Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion Review

Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion
5.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Ingredients

Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Dihydroxyacetone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract, Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Panthenol, Ascorbic Acid, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Erythrulose, Dipropylene Glycol, Caramel, Fragrance, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Hydroxycitronellal, Oxybenzone, Benzophenone-4, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol
Review

Does Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.
✅ Slight anti-wrinkle effect: Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

  

Key Benefits of Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion:
 

🔵🔵 Suitable Moisturizer for Normal Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 5.5 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.2 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈9.0%).

This type of moisturizer is suitable for people with normal skin who want essential hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a moderate amount of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

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

🟣 Slight Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion has a slight anti-wrinkle rating of 0.1 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
 or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
 
📌 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 additional anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

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

📌 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: Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion contains a rather average amount of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Pros & Cons of Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion

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

🟩 Pros:

Suitable for moisturizing normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
Provides slight anti-wrinkle efficacy
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
   

Summary: Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion
, as a moisturizer, is suitable for normal skin, combining a moderate concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.
 
Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion contains ingredients with proven evidence of anti-wrinkle efficacy that may offer a slight anti-wrinkle effect. As a result, you can expect a positive, though relatively minimal, impact on wrinkles.
 
 
That said, there are some things about Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains a limited amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Tanologist Gradual Tan Lotion with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
📌 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
60
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dihydroxyacetone
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Punica Granatum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Erythrulose
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Caramel
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxycitronellal
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Benzophenone-4
Function:
Origin:
Tetrasodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Benzoic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Dehydroacetic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
10.3
9.0
1.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.5 10
5.5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 10.3 20
5.2
9.0
1.3
Moisturizing rating
5.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.5 10
5.5
All humectants
5.5
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
1.3
All occlusives 10.3 20
5.2
All occlusives
10.3
9.0
1.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
Total
0.1
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 2.4 3 No
All antioxidants
2.4
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
0.3
Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
0.3
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
0.3
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
0.3
Punica Granatum Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Est. %6
Function
Origin
C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateA synthetic emollient ester. It works to improve the appearance of the skin by filling in the microcracks on the surface, thereby making the skin appear softer and smoother. It imparts a lightweight, velvety feel.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Dihydroxyacetone
Est. %3
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.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %2.5
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Xanthan Gum
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
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.

Commiphora Mukul Resin Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Commiphora Mukul Resin ExtractA fragrant extract derived from the resin of a Northern Indian tree called Commiphora wightii. It has a sweet, honey-like scent and contains some rare anti-inflammatory compounds.
Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coleus Forskohlii Root ExtractAn extract derived from the roots of the Asian plant known as Coleus forskohlii. It is an antioxidant ingredient with the potential to treat pigmentation issues due to its main compound - forskolin.
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis ExtractAn antioxidant extract from the gelatinous pulp of Aloe vera leaves with humectant moisturizing polysaccharide mucilage. It is suitable for irritated or eczema-prone skin.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calendula Officinalis Flower OilA bright orange marigold flower oil infusion that contains soothing compounds.
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract

A fragrant extract derived from grapefruit peels. It mainly contains essential oil and various antioxidant organic acids and flavonoids. Limonene is responsible for its citrusy scent.

Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lycium Barbarum Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from Goji berries with moisturizing and antioxidant polysaccharides and glycoproteins. It is also rich in other antioxidants such as vitamins B and C, carotenoids, flavonoids, and phytosterols.
Punica Granatum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Punica Granatum ExtractAn extract made from pomegranate fruit. The fleshy and juicy part of the fruit mainly contains antioxidant red pigments and polyphenols. The rinds contain large amounts of tannins, which are astringent and leave the skin feeling tightened and refreshed.
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.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Caramel
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaramelA natural ingredient that is derived from the heat treatment of table sugar. Caramel is used in skincare as a natural colorant that can create transparent, dark brown solutions. It also works as a fragrance, where it provides a sweet, sugary scent.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal

A synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Hydroxycitronellal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxycitronellal

A fragrant compound with a scent reminiscent of lilies and sweet tropical melon. It can be found in many different essential oils (such as palmarosa, ylang-ylang, and lemongrass essential oil) but is manufactured synthetically from citronellal.

Oxybenzone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
Benzophenone-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzophenone-4Also known as sulisobenzone, it is a chemical sunscreen that protects against UVB and most UVA radiation. It is weaker than typical sunscreens and is usually accompanied by other UV absorbers to be most effective.
Tetrasodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tetrasodium EDTAOne of the most common synthetic chelators. It can reduce the 'hardness' of water and so is often used in rinse-off products.
Benzoic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzoic AcidA preservative effective against fungi, yeast, and some bacteria. It is commonly paired with phenoxyethanol to create a broad spectrum preservation system. Benzoic acid can also serve as a pH adjuster, fragrance, and bulking agent.
Dehydroacetic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dehydroacetic AcidA globally approved preservative ingredient. It is a powerful fungicide and a moderate bactericide, which makes it a broad-spectrum preservative. Because it is mildly effective against bacteria, it is often paired with stronger bactericides.
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.
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.