In Western society a tanned complexion still represents a beauty trend. There is a growing popularity of alternative approaches for its achievement which do not involve sunbathing or using tanning beds and consequently exposure to dangerous ultraviolet rays. One of these approaches is based on the use of self-tanning cosmetic products.In this diploma thesis we have examined various methods and substances for self-tanning, focusing mainly on self-tanning cosmetic products. From a random selection of these products, which are available in Slovenian pharmacies, drugstores and online stores we were able to determine in which form they appear most frequently and which ingredients with a self-tanning effect are usually used in them and how do they work. The toxicological profiles of the most commonly used cosmetically active self-tanning ingredients, dihydroxyacetone and erythrulose, were created using data from already existing literature. The safety of their use was also evaluated. We checked if all of the used ingredients are listed on the product label and whether all of the self-tanning ingredients used in the products are allowed on the market. All 50 products from our random selection contained dihydroxyacetone or a combination of both dihydroxyacetone and erythrulose, however dihydroxyacetone more frequently appeared on its own. The most frequently used ingredient for temporary skin coloring was caramel. Self-tanning cosmetically active ingredients were mostly found in the forms of lotions and body milks. The cosmetic products examined contained only authorized self-tanning ingredients. They were all listed on the packaging. Studies on erythrulose and dihydroxyacetone have not yet shown any serious toxic effects caused by their use. In addition to the potential skin and eye irritation, erythrulose has shown potential genotoxicity and hypersensitivity reactions. The latter have so far appeared more frequently in the form of allergic contact dermatitis from using dihydroxyacetone. Dihydroxyacetone can also cause skin and eye irritation. We have come to the conclusion that self-tanning cosmetic products available on the Slovenian market contain dihydroxyacetone and erythrulose at the recommended concentrations and are safe to use.
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