Erythrulose

Erythrulose is a water-soluble ketose sugar used as a colorant in topical formulations. It's chosen to create gradual, temporary tan-like coloration through surface reactions and to refine tone uniformity when paired with dihydroxyacetone.
Like this ingredient?

Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A self-tanning sugar that builds a gradual, natural-looking glow.
Category
Color
Type
Colorant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Builds a subtle, natural-looking glow that develops gradually, helping avoid orange or brassy tones. When combined with DHA, it can help reduce streaks for a more even-looking tan.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in self-tanning lotions, serums, and mists, as well as gradual tanning moisturizers. Also used in spray tans to refine color development.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Typically well tolerated and not known to be photosensitizing, but patch testing is sensible for sensitive skin. Color development does not provide UV protection, so sunscreen is still needed.

Is Erythrulose a Good Ingredient?

Good: produces a slow, more even surface-browning reaction in the stratum corneum and pairs well with DHA for natural-looking color, with generally low irritation potential. Since its role is cosmetic color development rather than a skin-treatment benefit, it lands at Good rather than Great.

Products with Erythrulose

Related Ingredients