NI fake tan brands have released a statement regarding new EU regulation affecting the darkest of their tanning products.
An EU directive, which also applies to Northern Ireland and comes into effect from April, has limited the use of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a colourant that darkens the skin, to a maximum of 10% per bottle of tan.
This means that many 'extra or ultra dark' shades can no longer be sold in the EU unless the formula is changed - with Dungannon based sister brands Bellamianta and Iconic Bronze issuing an update on their products.
Other, lighter shades of fake tan should not be affected by the change, as they usually contain a far lower amount of DHA than 10%.
A spokesperson for the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association said these requirements apply to the ROI and the rest of the EU, along with products placed on the market in Northern Ireland.
"For GB, the authorities responsible for the cosmetics legislation are developing the relevant ingredient management processes and will review DHA accordingly," they added.
Some brands who already operated without DHA will be unaffected.
The official statement from the EU states: "All Brand Owners of products containing DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) amend their Formulations to ensure they do not exceed the maximum amount of 10%. Roll out of these new regulations state that Brand Owners will no longer be permitted to sell to Retailers (B2B) from January 2022, And all Online / Ecommerce sales must cease from April 2022."
Bellamianta and Iconic Bronze say they both have been researching and reformulating their ranges over the past 18 months to include 'new and safe' ingredients - adding how beauty lovers shouldn't fear the loss of their deep, dark shades.
They say the ‘old’ formulas for both brands will still be available until April 2022, while stocks last, with the newly reformulated products arriving online and on shelves after this date.
Brand Owner and Founder Linda Stinson from Co Tyrone said: “At Bellamianta & Iconic Bronze, we have taken this change in regulations as a stepping stone for both brands to move further onto our next passion project and something we have been working on in the background for years – Skincare.
"At Bellamianta, skincare has and will continue to be at the forefront of our products. All of our products are vegan, cruelty-free, PETA approved, alcohol-free, and free of all other GMOs, sulphates and toxins.”
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