A tanning cosmetic containing Caesapinia sappan L. extract is provided. The Caesapinia sappan L. extract is prepared by washing the heartwood of Caesapinia sappan L. with purified water, drying and crushing into small pieces, extracting with an appropriate solvent and then recovering the extract by evaporating the solvent under reduced pressure. The tanning cosmetic according to the present invention exhibits a continued tanning effect, without causing the problems resulting from UV irradiation.

The in vivo catalytic dismutation of hydrogen peroxide by pseudocatalase such as a transition metal bicarbonate complex is increased by the addition of a chelating agent, preferably ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), citic acid, 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, or a salt thereof Further, the stability of a topical composition comprising a transition metal bicarbonate complex is improved by storing the composition under carbon dioxide, preferably under pressure in aerosol form.

Use of one or more substances selected from the group of pyrimidines and purines for the preparation of cosmetic or dermatological preparations for boosting natural skin tanning and/or for stimulating melanogenesis in human skin.

The present invention relates to leave on, skin care compositions, comprising: (a) from about 0.1% to about 30% of a sunscreen active, (b) from about 0.5% to about 20% of a hydrophobic, structuring agent, (c) from about 0.2% to about 10% of a hydrophilic surfactant, (d) from about 0.1% to about 5% of a thickening agent, (e) from about 0.1% to about 25% of a skin lightening agent and (f) water. These compositions are useful for providing (i) protection to human skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation and (ii) a skin lightening benefit.