Can Spray Tans or Self Tanners be Organic? What to Know Before You Glow
With the recent rise in clean beauty trends and a growing awareness of what goes on our skin, many people are questioning the “clean” claims behind their favorite beauty products and spray tans are no exception.
Marketed as a “safe, sunless glow” many spray tanning products often come with labels like “organic” or “natural,” but what do these terms really mean? As it turns out, the answer might not be as clear as you might think.
These are the Common Ingredients in Spray Tans:
DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is the active ingredient in most spray tans and self-tanning products. It is a colorless sugar that works by reacting with the amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin, in order to produce a temporary browning effect, giving the appearance of a tan without UV exposure.
There are two main ways in which DHA is produced: either synthetically or naturally. It is most often synthetically derived (even in “natural” or “organic” formulas), and while it can be derived from natural sources (such as sugar beets or sugar cane), it still undergoes processing. Such processing methods can mean that the entire spray tan might not necessarily be certified “organic” or free of synthetic additives, fragrances, or preservatives.
Other ingredients matter too; many spray tan solutions contain aloe vera, botanical extracts, or essential oils—some of which can be certified organic. These supporting ingredients may help a product qualify for a partial organic label, but don’t make the entire formula organic.
What to Know About Greenwashing in Tanning:
“Greenwashing” refers to the misleading marketing practices used by some companies to make their products seem more ethical or environmentally friendly than they actually are.
An example of this would be labeling a product “100% natural tan” while including synthetic DHA or non-biodegradable microplastics. It’s important to note that just because products may contain these misleading labels does not necessarily mean that they are organic or safer. Labels such as “paraben-free” and “non-toxic” don’t mean organic either.
Many companies may use this strategy by labeling their self-tanners or tanning oils as “100% natural” or “eco-tan”, even when:
Only a small fraction of the ingredients are actually organic.
The product still contains harmful synthetic chemicals (like parabens, fragrance allergens, or non-biodegradable silicones).
The DHA may be synthetic and derived from petrochemicals, even if labeled as “natural.”
Instead, the best way to ensure that your products truly contain eco-friendly ingredients is by looking for solutions labeled as “certified organic” or those with transparent ingredient sourcing.
Clean Sunless Tanning Brands to Know:
Some of our top picks for brands with a strong commitment to clean beauty and sustainability (even if their tans aren’t 100% organic) are:
Sobe Tan: Sobe Tan offers both self tanning mousses and professional sunless solutions. All formulas contain only six ingredients and no harmful additives or FD&C colors or dyes. It is the cleanest pro solution on the market. All solutions are packaged in revolutionary ENSO Restore gallon bottles, 500 ml aluminum bottles, or 1 liter glass bottles.
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion: Features organic aloe vera, shea butter, and green tea, making it ideal for sensitive skin and those seeking a gradual, streak-free tan.
Saltyface™ Self-Tanning Water: A vegan and cruelty-free option praised for its hydrating formula and gradual tan development, suitable for sensitive skin.
So, can spray tans truly be organic?
To put it simply: a spray tan can contain organic ingredients, but it is nearly impossible for a tan to truly be 100% organic. It's more accurate to say "cleaner," "eco-conscious," or "organic-derived" than flat-out “organic.” And the safest way to shop for these more natural products is to always read the labels and ingredients before you buy.