Best Body Washes & Soaps to Use After Spray Tan

Anytime you take a shower after a spray tan, you might have had the thought of which body washes and soaps works best for a spray tan because some simply aren’t a good idea.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list for you of the top 5 best body washes to use after a spray tan. Just remember not to wash off your spray tan too early as it can take up to 8 hours for a spray tan to completely develop.

This is because when you shower the bronzer affect will wash of your skin but the DHA which reacts with your skin to make it darker will not. Therefore, your tanned look will skin be intact. It’s just important you don’t wash off your tan before this timeframe. We recommend at least 4 hours but ideally 8.

Below we will get into our favorite choices and why we have decided to include them.

Best Body Washes for a Spray Tan – Top 5

#1 Aveeno Body Wash

Our top choice is Aveeno as the best body wash for spray tan because it is very moisturizing and nourishing to the skin. Plus, it is super affordable and even comes in different sizes.

This self-tanning soap is fragrance free and without parabens, dyes, soaps, or alcohol, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

It features a water-based formula, enriched with oat that is very nourishing to the skin, and gently cleanses and moisturizes, removing oil, dirt, and bacteria whilst soothing dry skin.

The reason we choose this as our favorite was because of how nourishing it is to the skin. It’s especially important that your skin is kept moist as this helps prolong how long our spray tan lasts for.

It’s also gentle on the skin and is ideal even for sensitive skin as it avoids a lot of the harsher and nasty ingredients that some other brands use.

Let’s go over a couple of the important and relevant ingredients, as well as how they are beneficial to the skin.

Sodium laureth sulfate is a type of sulfate derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil that acts as a deep cleansing agent and cocamidopropyl betaine, also derived from coconuts, binds to dirt and is excellent at getting rid of grime and oil which sometimes happens after spray tan application.

Included oat kernel flour soothes, moisturizes, and also strengthens the skin’s barrier – known for being effective for skin conditions such as eczema so it’s very hydrating yet gentle.

Overall, we highly recommend the Aveeno product because it works for people with dry/itchy skin and this also means it works perfectly for everyone else because of its well thought out blend.

#2 OGX Coffee Scrub & Wash

The OGX coffee scrub and body wash features arabica coffee & coconut oil, which smells utterly divine by the way.

Another water-based formula, but what really makes this one of the best body washes for spray tan is that it’s also a scrub.

You might think that because this wash is a scrub it might not be ideal for after a spray tan. This body wash does have some exfoliating effect to it but it’s more like a gentle exfoliation, so you don’t have to be concerned of it removing your spray tan.   

One of its main ingredients is coconut oil which not only smells lovely but is extremely nourishing to the skin. It keeps your skin hydrated well which helps keep your spray tan lasting longer.

The second interesting ingredient is coffee. It comes in the form of coffee seed extract which boosts collagen, firms’ skin, reduces redness, and boosts circulation, while rice bran wax helps preserve the skin’s moisture, increasing elasticity and softening the skin.

It would be a good idea to do a patch test 24 hours before use, just in case of any skin irritation. Moreover, be careful with the cap as it is quite fragile and can easily break.

#3 OGX Coconut Body Wash

Our third best soap to use after spray tan is the OGX coconut body wash. Not only is it affordable, but it also has a sulfate and paraben free formula – a great choice for any skin type.

Plus, the creamy and tropical blended aroma transports you right to an island paradise.

It is a creamy and silky texture that leaves the skin feeling smooth and replenished thanks to its ingredients.

When compared with the coconut coffee scrub this option is a little more gentle on the skin. It’s biggest benefits our how soft and moisturizing it is to the skin. This is very important because when we shower the skin can dry out, but this lotion helps negate this effect, this helps make our spray tan last for longer.

The added coconut oil hydrates, soothes, and protects the skin whilst also minimizing the appearance of fine lines and redness.

An important ingredient which is included is citric acid which provides moisture but also gently exfoliates and unclogs skin.

#4 Dove Cucumber & Green Tea Cleanser

The Dove refreshing cucumber and green tea body wash is a combination of skin-natural nourishers and plant-based moisturizers that absorb deep into the top layers of skin for maximum effect.

The two main ingredients, cucumber and green tea, are especially good for soothing and hydrating the skin which is a perfect combination when spray tanning.

The formula is pH balanced and sulfate free, ideal for every skin type. The cucumber reduces swelling, keeps acne at bay, combats the appearance of aging, soothes, and hydrates meanwhile green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties thus reducing irritation, redness, and swelling. For more advice if you have acne check our article – can you spray tan with acne.

Because of this is you are someone who is prone to skin irritation in general and have gone for a spray tan this is likely your best option to start out with.

It’s also worth mentioned it’s PETA-certified cruelty-free and made in 100% recycled plastic bottles so you can feel good about using this product.

#5 Solimo Shea Butter & Oatmeal Soap

Our final body wash by Solimo. This 24-fluid ounce bottle is cruelty free and hypoallergenic, making it good for sensitive skin. The soap uses lots of natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin which are also really moisturizing. The soap also creates one of the best lathers that’s intense, so if you like that sensation you’ll love this soap.

One of the important ingredients here is oatmeal. Oatmeal is a natural ingredient that is known for its skin protecting properties by maintaining a barrier, protecting the skin from harmful substances.

It can also restore moisture, improve appearance, reduce irritation, and restore the skin’s natural pH – having a balanced pH is especially important when it comes to maintaining a glowing tan. This also equates to a longer lasting tan due to the skin protecting effect.

The second ingredient that we love is shea butter, it is a very moisturizing ingredient and is a sure-fire way to ensure that your spray tan lasts as long as possible. In addition, it also boosts moisture, has anti-inflammatory properties, is an antioxidant, fights breakouts, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

This is ideal if you have any skin irritation or are prone to skin breakouts, if that’s the case this is a great choice to start with.

One of the downsides or upsides depending how you look at it is the lack of a smell. If you are someone who wants a rich smell this is not for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Spray Tan Wash Off?

Yes, spray tan does wash off when you shower. However, this is not the important part; it’s about how soon you shower afterward. The spray tanning process takes hours to complete and rinsing it off too quickly can result in a light and streaky tan. 

It is advised to wait a minimum of 4 hours before showering after spray tanning. With time, you can experiment by leaving the spray tan on for anywhere between 2-8 hours, to see which results in your desired shade of tan.

What Do You Wash Your Body with After a Spray Tan?

It is important to use a very hydrating body wash in order to have a good tan. The more hydrated the skin is, the better your spray tan will look. A body wash that also gently exfoliates is a big plus, especially to use before refreshing your spray tan.

What Body Wash is Best for Spray Tan?

The Aveeno body wash is the best to use after a spray tan. It’s fragrance free, great for sensitive skin, and features a gentle and nourishing formula.