Spray Tan FAQ

1. Is sunless tanning safe?

Yes, it is. The FDA approved Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar cane derivative that results in the tan, for safety in 1973. When applied to the skin, DHA penetrates only the top layer of skin — it does not absorb into the body or bloodstream.

 

2. Do our sunless tanning products contain erythrulose?

No. The brands we use have only FDA-approved ingredient for sunless tanning – DHA (dihydroxyacetone.) No other skin colorants, including erythrulose, have been approved by the FDA for sunless tanning, therefore we do not and will not use erythrulose in our products.

 

3. Do our sunless tanning products contain Brown HT, also called Chocolate Brown HT, Brown, Caramel Food Brown 3, and C.I. 20285?

No. We only use FDA-approved ingredients. This ingredients is a brown sythentic coal tar diazo dye. Its use in products has been out-lawed in the United States, Austria, Belgiumm, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Sweden. This controversial ingredient can induce hypersensitivity, and skin ailments including eczema, dermatitis, itching, rashes, and hives. It can also cause bad reactions in people allergic to aspirin and has been known to induce allergic reactions, asthma in some cases, cancer. Through market research, we have discovered that this ingredient is found in 90% of all Australian spray tan solutions, yet many choose not to disclose this information to their clients, nor their competitors.

 

4. Do our sunless tanning products contain alcohol?

No. Alcohol is very drying to the skin and can cause irritation. Furthermore, alcohol intensifies degradation of DHA and thus shortens the shelf life of the product.

 

5. Do our sunless tanning products contain Aloe Vera?

No. Aloe Vera is an oil-based moisturiser. Though beneficial in other cosmetics and skincare products, Aloe Vera has many negative side effects when used in sunless tanners. It can dramatically slow drying times, clog pores and HVLP spray guns, plus stain clothes and bed sheets. Aloe-based or oil-based products also require more air compressor pressure to spray, are more difficult to clean up, and often require the addition of alcohol (which introduces a whole new set of problems) to speed up the drying time. Our solutions do NOT use Aloe Vera or alcohol in our sunless tanners. Instead, we developed a unique, new product that is water-based (oil-free) rather than Aloe Vera-based (oil-based.) The solution is highly moisturising, yet it dries in seconds, rather than minutes like Aloe Vera-based solutions.

 

6. Do our sunless tanning solutions contain fragrances?

No. First, our sunless tanning solution is designed specifically for people with hypersensitive skin. Second, no one wants sunless tanning solution that smells too flowery, fruity or sweet. Not only can these fragrances be very unpleasant, but also, many salons that have male clients appreciate our fragrance-free solutions.

 

7. Will I experience allergic reactions or acne with your products?

Our sunless solutions are hypoallergenic — oil-free, alcohol-free, and fragrance-free, designed specifically for hypersensitive skin. As part of our philosophy Beauty Today. Health for Life.™, we use only the purest, essential ingredients necessary for optimal results. Dermatologists agree that the greater the number of ingredients, the greater the chances for allergic reactions. Our sunless tanning solution contains only 13 ingredients (including the 3 colours that make up the bronzer.) We have counted up to 33 ingredients in some well-known competitors’ solutions. Please note: if your clients have a hypersensitive skin condition or known allergies to sunless tanning products, have them consult their physician prior to spraying them.

 

8. Will our sunless tanning products stain my clients’ clothes or bed sheets?

Generally, salons will recommend their clients wear garments that are loose and dark in colour after an application. However, our solutions dry quickly and are water-based so they rarely transfer to clothing or bed sheets. If any colour does get transferred to clothing, it can be easily washed in a normal cycle and will not stain.

 

9. I’m about to sample your sunless tanning solutions. What differences should I look for as I spray on the solutions?

Our sunless tanning solutions are very different from any others on the market. You can see and feel the difference on the skin.

 

10. How long does a sunless tan last?

Our sunless tans will usually last up to 7 days provided they are being maintained. To maximise the life of the tan, thoroughly exfoliate prior to application and moisturise generously with our Hempz lotions each day after the application. It is also important to washing using our tan-safe body wash designed for spray tans to maximize the life of your tan.

 

 

11. When should I use DHA booster drops?

There are a very small percentage of people who are so DHA-resistant that they cannot get a tan even from 12%DHA solution, as well as people who just want an exceptionally dark tan. For them, we manufacture concentrated DHA booster drops. By adding 11 drops (less than 0.5ml) of DHA Booster Drops, you will increase the DHA concentration of your solution by 1% per oz., enabling you to customise the darkness level. 

 

12. I see alcohol in your skincare ingredient list. Will this dry out or irritate my skin?

The ingredients you are referring to, stearyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol, are emollients we use in our Exfoliant, Moisturising Crème and Skin Glow to soften and soothe the skin. Though they have the word “alcohol” in their names, they are NOT irritants. They are completely unrelated to SD alcohol or ethyl alcohol, the “alcohols” that commonly dry out the skin and cause irritation. You can learn more about our ingredients in our Ingredient Glossary.

 

13. How can I maximize the shelf life of my sunless tanning product?

Tan solutions should be used within 12 months. To maximize shelf life, keep container tightly closed and away from sunlight, keep product below 80°F (27°C), and do not freeze.

 

 15. Is sunless tanning safe for pregnant women?

Our sunless tanning solutions have not been tested on pregnant women however they contain no ingredients harmful to expectant mothers, their babies or lactation. Ask your customer who thinks that she might be pregnant to consult with her doctor and provide you with a written permission form prior to application.

 

 15. Does a double/heavier spray make it darker?

No, in fact it over-saturates the skin in DHA (the active ingredient that makes you change colour) which can result in a green, orange or grey tint to the tan.
The bronzer may also pool on the skin due to excess solution and will result in a streaky tan.