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.
- BE A BRONZED GODDESS, 24 HOUR WASH OFF TAN: The answer to those “I need a tan” moments! Body Drench Quick Tan Sunless Tanning – 24-Hour Wash Off Tan provides you with instant sunless tan, making you feel like a bronzed goddess for a few hours, yet can easily be washed off in the shower! Suitable for those not into committing to spray tans or baking under the sun to get a nice bronze glow. This wash-off tanner is the one-night affair of your faux tanning dreams!
- MESS-FREE, LONG-LASTING TANNING FORMULA: Body Drench Quick Tan Sunless Tanning – 24-Hour Wash Off Tan offers salon-quality tanning with its airy mousse formula that effortlessly glides on skin for a smooth, streak-free tan that lasts for up to 24 hours without transferring to clothes. Perfect for getting an instant bronze and great for filling in tan lines or temporarily boosting an existing tan. Reach for this and revel in the glory of gorgeous, sun-kissed skin that lasts!
- WASHES OFF WITH SOAP AND WATER: From your arms down to your legs, Body Drench 24-Hour Wash Off Tan works to give you an illuminating complexion wherever it is applied. The best part? Unlike spray tans, if you feel like you’ve messed up when applying it, or it hasn’t gone evenly, you can quickly wash it off and start over! Simply wash it away with soap and water when the party’s over, or create a deeper and richer hue by re-applying to build your desired depth. Can it get any better?
- CONVENIENT, EASY TO APPLY TANNING MOUSSE: Put an end to your fake tan woes, and get an effortless faux glow with Body Drench Quick Tan Sunless Tanning – 24-Hour Wash Off Tan that allows you to get a flawless tan without the need to lay poolside! Perfect for a quick glow-up before a night out, it comes with a 360-degree nozzle for an easy, mess-free, and streak-free application. Simply apply to the body in circular motions one section at a time and get brilliant bronzing in a flash!
- MADE IN USA, 100 % CRUELTY-FREE SUNLESS TANNER: Picky when it comes to your faux pas glow application? Body Drench Quick Tan Sunless Tanning – 24-Hour Wash Off Tan is right for you! It is paraben-free and dermatologist-recommended, making it perfect for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin! Proudly made in the USA, vegan-friendly, and 100% cruelty-free too, so you can step into your favorite faux glow with confidence!
- Moisturizing, foaming body wash: contains (1) 13.5oz bottle of dreamy, foaming body wash that nourishes your skin + your wildest dreams
- All day skin hydration: dermatologist-tested formula made with skin-softening ingredients like glycerin and aloe vera. gently cleans and keeps your skin hydrated and smooth for up to 12 hours
- Shower in luxury: self-foaming technology does the lathering for you (ditch that loofah!) and comes with 250 pumps per bottle. that’s 250 delightful puffs of light fluffy floof as soft as a puppy's ears.
- Long-lasting fragrance: smells like sailing into the sunset, with notes of sea spray and salt air
- For good measure: made without sulfates, parabens, or phthalates. cruelty free. tested by people, not animals. bottle (minus pump) made with 80% recycled plastic (PCR).
- 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
- A large 16-ounce bottle of Belloccio Spray Tanning Equipment Cleaner. A safe, simple, and ready-to-use cleaning solution designed to make cleaning your spray tanning equipment a breeze! Works excellent with all Brands of spray tanning equipment, systems, parts, and accessories.
- A fast-acting, highly effective cleaning solution used for quick cleaning and flushing out wet or dried-on spray tanning solution residue from spray tanning application guns, airbrushes, and equipment after each spray tanning session.
- The ideal solution for spray tanning equipment maintenance, as it quickly breaks down and removes dried-on residue that can clog spray tips, needles, and internal passages, so all your equipment functions correctly while in use.
- Increase your spray tanning productivity and extend the life of your spraying equipment by always keeping everything clean and ready for use.
- A premium cleaning solution that is non-toxic and environmentally safe. The cleaning solution can also clean, soften, and remove dried-on paint from airbrushes, paintbrush bristles, and artist tools.
- JERGENS GLOW HEAD-TO-TOE-BUNDLE - This bundle includes 2 Oz Jergens Natural Glow Fair to Medium face moisturizer and 7.5 Oz Jergens Natural Glow +Firming Fair to Medium Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
- SELF TANNER BODY LOTION - Create a flawless light bronze tan with gradual, natural-looking color while nourishing and hydrating dry and extra dry skin
- CELLULITE REMOVER - Infused with collagen, elastin, and green tea infusions, our fast-acting, anti cellulite formula will help reduce cellulite appearance within 7 days
- SUN PROTECTION - Our lightweight Natural Glow Face moisturizer includes broad-spectrum SPF 20 UVA and UVB protection and keeps your skin hydrated
- DAILY SKIN HYDRATION - Simply use as your daily face lotion for long lasting moisture, smoothing on evenly to freshly cleansed face
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.