Is Self Tanner Safe During Pregnancy?
The verdict
Generally safe
Is self tanner safe during pregnancy?
Self-tanning lotions and creams with DHA stay on the skin's surface and are considered safe in pregnancy, though spray tans are discouraged due to inhalation risk. In short, self tanner is generally considered safe during pregnancy when you follow the guidance below.
Why experts give this advice
Most of what you put on your skin stays on the surface, but a few ingredients absorb enough to matter in pregnancy. The goal is simply to swap the small number of ingredients with real concerns for the many that are perfectly fine.
How to enjoy it safely
Self Tanner is a pregnancy-friendly pick. Patch-test new products, follow the normal directions, and you're good to go — no special precautions needed beyond what you'd do anyway.
What about breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding guidance for self tanner isn't always the same as pregnancy guidance — what passes into breast milk differs from what crosses the placenta. If you're nursing, ask your provider about self tanner specifically.
The bottom line
Self Tanner: generally considered safe in pregnancy. Enjoy it sensibly as part of a varied, healthy pregnancy. This page is general education, not medical advice — your provider knows your history and is the final word for your pregnancy.
Frequently asked
Is self tanner safe during pregnancy?
Generally yes, at normal amounts. Self-tanning lotions and creams with DHA stay on the skin's surface and are considered safe in pregnancy, though spray tans are discouraged due to inhalation risk. Check with your provider first if your situation is unusual.
How much self tanner is safe during pregnancy?
Stick to normal, modest portions rather than treating the “safe” verdict as a green light for unlimited amounts, and raise anything unusual about your situation with your provider.
Is self tanner safe while breastfeeding?
Guidance can differ once you’re no longer pregnant — some things limited in pregnancy are fine while nursing, and vice versa. Check with your provider about self tanner for your situation.
References
Sources we consult
We cross-check our editorial guidance against these authorities. Click any source for the original.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ↗
Pregnancy and women’s health clinical guidance
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ↗
US public-health data and recommendations
March of Dimes ↗
Pregnancy and newborn health education
US Food and Drug Administration ↗
Food, drug, and infant-formula safety regulation
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Expert-tested, safety-first picks for what’s next.
Related health topics
Common pregnancy questions our medical team answers.
Browse the health A–Z →Fact-checked by Dr. Elena Vasquez, MD, FAAP (Board-certified pediatrician & medical reviewer)