D-Erythrulose

D-Erythrulose (also known as erythrulose) is a tetrose carbohydrate with the chemical formula C4H8O4. It has one ketone group. It is a pale-yellow liquid extracted from red berries. It is used in some self-tanning cosmetics, in general, combined with dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This sugar reacts with the amino acids of the keratin found in the dead skin cells of the upper layer. The reaction, which is completely nontoxic, creates a temporary browning effect on these skin cells. The color change resembles the same colour a UV-based suntan produces. The fading begins gradually as the skin’s normal exfoliation process takes place. The same reactions are involved in the browning during food preparation and storage. Erythrulose is included in many spray tanning booths, tanning lotions, airbrush tan applications, and spray tan solutions.