| abstract |
Topically applicable cosmetic/dermatological compositions for artificially tanning/darkening human skin to such extent as to resemble a natural tan, comprise a thus effective amount of at least one flavylium salt compound formulated into a topically applicable, cosmetically/dermatologically acceptable vehicle, diluent or carrier therefor, the at least one flavylium salt compound being unsubstituted at position-3 thereof, but otherwise substituted with at least one hydroxyl group or alkoxy radical; characteristically the amount of the at least one flavylium salt compound is such as to impart a skin coloration, within about 30 minutes after application onto a fair skin, at a rate of 2 mg/cm2, having a DELTAL* ranging from -0.5 to -20 in the L*a*b* colorimetric measuring system. |