First Tanning Active:Dihydroxyacetone FDA-approved self-tanning agent obtained by bacterial degradation of natural phosphate sugar. This ingredient reacts with proteins in the skin thereby forming melanoidin-like brown compounds within 2 hours producing a suntanned look. You can apply this in several coats to build a tan or daily to maintain one. The tan produced does last several days on its own. This tan does not protect against UV-rays like the melanin-tan produced by sunbathing.