How to Make Black Tea Tinted Bronzing Lotion

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Do you ever just wish you could have that sun-kissed glow without the damaging effects of the sun? I’ve spent a lot of time in the sun in the past and my skin is paying for it now. 

That’s why I’m always looking for natural ways to get a little bit of color safely.

I’ve shared a few formulas in the past like this diy shimmer body oil which I love.

But today I’m getting a little more creative and sharing a tinted bronzing lotion that uses black tea and a bit of bronze mica to give you a beautiful, subtle glow.

Is This a Sunless Tanner Recipe?

This is not a sunless tanner. I have been working on a few sunless tanner formulas that I will be sharing soon! Just doing some more testing and tweaking.

To create a real sunless tanner, like the ones you see in the store, there are a few ingredients that you need. The most popular are DHA and Erythrulose. 

DHA can be very tricky to formulate with, so I am still working on that, but I am excited about the results so far!

Stay tuned for those formulas…

In the meantime we’re using a simple ingredient you may just have in your pantry to tint our homemade lotion recipe… Black Tea!

What are the Benefits of Black Tea in a Tinted Moisturizer?

Since this isn’t an actual sunless tanner, I needed something to achieve the tint to our moisturizer. 

I’ve seen a lot of ads for black tea water for coloring the skin and I was curious how black tea would work in a tinted lotion.

Not to mention black tea has so many benefits for the skin! 

Black Tea is Full of Antioxidants

Black tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which have been shown to protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants. 

These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin. 

Black Tea is Astringent/Tightening

Additionally, black tea contains tannins, which possess astringent properties that can help to tighten and tone the skin, giving it a smoother appearance. 

Black Tea is Soothing & Hydrating

Lastly, black tea has been found to have soothing and hydrating effects on the skin, making it an excellent ingredient for maintaining skin health and hydration.

Sounded like a perfect base for our new bronzing formula!

We are also using a small amount of Bronze Mica to give you just a little bit of bronzing shimmer. 

How Many Black Tea Bags Will I Need?

I would recommend steeping 6-8 teabags in 2-3 cups of distilled water. You won’t be using all of it, but it’s always good to have some extra. 

Make sure you leave it long enough to get a deep, dark color for your tea.

Now, let’s get to the formula and then I’ll dig into some questions that may come up when formulating this lovely bronzing, tinted lotion. 

DIY Black Tea Tinted Bronzing Lotion FAQs

Let’s dive into a few questions you may have when formulating and using this bronzing lotion…

Can I adjust the tint of the bronzing lotion to suit my skin tone?

This lotion is meant to give you a subtle color and glow. You could try adding more bronze mica to get a darker result. Also, make sure you steep your black tea long enough to get a nice dark base.

How long will the homemade bronzing lotion last, and how should it be stored?

The shelf life of the homemade bronzing lotion depends on the stability of its ingredients and how it is formulated. 

Generally, products containing water or water-based ingredients are more susceptible to microbial contamination and have a shorter shelf life. 

To prolong the lifespan of the bronzing lotion, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. I would recommend using a pump bottle to reduce exposure to air and moisture.

Additionally, we are using 2 natural preservatives Leucidal SF Max for broad spectrum microbial protection and I’ve also included AMTicide Coconut for extra protection from yeast and mold. 

Will the bronzing lotion stain clothing or sheets?

While the bronzing lotion is formulated to provide a subtle tint to the skin, there is a possibility that it may transfer onto clothing or sheets, especially if not fully absorbed. 

To minimize the risk of staining, allow the lotion to dry completely before dressing and consider wearing darker-colored clothing immediately after application. 

Additionally, you can blot any excess product with a tissue to remove any excess pigment that may transfer onto fabric.

Is it safe to use the diy tinted bronzing lotion on sensitive skin?

I do my best to formulate skin care recipes that are safe for sensitive skin. I have super sensitive skin and have had no issues using this lotion. 

You can patch test the product on a small area of skin before applying it to larger areas, especially if you have a history of skin sensitivity or allergies. 

Can I customize the fragrance of the bronzing lotion with essential oils or other natural scents?

Yes, you can customize the fragrance of the bronzing lotion by incorporating essential oils or natural scents of your choice. 

I’ve left this completely up to you! Just make sure you don’t go above the recommendation of .5% of the formula when adding your essential oils and scents.

Wrapping Things Up

I hope you enjoy making this DIY Black Tea Tinted Bronzing Lotion. I am excited because I truly believe by blending the goodness of black tea with a hint of bronze mica, we've created a formula that not only enhances our skin's natural beauty but also nourishes and protects it. 

Here’s to getting your glow on naturally! 

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