Are Spray Tans Safe? What You Need to Know
Are Spray Tans Safe? What You Need to Know
If you’re thinking about getting a spray tan for the first time, it’s smart to ask whether it’s safe. You’ve probably heard conflicting claims: that spray tans are perfectly safe, that they’re risky, or that the science is unclear. Here’s the truth based on what medical authorities and research actually say.
This guide addresses the real safety questions—FDA approval, UV exposure, inhalation concerns, ingredient quality, and what to look for in a safe solution. We’ll cut through the noise and give you the facts.
Is DHA FDA-Approved?
Yes. DHA (dihydroxyacetone) has been approved by the FDA as a cosmetic ingredient for external use since the 1970s. It’s been in widespread use in self-tanning products for decades with a strong safety record.
The FDA’s approval is based on the evidence that DHA:
Is derived from natural sources (sugar beets and sugar cane)
Reacts only with dead skin cells in the stratum corneum (the outermost layer)
Does not penetrate into living tissue or enter the bloodstream
Produces a safe, cosmetic color through a well-understood chemical process (the Maillard reaction)
Has been used safely for decades in cosmetic products
FDA approval means that DHA itself is safe when used as directed in external cosmetic applications. However, approval of an ingredient doesn’t guarantee the quality of every product that contains it. What matters next is the formulation and the ingredients that go around the DHA.
No UV Exposure—One of the Real Advantages
One of the most straightforward safety benefits of spray tanning is what it doesn’t do: it doesn’t expose your skin to UV radiation.
UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds damages skin DNA, accelerates aging, and significantly increases skin cancer risk. Spray tanning produces color through a chemical reaction on dead skin cells, not through any radiation. Zero UV exposure means zero UV damage.
This is why dermatologists are often willing to recommend spray tanning as a safer alternative to sun exposure for people who want a tanned look. A spray tan gives you the aesthetic without the health risk of UV radiation.
The Inhalation Question: What You Actually Need to Know
One concern people raise about spray tanning is inhalation. When a spray tan solution is applied, some particles become airborne. Does this pose a respiratory risk?
What the Research Says
The evidence on inhalation is reassuring, but it comes with important context. Studies have examined whether inhaling DHA or other spray tan ingredients poses health risks, and the research shows that occasional inhalation exposure from professional spray tanning is well below levels that would cause harm.
Most professional spray tanning takes place in a booth or enclosed environment where ventilation is in place. The amount of solution that becomes airborne is relatively small, exposure time is brief, and the dose someone receives is far below what would be considered problematic.
However: Professional Standards Matter
There’s an important distinction between professional spray tanning in a booth and DIY or poorly ventilated applications. Here’s what matters:
Ventilation: Professional spray tan booths are designed with ventilation systems that remove airborne particles. If you’re getting a spray tan, choose a professional with a properly ventilated booth. This minimizes any inhalation exposure.
Nose filters: Some clients wear nose filters or hold their breath during application to reduce inhalation further. This is a reasonable precaution if you’re concerned, especially if you have respiratory conditions like asthma.
Professional application: A professional applies solution efficiently and uses a technique that minimizes overspray and airborne particles. DIY spray tanning or poorly executed professional applications create more overspray and more airborne exposure.
If you have asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions, talk to your doctor before spray tanning. A nose filter during application is a sensible precaution, and using a professionally ventilated booth is essential.
What to Look for in a Safe Spray Tan Solution
FDA approval of DHA is only the starting point. The overall safety of your spray tan depends on the full formulation.
Avoid These Ingredients
Low-quality spray tan solutions often contain:
Mineral oil: A petroleum byproduct that coats the skin without providing benefits and can interfere with the skin’s natural hydration balance.
Parabens: Preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin and have been flagged by some health advocates, though regulatory bodies still consider them safe at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Urea: An ingredient that can excessively dry the skin and cause irritation, especially in sensitive skin types.
Erythrulose: An alternative sugar used in some solutions, but it develops more slowly and less predictably than DHA, and creates less reliable color.
Sjolie solutions are formulated without mineral oil, parabens, urea, or erythrulose. This isn’t marketing—it’s a direct choice to eliminate potential irritants and support clean, reliable color development.
What Safe Solutions Contain
Look for spray tan solutions that:
Use a clean base: Aloe vera bases (like in Sjolie Original Line) are hydrating and calming. Alcohol bases (like in Sjolie Luxe Line) dry quickly without irritation. Both are preferable to mineral oil-based solutions.
Are PETA-approved and vegan-certified: This typically indicates a higher standard for ingredient sourcing and formulation quality. It’s not a legal requirement, but it usually correlates with safer, cleaner products.
Are gluten-free: For clients with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, a gluten-free formulation matters. This detail indicates a professional-grade solution made with care.
Are derived from natural sources: DHA from sugar beets and sugar cane (rather than synthetic DHA) has a long track record of safety and reliability.
Have been tested or reviewed for sensitive skin: Reputable solutions are tested on various skin types, including sensitive skin. Ask your professional if the solution has this backing.
Skin Conditions That Require Caution
Spray tanning is generally safe, but certain skin conditions need attention before booking.
Never Spray Over Broken or Inflamed Skin
Do not apply spray tan to:
Open wounds, cuts, or abrasions
Active eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis flare-ups
Sunburns or severely irritated skin
The reason isn’t that DHA itself is dangerous to these areas—it’s that applying any product to a compromised skin barrier can cause irritation and interfere with healing. Wait until your skin has fully recovered.
Sensitive Skin and Allergies
If you have a history of skin sensitivity or reactions to cosmetics, a patch test before your full spray tan is essential. Apply a small amount of the solution to a discreet area (inner arm or behind the ear) and wait 24 hours. Any redness, itching, swelling, or discomfort signals that you should avoid the full application or choose a different solution.
Pregnancy and Nursing
There’s no evidence that spray tanning is harmful during pregnancy or nursing. DHA doesn’t penetrate beyond the stratum corneum, doesn’t enter the bloodstream, and doesn’t reach a developing baby. Many pregnant women get spray tans without issue.
That said, every pregnancy is different. If you’re pregnant or nursing and want to spray tan, mention it to your doctor if you have specific concerns. Most will reassure you that spray tanning is safe, but it’s worth asking about your individual situation.
Safe Application Practices
Even with a safe solution, how the spray tan is applied matters.
Ventilation
Your spray tan should be applied in a booth or well-ventilated space with airflow designed to remove overspray. If you’re spray tanning in a small room without ventilation, that’s not a professional-grade setup.
Even Application
A properly trained professional applies solution evenly so you don’t end up with overly dark patches or uneven development. Uneven application creates visible dark spots, not health risks—but it’s a sign of technique quality.
Aftercare Instructions
A safe spray tanning experience includes clear aftercare guidance. Wait 8 hours before showering, use lukewarm water, moisturize immediately after, avoid hot water and chlorine for 24 hours, and wait at least a week before exfoliating aggressively. These steps protect the tan and support skin health.
What the Skeptics Get Right
If you’ve read warnings about spray tanning, some concerns are worth taking seriously:
Ingredient transparency matters. Not all spray tan solutions are formulated equally. Cheap solutions with mineral oil, parabens, and other irritants are lower quality and more likely to cause reactions or feel unpleasant on the skin.
Ventilation is important. Poorly ventilated spray tanning creates unnecessary inhalation exposure. A professional booth with proper ventilation is the right approach.
Skin condition matters. Applying spray tan over broken or inflamed skin is not safe. Waiting until your skin barrier is intact is the right call.
Patch testing for sensitive skin is smart. If you have reactive skin, testing before your full spray tan is a sensible precaution.
These points aren’t reasons to avoid spray tanning—they’re reasons to choose a professional with a clean solution, proper ventilation, and technique that respects your skin.
The Bottom Line
Spray tanning is safe when you approach it thoughtfully: FDA-approved DHA in a clean formulation, applied by a professional in a well-ventilated booth, with your skin in good condition and proper aftercare. These steps protect your health while giving you the look you want.
The real risk isn’t spray tanning itself—it’s choosing a low-quality solution or an unprofessional provider. Choose a professional who uses clean, professionally formulated solutions in a proper booth, and you’re in good hands.