Stiftung Warentest: Formaldehyde in self-tanning lotion – correct storage can reduce the risk of cancer

Created: 03/18/2022, 08:57

By: Johanna Werning

Self-tanners quickly tint the skin a few shades darker.

But the cosmetic product can have a carcinogenic effect if stored incorrectly.

Stiftung Warentest warns.

Summer is just around the corner and with it the desire for

and a

.

In order for this to succeed, many rely not only on the sun, but also on

.

But not only the application of the artificial tan* needs to be learned, the correct

is also important.

If self-tanner is stored incorrectly, it can even be hazardous to

.

Why you shouldn't keep self-tanner for too long - Formaldehyde in fake tan

Old self-tanners can be carcinogenic if stored incorrectly or for too long.

(Iconic image) © Petra Schneider-Schmelzer/Imago

The Barmer health insurance company

and

also

of this

.

"If self-tanner is stored incorrectly for too long, the DHA (editor's note: dihydroxyacetone) contained in it can possibly split off

- this is considered to be

says a report by Stiftung Warentest from 2021. " In addition, formaldehyde can trigger strong

,” informs the Barmer health insurance company.

Formaldehyde

is a so-called

"which is suspected of causing

material, " explains Dr.

Utta Petzold, dermatologist at the Barmer health insurance company.

That is why, like many other

since 2016 .

However, this only applies if formaldehyde is added directly to the product.

“If, as in the case of self-tanning products, it only forms after manufacture, the law does not apply.

The consumer therefore knows nothing at all about the possible danger," says

Barmer 's

Poll: Have you ever tried self-tanner?

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Stiftung Warentest: This is how you should store self-tanners to reduce the risk of cancer

But how should the

to avoid the "probably carcinogenic" split?

It is safest if you

place , according to Stiftung Warentest.

In addition,

from the previous year should be used.

"

" recommends Stiftung Warentest.

"Dispose of the product if it has passed its best-before date or if it smells unpleasant," it said.