Self-tanning occurs in the top layers of your skin called the Epidermis. The Epidermis is also made up of layers, the Stratum Corneum (or Horny Layer) is the layer affected by self-tan products. 

Fake Bake Self-Tan products contain the naturally-derived, premium tanning agents DHA, Erythrulose and DMI. DHA (Dihydroxyacetone)
Although DHA has been used in self-tans since the 1970’s, it wasn’t until the late 1980’s that cosmetic companies found a way to produce better results (browner, less orange) with DHA. This is attributed to an improved refining process yielding higher quality, more predictable DHA.

Fake Bake only uses the most premium DHA within all of our self-tans. Premium DHA interacts with the amino acid - Keratin (more commonly known as 'dead' or 'cornified' skin cells) that lie in the top layers of your skin (the Stratum Corneum or Horny Layer).

This tan develops rapidly, but is also the most temporary as your skin cells are worn away.  

Erythrulose
Effectively, DHA and Erythrulose do the same thing – they react with Amino Acids to turn your skin brown. Erythrulose is a Ketose which also reacts with the amino acid - Keratin. This reaction leads to the formulation of brownish coloured polymers called Melanoids. Erythrulose used on its own has to be applied daily, and it never develops a dark tan. However, when combined with DHA, they work together to reduce streaking and miscolouring for a natural looking tan. They also make your tan last longer and fade perfectly evenly for a continuously natural appearance.

Cosmetic Guide Colour 
Fake Bake Self-Tans also contain a cosmetic guide colour. This assists your application, showing you where you have applied the self-tan. It also gives your skin an instant sun-kissed look. However, this is simply cosmetic and washes off to reveal a gorgeous Fake Bake tan.