The Impossible Tan™ Hydrating Self Tan Drops

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The Impossible Tan™ Hydrating Self Tan Drops

Glow Drops & Colour

The Impossible Tan™ Hydrating Self Tan Drops

Name: The Impossible Tan™ Hydrating Self Tan Drops
Brand: Pai Skincare
SKU: PAI-2021
Rating: 4.8 (45 reviews)

£34.00

30ml / 1.0 fl.oz

A 100% natural, certified organic self tan that’s clinically proven to hydrate as it glows**.

Vegan
Powered By Green Chemistry
Cruelty Free

Hydrating
Natural-looking Tan
Barrier Supporting

The Impossible Tan™ Hydrating Self Tan Drops

Free delivery when you spend £30*

Targets
Suited To All Skin Types, Sensitive Skin
Key Ingredients Biomimicking Ceramide Complex, Hyaluronic Acid, Natural DHA

Why You’ll Love It

SELF TAN MEETS SKINCARE.

Made with naturally-derived DHA, Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, these fully customisable tanning drops work with your skin tone to deliver a buildable, streak-free glow. No orange shift, no fuss, no irritation.

Most self tans rely on synthetic DHA and drying alcohols, which can trigger dehydration, breakouts and irritation. We took a different route: a COSMOS-certified organic DHA, bioengineered through fermentation, paired with erythrulose for a cooler, more natural colour that actually looks like sun. The dual-agent system builds multi-dimensional tone across all skin tones, not just a single shade of biscuit.

Then we built a serum around it. Oat-derived Ceramides reinforce your skin barrier. Sodium Hyaluronate draws moisture into the upper skin layers. Prebiotic Inulin supports your skin's microbiome. The result is a self tan that's clinically proven to hydrate for up to eight hours, and that 92% of trial participants said didn't irritate their skin. Dermatologist approved on sensitive skin, with a patch-test irritation score of literally zero.

No alcohol. No fragrance. No essential oils. 87% of testers agreed there was no odour while developing. If past self tans have put you off the whole category, this is the one that brings you back.

Directions

For best results, apply in the evening.

Exfoliate first, then smooth onto cleansed, dry skin and massage until fully absorbed. Wash hands straight away (unless you want tanned palms, which is a look, but not the one we're going for).

A caramel tint in the formula helps you see exactly where you've applied, so streaks don't stand a chance. Colour starts developing after about 2 hours, with the full result landing within 24–48 hours. Want to go deeper? Reapply every 2–3 days, or daily for a richer build.

How many drops?

2 = Light glow
4 = Medium glow
6 = Deep glow

You can also mix 2–12 drops into your moisturiser or serum for a gentler, more gradual build. The more drops, the deeper the tan. Our founder's favourite method: 4 drops mixed into a pump of Back To Life Hydrating Serum for a subtle colour build over a few days.

A few things to avoid after applying: exfoliating acids, retinoids and face oils can all interfere with colour development. Don't mix into your SPF either, as it may compromise sun protection. This product doesn't contain SPF, so apply that separately.

Pro move: Mix with The Impossible Glow for an instant lit-from-within finish with a developing tan underneath.

Recycling

Say no to landfill! Let's recycle everything! - Sarah

The Impossible Tan comes in a glass bottle with a glass pipette and dropper with a rubber bulb. Unscrew the dropper and remove it from the bottle. Gently pull the glass pipette out of the dropper. After rinsing, place the glass bottle and pipette into your household recycling. Place the dropper and rubber bulb into your Pai mailer for return delivery to us.

All Pai boxes, cartons, sleeves and inserts can be recycled with your household paper recycling.

The majority of your Pai packaging can be recycled at home, but some components need specialist recycling. We've partnered with a specialist programme to make this as easy as possible for our UK customers.

Keep your Pai mailer box (it can be flat packed for easy storage). Fill it with the packaging elements you can't recycle at home, and clearly label the box RECYCLING. Create your free returns label and drop it off at the post office.

Please note we are unable to accept glass or non-Pai packaging. Glass bottles can be separated and placed into your household recycling.

If you are in the UK and unsure what your local services accept, visit recyclenow.com.

Full Ingredients

Aqua (water), Dihydroxyacetone, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Erythrulose, Inulin, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract (oat), Caramel, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sclerotium Gum, Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder* (aloe vera), Fructose, Sodium Phytate, Glucosylrutin, Lactic Acid.

41% Organic (of total, minus water and minerals) / 100% natural origin.

*Organic

Provenance

92%

said it caused no irritation or breakouts*
80%

said skin felt hydrated*
88%

said it gave skin a natural-looking tan*

*One week independent consumer trial on 112 subjects

The Pai Ritual

The Pai Ritual

Step One

Light Work™ Cleansing Oil

Gentle yet ultra efficient, our Rosehip cleansing oil shifts make-up, SPF and daily grime at speed.

Balancing
Cleansing
Brightening

Step 1/5

The Pai Ritual

Step Three

The Impossible Tan™ Hydrating Self Tan Drops

A 100% natural, certified organic self tan that’s clinically proven to hydrate as it glows**.

Hydrating
Natural-looking Tan
Barrier Supporting

Step 3/5

The Pai Ritual

British Summer Time Glow™ SPF 30 Illuminating Sunscreen

The Pai Ritual

Step Four

British Summer Time Glow™ SPF 30

Your 2-in-1 SPF to protect and prime – with natural reflective pigments for instant radiance.

Protecting
Priming
Glow

Step 4/5

The Pai Ritual

The Pai Ritual

Step Five

The Impossible Glow™ Glow Drops

Organic drops of hydration for an instant, healthy-looking glow – available in three luminous shades.

Hydrating
Glow

Step 5/5

Key Ingredients

Biomimicking Ceramide Complex

The glue that holds your skin together, Ceramides are essential for a healthy barrier to keep irritation at bay. This cutting-edge complex includes fatty acids from Argan, Meadowfoam, Macadamia and Shea Butter – a sophisticated blend which mimics the skin’s natural Ceramide composition for optimum strength and support.
Hyaluronic Acid

A sugar the body naturally produces, Hyaluronic Acid can hold between 10 and 50 times its weight in water, storing it like a reservoir for the skin – giving a long-lasting, moisturising effect. Our all-natural form comes from maize.
Natural DHA

This COSMOS-approved DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is bioengineered from Glycerin. It interacts with amino acids in the skin's keratin layer – triggering what’s known as the Maillard reaction to produce a sunless tan, bespoke to your skin tone. We’ve combined it with DHB (Erythrulose) for a more natural-looking, even colour. No orange streaks here.

"Our world-class chemists had the seemingly impossible task to create a sunless tan that doesn’t just look good, but feeds the skin with transformative actives. Here it is: a hydrating self tan in an organic formula that’s fully customisable by you.”

SARAH BROWN
FOUNDER, PAI SKINCARE

Frequently Asked Questions

Will The Impossible Tan™ work for my skin tone?

Yes, it works across all skin tones. The naturally-derived DHA reacts with amino acids in your skin's outermost layer through the Maillard reaction, so the resulting colour adapts to your unique tone rather than applying a one-shade-fits-all tint.

How is The Impossible Tan™ different from The Impossible Glow™?

The Impossible Glow™ uses a pearlescent pigment for an instant luminous finish that washes off at the end of the day. The Impossible Tan™ contains naturally-derived DHA and Erythrulose, so it develops a real tan over up to 48 hours and gradually fades over 7 to 10 days unless topped up.

Is The Impossible Tan™ suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, it's independently patch tested and formulated without fragrance, essential oils, parabens, silicones, sulfates or alcohol. It's also non-comedogenic and gluten-free, so it's suitable for reactive, breakout-prone or easily irritated skin.

Is The Impossible Tan™ suitable for use during pregnancy?

Yes. The formula is 100% natural, fragrance-free and free from essential oils, making it suitable for use during pregnancy.

How should I prep my skin before applying The Impossible Tan™?

Gently exfoliate up to a day before, paying extra attention to drier areas like the forehead, nose and jawline where colour can build unevenly. On the day, apply to clean, dry skin and skip oils, retinoids and acid-based products beforehand, as they can create a barrier or cause uneven development.

How many drops of The Impossible Tan™ should I use?

When applying directly to skin: 2 drops for a light glow, 4 for a medium tan, 6 for a deeper tone. For a more gradual build, mix your drops into a moisturiser or serum, using up to 12 drops depending on the intensity you're after.

Do I need to use a tanning mitt to apply The Impossible Tan™?

No mitt needed. The drops are lightweight enough to blend directly into skin with clean fingertips. Wash your hands within a minute or two of applying, and the naturally-derived DHA won't have time to react with your palms.

Do I need to wash off The Impossible Tan™ after applying?

No, it's a leave-on formula. The colour develops gradually while Sodium Hyaluronate and Aloe Vera hydrate and calm your skin in the background. Just wash your hands thoroughly straight after application to avoid tanning your palms.

How often should I apply The Impossible Tan™?

You can use it daily or a few times a week depending on how deep you want your tan to be and whether you’re applying directly to skin or blending with a moisturiser. For maintenance, reapply every 2–3 days.

How long does The Impossible Tan™ take to develop?

The tan begins to develop after 2 hours and reaches its full glow in up to 48 hours. For a deeper colour, you can build it up over a few days.

How long does The Impossible Tan™ last?

Expect 7 to 10 days before the colour fully fades. Erythrulose works alongside DHA to give a more gradual, even fade compared to DHA-only formulas. Avoiding exfoliating acids and heavy cleansing will help extend the wear.

Can I layer The Impossible Tan™ with other skincare products?

Yes. Apply it to dry, cleansed skin first, let it absorb, then follow with your usual moisturiser or heavier creams. Just avoid exfoliating acids, retinoids or face oils immediately before or after application, as they can interfere with how the colour develops.

Can I mix The Impossible Tan™ into SPF?

We wouldn't recommend it, as mixing anything into sunscreen can compromise its UV protection. Apply The Impossible Tan™ first, let it absorb, then layer your SPF on top.

Do I need to wear SPF with The Impossible Tan™?

Yes. The Impossible Tan™ contains no sun protection whatsoever, so a broad-spectrum SPF is still essential. Bonus: consistent SPF use also helps your tan fade more evenly.

Will The Impossible Tan™ transfer onto clothes or bedding?

No, once absorbed into the skin, The Impossible Tan™ is non-transferable and won’t stain your clothes or bedding.

What should I do if I've applied too much of The Impossible Tan™?

Don't panic. It will fade naturally with each cleanse. To speed things up, use a gentle exfoliator to lift excess colour, then moisturise to keep the fade even. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which can cause patchiness.

Will The Impossible Tan™ darken any pigmentation on my face?

It may deepen areas of existing pigmentation as it develops, since DHA reacts with amino acids across all skin. However, because the overall skin tone also deepens, the contrast between pigmented areas and surrounding skin often appears less noticeable rather than more.

What are the key ingredients in The Impossible Tan™?

Just 18 ingredients, nothing unnecessary. Oat Extract (Avena Sativa) soothes reactive skin, Inulin supports your skin's microbiome, Glucosylrutin provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage, and Sapindus Mukorossi (soapberry) gently conditions the skin's surface.

Is The Impossible Tan™ certified organic?

Yes. It's certified organic by COSMOS, with 41% organic content (excluding water) and a 100% natural formulation. It's also certified vegan and cruelty-free.

What makes The Impossible Tan™ different from other self tanners?

Most self tanners rely on synthetic DHA and drying alcohols, which can trigger dehydration and irritation. The Impossible Tan™ uses naturally-derived DHA in a formula clinically proven to deliver 8 hours of hydration, so your skin actually feels better after applying it. It's also independently patch tested for sensitive skin, with 92% of users reporting no irritation.

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The Impossible Tan™ Hydrating Self Tan Drops

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The Impossible Tan™ Hydrating Self Tan Drops

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