What is Erythrulose?

ERYTHRULOSE is also used by some manufacturers as an additive to counter some of the negative side affects of water/alchohol based delivery systems. It is a natural keto-sugar which reacts with free primary or secondary amino groups (Maillard’s reaction). This reaction with free amino groups of the amino acids of keratin in the skin leads to the DHA-driven formation of brownish polymers, the so-called melanoids (a tan effect on the skin). It is an attempt to counter the negative results from water/alchohol based delivery systems. The properties of Erythrulose have been documented in complex in vivo studies. Erythrulose is a clear, yellowish, preservative-free solution of a biotechnologically produced, chiral carbohydrate. The manufacturing process of pure Erythruloseincludes the aerobic fermentation of the bacterium Gluconobacter followed by several purification steps.

The result of studies show Erythrulose takes 24-48 hours to begin it’s affects. By that time most sunless tanners have been washed off. It may have a positive result in reducing some of the drying affects caused by alchohol and DHA. Used in combination with a pharmaceutical delivery system Erythrulose may prove to add some value to sunless products. Erythrulose is not currently approved by the FDA.