stronger over time?
The scent can become more noticeable as DHA develops on the skin over several hours.
What is the best way to apply self-tanner?
Start with clean, exfoliated skin for an even base. Lightly moisturize dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent buildup. Apply self-tanner with an application mitt. Learn how to apply self-tanners in our video tutorials.
How long do self-tanners last?
Brown Bee’s self-tanners last about 5 to 10 days, but results vary based on usage, skin type, formula, application prep, and aftercare.
Are self-tanners safe while pregnant?
Usually self-tanners are considered low risk during pregnancy, but consult with a medical professional before use.