A novel cosmetic bronzing agent based on dihydroxyacetone. the bronzing agent contains 0.1-4.5 wt. % dihydroxyacetone (DHA) mounted in a lamellar structure, 0.15-3.5 wt. % free dihydroxyacetone, whereby the ratio between mounted lamellar DHA and free DHA is located in the region of 1:1.5 -1:0.25 and the total amount of DHA is equal to or less than 5 wt, %, also containing 0.01-10 wt % phospholipids and up to 100 wt % cosmetic auxiliary agents, carrier substances, additional active ingredients and mixtures thereof. The bronzing agent has a particularly durable, even and intensive synergistic action.