Mixing Erythrulose with Lotion and pH Adjustment for Stability

Question

I want to mix Erythrulose with my regular body lotion to create a gradual self-tanner. Can I mix Erythrulose with lotion, especially if it contains sunscreen? What is the optimal pH for Erythrulose stability? Can I use Lactic Acid to adjust the pH? If yes, what percentage of Lactic Acid should I add, and how should I perform the pH adjustment?

MySkinRecipes Expert · Accepted Answer

Mixing Erythrulose with Lotion

Regarding your question about mixing Erythrulose with your regular body lotion to create a gradual self-tanner:

Yes, you can mix Erythrulose with your lotion. However, it's important to note that Erythrulose is most stable and effective at a low pH (below 3.5). Most standard lotions have a higher pH, which can reduce the stability and longevity of Erythrulose over time.

Mixing Erythrulose with a lotion containing sunscreen should not reduce the effectiveness of the sunscreen itself. Erythrulose does not negatively impact other ingredients. The primary concern when mixing is maintaining a sufficiently low pH for the Erythrulose to remain stable and effective.

If you wish to adjust the pH of your mixture to improve Erythrulose stability, you can use an ingredient like Lactic Acid. It is recommended to add it gradually in small amounts (e.g., 0.1-0.2%) and measure the pH to ensure it is below 3.5.