The Liquid Sun Difference
Uvasun Light Therapy Center has retained Chemist services and a private laboratory for the production and formulation of a self tanning spray for it's exclusive Liquid Sun machine. Last year, Mystic Tan was 'all the rage' in Hollywood, but Uvasun's dedicated research and development of tanning technology found several areas of solution formulation that we felt could be improved significantly upon. Our goal was to provide a solution with a longer lasting tanning effect and better hydration properties for a youthful skin appearance. Oh, yes... could we do anything to improve the odor?
DHA (the active self tanning component) undergoes a reaction called 'the Maillard reaction', which is an aldo/keto reduction of the sugar with the skins naturally occurring amino acids and amines in only the outermost layer of the epidermis, the Stratum Corneum.
One of the advantages that was incorporated into our solution (and is actually the first introduction of its use to the tanning industry) is an ingredient called Erythrulose. Like many things that are truly innovative, others are sure to quickly follow suit. Erythrulose has some unique formulation nuances, and it did take a considerable amount of time to resolve some of the formulation quirks to get it to function effectively. Several advantages of the addition of Erythrulose to DHA (to create a 'combined active system') are that it tends to develop a much more natural bronze color. This is a function of the larger molecule and its propensity to react with certain amino acids preferably over others.
The reaction process is a bit slower which results in a more uniform color distribution with less streaking. Erythrulose is significantly less drying than DHA and tends to fade much more evenly with less cracking and more uniformity. The true secret to the formulation and its propensity to achieve longer lasting results actually resides in two or three other ingredients combined in specific ratios, intentionally kept proprietary for obvious reasons. The combined active system is the key to how the solution performs, but specific advancement in the delivery system truly aided in the performance of the product. Buyers beware: if Erythrulose is not stable in the final formula it is just label decoration for the ingredient section!
The formula was intentionally manufactured as a clear solution to eliminate 'rub-off' of the instant bronzer onto clothing. The purpose of the instant bronzer was to provide a little instant gratification, but was rinsed off upon bathing anyway. Elimination of the instant bronzer also reduced noticeable streaking of the solution upon application.
Lastly, the reduction of odor is an effective combination of stable formulation and odor encapsulates. A light citrus fragrance has replaced the somewhat 'starchy' odor of previous formulas.
The Bottom Line
All thirty six independent test subjects chose the performance of Liquid Sun over Mystic Tan. That's a 100% acceptance rate! Typical responses were 'Smells great', 'Looks more natural', and 'Feels much better on my skin'. Mystic Tan's claimed 4-7 day 'tan' has now been improved by Liquid Sun's 5-9 day tanning effect. Realistic performance: most clients have noticed their Mystic Tan fading by 3 days, with Liquid Sun's color remaining fairly solid for 5 days.