Pure Self-Tanning Mousse

Pure is our gentlest, most stripped-back formula. Just 9 ingredients, no added fragrance, and no dyes. We made it for sensitive skin and anyone who prefers a fragrance-free, minimal formula, while still giving the same natural, streak-free tan our mousses are known for.

Fewer ingredients means fewer things that can irritate reactive skin. Every ingredient in Pure earns its place, including our beet and sugar derived DHA, the active that creates your color. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores.

Yes. That's exactly who we built it for. It's fragrance-free, dye-free, and non-comedogenic. If your skin reacts to scented or heavier formulas, this is the one to reach for. We still recommend a quick patch test before your first full application.

No. Unlike our scented mousses, Pure has no added fragrance. You may notice a light, natural smell while the tan develops, which is normal for self-tanner and rinses away. There is no perfume or masking scent in the formula.

Apply a small amount to a discreet spot, like the inside of your forearm, and wait 24 hours. If your skin looks and feels normal, you're good to go. It's a smart step with any new product, especially if your skin is reactive.

Exfoliate and shave 24 hours before you tan — not the same day. On application day, start with clean, completely dry skin and skip lotions, oils, and deodorant. Those create barriers that block even development and cause patchiness.

Pump onto your Tanning Mitt and work one section at a time (legs, arms, torso, back). Blend quickly and evenly before it starts to set. Use whatever's left on the mitt for hands and feet — never pump fresh product directly onto those areas. Use a brush to buff out any harsh lines.

These dry zones absorb more pigment, which is how you end up with dark knuckles or patchy ankles. Use less product, blend longer with a brush, and pre-soften very dry areas with a thin layer of moisturizer before applying so they don't "grab" the color.

Dry-to-touch within a few minutes. Wait until it feels completely dry before putting on loose clothing while the tan develops.

Pure develops over 6 to 8 hours. For the deepest result, leave it on for the full window. When you rinse, use lukewarm water only and skip soap on that first rinse. Pure is a clear, dye-free formula, so there is no bronzer or guide color to rinse away. The water may run faintly tinted, which is normal, and your color keeps developing over the next 12 to 24 hours.

Wait until after your tan has fully developed and you've done your first rinse. Sweating and friction during development cause uneven fade. Once you've rinsed, you're good to go.

A well-prepped tan lasts up to 7 days and fades naturally, just like a sun tan. You'll get the longest wear by moisturizing daily, avoiding harsh exfoliants, and patting (not rubbing) dry after showers.

Yes. Your face sheds skin cells faster than your body, especially if you use active skincare (retinoids, AHAs, vitamin C). Our Gradual Face Tan is designed for easy daily use to keep your glow consistent.

Chlorine and prolonged water exposure speed up fading and can create patchiness in friction zones (bikini line, inner thighs). Plan to moisturize well after swimming, and you may want to do a light touch-up with the mist if you're spending a lot of time in the water.

Our standard mousses & mists carry our signature PJB scent. All of our products use organically derived DHA (not synthetic DHA), which helps with that self-tanner smell. Some DHA smell during development is normal as your tan is developing. The best ways to minimize it: follow the recommended develop time, moisturize after rinsing, and avoid applying to underarms where heat intensifies scent.

Our formulas are designed specifically to avoid the orange/green cast that some self-tanners are known for. If you're experiencing unexpected color, it's almost always a technique issue: over-application on dry patches, not enough prep, or using products that alter skin PH. Follow the prep and timing guidance above, and build gradually.

The Mist delivers a lighter, more buildable color, so it may appear to fade sooner than the Mousse simply because the initial deposit is lighter. For maximum longevity with the Mist, layer 2–3 coats and follow the same maintenance routine (daily moisturizer, gentle pat-dry).

You almost certainly washed off the guide color (the temporary tint that helps you see where you've applied), not your actual tan. Your developed color comes through over the next 12–24 hours. Other common causes: applying over oils or heavy lotion, rinsing too early, or using soap on your first rinse. Next time: apply on oil-free skin, wait the full development window, and rinse with water only.

Don't panic and don't start aggressively exfoliating. Moisturize the patchy areas and let the tan fade naturally over a few days — it often evens out. For a full reset: soak in a warm bath, use an exfoliating mitt to remove the old tan completely, then reapply with proper prep.

Orange results usually come from over-application on dry areas (hands, elbows, knees, ankles) plus inadequate prep. Fix: exfoliate 24 hours before, moisturize dry zones before application, use less product on joints, follow the recommended develop time, and build gradually rather than going maximum shade on your first try. Alternatively, using products that alter skin PH (ex: bar soap) could be the reason why your tan is turning orange.

Work in smaller sections and move quickly. Pump onto the mitt, apply to one area (like one leg), blend fully, then move to the next.

Some odor during development is normal with any DHA-based tanner — it's the chemistry of the ingredient reacting with your skin. PJB's signature scent minimizes this significantly compared to other brands. Best mitigations: rinse at the right time (don't over-develop), moisturize after rinsing, and avoid applying to underarms where heat and sweat intensify scent. Additionally, exfoliating thoroughly before applying the tan is key in minimizing the DHA smell.

Soak in a warm bath for 15–20 minutes, then use an exfoliating mitt in circular motions. For stubborn spots, a tan remover product or a paste of baking soda and coconut oil can help. Let your skin rest for 24 hours before reapplying.

A gentle exfoliating scrub, or a quick soak followed by mitt exfoliation will lighten them. Prevention is easier: use residual product (what's already on the mitt) for hands and feet, blend well, and wash your palms immediately after application.

Wait at least 8 hours after application (and after your first rinse) before swimming. Chlorine and saltwater accelerate fading, especially in friction zones. Moisturize well after, and plan for a touch-up if you're spending a full day at the pool or beach.