Now, you can get a tan without spending hours in sun, fake-tan gives your skin that warm, sun-kissed look. However, if you are a vegan, then take a look at what is contained within the bottle. It is a fake tan made without using any animal or animal by-products ingredients.
Generally, the tanning agent itself is not the main concern. Instead, it is often the supporting players − ingredients that lend texture, hue, aroma, and odour to a product.
Fake Tan Half-The-Price: Vegan Explained
A product that bears a vegan label should not contain any ingredients derivative of animals. But, vegan does not mean organic, natural, or cruelty-free. These terms describe different things.
Unless there are specific ingredients in the vegan tanning product that these are made of and not filled with non-organic substances. Central to this is that its key ingredients are not derived from animal.
Looking at the product information when selecting a spray tan in Wollongong lets you know whether the formula is right for you.
What Can Be Substituted in?
Chestnut blossom and acacia gum for some old-school cosmetics or animal derived. Vegan tanning formulas instead utilise plant-derived, mineral, or synthetic options.
Common examples consist of:
- Beeswax: Tend to substitute with plant-based or synthetic waxes.
- Lanolin: Waxy from sheep’s wool as well as may be altered along with plant oils or other humectants.
- Carmine: A red pigment from cochineal insects which is generally excluded in vegan formulations.
- Gelatine: A gelatine originated from an animal source which may be substituted with plant-based alternative.
Not every bronzer is made with these ingredients. Their use also applies to all individual formula.
What About DHA?
The active ingredient in most sunless tanners is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, which contributes to formation of the brown-tinted layer in skin.
DHA, on the other hand, is produced by fermenting sugars from various plant sources. Yet, DHA in and of itself does not necessarily equate to a vegan product formula.
You have to factor in the other ingredients as well.
This is why a vegan fake tan should really be defined based on the overall product, rather than one singular ingredient.
Are Vegan Tanning Products Cruelty-Free?
Vegan does not equal cruelty-free.
A product is considered vegan when it contains no animal-derived ingredients. Cruelty-free refers to animal testing. A product can fulfil one definition but not the other as an example.
You have a choice, either both or none, find out through the brand what is in its constitution and animal testing policy.
Is Vegan the New Tan Workers Differently?
Not necessarily. It is a vegan formula that can give the same type of tanning effect as you would get from a traditional product.
The outcome is influenced by several factors including the Dihydroxyacetone concentration, formulation, skin preparation, and method of application.
Even if you opt for a spray tan in Wollongong or apply a tanning product at home, prep counts. Gently exfoliating prior, as well as keeping dry areas moisturised, can yield a more seamless finish.
How to Tell If a Faux Tan is Vegan?
Don’t trust the terms “natural” or “clean”. Read the product details and search for a well-known vegan accreditation wherever you can.
If in doubt about a particular ingredient, it is also possible to consult the manufacturer’s ingredient information.
Clearly labelled and transparent products make life much easier for those looking for a vegan fake tan.
A More Informed Choice
There is not one magic tanning ingredient that makes a vegan fake tan magically vegan. It’s about the entire formula and steering clear of any animal derived ingredients.
They may swap out beeswax, lanolin, carmine, and gelatine for plant-based or synthetic counterparts. DHA is the active ingredient that causes the tanning process and moisturisers, fragrances, and other supporting ingredients complete the formulation.
Having an understanding of what was swapped in can help you make a more informed decision about your next tanning product.