Best Pregnancy Safe Self Tanner (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated March 25, 2026
The Answer
Most self tanners require caution during pregnancy due to ingredients like phenoxyethanol and synthetic fragrances. We found 2 A grade options that avoid concerning ingredients look for fragrance free formulas without preservatives linked to developmental concerns.
The active tanning ingredient DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is considered safe for topical use during pregnancy, but many self tanners contain additional ingredients that raise concerns. Phenoxyethanol, found in 47 of 64 products reviewed, has FDA warnings related to central nervous system effects. Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • DHA (dihydroxyacetone) as the active ingredient - FDA approved for external use
- • Fragrance free or naturally scented formulas
- • Products without phenoxyethanol preservative
- • Mineral or plant based formulations from clean beauty brands
- • Lotions or mousses rather than spray tans to avoid inhalation
✗ What to Avoid
- • Phenoxyethanol - has FDA warnings for nursing products due to central nervous system effects
- • Fragrance/Parfum - contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects
- • Benzyl salicylate - caused neural tube defects in animal studies
- • Spray tan booths - risk of inhaling DHA which hasn't been studied for inhalation safety
- • Alcohol based formulas - can increase skin absorption of other ingredients
- • Sodium benzoate - has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses
Most Common Ingredients in Self Tanner Products
We analyzed 64 self tanner products. Here are the most common ingredients, ranked by how often they appear:
Ingredients to Watch Out For in Self Tanner
These are the most common flagged ingredients across 64 self tanner products we analyzed.
phenoxyethanol
CAUTION
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products. Has FDA warnings for nursing products due to central nervous system effects. A preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products due to potential central nervous system effects. Found in 47 of 64 self tanners reviewed choose phenoxyethanol free options during pregnancy.
Found in 47 of 64 products (73%)
parfum
CAUTION
Parfum is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. Synthetic fragrance blends often contain undisclosed phthalates, which are linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. Look for fragrance free or naturally scented alternatives.
Found in 24 of 64 products (38%)
fragrance
CAUTION
Fragrance is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. Same concerns as parfum this umbrella term can hide phthalates and other chemicals linked to hormone disruption. Fragrance free formulas are the safest choice during pregnancy.
Found in 23 of 64 products (36%)
benzyl salicylate
CAUTION
Benzyl salicylate is a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics. Caused neural tube defects in animal studies though skin absorption is very low. A fragrance ingredient that caused neural tube defects in animal studies. While skin absorption is low, it's best avoided during pregnancy when safer alternatives exist.
Found in 17 of 64 products (27%)
alcohol
CAUTION
Alcohol is an intoxicating substance in beverages. Causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder with lifelong physical and cognitive problems. No safe level exists. Can increase skin permeability, potentially allowing other ingredients to absorb more readily. Alcohol free formulas are gentler and reduce this concern.
Found in 11 of 64 products (17%)
calendula officinalis flower oil
CAUTION
Calendula officinalis flower oil is a flowering plant used in herbal preparations. May cause uterine contractions when taken orally based on animal studies. May cause uterine contractions when taken orally based on animal studies. Topical use in small amounts is likely safe, but some prefer to avoid it during pregnancy.
Found in 9 of 64 products (14%)
juniperus communis fruit oil
CAUTION
Juniperus communis fruit oil is an essential oil from juniper berries. May have uterine stimulating effects and is traditionally avoided during pregnancy. Juniper berry oil has traditional concerns about uterine stimulating effects. While topical exposure is minimal, it's often avoided as a precaution during pregnancy.
Found in 9 of 64 products (14%)
sodium benzoate
CAUTION
Sodium benzoate is a food preservative in beverages and processed foods. Has shown birth defects in animal studies at high doses and may form benzene when combined with vitamin C. A preservative that showed birth defects in animal studies at high doses. May form benzene when combined with vitamin C. Low risk in small topical amounts but worth noting.
Found in 9 of 64 products (14%)
How Do Self Tanner Products Stack Up?
We graded 64 self tanner products for pregnancy safety. 2 received an A grade.
Best Pregnancy Safe Self Tanner
We found 2 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| A | Face Self Tanner 3 Fl Oz | Beauty By Earth |
| A | B.Tan We'Ve Got Your Back Self Tanner Applicator | B.Tan |
Self Tanner to Avoid During Pregnancy
These popular products received low grades due to flagged ingredients.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| D+ | Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer, In Shower Self Tanner Body Lotion | Jergens Natural Glow |
| D+ | Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Lotion Medium To Tan Skin Tones | Jergens Natural Glow |
| D+ | Self Tanning Drops Dark Face & Body 30Ml | Isle Of Paradise |
| D | Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner - 4Oz | Alba Botanica |
| D | Peta Jane Medium Self Tanning Face & Body Mist 7Oz | Peta Jane |
Your Questions Answered
Is self tanner safe during pregnancy?
Self tanners using DHA (dihydroxyacetone) are generally considered safe for topical use during pregnancy. DHA only affects the outermost layer of dead skin cells and doesn't penetrate into the bloodstream. However, many self tanners contain additional ingredients like phenoxyethanol and synthetic fragrances that warrant caution. Choose fragrance free formulas and avoid spray tans where you might inhale the product.
What ingredients should I avoid in self tanner?
Avoid self tanners containing phenoxyethanol, which has FDA warnings related to central nervous system effects. Synthetic fragrances (listed as fragrance or parfum) often contain phthalates linked to preterm birth. Benzyl salicylate has shown neural tube defects in animal studies. Also avoid spray tan applications since inhaling DHA hasn't been studied for safety during pregnancy.
Can you get a spray tan during pregnancy?
Spray tans are not recommended during pregnancy. While DHA is safe when applied topically to skin, the inhalation risk in spray tan booths is a concern. DHA has not been tested for safety when inhaled, and you cannot guarantee you won't breathe in the mist during application. Opt for self applied lotions, mousses, or drops instead where you can control the application and avoid inhalation.
Which self tanners can you use during pregnancy?
Look for self tanners that are fragrance free and don't contain phenoxyethanol. Beauty By Earth Face Self Tanner and B.Tan Self Tanner Applicator are A grade options in our database. Bondi Sands products score C+ grades, making them moderate options. Always do a patch test first, as pregnancy can make skin more sensitive, and apply in a well ventilated area.
What is the golden rule for every pregnant woman?
The golden rule is to minimize exposure to unnecessary chemicals and always check product ingredients. For self tanners specifically, this means choosing fragrance free formulas, avoiding spray applications, and selecting products without preservatives like phenoxyethanol. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider and remember that a healthy pregnancy glow is beautiful on its own.
How Do We Score Products for Pregnancy Safety?
We analyze each product's ingredients and category to flag known risks and provide cautionary notices for general category safety concerns.
A - Safe
Excellent choice! All ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy.
What to do: Use with confidence.
B - Likely Safe
Pretty much safe with very minimal risk. Some ingredients may have limited pregnancy studies, but no significant safety concerns have been identified.
What to do: Use with confidence.
C - Limit
Contains ingredients with some pregnancy considerations. Research shows these ingredients may have limited safety data, potential for minor hormonal effects, or require caution based on animal studies.
What to do: Use sparingly and consider safer alternatives when available.
D - Caution
Similar to C grade but contains multiple cautionary ingredients. The combination increases overall concern.
What to do: Try to avoid if that makes you feel better. If you've already used it, no need to panic.
F - Avoid
Contains ingredients with established risks during pregnancy. Research shows these can cause birth defects, developmental harm, or serious maternal complications.
What to do: Do not use during pregnancy. If you've already used it, don't worry - contact your OBGYN if concerned.
References
- https://www.babymamabrand.com/blogs/good to know/phenoxyethanol safety guide for moms and kids
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3556838/
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.13428
- https://blissoma.com/phenoxyethanol dangers phenoxyethanol safe what is phenoxyethanol in skincare
- https://motherfigure.com/safe skincare/phenoxyethanol/
- https://millionmarker.com/pages/pregnancy fertility chemical phenoxyethanol
- https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/83-112/default.html
- https://www.mustelausa.com/blogs/mustela mag/is phenoxyethanol safe for you and your newborn
- https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-08/sccs_o_195_0.pdf
- https://nayaglow.com/blogs/news/avoid phenoxyethanol clean skincare
- https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/1206103
- https://www.zalinaswissorganic.com/blogs/clean beauty selfcare/the truth about phenoxyethanol a-hidden hazard in skincare
- https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health news/fda warns mothers about nipple cream flna1c9463497
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6985251/
- http://sfda.gov.sa/en/warnings/1156
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12598991/
- https://www.lorealdermatologicalbeauty.com/-/media/project/loreal/brand sites/acdpro/master/dmi/skinalliance/articles/phenoxyethanol/phenoxyethanol_execsummary.pdf?rev=a531ca2bc4b44982b6db701c83284d55
- https://terrellhogan.com/fda warns consumers against using mommys bliss nipple cream/
- https://series.publisso.de/sites/default/files/documents/series/mak/dam/Vol2019/Iss1/Alt006/mb12299kske6319_w.pdf
- https://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/pdfs/vet/2012/05/05.pdf
