Bronzing drops: What is it formulated with?

The bronzing drops aim to provide the skin of the body or face with a natural tan, without the need to expose oneself to the risks of the sun's UVB rays. They offer a customizable tan, dependent on the amount of product applied and must subsequently be removed during the makeup removal stage in the evening. This is indeed one of the major differences with self-tanners, whose effect lasts between 5 and 7 days.

Liquid bronzing drops are presented in the form of an emulsion, in which the fatty phase is in the minority. The main ingredients are the pigments, suspended in a so-called "dispersing" aqueous phase. These pearlescent pigments give the bronzing drops its characteristic hue. They are generally of mineral origin and their INCI name begins with the term "CI" for Colour Index, which is presented in this way: CI 77XXX.

• White pigments such as the CI 77891 (titanium dioxide). This is a metallic oxide that, in addition to colouring the skincare products, opacifies the formulas to make them less transparent. Furthermore, CI 77019 (white mica) adds a pearlescent effect to the white base, allowing for a glittery shine without plastic. It's worth noting that white mica can also be synthetic.

• Red pigments such as the CI 77491 (iron trioxide). This is a red mineral pigment in powder form that, when mixed with white and black pigments for example, produces the expected bronze colour.

• Sometimes black pigments. The CI 77499 (Iron tetraoxide) is the most commonly used black pigment in these treatments. Derived from the mixture of iron II and III oxides, it contributes to achieving the golden colour of bronzing drops, but it also helps to intensify the final colour.

Other substances are essential to the composition of bronzing drops, such as solvents (water, pentylene glycol). Their main function is to dissolve the active ingredients and components of the product. One can also find moisturising agents, such as glycerine, and emollients (heptyl undecylenate, isododecane) in bronzing drops to enhance skin hydration and give the skin a silky and dry finish.

Furthermore, bronzing drops are formulated with stabilising agents (sodium phytate), molecules that enhance the stability and effectiveness of products by chelating metallic ions, for example. Chelation is a chemical reaction that forms stable complexes between ligands and metallic cations.

Finally, we find preservatives (benzyl alcohol, dehydroacetic acid) in the formula of bronzing drops. They neutralise the proliferation of microorganisms in skincare products and extend their shelf life. These can be antioxidants such as the vitamin E. In addition to stabilising the formula, antioxidants target photoaging and prevent the harmful action of free radicals on the complexion, through promoting cellular renewal and thus a more radiant complexion.