Dove tanning products, like many self-tanning lotions, smell due to the presence of Dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
Understanding the Smell of Self-Tanner
DHA is a colorless chemical derived from glycerin. It's the key ingredient responsible for the tanning effect in self-tanning products. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that DHA interacts with the amino acids in the dead skin cells on the epidermis's surface, causing a chemical reaction that produces a brown color – the "tan." This reaction, however, also produces a characteristic odor often described as somewhat sweet, sometimes slightly artificial, or even slightly chemical. The exact scent profile can vary depending on the specific formulation of the self-tanner and other added fragrances.
Factors Affecting the Smell:
- DHA Concentration: Higher concentrations of DHA generally lead to a stronger odor.
- Additional Fragrances: Manufacturers often add perfumes to mask the inherent DHA smell. The success of this masking can vary.
- Product Formulation: Other ingredients in the tanning lotion can influence the overall scent.
In short, the smell associated with Dove tan, and most self-tanners, is primarily a byproduct of the DHA reacting with skin cells to create the tan. While some products may successfully mask this smell with fragrances, the underlying DHA odor often remains somewhat detectable.
