Shereene IdrissBoard Certified Derm, Founder and Chief Nerd

Is self tanner bad for you? Does it cause cancer?

13 May 2026 · 1 min

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Dermatologist Shereene Idriss explains that self-tanners don't cause cancer because hydroxyacetone, the active ingredient since the 1970s, only reacts with dead skin cells and never reaches DNA. Unlike UV exposure, which damages DNA and raises cancer risk, self-tanner creates a browning reaction like toast on the surface. Exfoliate first to avoid streaks, skip the face if you have melasma, and always wear sunscreen.

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The internet will have you believe that self-tanner is going to give you cancer and age you. It's not. But you know what will? The sun, a tanning bed, and UV rays that will damage your DNA. Hydroxyacetone, the active in self-tanners, has been used since the early '70s and reacts with the dead cells on the surface of your skin, and it causes the same browning reaction that turns bread into toast. It doesn't penetrate deep, it doesn't mess with your DNA, and it doesn't cause cancer. Is there a tiny bit of damage, maybe oxidative stress, on the surface of your skin? Sure. A topical vitamin C neutralizes it because that is literally the whole job of what antioxidants do. 3 things I learned the hard way. Exfoliate before you apply, otherwise it will adhere to dry patches and look streakier. Have melasma or a lot of dark spots on your face? Skip your face because it will make your dark spots and your melasma look darker, look more obvious. Honestly, it will age you. And even if you still streak, I just use body makeup afterwards to blend the edges in seamlessly, especially before an event. Self-tanner is the safest tan you will ever get, but that doesn't omit from the fact that you still have to wear the damn sunscreen.