Ever step out of the spray tan booth feeling like a glowing goddess, only to watch that beautiful color fade unevenly a few days later? It’s frustrating! You spent time and money getting that perfect sun-kissed look, and now it seems like it’s washing away too fast or clinging to dry spots.
The secret to a long-lasting, flawless spray tan often lies in something simple: the soap you use every day. Many regular body washes contain harsh ingredients that strip away your fresh tan, leaving you with patchy results. Choosing the wrong soap can sabotage your glow before you even realize it. It’s confusing to know which formulas protect your color and which ones speed up its demise.
Don’t let the wrong shower routine ruin your hard-earned tan! This guide breaks down exactly what you need to look for in a soap designed for spray tans. We’ll show you the must-have ingredients and the ones to avoid completely, ensuring your bronze lasts longer and fades gracefully.
Ready to unlock the secret to extending your spray tan’s life? Keep reading to discover the best soaps that will keep your glow vibrant!
Top Soap For Spray Tan Recommendations
- MAKE A CLEAN BREAK: Say so long to self-tan -sabotaging soap with this body-balancing, sulfate-free color optimizing body wash that will refresh and recharge your skin without letting your faux glow fade into the sunset.
- SCENT-SATIONAL: Sweet-smelling warm vanilla fragrance will instantly lift your mood, while leaving a subtle, scrumptious kiss of a sugar scent on skin.
- BAR NONE: Free of soap, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, GMOs, Triclosan, or synthetic fragrance that can irritate or upset skin’s natural pH balance.
- GENTLE ON SKIN: Moisture and essential extract -rich gentle body wash imparts a skin-perfecting pH balance that won’t strip skin of natural lipids, while prolonging the beauty and bronze of your immaculate, sun-kissed self tan.
- NEW LOOK, SAME FORMULA - The Norvell formula you’ve always loved in bold new packaging. With 40 years’ experience, Norvell delivers a natural glow. Our famous Norvell University offers award winning training to certified technicians worldwide.
- MAKE A CLEAN BREAK: Say so long to self-tan -sabotaging soap with this body-balancing, sulfate-free color optimizing body wash that will refresh and recharge your skin without letting your faux glow fade into the sunset.
- SCENT-SATIONAL: Sweet-smelling warm vanilla fragrance will instantly lift your mood, while leaving a subtle, scrumptious kiss of a sugar scent on skin.
- BAR NONE: Free of soap, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals, GMOs, Triclosan, or synthetic fragrance that can irritate or upset skin’s natural pH balance.
- GENTLE ON SKIN: Moisture and essential extract -rich gentle body wash imparts a skin-perfecting pH balance that won’t strip skin of natural lipids, while prolonging the beauty and bronze of your immaculate, sun-kissed self tan.
- NEW LOOK, SAME FORMULA - The Norvell formula you’ve always loved in bold new packaging. With 40 years’ experience, Norvell delivers a natural glow. Our famous Norvell University offers award winning training to certified technicians worldwide.
- CETAPHIL GENTLE CLEANSING BAR: Gentle cleansing action that won't dry out the skin, maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier
- WASHES AWAY GERMS, DIRT AND IMPURITIES: Contains surfactants that attract germs and other impurities that have accumulated on the skin and washes them away
- LEAVES SKIN FEELING SOFT AND CLEAN: Contains 5 nourishing ingredients to gently cleanse without stripping the skin's natural protective oils
- GENTLE CLEANSING FOR BOTH FACE AND BODY: Non-comedogenic formula that is suitable for the entire body
- DESIGNED FOR SENSITIVE SKIN: All CETAPHIL products are effective yet non-irritating
- SELF TAN REMOVER. a body self tan eraser + scrub to erase that old tan so you can do it all again. buff away old tan and dead skin cells with gentle exfoliation & wash that stuff right down the drain. the body wash combo leaves you clean + smellin' oh so fresh. you'll be perfectly clean with your skin primed just in time for your next tan session
- STEP 1 IN YOUR TAN ROUTINE. use me as part of your regular self tanning routine and you’ll never look back
- 2-IN-1. the body wash combo leaves you feelin' + smellin' clean as can be
- BEST PRACTICE. to make your old tan go away wait at least 3 days after applying your self tan before using. apply generously & gently rub into a rich lather. makes your old tan go away, cleanses & preps your skin for the next bangin' tan.
- VEGAN FRIENDLY. i love animals so im cruelty free, vegan friendly, and free of nasties like parabens
- SJOLIE SECRET: Proprietary formulation contains skin pH-balancing to remove oil, makeup, and other build-ups to provide a perfect spray tan every time!
- PREP TO PERFECT: Prep and prime your sunless tan with this innovative, pre-tan spray that instantly balances and beautifies skin’s pH levels for a deep, dark, and definitive sunless tanning application.
- INGREDIENT: CITRIC ACID - derived from citrus and used to adjust the pH levels of the skin to promote quicker cell turn over for anti-aging benefits.
- INGREDIENT: BUTYLENE GLYCOL - Texture enhancer
- WORKS WITH ALL SUNLESS BRANDS - Use the SJOLIE pH Balancer with any brand of sunless solution to get the max tan life, color, and retain your customers!
- SUNLESS TAN SOLUTION – Indulge yourself in bold, beautiful color with Norvell Venetian Tanning Solution. It gives a deep, rich color with a unique combination of cool violet and brown tone bronzers. Dispense the tanning solution in a spray tan gun to use.
- BOLD, BEAUTIFUL COLOR – The tanning spray solution formula blends with all skin tones to produce a bold, radiant tan. Our sunless tanning spray solution features Vio7 technology, a unique blend of pigments that counters orange undertone for natural glow.
- SHORT SHELF LIFE – Made with quality ingredients to prepare skin for a deep, lasting glow while natural moisturizing ingredients hydrate the skin. Due to the high-quality of ingredients, the tan solution has a shelf-life of 7 months from production date.
- EASY TO APPLY – Designed for spray tan artists to give clients a natural glow. Results show in 2-4hrs. Full medium tan results in 24hrs. Avoid getting wet for 24hrs. Ordenone️ and essence of Coconut Paradise reduce odor common in sunless tan solution.
- CLEARLY LABELED EXPIRATION DATE – Norvell products are manufactured in the US to the highest standards and have a short shelf life. The product’s expiration date is printed on the package. Check before use to ensure optimal results and freshness!
- 100% All Natural Organic Kelp Based Cleaner-package may vary do to bottle and label change
- For Use In All Spray Tanning Guns and Airbrush Equipment
- Non Toxic Cleaning Agent
- Formulated Specifically For Spray Tanning Equipment
- Will Not Void Warranties All Orders from Spray Tan Pros are formulated by, and shipped fresh, direct from Tampa Bay Tan
- Designed with our unrivaled cool violet-brown undertones for a smoky Mediterranean-inspired tan. Crafted with our VIO-7 technology to counter an unwanted orange undertone for the most natural glow.
- The most advanced bronzers are blended with naturally derived DHA, potent antioxidants, and rich moisturizers for a healthy, radiant tan. Formulated with Ordenone to neutralize DHA odor.
- Skincare Infused Clean Beauty. Paraben Free Gluten Free Non-Comedogenic Cruelty Free Sulfate Free 100% Vegan Nut Allergy Free. Contains NO Phthalates Synthetic Fragrance Petrochemicals GMOs Tricolsan.
- After application, tan will begin to develop in 4–6 hours and reach full color results within 24 hours. After 8–10 hours, clients may rinse with warm water only—no soap or scrubbing, gently pat dry.
- Norvell products are manufactured in the US to the highest standards and have a short shelf life. Check the expiration date is printed on package before use to ensure optimal results and freshness!
Choosing the Best Soap for Your Spray Tan
A beautiful, long-lasting spray tan deserves the right care. Using the wrong soap can quickly fade your gorgeous glow. This guide helps you pick the perfect soap to keep your tan looking fresh.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for soap to use with your spray tan, certain features matter most. These features help protect the color you just paid for.
Color-Safe Formulas
- Look for labels that specifically say “Spray Tan Safe” or “Color Extending.”
- These soaps gently clean without stripping the DHA (the chemical that makes the tan).
Moisturizing Ingredients
- Dry skin flakes faster. This means your tan fades unevenly.
- Good soaps contain natural oils or glycerin to keep your skin hydrated.
Sulfate-Free Cleansing
- Sulfates are strong detergents. They often dry out the skin and break down the tan quickly.
- Always choose sulfate-free options for maximum longevity.
Important Materials in Your Soap
The ingredients list tells you a lot about how the soap will treat your tan. Focus on what is *in* the soap and what is *missing*.
Gentle Cleansers
- Look for ingredients like coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside. These are mild cleansing agents.
- They clean effectively but respect your skin barrier.
Natural Moisturizers
- Ingredients like Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, or Coconut Oil help lock in moisture.
- Hydrated skin holds onto color longer.
Avoid These Ingredients
- Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol dries the skin rapidly, causing the tan to lift.
- Avoid Strong Fragrances: Sometimes, artificial scents are mixed with drying agents.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the soap directly impacts how long your spray tan lasts. Some products actively work against your tan.
What Improves Tan Quality (Longevity)
- pH Balance: Soaps that match your skin’s natural pH level are gentler.
- Creamy Texture: Liquids or creams often spread more evenly and rinse cleaner than harsh bar soaps.
What Reduces Tan Quality (Fading)
- Harsh Exfoliants: Avoid soaps with beads, seeds, or rough scrubbing elements. Exfoliation removes the top layer of skin where the tan sits.
- High Soap Content: Traditional bar soaps are often very alkaline. This high alkalinity breaks down the DHA tan faster.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the soap matters just as much as what soap you choose. Think about when and how often you shower.
Daily Showers
- If you shower daily, you need the gentlest, most moisturizing soap possible.
- Use lukewarm water, not hot water, when washing.
Post-Workout Care
- Sweat speeds up fading. If you work out, rinse off quickly after exercise.
- Use a very small amount of your color-safe soap, focusing only on necessary areas. Pat dry instead of rubbing.
Transitioning Off the Tan
- As your tan starts to fade naturally, you can switch to a slightly stronger, perhaps mildly exfoliating, gentle body wash. This helps remove the last bits evenly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Spray Tan Soap
Q: How soon after a spray tan can I use soap?
A: Wait at least 8 to 12 hours after your professional spray tan application before showering or using any soap.
Q: Can I use my regular body wash?
A: It is strongly recommended that you do not use your regular body wash, especially if it contains sulfates or strong perfumes, as it will fade your tan quickly.
Q: Are bar soaps safe for spray tans?
A: Most bar soaps are too alkaline and can strip the color. Look only for bars specifically labeled as “pH balanced” or “spray tan safe.”
Q: Do I need special soap every day?
A: Yes, to keep the color vibrant, use a gentle, moisturizing, color-safe soap for every wash while the tan is developing and present.
Q: What if I use a soap that fades my tan a little?
A: A little fading is normal, but if your tan looks patchy after a wash, you likely used a product that was too harsh or drying.
Q: Should the soap be scented?
A: Unscented or naturally scented soaps are usually best. Strong artificial fragrances can sometimes contain drying alcohols.
Q: Does the temperature of the water matter?
A: Yes. Hot water opens your pores and strips moisture, making the tan fade faster. Use lukewarm or cool water when washing.
Q: Can I use soap on my face?
A: Many people prefer to use a gentle facial cleanser on their face instead of body soap, as facial skin often requires different care.
Q: Does moisturizing soap actually stop fading?
A: It doesn’t stop fading entirely, but it keeps the skin hydrated. Well-moisturized skin sheds color slowly and evenly, making the tan look better for longer.
Q: Where can I buy soap specifically for spray tans?
A: You can often find these specialized soaps at the tanning salon where you received your service, online beauty retailers, or specialized self-tanning brand websites.