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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow versus Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops .

Published on March 16, 2023

Overview

What they are

These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe tanning. They have a total of 22 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain Vitamin C

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances and oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Tanning Brand
Tanning Brand

Tanning

Products used to change the tone of one's skin.

Tanning

Products used to change the tone of one's skin.

Price

Shop

Buy Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow

Starts at $17.94
Shop

Buy Self-Tanning Drops

Starts at $28.00

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Acne Trigger
Rosacea
Eczema (2)

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing
Skin Texture
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Brightening (3)

Concerns

Drying
May Worsen Oily Skin (2)
Acne Trigger
Irritating
Rosacea (2)
Eczema (3)
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Ingredients Compared

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 1.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 1.

2
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.

Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.

This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.

Those with sensitive skin or conditions may deliver a rash when using this ingredient.

Learn more about Propylene Glycol

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 2.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 8.

3
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Tanning

Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, is a simple sugar. It is frequently used in self-tanning products.

DHA binds to the amino acids in your dead skin cells to create a brown/orange color. Darkening begins to kick in a few hours after application and will continue to develop for up to 3 days. This ingredient can be drying.

Both the US and the EU have approved DHA in self-tanning products. In the EU, DHA is allowed at a maximum concentration of 10%. Most tanning products usually contain amounts between 3-5%.

If you are pregnant or have underlying medical conditions, it is best to speak with a dermatologist about using self-tanning products.

Learn more about Dihydroxyacetone

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 3.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 2.

4
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 4.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 4.

5
What it does: Tanning

We don't have a description for Erythrulose.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 7.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 7.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Agastache Mexicana is a shrub from North America. All parts of this shrub contain antioxidants.

Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 9.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 20.

7
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Aloe Barbadensis Extract is the extract of the whole plant, Aloe barbadensis, Xanthorrhoeaceae.

Aloe contains the antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E. . These vitamins neutralize free radicals.

It also contains sugars in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, choline, many common minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.

The polysaccharides in aloe help moisturize your skin.

Aloe is known to be anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and healing.

Despite helping with sunburn, aloe should not replace your sunscreen.

Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Extract

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 10.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 11.

8
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning

Citrus Grandis Peel Oil is an essential oil that is derived from the peel of a Grapefruit. It is composed largely of limonene, which is a fragrance that can cause irritation for sensitive skin.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 11.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 12.

9
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Cocos Nucifera Oil is obtained from the kernels of the coconut fruit. In other words, this is coconut oil.

Coconut Oil is rich in fatty acids with lauric acid making up the majority of these. It also contains linoleic acid. Due to this high fatty acid content, coconut oil helps trap moisture and soften skin.

Despite being antibacterial, coconut oil may not be great for acne-prone skin. It is comedogenic and may clog pores. This ingredient may not be safe for malassezia or fungal acne.

Coconut Oil should not replace your sunscreen for UV protection. Studies show it only blocks about 20% of UV.

This oil is non-volatile and has a light scent.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Cocos Nucifera Oil

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 12.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 13.

10
What it does: Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Very Disliked

This oil is derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus, a type of Eucalyptus tree native to Australia.

Though this oil shows antibacterial and antioxidant activity, it is also a known skin-irritant due to its fragrance components.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 13.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 14.

11
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Refreshing, Tonic
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Mentha Piperita Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the whole plant of the Peppermint plant.

It can be used to add a fresh scent to products.

Peppermint oil may cause skin sensitivity and redness due to its menthol content. Menthol also has a cooling effect (like your toothpaste).

Learn more about Mentha Piperita Oil

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 14.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 15.

12
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Persea Gratissima Oil is made by pressing dehydrated avocado fruit from the tree Persea gratissima, Lauraceae.

Avocado Oil has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

Avocado Oil is mostly made up of the glycerides of fatty acids. About 67% of these fatty acids is made up of oleic acid. Palmitic acid and linoleic acid are also present.

These fatty acids help hydrate and soften the skin. It may increase collagen content in the skin. Collagen helps keep your skin plump and firm.

Avocado Oil reduces inflammation and has not shown to clog glands.

Avocados also have B vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium.

Learn more about Persea Gratissima Oil

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 15.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 16.

13
What it does: Moisturising, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 16.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 17.

14
What it does: Masking, Tonic
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Salvia Officinalis Oil is an oil.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 17.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 18.

15
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Methoxyphenyl T-Butylphenyl Propanediol.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 18.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 19.

16
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 19.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 9.

17
What it does: Antioxidant, Buffering, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.

Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.

Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.

Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!

Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.

Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.

The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.

Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.

Learn more about Ascorbic Acid

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 21.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 21.

18
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 22.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 23.

19
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 23.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 22.

20
What it does: Masking, Perfuming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give aroma to products. Parfum, or fragrance, can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "Parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

In the US, the alternative name for parfum is 'fragrance'. The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance. One example is Calendula flower extract. Essential oil ingredients still impart a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, it can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Products use parfum often to give products a scent or cover up smells of different ingredients.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 26.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 25.

21
What it does: Antioxidant, Preservative
Community Rating: Mixed

Sodium Metabisulfite is an antioxidant and is a preservative.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 27.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 24.

22
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent germ and microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water for Medium - Golden Glow contains this as ingredient number 28.

Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops contains this as ingredient number 27.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

19% are loved or liked
16% have mixed ratings
28% are disliked or very disliked
38% have no rating yet
22% are loved or liked
15% have mixed ratings
41% are disliked or very disliked
22% have no rating yet

Usage

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