Achieving a flawless, long-lasting spray tan isn’t just about the application it’s about how you care for your skin before and after your tan. The body wash and lotion you use play a major role in how evenly your tan develops, how long it lasts, and how it fades.
Many big-brand skincare products contain hidden ingredients that can strip your tan, cause patchiness, or turn it brassy. Since companies frequently change their formulas without notice, a product that was once safe for spray tans may suddenly start causing issues. That’s why we always recommend using our pH-Balanced Body Wash and Tan Me BB Lotion, specifically formulated to protect your tan and keep your skin hydrated.
Why You Should NEVER Use Dove Soap or Bar Soaps on a Spray Tan
Dove and other bar soaps are some of the worst culprits when it comes to ruining spray tans. Even if a bar soap is labeled natural or moisturizing, it can strip your tan, leaving you with patchy, uneven results.
Why Bar Soaps (Including Dove) Are Bad for Your Tan:
• High pH Levels: Bar soaps are naturally alkaline, which disrupts your skin’s pH balance and can turn your tan orange or brassy.
• Harsh Surfactants: Many bar soaps, including Dove, contain sulfates and detergents that strip your tan and cause it to fade unevenly.
• Residue Buildup: Bar soaps leave a film on the skin that can block your tan from developing properly and lead to blotchy, streaky patches.
• Drying Ingredients: Many contain alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and exfoliating agents that speed up tan fading.
Best Alternative? Use our pH-Balanced Body Wash, which is specifically formulated for spray tans. It gently cleanses without stripping your color or disrupting your skin’s pH.
Ingredients to Avoid in Body Wash
Using the wrong body wash can break down your tan, causing uneven fading, dryness, and discoloration. Many commercial cleansers contain harsh ingredients that interfere with your tan’s color and longevity.
Avoid These Ingredients in Body Wash:
1. Sulfates (Harsh Cleansers That Strip Your Tan)
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS)
Why they’re bad: Sulfates are harsh detergents that strip the skin of natural oils and break down your tan, leading to faster fading and patchy results.
2. Alcohols (Drying & Tan-Stripping)
• Denatured Alcohol
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• Ethanol
• SD Alcohol
Why they’re bad: Alcohols dehydrate the skin, making your tan fade unevenly and causing dry, flaky patches.
3. Fragrances & Essential Oils (Can Alter Tan Color & pH Balance)
• Synthetic Fragrances (Parfum)
• Citrus Oils (Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit)
• Peppermint Oil
• Eucalyptus Oil
Why they’re bad: Some fragrances and essential oils are too acidic, which can disrupt your skin’s pH balance and lead to brassy or orange tones.
4. Exfoliating Acids (Cause Premature Fading)
• Glycolic Acid
• Salicylic Acid
• Lactic Acid
• Citric Acid
• Licorice Extract
Why they’re bad: These ingredients speed up cell turnover, which means your tan will fade faster and unevenly. Even though licorice extract is often marketed as soothing, it has natural exfoliating properties that can lead to patchy fading.
Use a Tan-Safe Alternative:
Our pH-Balanced Body Wash is free from tan-stripping ingredients and keeps your skin hydrated, so your tan fades evenly without patchiness.
Ingredients to Avoid in Lotions
Moisturizing is key to maintaining a smooth, long-lasting tan, but not all lotions are tan-friendly. Some ingredients can cause streaking, splotchiness, or faster fading.
Avoid These Ingredients in Lotions:
Mineral Oils & Petroleum (Cause Splotchy Absorption)
• Mineral Oil
• Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)
• Paraffin
Why they’re bad: These ingredients create a barrier on the skin, which prevents your tan from absorbing evenly and leads to streaky, patchy results.
2. Heavy Fragrances & Dyes (Can Alter Tan Color)
•Synthetic Fragrances (Parfum)
• Artificial Dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1)
Why they’re bad: Some fragrances and dyes contain alcohols and acids that can break down your tan or alter its undertone, leading to brassy results.
3. Anti-Aging & Exfoliating Ingredients (Cause Premature Fading)
• Retinol (Vitamin A)
• Glycolic Acid
• Salicylic Acid
• Lactic Acid
• Citric Acid
• Vitamin C
• Niacinamide
Why they’re bad: These ingredients exfoliate the skin and accelerate tan fading, causing it to wear off in uneven patches.
Use a Tan-Safe Alternative:
Our Tan Me BB Lotion is specifically designed to work with spray tans, keeping your skin hydrated without interfering with the color.
Why You Should Always Use Tan-Safe Products
Big-brand lotions and body washes may seem harmless, but hidden ingredients can damage your tan. Since major companies frequently change their formulas without notice, even a product that worked before may suddenly cause brassy or streaky results.
That’s why we always recommend our pH-Balanced Body Wash and Tan Me BB Lotion, available on our website. They are 100% spray-tan safe, ensuring your tan develops evenly, lasts longer, and fades naturally without any surprises.
For the best, longest-lasting tan, stick to products designed for spray tans. Your skin (and your glow) will thank you!
Shop our tan-safe products now and keep your bronze looking flawless!