We've never been ones to shy away from a challenge. And for a long time we thought that creating a 100% natural, sunless tan for sensitive skin was a truly impossible one to overcome. Until now.
The Impossible Tan™ is our breakthrough self tan that's formulated with active skincare ingredients to hydrate and support the skin barrier too. A proper tan-meets-treatment formula that delivers a natural glow without the usual sensitive skin backlash.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about our groundbreaking new formula.
A green chemistry breakthrough
Fake tans work because of an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Most tanning products use synthetic DHA, which can spell trouble for sensitive skin.
Sarah our Founder explains: "Traditional formulas using synthetic DHA often trigger dehydration, breakouts, and irritation, not to mention the giveaway biscuit aroma."
Our chemists needed to find a certified COSMOS organic version that worked just as effectively but without upsetting reactive skin.
"Biotechnology has given us a certified organic DHA that creates a natural, healthy glow, with none of those drawbacks," says Sarah. "The Impossible Tan™ uses DHA bioengineered from Glycerin to trigger the Maillard reaction, which develops a tan specific to your skin tone. It's a truly advanced formula, and a breakthrough for sensitive skincare."
Self tan meets skincare
We've always believed that functional products should have therapeutic benefits for the skin. It's why our illuminating SPF contains pearlescent pigment for instant glow alongside blue light defence. And why our bestselling face oil delivers retinol-like benefits from rosehip's natural trans-retinoic acid.
The Impossible Tan™️ follows the same philosophy. We've enhanced the drops with active ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and a biomimicking Ceramide Complex, delivering all the benefits of a hydrating, barrier-supporting serum.
The proof is in the testing. In independent trials, 88% said it gave skin a natural-looking tan, 80% said skin felt hydrated and 92% said it caused no irritation or breakouts*.
The clinical trials back this up. The Impossible Tan™️ is clinically proven to hydrate for up to 8 hours**, is suitable for sensitive skin and dermatologist approved. We patch test for 96 hours rather than the industry standard 24 hours, for complete peace of mind.
No streaks, no transfer, and no biscuit odour. All your tanning pet peeves, solved.
How and when to use your tan drops
There are two ways to use these transformative drops.
Apply directly to cleansed, dry skin, massaging until fully absorbed. The tan begins to develop within a couple of hours but allow up to 48 hours for the full, natural colour to emerge.
It's completely customisable. For a light glow, use two drops. For a medium glow, try four. For a deeper tan, go for six. But there are no rules. Start there and add more if you want to amplify your glow.
Alternatively, build a gradual tan by mixing the drops into your moisturiser or serum each morning. We recommend between two and 12 drops depending on your desired outcome. This method works beautifully with our The Anthemis for sensitive types, or C-2 Believe if you're targeting pigmentation too.
For best results, apply in the evening to give it time to work. Exfoliate first with our Virtuous Circle™️ exfoliator to create a smoother canvas. There's no need for a tanning mitt or rinse. Just wash your hands straight after applying. Easy.
If you're wondering whether fake tan is suitable for sensitive skin, the answer is yes. When it's formulated right.
Ready to experience a 100% natural, healthy tan? Shop The Impossible Tan™ Hydrating Self Tan Drops here.
*One week independent consumer trial on 112 subjects
**Based on a clinical study on 22 subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Impossible Tan different from regular self tans for sensitive skin?
The Impossible Tan uses a certified COSMOS organic DHA that's bioengineered from glycerin, rather than the synthetic DHA found in most tanning products. Synthetic DHA often triggers dehydration, breakouts, and irritation in reactive skin, while this biotech version creates a natural glow without those drawbacks. In an independent consumer trial on 112 subjects, 92% said it caused no irritation or breakouts.
Does The Impossible Tan actually hydrate skin or is it just a self tan?
It's genuinely both. The formula contains Hyaluronic Acid and a biomimicking Ceramide Complex, so it functions as a hydrating, barrier-supporting serum as well as a self tan. A clinical study on 22 subjects showed it hydrates skin for up to 8 hours, and 80% of participants in a separate 112-person consumer trial said their skin felt hydrated.
How do I apply The Impossible Tan drops for the most natural result?
You have two options: apply directly to cleansed, dry skin (2 drops for a light glow, 4 for medium, 6 for deeper colour), or mix drops into your moisturiser or serum each morning for a more gradual build. For best results, apply in the evening to give the colour time to develop and exfoliate beforehand for a smoother canvas. No tanning mitt or rinsing required, just wash your hands straight after applying.
How long does The Impossible Tan take to develop?
The colour begins to develop within a couple of hours, but you should allow up to 48 hours for the full result. The formula uses organic DHA to trigger the Maillard reaction, which means the tan develops specific to your individual skin tone rather than producing a one-shade-fits-all colour.
What other Pai products work well alongside The Impossible Tan for a glowing complexion?
Pai's Virtuous Circle exfoliator is recommended before applying the drops to create a smooth, even canvas. For instant radiance on days you don't want to wait for a tan to develop, The Impossible Glow bronzing drops deliver an adjustable glow that works across all skin tones. And for daily sun protection with a luminous finish, British Summer Time Glow SPF 30 combines mineral UV defence with iron oxide pigments that also block up to 86% of blue light.
