What's the deal with DHA and the FDA?

Recommended Guidelines for Sunless Tanning with Products Containing DHA

The key ingredient in most sunless tanning products is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) – a color additive that darkens the skin by reacting with amino acids in the skin’s surface. A simple carbohydrate, it is often derived from plant sources. Suvara's DHA is all natural and derived from sugar cane.

While DHA has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for external application to your skin, the use of DHA as an all-over spray has not been approved by the FDA, since safety data to support this use has not been submitted to the Agency for review and evaluation.

For spray-tanning, the FDA recommends consumers request the tanning service provide protective measures to prevent contact with the eyes, lips or mucous membrane (nose), as well as inhalation or ingestion of the spray solution, including:

• Lip Balm

• Nose Filter

• Protective Eye Wear

• Protective Garments

At SUVARA we also take care by using an extraction system to pull excess from the air and away from the Client and Technician.

If you have additional concerns, you may ask one of our technicians, or consult with your doctor prior to spray- tanning. 

To access the FDA’s complete position on DHA use, please visit www.FDA.gov.