Self-tan smells because of the way it works: the ingredient that gives the colour reacts with your skin, and that reaction has a scent. Most of what people believe about the smell is only partly right. Here are six common beliefs, what is right and wrong about them and what actually makes a difference.
Where the smell comes from
DHA, the active ingredient in nearly every self-tan, reacts with the proteins on the surface of your skin and turns them brown. The reaction gives off the familiar biscuity smell. That is why a product can smell fine in the bottle and your skin can smell hours later.
Six beliefs about the smell
"Expensive self-tan doesn't smell"
Mostly false. The price tag doesn't decide the smell. How much DHA a formula has, how it is scented and how much ends up on your skin do.
"It's the bottle that smells"
Mostly false. Fresh product usually smells only of its added scent. The tan smell comes later, from your skin. A sour or sharp smell straight from the bottle is different: it can mean the product is old.
"Perfume covers it"
False. Perfume on top usually mixes with the tan smell instead of hiding it. A scent built into the formula softens it better.
"More tan, same smell"
False. The more product on your skin, the more there is to react. A thin layer smells less than a thick one.
"It lasts as long as the tan"
False. The smell is strongest while the colour develops. Once the tan has developed and you have washed your face, most of the smell is gone. See how True Tan develops over 24 hours.
"Heat doesn't matter"
False. A warm room, a workout or a hot shower while the tan develops makes the smell stronger. Keep the first hours cool.
How True Tan handles it
True Tan contains DHA, so it has a faint smell while the colour develops. A light, fresh scent in the formula softens it.
The rest is about amount. The MultiMist puts True Tan on in a thin, even mist, and the same number of seconds gives the same amount every time, so there is less product on your skin to react. The formula is clear and fast-drying, with no guide colour to rub off on your pillow.
True TanClear self-tan capsule for the face, with a light, fresh scent. Lasts up to 7 days.Read more
Less tan, less smell
A thin mist puts on exactly what your face needs, and nothing more for the smell to come from.
FAQ
Why does self-tan smell like biscuits?
The reaction between DHA and your skin gives off the smell as the colour develops. It is part of how most self-tan works.
How long does the self-tan smell last?
It is strongest while the colour develops and mostly gone after the first time you wash your face. With True Tan it is very mild from the start.
Should I tan at night or in the morning to avoid the smell?
Evening works for most people: the colour develops overnight and you wash your face as normal in the morning. True Tan needs no rinse and is ready for makeup after 5 to 10 minutes, so it can also go on in the morning.
Which self-tan has the mildest smell?
One with a scent built into the formula, put on in a thin layer. True Tan has a light, fresh scent, and the MultiMist mists it on thin and even.