If you've ever gotten a spray tan and spent the next day wondering why you smell like corn chips, this one's for you.
We love sunless tanning. We've been doing it for years. But no matter how good the tan looked, there was always that one thing we couldn't stand: the smell.
And if you've ever tried to cover it with perfume, you already know how that goes.
So let's talk about what actually causes spray tan smell and what you can do about it.
Why Does Spray Tan Smell?
The short answer? DHA.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient in spray tans and self-tanners. It reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin through a process called the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for developing that bronzed color.
That same reaction can also produce the compounds behind the distinct smell people associate with self-tanner.
It's also why your spray tan might smell stronger than someone else's. Skin chemistry varies from person to person, so the odor isn't always the same.
And no, it doesn't mean your spray tan artist used a bad formula. It's simply part of how DHA works.
How to Get Rid of Spray Tan Smell
1. Use a Body Wash Actually Made for the Problem
We've tried plenty of body washes over the years. Some smelled amazing in the shower, but that familiar post-tan smell was still there afterward.
It's one of the reasons we started Phaux.
We created Golden State pH Balancing Body Wash specifically to help combat unwanted post-tan odor. It's formulated for sunless tanners, with a focus on gently cleansing the skin while supporting its natural pH balance.
Rather than relying on fragrance alone, we wanted to make a body wash with the needs of self-tanners in mind from the beginning.
Golden State comes in both scented and unscented versions, so you can choose whichever you prefer.
Shop Golden State pH Balancing Body Wash
Wondering what else to look for in a tan-friendly cleanser? Read our guide to the best body wash after a spray tan.
2. Exfoliate Your Underarms Before Your Tan
Let's talk about armpits for a second.
If you've noticed that your spray tan smell seems especially strong under your arms, you're not alone.
Between deodorant, sweat, and product buildup, your underarms can hold onto quite a bit before you even get sprayed.
Gently exfoliating the area during your pre-tan prep can help remove buildup and give you a clean surface before your appointment.
We'd just avoid aggressive exfoliation or anything that leaves your skin irritated.
3. Know Why You Might Still Smell Your Tan After Showering
One of the most frustrating things about spray tan smell is that it can stick around even after you've showered.
That's because DHA continues reacting with your skin as your tan develops. Washing away the cosmetic bronzer doesn't necessarily mean the tanning process has stopped.
So if you've ever gotten out of the shower smelling fresh, only to notice that familiar smell again later, that's likely why.
It's also why we wanted Golden State to be something you could incorporate into your regular shower routine, not just another product that smells good for five minutes.
4. Skip the Perfume Cover-Up
We've all tried it. A little extra body spray, a stronger lotion, maybe another layer of perfume.
But adding fragrance doesn't change what's causing the odor in the first place.
When we developed Golden State, helping combat post-tan smell was part of the formula's purpose from day one. We didn't want to make another heavily scented body wash and call it a product for self-tanners.
And for anyone who doesn't want added fragrance, our unscented version was just as important to us as the scented one.
The Bottom Line
Spray tan smell comes from the same DHA reaction that gives you your tan. It's common, it varies from person to person, and it's something we've personally dealt with for years.
That's why we created Golden State.
A pH-balancing body wash made specifically for sunless tanners, designed to help combat unwanted post-tan odor.
Love your tan. Not the smell.
