You finally achieved that perfect, sun-kissed glow, but now you are standing in the shower feeling nervous. One wrong move with the wrong soap could turn your beautiful bronze tan into a streaky, patchy mess. It is a common fear for anyone who loves a professional spray tan, as your choice of cleanser can either preserve your color or wash it right down the drain.
The beauty aisle is filled with confusing labels and harsh ingredients that strip away your hard-earned tan in seconds. Many people unknowingly use soaps packed with sulfates, heavy oils, or exfoliating beads that ruin their skin’s new shade. Finding a product that cleans your body without attacking your tan feels like a difficult guessing game. You deserve to keep that radiant look for as long as possible without the stress of constant touch-ups.
In this guide, we will clear up the confusion and show you exactly what to look for on a soap label. You will learn which ingredients to avoid and which gentle formulas will keep your skin hydrated and glowing. We have done the research so you can stop worrying and start enjoying your tan. Let’s dive into the best soaps to use after your next spray tan session so you can stay bronzed for days to come.
Top Soap To Use After Spray Tan Recommendations
- TIGHTEN, TAN, AND TONE: Get summer-sexy skin that’s tight, tanned, and toned in one ultra-hydrating, routine-simplifying step! Proprietary, innovative, multi-tasking moisturizing mist sets and seals your sunless tanning application, while deepening and darkening DHA development for long-lasting, succulent, sun-kissed color.
- BRONZING WITH BENEFITS: This hydrofirm moisturizing spray seals the deal on your self-tanning application, while providing thirsty, parched skin with a beautifying blast of sumptuous, skin-smoothing hyaluronic acid and healing and hydrating aloe vera.
- GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TAN: Exclusive formula is your faux glow’s flawless finishing touch, as it expertly extends and amplifies your tan for days longer, while firming, lifting, and perfecting the skin. Essential for body-building show contestants that need that extra dose of double-duty DHA action.
- KIND TO SKIN HEALTH: Gentle, irritant-free, 100% vegan post tan moisturizer contains zero parabens, sulfates, and gluten.
- 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.
- TAN REMOVER SCRUB. a body wash + 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
- Tan-Extending Hydration: Biotanning, carrot oil and shea butter blend together to give your tan the nutrients it needs while keeping skin soft, smooth and glow-ready
- Tattoo Enhancing Dragon Fruit: Advanced formula with dragon fruit, tigergrass and ocean botanicals helps enhance and refresh the appearance of your favorite tattoos so ink looks fresh and defined
- Luxurious After-Tan Feel: Silky, fast-absorbing after-tan moisturizer leaves skin feeling comfortable and pampered, making this your skin’s bestie in a bottle
- Scent & Vibe: Finished with a Mandarin Coconut Breeze fragrance that spritzes skin in a bright, beachy aroma so you can Spritz, Glow, Repeat as part of your daily ritual
- How to Use: Apply daily to clean, dry skin after tanning or showering, avoid use on fresh tattoos; not a self tanner or SPF product
- Sulfate Free Gentle Mild Non-Drying Cleansing to help preserve your Sunless Spray Tan - formerly Yum'e
- Natural Plant Extracts and oils help provide the moisture your skin craves
- Paraben Free, Sulfate free to minimize dryness and irritation - mild coconut based cleansing system
- Rich Plant oils: Argan, Sunflower, Shea Butter, Macadamia Seed, Hemp, Rosehip Seed,
- Does not contain a self tanning ingrediant - 16 oz size
- FLAWLESS APPLICATION. set your tan up for success with our body and back mitt so you will never miss a spot
- DOUBLE SIDED & DURABLE. both mitts are made with velvety soft material for an even finish and to protect the hands from the nasty tan hand
- BODY MITT. the body mitt was created with a thumb placement for easier application
- BACK APPLICATOR. the back mitt is the perfect length with two handles for easy application
- PRO TIP: prepping the skin is essential to let these mitts do their job - exfoliate the skin properly, apply moisturizer to your elbows/wrists/hands/knees and feet, grab your favorite b.tan tanner and let our mitts work their magic
- FACE LOTION – Build a gradual tan or extend your glow with the Norvell Glow System Post-Tan Face Lotion! This silky lotion for face helps improve skin's texture and hydration. The Glow System regimen perfects your pre-, during, and post-spray tan routine.
- NATURAL COLOR COMPLEX – Infused with natural ingredients, the post-spray tanning lotion protects and nourishes a lasting tan. Vitamin E in the moisturizing lotion helps block free radicals from skin to reduce wrinkles and keep the skin youthful-looking.
- HYDRATING – Aloe Leaf Juice in the post-tanning lotion moisturizes skin to help with anti-aging. Tomato Seed Extract enables skin to absorb oxygen and prevent signs of aging. The post-tan lotion’s Vitamin C stimulates collagen to tighten and smooth skin.
- EASY TO APPLY – Apply the after tanning lotion evenly over gently cleansed face and neck in a smooth, circular motion. Wash hands immediately after use. Avoid water for 4-8hrs. Use the tan extender lotion daily to build a gradual tan or extend your glow.
- 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.
- Disposable Tanning Feet Pads - Protect your feet from unsightly spray tanning solution with Kobbtan's spray tan feet pads. These ultra-hygienic, disposable for spray tanning keep your soles spotless while the rest of you glows!
- Non-Slip Surface Foot Cover - With 25 pairs (that’s 50 individual feet pads!), our spray tan feet are designed, non-slip surface to let you strut confidently in tanning booths, salons, or during at-home tanning sessions.
- Flawless Results, Every Time - Our professional-grade spray tan foot protectors are made from thick Cardborad that effectively blocks tanning solution, giving you streak-free, bronzed feet every single time.
- Quick & Easy Spray Tan Foot Pads - Simply peel off the protective backing, press your feet onto the adhesive surface, and enjoy reliable protection throughout your spray tanning session. After use, just peel away and dispose of our spray tanning feet protectors—no mess, no fuss, just fabulous feet!
- Versatile Tanning Accessory - Perfect for salons, at-home sunless tanning, and spray tan supplies for professionals, these spray tan feet pads are the ultimate must-have for flawless bronzing results.
- NATURAL: Made with natural, paraben-free ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin C, and aloe to provide your skin with the most natural-looking sunless tan possible while leaving your skin feeling refreshed
- SAFE: Our tanning cream require no exposure to the sun allowing you to avoid andy short term or long term damage while giving you the perfect tan
- GLOW: With our sunless tanner, the dark color sets within three hours without the streaking or patchiness to enhance your natural skin tone into an effortless, sun-kissed glow
- IDEAL: Sun Laboratories has created a variety of sunless tanners including sun self tanning lotions, micro mists, foams, and sprays made to be ideal for all skin types and will provide with the perfect tan and none of the sun damage
- EASY TO APPLY: Smooth evenly over face and body. Color is instant and will intensify in three hours. To avoid discoloring palms, wash hands with soap and water immediately after use. Wait at least one hour after use before contact with water or bathing
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Soap After a Spray Tan
Getting a spray tan gives you a beautiful, sun-kissed glow. However, keeping that color requires the right care. Many people do not realize that the wrong soap can strip away their tan in just one shower. To keep your tan looking fresh for days, you must choose your body wash carefully.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a post-tan soap, look for labels that say “pH-balanced.” Your skin has a natural acid level that interacts with spray tan formulas. If a soap is too alkaline, it will fade your tan quickly. You also want a soap that acts as a gentle cleanser. Avoid anything that claims to be a “deep scrub” or “exfoliating.”
Important Ingredients to Seek (and Avoid)
Ingredients matter more than brand names. Look for soaps that contain natural oils like coconut, jojoba, or argan oil. These ingredients lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated. Hydrated skin holds onto color much longer than dry skin.
- Look for: Aloe vera, glycerin, and natural botanical oils.
- Avoid: Alcohol, sulfates, parabens, and heavy fragrances.
Sulfates are harsh chemicals that create bubbles but strip away your natural oils and your tan. Alcohol is also very drying and will cause your tan to look patchy or cracked.
Factors That Affect Quality
The quality of your soap depends on how it treats your skin barrier. A high-quality soap will clean your skin without leaving it feeling tight or itchy. If your skin feels “squeaky clean” after a shower, that is a bad sign. That squeaky feeling means the soap has removed too much oil, which takes your tan with it. Choose creamy, non-foaming, or low-lather washes for the best results.
User Experience and Use Cases
For the best experience, use your soap with your hands rather than a loofah or a washcloth. Rough sponges act like sandpaper on a new spray tan. Apply the soap gently using soft circular motions. This method cleans your body without rubbing off the DHA (the ingredient that creates the tan). Use your soap only on necessary areas, like underarms and feet, and let the soapy water run over the rest of your body.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use my regular body wash after a spray tan?
A: Only if it is sulfate-free and moisturizing. Most traditional soaps are too harsh and will cause your tan to fade in patches.
Q: How long should I wait before my first shower?
A: Wait at least 8 to 12 hours. This allows the DHA to fully develop on your skin.
Q: Does hot water affect my tan?
A: Yes. Use lukewarm or cool water. Hot water opens your pores and can cause the color to wash away faster.
Q: Should I use a body scrub to help my tan fade evenly?
A: Only use a scrub when you are ready to remove the tan completely. Using a scrub early will ruin your results.
Q: Can I shave while using these soaps?
A: You should shave before your spray tan. If you must shave after, use a very sharp razor and a moisturizing shaving cream to minimize skin irritation.
Q: Why is my tan turning orange?
A: This often happens because of high-pH soaps or too much moisture buildup. Stick to pH-balanced products to keep the color natural.
Q: Are bar soaps okay to use?
A: Most bar soaps are too drying. If you prefer a bar, ensure it is specifically designed for sensitive or dry skin.
Q: Will fragrance in soap ruin my tan?
A: Strong synthetic fragrances can sometimes react with the tan. It is safer to choose unscented products or those with natural essential oils.
Q: How can I keep my skin hydrated after showering?
A: Pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Do not rub. Follow up with a tan-extending lotion immediately.
Q: How often should I wash my skin after a spray tan?
A: Keep showers short and avoid soaking in a bathtub. One quick shower per day is plenty.