Sefl-tanners help to give you a rich, sun-kissed tan without spending time in the sun or in a tanning bed, and one of the main ingredients in self-tanner that does this is dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
DHA reacts with your skin cells and the oxygen in the air to develop a darker tone and give you a tan, but it can also cause allergies, sensitivity, and irritation. To cater to sensitive skin, there are DHA-free self-tanners!
Which are the best DHA-free self-tanners? The best DHA-free self-tanners would be suitable for sensitive skin, but they would still work to give your skin a beautiful sun-kissed tan, just without the harsh chemicals. DHA can cause sensitivity and irritation, so picking out a good DHA-free self-tanner can really benefit your skin.
As most self-tanners contain DHA, it can be difficult to find one that is not only gentle on your skin, but which effectively gives you a gorgeous tan.
To help out, we have found the best DHA-free self-tanners for you to choose from, as well as some helpful tips on how to pick out the best one for your skin!
Self-Tan Without Dihydroxyacetone
The one ingredient in self-tanner that helps to turn your skin a darker color is dihydroxyacetone, DHA. DHA is a sugar molecule that goes through a chemical reaction with your skin’s amino acid, to darker the color of your skin, forming a tan.
DHA can also be naturally sourced from plants such as sugar and beets, but it can be chemically derived too. It is approved by the FDA to be used externally on the human skin, but it is not advised to be used on sensitive areas, such as the face, as it can cause adverse reactions.
Those with sensitive skin or allergies might experience skin irritation or sensitivity when using DHA, so finding a self-tanner without this ingredient can be great to give you a tan without the added problems.
Another bonus of using a DHA-free self-tanner is that it will not have the usual DHA scent, which can be unpleasant, and which can be a giveaway that you have just used a self-tanner!
How To Choose DHA-Free Self-Tanner
There are some considerations to keep in mind when picking out a good DHA-free self-tanner to use on your skin.
Here are some of the things to look for in a good DHA-free self-tanner, and what to consider to make sure you choose the best self-tanner for your skin:
DHA-Free/Natural DHA
There are hardly any completely DHA-free self-tanners on the market, and the few that do exist might not be the right option for you. In this case, you can choose a naturally derived DHA self-tanner instead.
These are still gentle on the skin and should not cause sensitivity and irritation, and they would still give you a gorgeous tan over time.
If your skin is sensitive or prone to allergies, then naturally derived DHA might be a great option, if you cannot find a good DHA-free self-tanner.
Ingredients
You would be choosing a DHA-free self-tanner, or one made with naturally derived DHA because you do not want to irritate your skin or cause any sensitivity.
You also need to have a look at the other ingredients included in the self-tanner. Make sure that there are no added dyes or fragrances that might irritate your skin, and that the self-tanner contains caring, natural ingredients that will care for your skin.
Included Bronzer
Some self-tanners include a bronzer, which gives you an instant tan while the rest of the ingredients work to develop the proper tan over a few hours.
A bronzer can help as a guide to see where you have applied the self-tanner and any spots you have missed, to avoid streaks and patches. However, you might not want the fake-tan look that bronzers give, and you can choose a self-tanner without bronzer if that is the case.
The 5 Best DHA-Free Self-Tanners
There are not too many DHA-free self-tanners on the market, so above we have listed the few good options you do have, as well as some naturally derived DHA tanners, which are just as gentle on the skin, while still giving you the most gorgeous, natural-looking tan possible!
Choose to use a DHA-free self-tanner, or a naturally derived DHA self-tanner, if you want to avoid irritation and sensitivity, and avoid your skin drying out while it develops a beautiful tan.
Below are the best DHA-free self-tanners on the market, or self-tanners that are made with naturally derived DHA, which are all gentle on your skin, while still giving it a beautiful glow.
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Isle Of Paradise Instant Wash-Off Body Bronzer | Sparkling body bronzer lotion |
| 2. | Terry Bronzing Tea To Tan Spray | Tea infused bronzing spray |
| 3. | St. Tropez One Night Only Bronzing Gloss | High shine bronzing gloss |
| 4. | Glimmer Goddess Organic DHA Free Self-Tanner | Contains natural erythrulose |
| 5. | Ed Hardy Butter Me Brown DHA-Free Bronzing Lotion | Stimulates melanin activity |
1. Isle Of Paradise Instant Wash-Off Body Bronzer
The Isle of Paradise Instant Wash-Off Body Bronzer is one of my favorite wash-off self-tanners. It is formulated with light-reflecting particles and gives you a radiant, subtle sparkly glow.
It’s very easy to remove. All you need is to rinse off with warm water, and voila!
The formula is designed to be color adaptive to different skin tones, so it’s a perfect choice for all skin types.
As long as it’s fully dry, it doesn’t transfer to clothing, so you can dance the night away as a bronzed disco goddess.
The temporary tan lasts for up to 24 hours, and if you apply it with circular, sweeping motions, then you won’t have any streaks.
2. Terry Bronzing Tea To Tan Spray
This is a unique bronzing spray infused with tea. You get two effects when you use this bronzing spray: a beautiful tan and a radiant shimmer.
While the Terry Bronzing Spray isn’t as shimmery as the Isle Of Paradise Disco Tan, it still offers a lovely light-reflecting effect that a lot of people are sure to love.
You can use the spray on your face and body and is easily blendable, so you can add it to your regular makeup routine.
One of the most notable active ingredients is the cherry essence, which works to protect your skin from free radicals.
It’s suited to all skin types and is buildable so you can keep applying until you get the level of tan that you want.
3. St. Tropez One Night Only Bronzing Gloss
This finishing glass gives you a high shine glow for any occasion. It’s especially beautiful in the evening when the light is dim and you want your skin to glow like it would in the sun.
The gloss can be layered and is paraben-free and sulfate-free. While. itis quick-drying, the stickiness can linger for a bit after application, so apply very lightly.
A little goes a long way. The best approach is to layer the gloss after a thin layer has already dry. If you glob on the gloss all at once, it will have a hard time drying (much like nail polish).
However, don’t let this deter you from this amazing bronzing gloss. I love this bronzer for a subtle glow with a lot of shine but no sparkle.
4. Glimmer Goddess Organic DHA Free Self-Tanner
The Glimmer Goddess Organic DHA Free Self-Tanner will give you a healthy golden glow, without using any chemicals!
It is an all-natural, vegan, organic tanning cream that gradually builds up your tan over 24 hours, free from toxins and irritation.
Your skin will love the caring ingredients in the self-tanner, such as hydrating almond milk and almond oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E. These will all nourish your skin as it develops a darker tan,
Natural erythrulose, which is from fermented raspberries, helps to develop a darker tan on your skin, in a much kinder and gentler way. The tan developed with this self-tanner will be dark.
Enjoy the anti-aging properties that the self-tanner brings too, from the organic shea butter, which restores elasticity and moisture, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles and boosting collagen production too.
Your skin will not only look tanned and glowing, but it will be nourished and cared for, more youthful-looking, and free from irritation caused by DHA!
5. Ed Hardy Butter Me Brown DHA-Free Bronzing Lotion
Ed Hardy has this Butter Me Brown DHA-Free Bronzing Lotion on offer, for those who want a delectable brown skin tone, but without the harmful chemicals that might come along with it.
Made with macadamia nut and almond oil, your skin will be left nourished and protected from drying out, giving all the nutrients it needs to glow and be radiant.
Along with these two oils, caffeine and green tea extracts help to firm and tighten the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance, showing off your new tan better.
To get a darker tone, MelanoBronze stimulates melanin activity to give you a darker tanning result, helping build up a tan over time. The tan achieved with this bronzer is very dark, so it is suited for those who already have darker skin tones.
Your tan will be streak-free and your clothes will be stain-free thanks to the special formula, which also has a delicious sweet brown sugar scent!
Related Questions
Can DHA age your skin?
DHA can end up aging your skin over time, as it can cause drying, which could lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It is best to use DHA-free self-tanners or those which are made from natural DHA sources to avoid this.
Can you be allergic to DHA?
While the chances are low, you can develop an allergy to DHA. It could cause rashes, sensitivity, and irritation to your skin, and if you experience any of this when using a self-tanner, then it is best to wash it off straight away and contact your healthcare provider for further advice.
There are other products you can use in its place, so you can still enjoy a darker tan.
