Commercial self-tanners can be a safer way to get a tan, but their active ingredients may cause side effects in some people. Know what to look out for when using a self-tanner to reduce your risk of reactions.

While awareness about the risks of excess sun exposure are becoming more prevalent, an estimated 1 million skin cancer cases are still diagnosed annually. Skin cancer isn’t the only risk factor associated with tanning, though. Tanning can also cause signs of premature aging.

For these reasons, some people who still want bronze-looking skin might opt for self-tanners as an alternative to tanning booths or laying out in the sun.

Self-tanners typically work with an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This color additive temporarily stains dead skin cells to help you achieve darker-looking skin without ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The effects of sunless tanners can last between 2 and 7 days, and will eventually fade as your dead skin cells slough off either naturally or with the help of exfoliation. These products are considered safer than tanning, but they may also carry some risks to be aware of.

While self-tanners are arguably safer for your skin than tanning with UV exposure, there are still some potential side effects and risks associated with these products you’ll want to consider before use.

DHA and possible skin cell damages

DHA is a color additive in sunless products. It’s responsible for helping self-tanners give you the desired skin tone you’re looking for, and may be safe when applied as directed.

Nevertheless, there are some growing concerns about this ingredient, too. One 2021 in-vitro study suggests that DHA may have a link with damaged skin cells, but other studies are needed to confirm these findings.

It’s also thought that DHA may lead to free radicals in the skin, which can then cause damage to DNA in cells, as well as a loss of collagen and elastin. Additionally, there have been reports of dry skin after long-term usage, per a 2022 clinical review.

Skin rashes

Like any other skin care product, it’s possible to develop skin rashes after using self-tanners. Rashes are also the most commonly reported adverse events associated with self-tanners that are reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Still, it’s not clear whether any single ingredient can cause rashes, and sensitivities can vary between individuals. It’s also possible that pre-existing conditions, such as eczema, might increase the risk of skin rashes.

Allergic reactions

Aside from sensitivity and irritation, skin rashes can sometimes be associated with allergic reactions in the form of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). This type of allergic reaction usually appears within 1 to 3 days of exposure, and can also cause itching and swelling of your skin.

A 2024 review examined possible allergens in self-tanners that could cause these reactions in some people. Here, the authors noted several possibilities, including fragrances, benzyl alcohol, and propylene glycol.

In some cases, an allergic reaction to a sunless tanner can be severe enough to cause widespread ACD symptoms. These may warrant treatment with a topical corticosteroid as well as avoidance of the offending product.

Accidental inhalation

There’s also the risk of exposure to self-tanners via your nose and mouth. This is more likely to occur with sprayable versions, which can emit DHA particles into the air that you might accidentally inhale.

The potential health risks of inhaled DHA are unknown, and the FDA has rules that govern DHA-containing products for external use only because of possible risks to mucous membranes.

Increased sun sensitivity

Self-tanners may also carry an increased risk of increasing your skin’s overall sensitivity to UV rays. This might make your skin burn easily, and possibly cause sun-related damage over time.

Self-tanners should only be applied externally. Spray-on or airbrush versions can accidentally get inside the mucous membranes in your nose, mouth, and eyes. You can minimize these risks by choosing topical formulations, such as lotions, mousses, or creams.

You can also get the most out of using self-tanning products by taking the following steps:

  1. First, always test a small area of skin for possible sensitivity or allergic reactions. Apply the sunless tanner in an inconspicuous spot, such as your elbow area. If no reaction develops after 72 hours, you may be able to safely use the tanner on a widespread basis.
  2. Exfoliate your skin in the bath or shower, and pay extra attention to drier spots, such as your elbows and knees. This will remove excess dead skin cells that might otherwise cause blotchy coloring when you apply the self-tanner.
  3. Follow all package instructions, and apply the product in small amounts in different sections at a time. Applying the tanner over a large area of the body at once could lead to uneven color and streaks. Wash your hands in between each application section to prevent stains on your palms.
  4. Allow the tanner to dry for 10 minutes or longer before you get dressed. Consider wearing loose, dark clothing, and avoid any sweat-inducing activities or those that expose you to water over the next several hours.

If you develop any rashes, irritation, or other unusual symptoms after applying a self-tanner, stop using the product immediately. You may consider seeing a dermatologist or allergist if your symptoms are severe, or if they linger for several days after product cessation.

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Aside from safety risks of self-tanners, consider the following frequently asked questions before purchasing and using these products.

There’s not enough data to suggest that wearing self-tanners overnight can be harmful.

However, there are other downsides to consider on this end. Depending on the product, sunless tanner may stain your sheets if you wear it to bed. The risk is greatest on the day you apply the product to your skin.

Consider using dark-colored pajamas and bedding the same night you apply self-tanner.

You still need to wear sunscreen with a self-tanner, as these ingredients do not offer adequate protection from UVA and UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.

Some self-tanners do have built-in sunscreens, but not all of these products do so. Read the labels carefully to be certain, and to choose a product with the appropriate SPF level.

If you want to achieve tanned-looking skin, then using self-tanning products is safer than intentional UV exposure.

There are still disadvantages associated with using sunless tanners, though. While some of these risks are linked with the coloring additive DHA, there’s also a chance you might have negative reactions to other ingredients in a tanning product, too.

Consider talking with a doctor if you’re experiencing side effects after using self-tanners, or if you have concerns about using these products over the long-term.