Are self-tanners and spray tans safe during pregnancy?
Answer
Topical self-tanner lotions (containing DHA — dihydroxyacetone) are generally pregnancy-safe at typical use — minimal skin absorption. Spray tans are higher-risk because DHA can be inhaled into lungs/mucous membranes; the FDA has cautioned against inhalation. Tanning beds and oral tanning pills are not recommended.
What DHA is and how self-tanner works
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient in virtually all sunless tanners — lotions, mousses, sprays, and spray-tan booths. It reacts with amino acids in the dead surface cells of the stratum corneum (the outermost skin layer) via the Maillard reaction, producing brown pigments. The tan develops over 2–4 hours and gradually fades as skin cells shed (typically 5–10 days)1.
DHA itself is FDA-approved for topical cosmetic use. The reactions occur in dead skin cells, not in living tissue.
Topical self-tanner lotions: generally safe
For self-tanner lotions, mousses, and gradual-tan moisturizers, the DHA stays in the outermost dead skin layer where it does its color-developing work. Less than 1% systemic absorption has been measured in studies. No pregnancy-specific concerns have been documented for topical application2.
Practical guidance:
- OK to use throughout pregnancy
- Apply in well-ventilated space
- Avoid the eye/lip area
- Patch test for skin sensitivity (pregnancy can trigger new reactions)
Spray tans: higher risk
Spray tans (whether self-applied in spray cans or professionally applied in booths) atomize DHA into a fine mist. The FDA has specifically warned about inhalation, eye contact, and mucous-membrane contact during spray application because DHA hasn’t been studied for safety via these exposure routes3.
For pregnancy, the inhalation concern matters because:
- Inhaled DHA could potentially reach systemic circulation
- Long-term toxicity studies on inhaled DHA don’t exist
- The asymmetric risk calculation (cosmetic benefit vs. unknown harm) favors avoidance
Most major spray-tan chains have policies on pregnancy. If you choose to get a spray tan during pregnancy: wear protective coverings over nose, mouth, and eyes; choose a booth with strong ventilation; limit to second/third trimester.
Tanning beds: not recommended
UV tanning beds are not recommended during pregnancy for the same reasons they’re problematic generally:
- Increased skin cancer risk (Class 1 IARC carcinogen)
- Premature skin aging
- Risk of heat exposure (pregnant skin is more sensitive)
- Pregnancy melasma worsens with UV exposure
Pregnancy isn’t the cause of the recommendation against tanning beds, but pregnancy adds the melasma concern4.
Oral tanning pills: avoid
Tanning pills containing canthaxanthin or beta-carotene marketed as “sunless tan supplements” are not FDA-approved for tanning, can deposit pigment in the retina, and have not been studied for pregnancy safety. Avoid entirely.
Safer routes to a pregnancy glow
- Tinted body lotions (gradual visible color via cosmetic pigments, not DHA)
- Body shimmers and luminizers for events
- Tinted facial moisturizers/SPF for face
- Embracing the natural skin tone — pregnancy often produces a “glow” on its own from increased blood volume
Related ingredients
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide is one of the two preferred pregnancy-safe sunscreens (alongside zinc oxide). As a physical (mineral) UV filter, it sits on…
Zinc Oxide
Zinc oxide is the preferred pregnancy-safe sunscreen active. It’s a mineral filter that sits on top of skin with minimal systemic absorption…
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sunless Tanners & Bronzers. FDA. View source →
- Petersen AB, Wulf HC, Gniadecki R, Gajkowska B. (2004). Dihydroxyacetone, the active browning ingredient in sunless tanning lotions. Mutation Research. View source →
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sunless Tanners & Bronzers — Inhalation Warning. FDA Cosmetics. View source →
- American Academy of Dermatology. Indoor tanning. AAD. View source →