Best Pregnancy Safe Self Tanner (Updated 2026 Guide)
Updated April 13, 2026
The Answer
Most self tanners are considered safe during pregnancy since DHA (the active tanning ingredient) doesn't penetrate beyond the outer skin layer. However, many products contain fragrances and preservatives worth avoiding, so check ingredient lists carefully.
The main ingredient in self tanners, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), only affects the dead cells on your skin's surface and isn't absorbed into the bloodstream. The bigger concern is the additional ingredients many brands add fragrances containing phthalates, preservatives like phenoxyethanol, and synthetic dyes. These additives are why most self tanners in our database score C grade or lower.
Pregnancy Safe is 100% independent and research driven. No companies pay to promote or sponsor products.
✓ What's Safe
- • Fragrance free or naturally scented formulas to avoid hidden phthalates
- • Mineral based or plant derived ingredients alongside DHA
- • Products from brands like Beauty By Earth or B.Tan that score higher for pregnancy safety
- • Lotions or mousses over spray tans to avoid inhaling DHA particles
- • Short ingredient lists without synthetic dyes or multiple preservatives
✗ What to Avoid
- • Phenoxyethanol - a preservative with FDA warnings for nursing products due to nervous system effects
- • Fragrance/Parfum - often contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and developmental effects
- • Benzyl salicylate - a fragrance ingredient that caused neural tube defects in animal studies
- • Spray tan booths - inhaling DHA hasn't been studied for pregnancy safety
- • Products with synthetic dyes like Blue 1 - limited pregnancy data with possible neurobehavioral concerns
- • Juniper or calendula essential oils - may have uterine stimulating effects
Most Common Ingredients in Self Tanner Products
We analyzed 53 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 53 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 that has FDA warnings specifically for nursing products due to potential central nervous system effects. Found in 70% of self tanners in our database.
Found in 37 of 53 products (70%)
fragrance
CAUTION
Fragrance is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. A catch all term that can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates. Studies link phthalate exposure during pregnancy to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children.
Found in 22 of 53 products (42%)
parfum
CAUTION
Parfum is a mixture of aromatic chemicals in scented products. Contains phthalates linked to preterm birth and neurodevelopmental effects in children. The European term for fragrance, carrying the same concerns about hidden phthalates and hormone disrupting chemicals that aren't required to be disclosed on labels.
Found in 21 of 53 products (40%)
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 worth avoiding when fragrance free alternatives exist.
Found in 16 of 53 products (30%)
alcohol
CAUTION
Alcohol is an intoxicating substance in beverages. Causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder with lifelong physical and cognitive problems. No safe level exists. In self tanners, this typically refers to drying alcohols used as solvents. While topical alcohol doesn't carry the same risks as drinking alcohol, it can be irritating to pregnancy sensitive skin.
Found in 10 of 53 products (19%)
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. An herbal ingredient that may cause uterine contractions when taken orally based on animal studies. Topical use in small amounts is likely low risk, but some prefer to avoid it.
Found in 8 of 53 products (15%)
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 essential oil is traditionally avoided during pregnancy due to potential uterine stimulating effects. Best to choose products without this ingredient.
Found in 8 of 53 products (15%)
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. Can form benzene when combined with vitamin C, though amounts in cosmetics are typically low.
Found in 8 of 53 products (15%)
How Do Self Tanner Products Stack Up?
We graded 53 self tanner products for pregnancy safety. 1 received an A grade.
Best Pregnancy Safe Self Tanner
We found 1 pregnancy safe options. Here are some top picks.
| Grade | Product | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| 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+ | Tanologist Sunless Self Tanning Mousse - 6.76 Fl Oz | Tanologist |
| D | Tanologist Sunless Self Tanning Drops For Face And Body - 1.01 Fl Oz | Tanologist |
| F | Coco & Eve Bali Bronzing Foam - Ultra Dark - 6.67 Fl Oz | Coco & Eve |
| D+ | Express Tan Tinted Self Tan Mousse - Medium - 6.76 Oz | Tanologist |
| D+ | Tanologist Self Tan Mousse - Dark 200Ml | Tanologist |
Your Questions Answered
Is self tanner safe during pregnancy?
Self tanners are generally considered safe during pregnancy. The active ingredient DHA (dihydroxyacetone) only reacts with dead skin cells on the surface and doesn't absorb into your bloodstream or reach your baby. However, you should avoid spray tan booths since inhaling DHA particles hasn't been studied in pregnancy. Stick to lotions, mousses, or drops that you apply yourself, and choose fragrance free options when possible.
What ingredients should I avoid in self tanner during pregnancy?
Watch out for fragrance or parfum, which can contain phthalates linked to developmental concerns. Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative that has FDA warnings related to nervous system effects. Benzyl salicylate, often used for scent, showed neural tube defects in animal studies. Also avoid products with juniper or calendula essential oils, which may stimulate uterine contractions. Check for synthetic dyes like Blue 1 as well.
Can you get a spray tan during pregnancy?
Most experts recommend avoiding spray tan booths during pregnancy. While DHA on your skin is safe, inhaling the mist hasn't been studied for pregnancy safety. The fine particles could potentially reach your lungs and bloodstream. If you want a professional tan, ask if they offer airbrush application in a well ventilated area, or better yet, use an at home lotion or mousse where you control the application.
Which self tanner brands are safest during pregnancy?
In our database of 53 self tanners, Beauty By Earth's Face Self Tanner scores highest with a B+ grade, and B.Tan has an A grade applicator product. Look for brands that skip synthetic fragrances and harsh preservatives. Many popular brands like Loving Tan, St. Tropez, and Coco & Eve score lower due to fragrance ingredients and preservatives. Always check the specific product's ingredient list since formulas vary within brands.
What is the golden rule for every pregnant woman?
The golden rule is to minimize exposure to unnecessary chemicals while still taking care of yourself. For self tanners, this means choosing products with shorter ingredient lists, avoiding spray booths where you might inhale particles, and skipping products loaded with synthetic fragrances. You don't have to give up your glow just be selective about which products you use and apply them in well ventilated areas.
Is DHA in self tanner harmful during pregnancy?
DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is not considered harmful during pregnancy when applied topically. It works by reacting with amino acids in the dead cells of your outermost skin layer, creating a temporary color change. Studies show it doesn't penetrate to living skin cells or enter your bloodstream. The concern with self tanners isn't the DHA itself but the other ingredients like fragrances and preservatives that companies add to their formulas.
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.
People Also Checked
References
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