Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion Review

Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion
1.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Ingredients

Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Isopropyl Palmitate, Dihydroxyacetone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyacrylamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Erythrulose, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Laureth-7, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Citric Acid, Isobutyl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol
Review

Does Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion has to offer:
 
✅ A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.6 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion:
 

🔵 Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a moderate humectancy of 3.3 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

📌 Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Sodium Hyaluronate (est. ≈2.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion
, as a moisturizer, provides relatively light hydration on its own but can enhance the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Dihydroxyacetone
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Polyacrylamide
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Function:
Origin:
Erythrulose
Function:
Origin:
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Function:
Origin:
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Function:
Origin:
Laureth-7
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Isobutyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.3
2
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.3 10
3.3
2
1
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
1
0.3
All humectants 3.3 10
3.3
All humectants
3.3
2
1
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.5 -
Total
0
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
2
1.5
1.3
All antioxidants 4.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.8
Sodium Hyaluronate
2
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
1.5
Tocopheryl Acetate
1.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1
All soothing 1 5 No
All soothing
1
1
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Isopropyl Palmitate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Isopropyl PalmitateAn emollient ester of palmitic acid and isopropanol that gives the skin a smooth, soft, dry, non-oily after-feel. Isopropyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Dihydroxyacetone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
DihydroxyacetoneA self-tanning agent that works by reacting with the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin to produce the desired tan pigmentation. This pigment can last for several days and up to several weeks.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Polyacrylamide
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
PolyacrylamideA synthetic ingredient that can thicken products instantly while still keeping them light and often gel-like.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice PowderExtracted from dried aloe vera leaves, it has the same effects as fresh aloe vera juice – it is humectant moisturizing, refreshing, and soothing. This powder can also serve as a gelling agent when mixed with water.
Erythrulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ErythruloseErythrulose is a little molecule that can actually come from the degradation of Vitamin C. It is usually mixed with the other self-tanning star dihydroxyacetone to make a natural looking tan. By itself, erythrulose is less drying on the skin but usually has a redder tone to the tan it creates.
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
C13-14 IsoparaffinA lightweight petroleum derivative. It is a very thin liquid that functions as an emollient and a solvent for other liquids (such as thicker oils or silicones).
Dimethyl Isosorbide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethyl IsosorbideA solvent for active ingredients that is claimed to help them better penetrate the outer layer of skin. It also helps to reduce the thickness of a product.
Laureth-7
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laureth-7A mild but effective functional ingredient. It can emulsify (efficiently mix water and oil) without needing too much in a formula.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium Cetyl PhosphateA powerful emulsifier that can even mix particularly problematic water and oil blends. It is also a surfactant perfect for cleansing products that effectively rinse off oil and dirt particles from the surface of the skin.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Isobutyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isobutyl Acetate
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.