St. Tropez Express Mini Starter Kit Versus Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe tanning. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and brightening skin
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens and fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
St. Tropez Express Mini Starter Kit 29 ingredients
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops 28 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
St. Tropez Express Mini Starter Kit 29 ingredients
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops 28 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dihydroxyacetone
Skin ConditioningCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethoxydiglycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Melanin
Skin ProtectingCetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventSodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLinalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantHexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCitronellol
Perfuming
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantLimonene
Perfuming
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Geraniol
Perfuming
Coumarin
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Dihydroxyacetone, Caramel, Propylene Glycol, Ethoxydiglycol, Glycerin, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Decyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Melanin, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Metabisulfite, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, CI 14700, Hexyl Cinnamal, CI 19140, Citronellol, CI 42090, Limonene, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Geraniol, Coumarin, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxycitronellal, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningDihydroxyacetone
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingErythrulose
TanningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil
Moisturising
Salvia Officinalis Oil
Masking
Methoxyphenyl T-Butylphenyl Propanediol
Skin ConditioningAgastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Propanediol
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Triethylene Glycol
Masking
Water, Dihydroxyacetone, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Polysorbate 80, Xanthan Gum, Erythrulose, Propylene Glycol, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Mentha Piperita Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Methoxyphenyl T-Butylphenyl Propanediol, Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Metabisulfite, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Triethylene Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 DihydroxyacetonePropylene 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 develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent 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.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient 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.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
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 ParfumSodium Metabisulfite is an antioxidant and is a preservative.
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.
Ingredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
St. Tropez Express Mini Starter Kit 29 ingredients
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops 28 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
St. Tropez Express Mini Starter Kit 29 ingredients
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops 28 ingredients
Breaks me out but tans well soo...
Gave me, a beginner, an extremely beautiful, even tan. Also broke me out very badly. Who puts coconut oil in a face product? Normally I always check the ingredients, but since the importer had slapped a translated instruction sticker on top of the INCI list and my phone battery was about to die I didn't bother rhis time, and this is what I got for it.
