Getting a spray tan while pregnant is generally considered safe — but the answer depends on the type of tanning product you use. Applying a self-tanning cream, lotion, or mousse at home is regarded as the safest option during pregnancy, as the active ingredient (DHA) reacts only with the outermost dead layer of skin and is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream. The bigger concern is spray tanning booths, where inhaling the fine DHA mist is harder to avoid and has not been approved as safe by the FDA.

The NHS advises that fake tan creams and lotions are generally considered safe during pregnancy, while recommending extra caution with spray booths specifically due to the inhalation risk. As a precaution, most healthcare providers also suggest waiting until after the first trimester before using any self-tanning product.

Below we cover exactly why the distinction between self-tanner and spray booth matters, what to use and what to avoid, trimester-by-trimester guidance, and the practical steps to make any tanning session as safe as possible during pregnancy.

Key Takeaways

Self-tanning creams, lotions, and mousses applied at home are generally considered safe during pregnancy — DHA reacts with dead skin cells at the surface and is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Spray tanning booths are the main concern during pregnancy — inhaling DHA mist is difficult to avoid in a booth and the FDA has not approved DHA for inhalation.
The NHS recommends caution with spray booths during pregnancy and suggests waiting until after the first trimester before using any fake tan product.
Always do a patch test 24 hours before applying any self-tanner during pregnancy — hormonal changes can increase skin sensitivity and the likelihood of a reaction.
Avoid tanning pills entirely — products containing canthaxanthin or beta-carotene are considered unsafe by the FDA and have no safe use during pregnancy.
If you use a spray booth during pregnancy, protect your nose, mouth, and eyes to minimise inhalation, and choose a well-ventilated salon.
Always consult your midwife or healthcare provider if you have any concerns about specific products during pregnancy.

Is Spray Tanning Safe During Pregnancy?

The short answer is: it depends on the type. The active ingredient in all fake tan products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA) — a sugar-derived compound that creates a temporary brown colour by reacting chemically with amino acids in the dead cells of the skin’s outermost layer (the stratum corneum). Because it reacts with dead skin cells at the surface rather than being absorbed through healthy skin, topical DHA is generally considered to pose minimal risk during pregnancy. [MotherToBaby, NCBI Bookshelf, 2024]

The distinction that matters most during pregnancy is how the DHA is applied:

Self-tanners applied at home (creams, lotions, mousses, drops) — generally considered safe. There is no mist being sprayed, so there is no inhalation risk. Absorption through healthy skin when applied infrequently is considered low.
Professional spray tanning booths — carry a higher degree of caution. The fine mist created during a booth spray tan makes it difficult to avoid inhaling DHA, which the FDA has not approved for inhalation or use near the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, or eyes.
Airbrush spray tans — can be a safer middle ground than a booth, as a skilled technician can direct the spray more precisely and you can use a nose filter and keep your mouth closed. Ventilation and protective measures still matter.

Importantly, there are currently no large-scale studies specifically examining the effects of DHA-based self-tanners on pregnant women or developing fetuses. The general guidance is precautionary rather than based on confirmed harm — but precautionary recommendations during pregnancy are meaningful, and following them is sensible.

The DHA Inhalation Concern — Why Booths Are Different

When DHA is applied as a cream or lotion, it stays on the skin’s surface. When it’s sprayed as a fine mist in a tanning booth, it becomes airborne — and inhaling it introduces DHA into the respiratory system, where it behaves very differently to topical application.

Research examining the effects of inhaled DHA has raised concerns about respiratory toxicity. Studies using human airway tissue models have found that DHA exposure via inhalation can cause damage to airway cells at concentrations relevant to spray tanning booth exposure. [Cao X et al., Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2019] The FDA’s position is clear: DHA is approved for external use on the skin only. It is not approved for use in tanning booths, for inhalation, or for application to mucous membranes (nose, mouth, eyes, lips).

This is the reason the NHS recommends caution specifically around spray booths during pregnancy, rather than fake tan products as a category. If you do use a spray booth while pregnant, the NHS and FDA both recommend using protective measures — a nose filter, keeping your mouth closed during spraying, and choosing a well-ventilated salon that provides eye protection.

Trimester Guidance

Most healthcare providers recommend extra caution in the first trimester — the period of most active fetal organ development — and suggest waiting until after 12 weeks before using any self-tanning product.

First trimester (weeks 1–12): Most caution advised. Fetal organ development is at its most active phase. While there is no confirmed evidence that topical self-tanners cause harm, the precautionary recommendation is to wait until after this period. Avoid spray booths entirely.
Second trimester (weeks 13–26): The NHS generally considers fake tan creams and lotions safe to use from this point, with normal precautions. Spray booths can be used with protective measures but airbrush or home self-tanners remain the more cautious choice.
Third trimester (weeks 27–40): The same guidance applies as the second trimester. Your skin may be more sensitive due to stretching, so patch testing remains important. Spray tan can also be useful for blending stretch marks as the pregnancy progresses.

These are general guidelines — always follow the specific advice of your midwife or healthcare provider, particularly if you have any skin conditions, allergies, or pregnancy complications.

What to Avoid: Getting the Ingredients Right

Some sources confuse spray tan ingredients with those found in other tanning products. Here is a clear breakdown of what to avoid and why:

Tanning Pills (Canthaxanthin and Beta-Carotene)

Tanning pills — oral supplements taken to darken the skin — are entirely separate from spray tans and self-tanners. They should be avoided during pregnancy (and in general). The FDA considers tanning pills that contain canthaxanthin unsafe — they have been associated with liver damage, hives, and a serious eye condition affecting the retinas. Beta-carotene in tanning pill quantities is also not approved for this use. Do not use tanning pills at any stage of pregnancy.

DHA — The Key Clarification

DHA is the active ingredient in every spray tan and self-tanner — it is what creates the tan. The concern during pregnancy is not DHA applied to the skin, but DHA inhaled through the nose or mouth. A self-tanner you apply by hand at home does not carry an inhalation risk. A spray booth does. This distinction is important.

Harsh Chemicals and Artificial Dyes

Look for spray tan and self-tanning products that are free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes, particularly during pregnancy when skin sensitivity is heightened. Natural and organic formulas with fewer synthetic additives are a sensible choice regardless of the format you use.

How to Do a Patch Test During Pregnancy

A patch test is essential before any self-tanning session during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can significantly alter how your skin responds to products — a formula you used without issue before pregnancy may cause a reaction during it. The NHS advises checking for allergies to any ingredients in the spray tan before using it during pregnancy.

Exfoliate gently and cleanse the test area, then allow the skin to dry completely.
Apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your forearm or wrist — not the stomach area.
Leave it on for the normal development period and then rinse.
Monitor the area for the next 24 hours for any redness, itching, swelling, or irritation.
If any reaction occurs, do not proceed with the full application and choose a different product.
If there is no reaction after 24 hours, the product is likely safe to use — but keep your full-body session in a well-ventilated room regardless.

Practical Tips for a Safe Self-Tan During Pregnancy

Choose a Self-Tanner Over a Spray Booth

Home self-tanners — particularly mousse, lotion, or drops — are the safest format during pregnancy. There is no mist involved, no inhalation risk, and you can control exactly where the product goes. For the best results on pregnancy skin, look for deeply hydrating formulas with natural ingredients. See our article on tanning while pregnant for broader guidance across all tanning methods.

Moisturise Thoroughly Beforehand

Pregnancy skin — particularly in the second and third trimesters — can become dry and uneven. Dry skin absorbs self-tanner unevenly and leads to patchy results. Moisturise the day before your self-tanning session and pay particular attention to the stomach, hips, and thighs where the skin may be stretching.

Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing After

After applying self-tanner, wear loose-fitting, breathable clothing to allow the product to develop without friction or rubbing. For specific advice on what to wear, see our guide on what to wear to a spray tan.

Wait Before Showering

Allow at least 4–6 hours before showering after a self-tanner application. Showering too soon stops the DHA from fully developing and can result in an uneven, lighter result. If the typical self-tanner smell is particularly uncomfortable during pregnancy (heightened smell sensitivity is common), applying in the evening and showering the next morning is the most effective approach.

If Using a Spray Booth — Protect Your Airways

If you do choose a spray booth during pregnancy, ask the salon for a nose filter, keep your mouth closed during application, protect your eyes, and ensure the room is well-ventilated. Only use booths that offer these protective measures and let the technician know you are pregnant.

Use an Organic Formula Where Possible

Organic and natural self-tanners using plant-derived DHA and minimal synthetic additives are a sensible choice during pregnancy. They’re less likely to trigger the heightened skin sensitivity that pregnancy hormones can cause and are generally gentler on stretched or sensitive skin.

Recommended Self-Tanner for Use During Pregnancy

If you’re looking for a specific product, the Drench Quick Instant Self Tanning Spray is a good option — it delivers instant colour without creating an airborne mist like a booth spray would, making it a safer choice for at-home use during pregnancy. Always patch test first regardless of the product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a spray tan in the first trimester?

Most healthcare providers recommend avoiding any fake tan product in the first trimester as a precaution — this is when fetal organ development is most active. There is no confirmed evidence that topical self-tanners cause harm, but the precautionary guidance is to wait until after 12 weeks. Spray booths should be avoided entirely in the first trimester.

Is DHA in self-tanners safe during pregnancy?

DHA applied topically — in a cream, lotion, or mousse — is generally considered safe during pregnancy. It reacts with dead skin cells at the surface and is not significantly absorbed into the bloodstream when applied to healthy skin. The concern is DHA inhaled through a spray booth, which the FDA has not approved as safe. [MotherToBaby, NCBI Bookshelf, 2024]

Why does the original article say to avoid DHA?

Some sources incorrectly list DHA as a chemical to avoid in spray tans during pregnancy. The accurate position — from the FDA, NHS, and MotherToBaby — is that topical DHA is generally considered safe but DHA inhalation (from spray booths) should be avoided or minimised. DHA is the active ingredient in every fake tan product; avoiding it entirely would mean avoiding self-tanners completely, which is not the guidance.

Are tanning pills safe during pregnancy?

No. Tanning pills — which contain canthaxanthin or beta-carotene in high doses — are not approved by the FDA for use as tanning products and should be avoided both during pregnancy and in general. They are not spray tan ingredients and are an entirely separate product category. The FDA has linked canthaxanthin tanning pills to liver damage and eye conditions.

Can spray tan cover stretch marks during pregnancy?

Yes — self-tanner can help blend stretch marks with the surrounding skin tone as they develop during pregnancy. For guidance on technique and the best products, see our full guide on whether spray tan covers stretch marks.

Is it safe to use self-tanner while breastfeeding?

The same general guidance applies. Topical self-tanners are considered low risk during breastfeeding as DHA does not significantly enter the bloodstream through the skin. Avoid applying product directly to the breast or nipple area. Spray booths carry the same inhalation concerns as during pregnancy. Always check with your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.

Final Thoughts

Staying safe during pregnancy while still feeling confident in your skin is entirely achievable. A home self-tanner — applied carefully, with a patch test beforehand, and using a natural or organic formula — is the lowest-risk route to a tan during pregnancy and is generally considered safe by the NHS, FDA, and MotherToBaby. Spray booths require more caution specifically because of the inhalation risk, not because fake tan is inherently dangerous.

When in doubt, consult your midwife. And if you’re looking for a broader guide to tanning options during pregnancy — including sun tanning and tanning beds — our article on tanning while pregnant covers all the options and their relative safety in detail.

References

MotherToBaby, Organization of Teratology Information Specialists. Sunless Tanners. NCBI Bookshelf. Updated 2024.
An evidence-based fact sheet from MotherToBaby (hosted on NCBI) summarising the current understanding of DHA safety during pregnancy, the distinction between topical application and inhalation, and FDA approval status. The primary reference for DHA safety guidance in this article.
Cao X, Heflich RH, Ceger P, Allen D, Casey W, Bhalli J. Assessing the respiratory toxicity of dihydroxyacetone using an in vitro human airway epithelial tissue model. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2019;130:1–9.
An FDA/National Center for Toxicological Research study examining DHA toxicity via inhalation using a human airway model, supporting the rationale for avoiding spray booth exposure during pregnancy. Directly relevant to the inhalation concern discussed in this article.
NHS. Is it safe to use fake tan during pregnancy? NHS.uk.
Official NHS guidance on the use of fake tan products during pregnancy, forming the basis of the recommendation to exercise caution with spray booths and to patch test before use.