Gone are the days of laying out on a lounge chair in order to get that sun-kissed look. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.1 With these concerns of skin cancer, and prematurely aging skin, demand for sunless tanning options continues to grow.
IBISWorld research indicates that the tanning salon industry has experienced growth over the past five years, rising to $2 billion in revenue, with 2.6 percent annual growth from 2012 to 2017.2 Likewise, the self-tanning product market is projected to grow to $1,010.7 million in 2017.3
To help in your formulation of new sunless tanning products, we’ve compiled a few trends and tips, based on today’s market.
Sunless tanning trends
- Fashionista notes that, according to IBISWorld, self-tanning lotions are most popular, followed by bronzer powders, sprays, and towelettes. Only 2.3 percent of users ingest self-tanning accelerators, most of which are not FDA-approved.4
- Sun Biz Weekly reports that automated spray/sunless tanning booths continue to be a strong part of salon business, taking advantage of improvements in Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) spray technology.5
- Sunless tanning technology has also improved in terms of time, decreasing from an hours-long process to mere minutes.
- Improved technologies have also led to greater color options and applications methods.
- Recyclable clothing and accessories have been specifically designed to wear post-spray tan, to avoid stains.6
- Researchers are exploring the effects of high consumption of dietary carotenoids as a way to increase skin yellowness, and thereby mimic a skin tanning effect.7
Sunless tanning formulation tips
Personal care expert George Deckner offers the following tips for stabilizing sunless tanning formulations:
Further reading:
- 11 Tips for Stabilizing Sunless Tanning Formulations
- Finding Alternatives to Synthetic Exfoliating Beads
- Developing Superior Sun Care Formulations
- Anti-Pollution Skincare: A Rising Trend in Cosmetic Products
- Formulating an Emulsifier-Free Sunscreen
- Regulatory Update: D4 and D5 in Rinse-off Products
References:
- Skin Cancer Foundation: Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics
- IBISWorld: Tanning Salons in the US: Market Research Report
- Statista: Projected revenue of the self-tanning product manufacturing industry from 2012 through 2017
- Fashionista: The Self-Tanning Industry is Still Booming
- Sun Biz Weekly: Sunless Spray Booths to Factor in Upcoming Industry Trends
- Wear & Away clothing and accessories
- Natural Products Insider: Mixed Carotenoids Offer Healthy Alternative for Skin Tanning
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George,
I agree that the methods that you proposed are ways of combatting DHA degradation. Another approach is to use a delivery system containing 50% DHA such as Poly-Pore(r) 350DA. This allows for easy formulation of sticks, wipes or lotions that are stable and provide self tanning efficacy.
Thanks again for the thoughtful article.
Craig