Keri Lynn Ford

This week I wrote about how and why this Malibu Hemp lotion tones and tans your skin on Spoiled Little LA Girls!

In the past I had used “self-tanning” lotions that stained my hands and smelled like chemicals and sunscreen until I found vacation in a bottle, Malibu Hemp Lotion at Walmart. Not only does this lotion create a natural, even golden glow, but it smells like a pina colada and it firms your skin. It has a few active ingredients that I have highlighted below.

Coenzyme Q, or CoQ10
This ingredient is already produced by the body and is necessary for basic cell function. It is considered an anti-aging, anti-wrinkle tool because it can help repel free radicals. Sources also say CoQ10 can help the skin produce collagen and elastin, which keep it appearing firm and young.

Dihydroxyacetone, or DHA
DHA is used in many sunless and self-tanning skincare products. DHA reacts with the amino acids in the skin, resulting in brown pigments called melanoidins. These are similar in coloration to melanin, which is also the natural substance in the deeper skin layers which “tan” from exposure to the sun’s rays.

Virgin Hemp Seed Oil
Derived from the Cannabis plant, is 80% essential fatty acid, the highest amount of any other plant. Hemp seed oil similarly matches our own skin lipids, so it is actually able to penetrate our cells and lubricate the surfaces in between. Without clogging pores, it will soften skin and enrich it with potassium and calcium. It is also considered a natural sunblock (please note that this should not be used in place of actual sunblock or sunscreen).

Larger size available at Walmart for $5.77 or a smaller size at Sally’s Beauty Supply for $2.59 (its under the name Moist Hemp Bronzing Moisturizer, but same ingredients and manufacturer)

From the experts: Use Daily. Smooth on evenly, and allow to dry before getting dressed. Wash hands after application.

Pros: tropical smell, really bronzes the skin, non-streaky, softens skin
Cons: often out of stock

Spoiled Little LA Girls is a blog dedicated to reviews on everything from beauty products to tech toys for women.