If you love a sunless tan, you’ve experienced the magic of DHA — even if you didn’t know it. At Bronze Boss®, we use only high-quality, cosmetic-grade DHA in our self-tanning products because this single ingredient determines how your color develops, wears, and fades.

What is DHA?

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a plant-derived sugar, most often sourced from sugar beets or sugarcane. In its raw form, it is a fine white powder that dissolves into water-based tanning formulas. DHA is the only FDA-approved self-tanning active and works solely on the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum.

💡 Try it at home: Our Toastē Tanning Mousse is formulated with premium DHA for a smooth, even application and color that develops naturally on your skin.

The Maillard Reaction

When DHA meets free amino groups in keratin, it undergoes a natural browning process called the Maillard Reaction. This produces melanoidins, which are brown-toned polymers that give skin its sunless color — no UV rays required.

Tan Development

The Maillard Reaction begins within 2 to 4 hours of application and can continue for up to 24 hours. Most people see peak color between 8 and 12 hours. During this time, hydration, skin temperature, and pH all influence how your tan develops and how true the tone appears.

The Role of pH

DHA performs best in a pH range of 4 to 6. Because it is pH-sensitive, levels outside this range can cause degradation, irritation, and uneven tone. At Bronze Boss®, we fine-tune our formulas to maintain optimal pH so your tan develops evenly and lasts longer.

Concentration and Depth

The depth of your color depends on DHA percentage and your skin’s natural composition.

• Low DHA (6–8%): Subtle, natural tone

• Medium DHA (9–11%): Richer, golden tone

• High DHA (12–14%): Deeper, more vibrant tone

With Vitrè Self-Tanning Serum, you control the depth by layering applications over multiple days for a truly tailored result.

Longevity Factors

Because DHA binds to dead skin cells, your tan fades as the stratum corneum naturally sheds — usually every 7 to 10 days. Hydration, exfoliation habits, and your choice of cleanser can all extend or shorten this window.

💡 Pro tip: Use our Exfoliating Mitt before tanning for even application, and follow with Oilē Dry Body Oil daily to lock in moisture and slow color fade.

The Science, Applied

Every Bronze Boss® formula is built around controlled DHA concentrations in a balanced pH environment, supported by skin-conditioning actives. This ensures consistent performance across all skin types for believable color and a fade that looks and feels like skin.

Shop our DHA-powered self-tanning collection → Explore Bronze Boss®