When choosing a spray tan safe sunscreen, pay attention to your product’s ingredients.
There are sunscreens that you want to steer clear of, such as ones that contain Oxybenzone. Oxybenzone should be avoided with, or without a spray tan. This chemical is one of the most toxic ingredients found in sunscreen. According to EWG.org, Oxybenzone is known as a carcinogen (promotes the formation of cancer) and scores an eight on the toxicity rating scale. Yikes! When it comes to spray tans, this chemical should be avoided because it is known to cause increased irritation in those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Sunscreen containing Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide are both safe choices when it comes to ingredients. These ingredients block the sun by sitting on top of the skin instead of absorbing. Sunscreens with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide are less likely to clog pores and cause irritation as Oxybenzone can.
Also, avoid any oil-based and aerosol sunscreens. Both sunscreens will accelerate the skin’s exfoliation. Oil-based sunscreens will soften the dead skin cells, and cause them to detach easier, thus fading the spray tan. Aerosol sunscreens contain alcohol, which is known to be drying to the skin and will deplete the skins natural components. Using an aerosol sunscreen will result in a faded or blotchy spray tan.
When shopping for your next sunscreen, look for a physical blocking oil-free sunscreen, free from Oxybenzone! We recommend the following sunscreens while having a spray tan: Coola Suncare, Color Science, Alba Botanicals, and Babyganics. These sunscreens are safe to use and do not contain any damaging ingredients.
Top 5 spray tan safe sunscreens
1. Alba Botanica Green Tea Hawaiian SPF 45 Sunscreen Shop this sunscreen on Amazon
I LOVE the Alba Botanica line of products having used several of their sunscreens for myself and my boys.
They are made with top quality natural sunscreen ingredients, rated a 2 for ingredient safety by the EWG website and are well-reviewed on Amazon.
This company has been doing it right for a long time! They are also missing all of the ingredients that I caution to stay away from when wearing your spray tan.
Protection: UVA/UVB, SPF 30, Broad Spectrum, Water Resistant up to 80 minutes
Features: Revitalizing non-greasy, quick-absorbing, perfect for daily wear, Sensitive skin-friendly
Bonus: Paraben Free, Sulfate Free, Phthalate Free, Not Tested on Animals, Vegetarian, Spray Tan Friendly
2. Coola Suncare Mineral Face SPF 30 Sunscreen Matte Finish, 1.7 Fl Oz Shop this sunscreen on Amazon
Coola is a premium brand of sunscreens and self-tanning products!
Lightly tinted, Preservative-free formula, Natural BB finish, Water Resistant (40 minutes), No nano-sized particles
Coola is rated a 1 by EWG for top quality safe SPF ingredients, they have different sunscreen products and rave reviews. Amazon Best Seller also.
Give your skin an immediate line-smoothing matte finish and fight signs of aging caused by the sun with this antioxidant-infused farm to face sourced broad spectrum SPF 30 mineral sunscreen. This unscented and lightly tinted formula is made with natural rosehip oil which is rich in free-radical fighting vitamin c. Naturally calming evening primrose and flaxseed oils deliver abundant omega-3 and gamma-linoleic acid to improve elasticity and help skin retain moisture. Natural shea butter smoothes and hydrates while the Phyto-protector plankton extract rejuvenates the skin. Formulated for all skin types and tones, including those that are especially sensitive or oily.
Protection: UVA/UVB, Broad Spectrum, SPF 30, Water Resistant up to 40 minutes
Features: Good for all skin types including Acne and Rosacea, Sensitive skin-friendly, won’t clog pores.
Bonus: Eco-Cert Zinc Oxide, Paraben Free, Gluten Free, Cruelty-Free, Spray Tan Friendly
Shop this sunscreen on Amazon
Elta MD is a great physical barrier sunscreen lotion. Lightly tinted to keep away the white sunscreen mask this is perfect for under your makeup.
It is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, dries nicely and can be used on both face and body. 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and rated a 2 for ingredient safety on EWG’s website.
This sunscreen looks good on your skin and won’t ruin your spray tan.
Protection: UVA/UVB, Broad spectrum, SPF 41
Features: Lightly tinted, won’t clog pores, fragrance-free, Sensitive skin-friendly
Bonus: Made in the USA, Spray Tan Friendly
4.Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50, 6oz Tube Shop this sunscreen on Amazon
The Babyganics sunscreen is formulated without PABA, phthalates, parabens, fragrances or nano-particles. All those things we DON’T want on our pretty spray tans or on our babies.
I use this one when we go out on our boat. It gives me great protection blocking the rays off the water.
Perfect for high exposure areas and targeted protection
This product has been rated by the EWG website and has been dermatologist tested and approved. The ingredients are safe won’t remove your spray tan, and are top-rated on Amazon.
Protection: UVA/UVB, Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+, Water-resistant (80 minutes)
Features: Safe for sensitive skin, Tear-free, Non-allergenic, Pediatrician & Dermatologist tested, Product not tested on animals
Bonus: Paraben Free, Spray Tan Friendly
Shop this sunscreen on Amazon
Sun Bum is a small company in Cocoa Beach, Florida who manufactures a great sunscreen and a highly rated baby line called Baby Bum. So cute!
EWG has rated Sun Bum a 2 on its ingredient safety listing, it is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and is a best seller on Amazon.
People really seem to love this all-natural sunscreen!
Sometimes it’s just easier to wear the same thing that you are putting on the kiddos. There is a lotion and a convenient stick for quick swipes on the shoulders or little noses. Sunless Tan safe.
Protection: UVA/UVB, Broad Spectrum, water-resistant up to 80 minutes
Features: Hypoallergenic ingredients, all-natural, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Pediatrician Approved
Bonus: Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, PABA Free, Cruelty-Free, Spray Tan Friendly
Bonus:
And because y’all know I LOVE my doggies I wanted to include a sunscreen option for our fur babies, when they are spending beach time or outside time with us because they can get a sunburn too.
So here you have my top 5 sunscreens that include safe/effective ingredients and are safe for your sunless tan.
Finding sunscreens that fit into my criteria was actually NOT as easy as I thought it was gonna be.