| abstract |
The present invention relates to stabilized emulsion compositions for imparting an artificial tan to human skin. These emulsions contain dihydroxyacetone, at least one alkyl phosphate, and at least one carboxylic acid copolymer in which the ratio of alkyl phosphate to carboxylic acid copolymer is from about 5:1 to about 1:5. In further embodiments, these emulsion compositions contain one or more sunscreens, and are also useful for protecting human skin from the harmful effects of sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet radiation. The present invention also relates to methods for preparing these compositions, methods for providing an artificial tan to human skin, and methods for protecting human skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. |