All quality sunless, or self tanning, products contain the active ingredient DHA, or Dihydroxyacetone. DHA is most often derived from plant sources such as sugar cane and sugar beets as well as by fermentation of glycerin.

When searching to find the most effective self tanning products it is important to find one that lists dihydroxyacetone or DHA as an active ingredient. DHA is an isomer of glyceraldehydes, and is used to darken the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology, states that DHA should begin to work around 40 minutes to an [...]