Jergens Natural Glow works by utilizing dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a natural sugar derivative that interacts with amino acids in the skin’s surface layer. This reaction triggers a biochemical process that produces melanin, the same pigment responsible for natural tanning. The DHA gradually darkens the skin over several hours, resulting in a subtle, sun-kissed glow that fades over time as the top layer of skin exfoliates naturally.