Erythrulose ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a self-tanning agent that gradually creates a brown tone on the skin surface through reaction with amino acids in the stratum corneum. It is often used to build a slower, more even-looking tan effect and to support longer wear in tanning formulas.
What does Erythrulose do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a self-tanning agent that gradually creates a brown tone on the skin surface through reaction with amino acids in the stratum corneum. It is often used to build a slower, more even-looking tan effect and to support longer wear in tanning formulas.
Is Erythrulose clean?
Clean-beauty frameworks generally view it as a well-tolerated color-development ingredient with low sensitization concern. Its main formulation caveats are staining, color unevenness, and compatibility with other reactive ingredients rather than restricted-list friction.
Is Erythrulose sustainable?
This material is commonly produced from sugar-based feedstocks through fermentation or bioconversion routes. It is water soluble and expected to be readily biodegradable, with low concern for environmental persistence.
Is Erythrulose COSMOS-approved?
It is generally compatible with COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulation standards when made from approved renewable feedstocks and compliant processing. From a Green Chemistry view, it aligns well because it can come from sugars, functions at low levels, and does not rely on persistent silicone or petrochemical film formers.
How does Erythrulose work chemically?
The molecule is a small four-carbon ketose that participates in Maillard-type reactions with free amino groups in surface skin proteins, producing visible brown chromophores over several hours. Typical use levels are about 1 to 5%, and formulas are usually kept mildly acidic, often around pH 3.5 to 5.5, to support stability and controlled color development.
Last updated 2026-05-13