in a first aspect of the invention , a topical sunless tanning composition is provided , the topical sunless tanning composition comprising : ( a ) 0 . 01 - 10 , preferably 0 . 1 - 5 % w / w a polyphenol selected from the group consisting of (+)- catechin , (−)- catechin , (+)- epicatechin , (−)- epicatechin , epigallocatechin gallate , (−)- epigallocatechin , (−)- catechin gallate , (−)- epicatechin gallate , or mixtures thereof ; ( b ) a peroxidase or laccase ( c ) 0 . 0001 - 3 preferably 0 . 001 - 1 , most preferably 0 . 01 - 1 % w / w hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide generator when peroxidase is present ; and ( e ) a dermatologically acceptable vehicle . the polyphenol is preferably selected from the group consisting of (+)- catechin or (−)- epicatechin and (−)- epigallocatechin gallate . the peroxidase is preferably a non - animal haem peroxidase from class ii ( fungi ) or class iii ( plants and algae ). the peroxidase is preferably obtained from the group consisting of arabidopsis thaliana , horse radish , barley , peanut soy bean , tobacco , and turnip ( plants ), chlorophyta spirogyra ( green algae ), arthromyces ramosus and corprinus cinereus ( fungi ), most preferably the peroxidase is horse radish peroxidase or soy bean peroxidase . the laccase is preferably selected from the group consisting of cyanobacteria of the genuses leptolyngbya , oscillatoria and phormidium ; bacteria of the genuses bacillus , escherichia , pseudomonas , shigella , sinorhizobium , stenotrophomonas , streptomyces , and thermus ; fungi of the genuses agaricus , agrocybe , albatrellus , athelia , botryotinia , cantharellus , ceriporiopsis , cerrena , chaetomium , cladosporium , clitocybe , coniothyrium , coprinopsis , coriolisimus , coriolopsis , cortinarius , cryptococcus , cyathus , daedalea , emericella , fomes , fomitella , fusarium , ganoderma , hypocrea , inocybe , lactarius , lentinula , lepiota , lepista , leptonia , loweporus , lyophyllum , magnaporthe , marasmius , melanocarpus , myceliophthora , myriogonium , myrothecium , neurospora , panus , paraconiothyrium , parasola , peltigera , penicillium , peniophora , perenniporia , phellinus , phlebia , phoma , pleurotus , podospora , polyporus , pycnoporus , ramaria , rhizoctonia , rigidoporus , russula , scytalidium , solorina , steccherinum , trametes , tricholoma , trichophyton , volvariella ; plants of the genuses acer , mangifera , pistacia , pleiogynium , populus , prunus , rhus , schinus and toxicodendron ; and mixtures thereof . the hydrogen peroxide generator typically comprises a hydrogen peroxide generating oxidase , a substrate and oxygen . the hydrogen peroxide generating oxidase is preferably selected from the group consisting of ( s )- 2 - hydroxy acid oxidase , d - galactose oxidase , glucose oxidase , coniferyl alcohol oxidase , glycolate oxidase , hexose oxidase , oxalate oxidase , amino acid oxidase and l - galactonolactone oxidase and the respective substrate is selected from the group consisting of ( s )- 2 - hydroxy acid , d - galactose , glucose , coniferyl alcohol , a - hydroxy acids , d - glucose , oxalic acid , amino acid and l - galactono - 1 , 4 - lactone . thus the hydrogen peroxide generator is preferably selected from the group consisting of ( s )- 2 - hydroxy acid with ( s )- 2 - hydroxy acid oxidase , d - galactose with d - galactose oxidase , glucose with glucose oxidase , coniferyl alcohol with coniferyl alcohol oxidase , α - hydroxy acids with glycolate oxidase , d - glucose with hexose oxidase , oxalic acid with oxalate oxidase , and l - galactono - 1 , 4 - lactone with l - galactonolactone oxidase , amino acid oxidase with amino acids , all in the presence of oxygen . in one embodiment , the topical sunless tanning composition further comprises 0 . 01 - 25 , preferably 0 . 1 - 15 , most preferably 0 . 1 - 10 % w / w 1 , 3 - dihydroxyacetone dimer and / or d - erythrulose . in one embodiment , the topical sunless tanning composition further comprises 0 . 01 - 10 , preferably 0 . 1 - 5 % w / w an amino acid , preferably an amino acid excluding a thiol group . preferably the amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine , l - lysine , l - arginine , l - cysteine and mixtures thereof , more preferably selected from the group consisting of glycine , l - lysine , l - arginine and mixtures thereof . in another embodiment , the topical sunless tanning composition further comprises 0 . 01 to 15 , preferably 0 . 1 to 10 , most preferably 0 . 5 to 7 . 5 % w / w an inorganic sunscreen and / or organic sunscreen . sunscreens include those materials commonly employed to block ultraviolet light . illustrative organic compounds are the derivatives of p - aminobenzoic acid ( paba ), cinnamate and salicylate . for example , avobenzophenone ( parsol 1789 ®), octyl methoxycinnamate and 2 - hydroxy - 4 - methoxy benzophenone ( also known as oxybenzone ) can be used . octyl methoxycinnamate and 2 - hydroxy - 4 - methoxy benzophenone are commercially available under the trade marks , parsol mcx and benzophenone - 3 , respectively . ecamsule , a benzylidene camphor derivative , sold under the trade mark mexoryl sx , and drometrizole trisiloxane , a benzotriazole sold under the trade mark mexoryl xl , may also be used . still other examples include octocrylene , phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid ( also known as ensulizole ), ethylhexyl salicylate , diethylhexyl naphthylate , bimotrizinole ( trade marked as tinosorb s ) and bisoctrizole ( tinosorb m ). inorganic sunscreens include oxides like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which reflect or scatter the sun &# 39 ; s rays . the exact amount of sunscreen employed in the topical sunless tanning composition can vary depending upon the degree of protection desired from the sun &# 39 ; s uv radiation . the dermatologically acceptable carrier may be aqueous - based , anhydrous or an emulsion whereby a water - in - oil or oil - in - water emulsion is generally preferred . if the use of water is desired , water typically makes up the balance of the topical sunless tanning composition , and preferably makes up from 5 to 98 %, and most preferably from 40 to 80 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition , including all ranges subsumed therein . in addition to water , organic solvents may be optionally included . illustrative and non - limiting examples of the types of organic solvents suitable for use in the present invention include alkanols like ethyl and isopropyl alcohol , mixtures thereof or the like . other suitable organic solvents include ester oils like isopropyl myristate , cetyl myristate , 2 - octyldodecyl myristate , avocado oil , almond oil , olive oil , neopentylglycol dicaprate , mixtures thereof or the like . typically , such ester oils assist in emulsification , and an effective amount is often used to yield a stable , and most preferably , water - in - oil emulsion . emollients may also be used , if desired . alcohols like 1 - hexadecanol ( i . e . cetyl alcohol ) are often desired as are the emollients generally classified as silicone oils and synthetic esters . silicone oils suitable for use include cyclic or linear polydimethylsiloxanes containing from 3 to 9 , preferably from 4 to 5 , silicon atoms . non - volatile silicone oils useful as an emollient material in the inventive composition described herein include polyalkyl siloxanes , polyalkylaryl siloxanes and polyether siloxane copolymers . the essentially non - volatile polyalkyl siloxanes useful herein include , for example , polydimethylsiloxanes . silicone elastomers may also be used . ( 1 ) alkenyl or alkyl esters of fatty acids having 10 to 20 carbon atoms . examples thereof include isoarachidyl neopentanoate , isononyl isonanonoate , oleyl myristate , oleyl stearate , and oleyl oleate . ( 2 ) ether - esters such as fatty acid esters of ethoxylated fatty alcohols . ( 3 ) polyhydric alcohol esters . ethylene glycol mono and di - fatty acid esters , diethylene glycol mono - and di - fatty acid esters , polyethylene glycol ( 200 - 6000 ) mono - and di - fatty acid esters , propylene glycol mono - and di - fatty acid esters , polypropylene glycol 2000 monooleate , polypropylene glycol 2000 monostearate , ethoxylated propylene glycol monostearate , glyceryl mono - and di - fatty acid esters , polyglycerol poly - fatty esters , ethoxylated glyceryl mono - stearate , 1 , 3 - butylene glycol monostearate , 1 , 3 - butylene glycol distearate , polyoxyethylene polyol fatty acid ester , sorbitan fatty acid esters , and polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters are satisfactory polyhydric alcohol esters . ( 4 ) wax esters such as beeswax , spermaceti , stearyl stearate and arachidyl behenate . ( 5 ) sterols esters , of which cholesterol fatty acid esters are examples . emollients , when used , typically make up from 0 . 1 to 50 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition , including all ranges subsumed therein . fatty acids having from 10 to 30 carbon atoms may also be included as acceptable carriers within the topical sunless tanning composition of the present invention . illustrative examples of such fatty acids include pelargonic , lauric , myristic , palmitic , stearic , isostearic , oleic , linoleic , arachidic , behenic or erucic acid , and mixtures thereof . compounds that are believed to enhance skin penetration , like dimethyl sulfoxide , fatty acids and ethanol may also be used as an optional carrier . humectants of the polyhydric alcohol type may also be employed in the topical sunless tanning compositions . the humectant often aids in increasing the effectiveness of the emollient , reduces scaling at the skin surface , stimulates removal of built - up scale and improves skin feel . typical polyhydric alcohols include glycerol , polyalkylene glycols and more preferably alkylene polyols and their derivatives , including propylene glycol , dipropylene glycol , polypropylene glycol , polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof , sorbitol , hydroxypropyl sorbitol , hexylene glycol , 1 , 3 - butylene glycol , 1 , 2 , 6 - hexanetriol , ethoxylated glycerol , propoxylated glycerol and mixtures thereof . for best results the humectant is preferably propylene glycol or sodium hyaluronate . other humectants which may be used include hydroxyethyl urea . the amount of humectant may range anywhere from 0 . 2 to 25 %, and preferably , from 0 . 5 to 15 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition , including all ranges subsumed therein . thickeners may also be utilized as part of the dermatologically acceptable carrier in the topical sunless tanning compositions . typical thickeners include cross - linked acrylates ( e . g . carbopol 982 ), hydrophobically - modified acrylates ( e . g . carbopol 1382 ), cellulosic derivatives and natural gums . among useful cellulosic derivatives are sodium carboxymethylcellulose , hydroxypropyl methylcellulose , hydroxypropyl cellulose , hydroxyethyl cellulose , ethyl cellulose and hydroxymethyl cellulose . natural gums suitable for the present invention include guar , xanthan , sclerotium , carrageenan , pectin and combinations of these gums . amounts of the thickener may range from 0 . 0 to 5 , usually from 0 . 001 to 1 , optimally from 0 . 01 to 0 . 5 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition , including all ranges subsumed therein . collectively the water , solvents , silicones , esters oils , emollients , fatty acids , humectants and / or thickeners will constitute the dermatologically acceptable carrier in amounts from 1 to 99 . 9 , preferably from 80 to 99 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition . surfactants may also be present in the topical sunless tanning composition of the invention . total concentration of the surfactant will range from about 0 to about 40 , and preferably from about 0 to about 20 , optimally from about 0 to about 5 % by weight of the topical skin lightening composition . the surfactant may be selected from the group consisting of anionic , nonionic , cationic and amphoteric actives . particularly preferred nonionic surfactants are those with a c10 - c20 fatty alcohol or acid hydrophobe condensed with from 2 to 100 moles of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide per mole of hydrophobe ; mono - and di - fatty acid esters of ethylene glycol ; fatty acid monoglyceride ; sorbitan , mono - and di - c8 - c20 fatty acids ; block copolymers ( ethylene oxide / propylene oxide ); and polyoxyethylene sorbitan as well as combinations thereof . alkyl polyglycosides and saccharide fatty amides ( e . g . methyl gluconamides ) are also suitable nonionic surfactants . preferred anionic surfactants include soap , alkyl ether sulfate and sulfonates , alkyl sulfates and sulfonates , alkylbenzene sulfonates , alkyl and dialkyl sulfosuccinates , c8 - c20 acyl isethionates , acyl glutamates , c8 - c20 alkyl ether phosphates and combinations thereof . fragrances may be used in the topical sunless tanning composition . illustrative non - limiting examples of the types of fragrances that may be used include those comprising terpenes and terpene derivatives like those described in bauer , k ., et al ., common fragrance and flavor materials , vch publishers ( 1990 ). illustrative yet non - limiting examples of the types of fragrances that may be used in this invention include myrcene , dihydromyrenol , citral , tagetone , cis - geranic acid , citronellic acid , mixtures thereof or the like . preferably , the amount of fragrance employed in the topical skin lightening composition is in the range from 0 . 0 to 10 , more preferably 0 . 00001 to 5 , most preferably 0 . 0001 to 2 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition , including all ranges subsumed therein . various types of optional additional active ingredients may be used in the topical sunless tanning compositions . actives are defined as skin benefit agents other than emollients and other than ingredients that merely improve the physical characteristics of the composition . although not limited to this category , general examples include extender pigments such as talcs and silicas , as well as alpha - hydroxy acids , beta - hydroxy acids and zinc salts . beta - hydroxy acids include salicylic acid , for example . zinc oxide and zinc pyrithione are examples of zinc salts useful in the topical skin lightening composition . many compositions , especially those containing water , should be protected against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms . anti - microbial compounds , such as triclosan , and preservatives are , therefore , typically necessary . suitable preservatives include alkyl esters of p - hydroxybenzoic acid , hydantoin derivatives , propionate salts , and a variety of quaternary ammonium compounds . particularly preferred preservatives are methyl paraben , propyl paraben , phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol . preservatives will usually be employed in amounts ranging from 0 . 1 to 2 % by weight of the topical sunless tanning composition . still other optional ingredients that may be used with the topical sunless tanning composition include dioic acids ( e . g . malonic acid and sebacic acid ), antioxidants like vitamin e , retinoids , including retinoic acid , retinal , retinol and retinyl esters such as retinyl propionate and retinyl palmitate , conjugated linoleic acid , petroselinic acid and mixtures thereof , as well as any other conventional ingredients well known for wrinkle - reducing ( such as hyaluronic acid , ubiquinone , jasmonic acid derivatives , collagen , peptides and proxylane ), anti - acne effects and reducing the impact of sebum . when making the topical sunless tanning composition , the desired ingredients are mixed in no particular order and usually at temperatures from 70 to 80 ° c . and under atmospheric pressure . the packaging for the topical sunless tanning composition can be a bottle , roll - ball applicator , propellant driven aerosol device , squeeze container . for a topical sunless tanning composition comprising laccase , the composition will need to be in packaged under an oxygen free atmosphere . for a topical sunless tanning composition comprising peroxidase , the composition will need to separate the peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide components , or where an oxidoreductase based hydrogen peroxide generator is used , package the topical sunless tanning composition in an oxygen free environment . in a second aspect of the invention , a method of sunless tanning the skin is provided , the method of sunless tanning the skin comprising the step of applying to the skin the topical sunless tanning composition of the first aspect of the invention . a comparison of the colour development on artificial skin following treatment with (+)- catechin , or (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase horseradish peroxidase type vi , sigma , uk ( 274 u / mg ( 1 unit ( u )= 1 mg purpurogallin in 20 seconds at 20 degrees centigrade at ph 6 ) using a pencil , circles of 2 . 5 cm diameter were marked out on sheets of vitro - skin . the vitro - skin was then hydrated overnight by placing in a humidifying chamber at room temperature at 50 % rh . the next morning the colour of the area within each circle was measured by recording cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values using verivide digieye v2 . 6 software . l *, a * and b * values describe a colour . the l * value ( lightness ) ranges from 0 , which represents black , to 100 , which represents white . the a * value relates to the redness / greeness , with + a * denoting red and − a * denoting green . the b * value relates to yellowness / blueness , with + b * denoting yellow and − b * denoting blue . 1 . (+)- catechin : 800 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ; final concentration 80 mm ), 100 μl milliq water and 100 μl catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . 2 . (+)- catechin / hrp : 700 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ), 100 μl 3 % hydrogen peroxide ( final concentration 0 . 3 %), 100 μl catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) and 100 μl horseradish peroxidase ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . the final concentration of sodium citrate buffer was 80 mm . 30 μl of each sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were then recorded at various time - points up to 5 days . the magnitude of colour change ( δe ) was calculated using the following equation : δ e =√{ square root over (( l * s − l * b ) 2 +( a * s − a * b ) 2 +( b * s − b * b ) 2 )} where b = blank ( unstained ) and s = stained . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results are set forth in table la from which it is apparent that the colour change of (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase treated vitro - skin was significantly greater than the colour change of (+)- catechin treated vitro - skin at all time points ( p =& lt ; 0 . 0001 ). table 1b shows the cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values at the 98 hour time - point from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase compared to treatment with (+)- catechin alone . these results demonstrate that , on artificial skin , a significantly greater colour development is obtained after treatment with (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained after treatment with (+)- catechin alone . a comparison of the colour development on artificial skin following treatment with (+)- catechin , or (+)- catechin and laccase 1 . catechin : 800 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ; final concentration 80 mm ), 100 μl milliq water and 100 μl catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . 2 . catechin / laccase : 700 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ), 100 μl milliq water , 100 μl catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) and 100 μl laccase ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . the final concentration of sodium citrate buffer was 80 mm . 30 μl of each appropriate sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded at various time - points up to 5 days and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results are set forth in table 2a from which it is apparent that the colour change of (+)- catechin / laccase treated vitro - skin was significantly greater than the colour change of (+)- catechin treated vitro - skin at all time points ( p ≧ 0 . 0002 ). table 2b shows the cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values at the 98 hour time - point from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with (+)- catechin / laccase compared to treatment with (+)- catechin alone . these results demonstrate that , on artificial skin , a significantly greater colour development is obtained after treatment with (+)- catechin and laccase , compared to the colour development obtained after treatment with (+)- catechin alone . a comparison of the colour development on artificial skin following treatment with (−)- epicatchin , or (−)- epicatechin and horseradish peroxidase 1 . (−)- epicatechin : 800 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ; final concentration 80 mm ), 100 μl milliq water and 100 μl (−)- epicatechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . 2 . (−)- epicatechin / horseradish peroxidase : 700 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ), 100 μl 3 % hydrogen peroxide ( final concentration 0 . 3 %), 100 μl (−)- epicatechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 1 mg / ml ) and 100 μl horseradish peroxidase ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . the final concentration of sodium citrate buffer was 80 mm . 30 μl of each appropriate sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded at various time - points up to 6 days and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results are set forth in table 3a from which it is apparent that the colour change of (−)- epicatechin / horseradish peroxidase treated vitro - skin was significantly greater than the colour change of (−)- epicatechin treated vitro - skin at all time points ( p & lt ; 0 . 0001 ). table 3b shows the cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values at the 122 hour time - point from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with (−)- epicatechin / horseradish peroxidase compared to treatment with (−)- epicatechin alone . these results demonstrate that , on artificial skin , a significantly greater colour development is obtained after treatment with (−)- epicatechin and horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained after treatment with (−)- epicatechin alone . a comparison of the colour development on artificial skin following treatment with green tea extract ( sunphenon ), or green tea extract ( sunphenon ) and horseradish peroxidase sunphenon 90 lb , obtained from the leaf of traceable green tea ( camellia sinensis ), is a series of highly purified polyphenols rich in natural green tea catechins . sunphenon 90 lb contains 80 % minimum total polyphenols , 80 % minimum catechins , 40 % minimum (−)- epigallocatechin gallate . 1 . sunphenon 90 lb : 800 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ; final concentration 80 mm ), 100 μl milliq water and 100 μl sunphenon 90 lb ( 100 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 10 mg / ml ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . 2 . sunphenon 90 lb / horseradish peroxidase : 700 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm ph 5 . 5 ), 100 μl 3 % hydrogen peroxide ( final concentration 0 . 3 %), 100 μl sunphenon 90 lb ( 100 mg / ml stock in dmso ; final concentration 10 mg / ml ) and 100 μl horseradish peroxidase ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . the final concentration of sodium citrate buffer was 80 mm . 30 μl of each appropriate sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded at various time - points up to 4 days and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results are set forth in table 4a from which it is apparent that the colour change of sunphenon 90 lb / horseradish peroxidase treated vitro - skin was significantly greater than the colour change of sunphenon 90 lb treated vitro - skin at all time points ( p & lt ; 0 . 0001 ). δe values for vitro - skin treated with sunphenon 90 lb green tea table 4b shows the cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values at the 96 hour time - point from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with sunphenon 90 lb / horseradish peroxidase compared to treatment with sunphenon 90 lb alone . these results demonstrate that , on artificial skin , a significantly greater colour development is obtained after treatment with sunphenon 90 lb green tea extract and horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained after treatment with sunphenon 90 lb green tea extract alone . colour development on artificial skin following repeated application of (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase a (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase sample was prepared as follows : 400 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm , ph 5 . 5 ), 200 μl 3 % hydrogen peroxide , 200 μl (+)- catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ) and 200 μl horseradish peroxidase ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer , ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . 1 ml sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm , ph 5 . 5 ) was then added to the combined mixture and the sample was mixed gently again . final concentrations were as follows : sodium citrate buffer 80 mm ; hydrogen peroxide 0 . 3 %; (+)- catechin 1 mg / ml . 30 μl of the (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase sample were then applied to 6 vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . at 24 hours , 48 hours , 72 hours , 98 hours and 121 hours after initial application , the (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase sample was reapplied to 3 vitro - skin circles . the sample was not re - applied to the other 3 vitro - skin circles . the cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded at 24 hours , 48 hours , 72 hours , 98 hours , 121 hours and 148 hours after the initial application ( before re - applying sample ) and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results are set forth in table 5a from which it is apparent that repeated application of (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase on vitro - skin produces a significantly greater colour change ( p & lt ; 0 . 0001 ). peroxidase . the effect of repeated application is shown at 24 hours , table 5b shows the cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values at 24 , 72 and 148 hour time - points from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after repeated treatment with (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase . these results demonstrate that , on artificial skin , a significantly greater colour development is obtained after repeated application of (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained after a single application of (+)- catechin and horseradish peroxidase . colour development on artificial skin following treatment with (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase in combination with dha and selected amino acids a (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase stock solution was prepared as follows : 400 μl sodium citrate buffer ( 100 mm , ph 5 . 5 ), 200 μl 3 % hydrogen peroxide , 200 μl catechin ( 10 mg / ml stock in dmso ) and 200 μl hrp ( 100 units / ml in citrate buffer , ph 5 . 5 ) were combined in a plastic bijou pot and mixed gently . to prepare the dha / amino acid stock solutions 5 wt % dha and 5 wt % amino acid were dissolved in glycerol / citrate buffer , ph 5 . 6 ( 0 . 15 glycerol / 0 . 85 citrate buffer ). the dha / amino acids samples were then prepared by mixing 1 ml of the dha / amino acid stock solution with 1 ml glycerol / citrate buffer ( 0 . 15 / 0 . 85 ). final concentrations were as follows : 2 . 5 wt % dha ; and 2 . 5 wt % amino acid . the dha / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase samples were prepared by mixing 1 ml of the dha / amino acid stock solution with 1 ml of the (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase stock solution . final concentrations were as follows : 2 . 5 wt % dha ; 2 . 5 wt % amino acid ; 0 . 3 % hydrogen peroxide ; and 1 mg / ml (+)- catechin . 30 μl of each appropriate sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded 1 hour after sample application and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results in table 6a show that the colour change of dha / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase treated vitro - skin was significantly greater than the colour change of dha / amino acid treated vitro - skin 1 hour after treatment for amino acids glycine , lysine , arginine and cysteine . tables 6b to 6e show the corresponding cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values for untreated vitro - skin and vitro - skin treated with dha / amino acid +/−(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase for each of the amino acids glycine , lysine , arginine and cysteine respectively , from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with dha / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase . for 1 hour . standard deviations at 95 % confidence limits are provided . for 1 hour . standard deviations at 95 % confidence limits are provided . for 1 hour . standard deviations at 95 % confidence limits are provided . for 1 hour . standard deviations at 95 % confidence limits are provided . these results demonstrate that , for the amino acids glycine , lysine , arginine and cysteine , a significantly greater colour development is obtained on artificial skin one hour after treatment with 1 , 3 - dihydroxyacetone dimer / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained on artificial skin one hour after treatment with 1 , 3 - dihydroxyacetone dimer / amino acid . a comparison of colour development on artificial skin following treatment by dha / arginine or dha / cysteine compared to treatment by dha / arginine /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase or dha / cysteine /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase a (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase stock solution , dha / arginine stock solution and a dha / cysteine stock solution were prepared as described in example 6 . the dha / amino acid samples were then prepared by mixing 1 ml of the dha / amino acid stock solution with 1 ml glycerol / citrate buffer ( 0 . 15 / 0 . 85 ). final concentrations were as follows : 2 . 5 wt % dha ; and 2 . 5 wt % amino acid . the dha / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase samples were prepared by mixing 1 ml of the dha / amino acid stock solution with 1 ml of the catechin / horseradish peroxidase stock solution . final concentrations were as follows : 2 . 5 wt % dha ; 2 . 5 wt % amino acid ; 0 . 3 % hydrogen peroxide ; and 1 mg / ml (+)- catechin . 30 μl of each appropriate sample were then applied to the vitro - skin circles and rubbed in for 10 seconds using a gloved fingertip . each sample was tested in triplicate . the vitro - skin was then incubated at 35 ° c . and 50 % rh . cie 1976 l * a * b * measurements for each sample area were recorded at various time - points up to 5 days and δe was calculated . statistical analyses were performed using student &# 39 ; s t test . the results in tables 7a and 7b show that the colour changes of dha / arginine /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase or dha / cysteine /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase treated vitro - skin were significantly greater than the colour change of dha / arginine or dha / cysteine treated vitro - skin at all time points ( p =& lt ; 0 . 05 ). tables 7c and 7d show the corresponding cie 1976 l * a * b * ( cielab ) values for untreated vitro - skin and vitro - skin treated with dha / amino acid +/−(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase for the amino acids arginine 71 hours after treatment and cysteine 120 hours after treatment respectively , from which it is clear that a noticeable browner colour was achieved after treatment with dha / amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase . these results demonstrate that , for the amino acids arginine and cysteine , a significantly greater colour development is obtained on artificial skin up to 71 and 120 hours respectively after treatment with 1 , 3 - dihydroxyacetone ( dha )/ amino acid /(+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase , compared to the colour development obtained on artificial skin after treatment with 1 , 3 - dihydroxyacetone ( dha )/ amino acid . a comparison of the colour development on bleached human hair following treatment with apigenin with and without horseradish peroxidase platine precision lightening powder ( 50 % persulphates , 24 . 1 % silicates and 2 . 6 % ammonium chloride ) ( l &# 39 ; oreal , france ) 2 ″ natural white hair switches were bleached twice using l &# 39 ; oreal platine precision lightening powder and excel cream peroxide according to the manufacturers &# 39 ; instructions ( 30 minutes each treatment ). 4200 μl britton - robinson buffer ( 62 . 5 mm ph 5 ; final concentration 50 mm ) prior to treatment , the colour ( l * a * b *) of each switch was recorded using a minolta cm - 2600d spectrophotometer . the reagents listed above were then combined in 15 ml falcon centrifuge tubes . bleached hair switches were placed into the tubes and squashed down , wetting the hair thoroughly ( one switch per tube ). the switch / reagents were then incubated at 32 ° c . for 15 minutes . 30 units horseradish peroxidase ( hrp vi , in britton - robinson buffer ph 5 , total volume 600 μl ) or 600 μl britton - robinson buffer ph 5 were then added as appropriate to the tubes . the hair switches were then incubated at 32 ° c . for another 15 minutes . after incubation the switches were washed by rinsing under running tap water for 1 minute . the hair was then shampoo washed by rubbing with shampoo for 30 seconds and subsequently rinsing under tap water for 60 seconds . the hair was then dried with a hairdryer and combed . the above method was repeated twice ( 3 treatments in total ). after each treatment the colour of each switch ( l * a * b *) was recorded and ae was calculated . untreated switches were washed 3 times with shampoo , rinsed and dried as described above . after addition of the horseradish peroxidase , the solution was observed to have an off - white colour . the δe values for each switch after three treatments are shown in table 8 . a δe value of 5 or above was considered to colour hair . accordingly , treatment with apigenin with or without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair . treatment of double bleached natural white hair with apigenin with or without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair . therefore it can be expected that , particularly as the solution after addition of horseradish peroxidase was observed to be white , apigenin with or without horseradish peroxidase will not colour skin , which is a structurally related organ to hair . a comparison of the colour development on unbleached and bleached human hair following treatment with chlorogenic acid with and without horseradish peroxidase horseradish peroxidase , 53 u / mg ( 1 unit = 1 mg purpurogallin in 20 s at 20 ° c . and ph 6 ) ( hrp i , sigma , uk ) if required , natural white hair switches were bleached twice using l &# 39 ; oreal platine precision lightening powder and excel cream peroxide according to the manufacturers &# 39 ; instructions ( 30 minutes each treatment ). prior to treatment , the colour ( l * a * b *) of each switch was recorded using a minolta cm - 2600d spectrophotometer . 700 μl britton - robinson buffer ( 62 . 5 mm ph 6 , final concentration 50 mm ), 100 μl 3 % h 2 o 2 ( horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) or 100 μl milliq water ( non horseradish peroxidase treated switches ), and 100 μl chlorogenic acid ( 100 mg / ml stock in dmso ) were combined in plastic bijou pots . 2 ″ unbleached and bleached natural white switches were then placed into the pots and squashed down ( one switch per pot ), wetting the hair thoroughly . the switch / reagents were then incubated at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . 100 μl horseradish peroxidase ( hrp i , 1 mg / ml in br buffer , ph6 ) ( horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) or 100 μl britton - robinson buffer ( non horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) were then added and rubbed into the switch . each hair switch was then placed back into the pot and incubated at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . after 5 minutes incubation the switch was washed by swirling in a beaker of milliq water for approx . 2 minutes . the hair was dried with a hairdryer and combed through . the above method was repeated twice ( 3 treatments in total ). after each treatment the colour of each switch ( l * a * b *) was recorded and δe was calculated . after addition of horseradish peroxidase the solution was observed to have a brown colour . the δe values for each switch after three treatments are shown in table 9 . a δe value of 5 or above was considered to colour hair . treatment with chlorogenic acid with or without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair , whether bleached or unbleached . treatment of unbleached or double bleached natural white hair with chlorogenic acid with or without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair . therefore it can be expected that chlorogenic acid with or without horseradish peroxidase will not colour skin , which is a structurally related organ to hair . a comparison of the colour development on unbleached and bleached human hair following treatment with (+)- catechin with or without horseradish peroxidase if required , natural white hair switches were bleached twice using l &# 39 ; oreal platine precision lightening powder and excel cream peroxide according to the manufacturers &# 39 ; instructions ( 30 minutes each treatment ). prior to treatment , the colour ( l * a * b *) of each switch was recorded using a minolta cm - 2600d spectrophotometer . 700 μl britton - robinson buffer ( 62 . 5 mm ph 6 , final concentration 50 mm ), 100 μl 3 % h 2 o 2 ( horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) or 100 μl milliq water ( non horseradish peroxidase treated switches ), and 100 μl (+)- catechin ( 100 mg / ml stock in dmso ) were combined in plastic bijou pots . 2 ″ unbleached and bleached natural white switches were then placed into the pots and squashed down ( one switch per pot ), wetting the hair thoroughly . the switch / reagents were then incubated at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . 100 μl horseradish peroxidase ( hrp i , 1 mg / ml in br buffer , ph6 ) ( horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) or 100 μl britton - robinson buffer ( non horseradish peroxidase treated switches ) were then added and rubbed into the switch . each hair switch was then placed back into the pot and incubated at 37 ° c . for 5 minutes . after 5 minutes incubation the switch was washed by swirling in a beaker of milliq water for approx . 2 minutes . the hair was dried with a hairdryer and combed through . the above method was repeated twice ( 3 treatments in total ). after each treatment the colour of each switch ( l * a * b *) was recorded and δe was calculated . after addition of horseradish peroxidase the solution was observed to have an orange brown colour . the δe values for each switch after one , two and three treatments are shown in table 10 . a δe value of 5 or above is considered to colour hair . treatment with (+)- catechin without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair , bleached or unbleached . treatment with (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase coloured both bleached and unbleached hair . treatment of unbleached or double bleached natural white hair with (+)- catechin without horseradish peroxidase did not colour hair . however treatment of unbleached or double bleached natural white hair with (+)- catechin / horseradish peroxidase coloured hair . this conclusion replicates the results observed on skin in example 1 . colour development on bleached human hair following treatment with (−)- epicatechin and horseradish peroxidase , or (−)- epigallocatechin gallate and horseradish peroxidase 2 ″ natural white hair switches were bleached twice using l &# 39 ; oreal platine precision lightening powder and excel cream peroxide according to the manufacturers &# 39 ; instructions ( 30 minutes each treatment ). 4200 μl britton - robinson buffer ( 62 . 5 mm ph 5 ; final concentration 50 mm ) 600 μl (−)- epicatechin or (−)- epigallocatechin gallate , 10 mg / ml stock in dmso prior to treatment , the colour ( l * a * b *) of the switches was recorded using a minolta cm - 2600d spectrophotometer . the reagents listed above were then combined in 15 ml falcon centrifuge tubes . bleached hair switches were placed into the tubes and squashed down , wetting the hair thoroughly ( one switch per tube ). the switch / reagents were then incubated at 32 ° c . for 15 minutes . 30 units horseradish peroxidase ( hrp vi , in britton - robinson buffer ph 5 , total volume 600 μl ) were then added to each tube . the hair switches were then incubated at 32 ° c . for another 15 minutes . after incubation the switches were washed by rinsing under running tap water for 1 minute . the hair was then shampoo washed by rubbing with shampoo for 30 seconds and subsequently rinsing under tap water for 60 seconds . the hair was then dried with a hairdryer and combed . the above method was repeated twice ( 3 treatments in total ). after each treatment the colour of each switch ( l * a * b *) was recorded and ae was calculated . the δe values for each hair switch after one , two and three treatments are shown in table 11 . a δe value of 5 or above is considered to colour hair . treatment of double bleached hair with (−)- epicatechin / horseradish peroxidase coloured hair . treatment with (−)- epigallocatechin gallate / horseradish peroxidase coloured hair . treatment of double bleached natural white hair with (−)- epicatechin / horseradish peroxidase coloured hair . treatment of double bleached natural white hair with (−)- epigallocatechin gallate / horseradish peroxidase also coloured hair . these conclusions support the results seen for sunless tanning of artificial skin for (−)- epicatechin and (−)- epigallocatechin gallate observed in examples 3 and 4 respectively .
this invention relates to a topical sunless tanning composition , in particular a topical sunless tanning composition which provides an immediate colour effect . there is much interest in effectuating a tan via cosmetic means . most prominent among the sunless tanning agents is dihydroxyacetone . however , a problem with using dha to tan the skin is the length of time it takes for the skin to develop colour . thus , in a first aspect of the invention , a topical sunless tanning composition is provided , the topical sunless tanning composition comprising : 0 . 01 - 10 , preferably 0 . 1 - 5 w / w a polyphenol selected from the group consisting of - catechin , - catechin , - epicatechin , - epicatechin , epigallocatechin gallate , - epigallocatechin , - catechin gallate , epicatechin gallate , or mixtures thereof ; a peroxidase or laccase 0 . 0001 - 3 preferably 0 . 001 - 1 , most preferably 0 . 01 - 1 w / w hydrogen peroxide or a hydrogen peroxide generator when peroxidase is present ; and a dermatologically acceptable vehicle .