Why Fake Tan Looks Orange (And How To Avoid It)

Why Fake Tan Looks Orange (And How To Avoid It)

This guide explains common reasons fake tan can develop orange undertones and how shade selection, preparation and application can affect the finished colour. For uneven application and fading concerns, read Why Fake Tan Looks Patchy.

One of the biggest complaints people have with fake tan is the dreaded:

“orange look.”

Instead of a natural bronze tan, some fake tans can leave the skin looking:

  • Patchy
  • Uneven
  • Too dark in certain areas
  • Bright orange under certain lighting

The good news?

Most of the time, orange fake tan is caused by a few common mistakes — and it can usually be avoided.

Why Does Fake Tan Turn Orange?

Most fake tans use an ingredient called DHA (Dihydroxyacetone).

DHA reacts with amino acids on the surface of the skin to temporarily darken it.

The problem is:

  • Everyone’s skin reacts differently
  • Some formulas oxidise too strongly
  • Certain undertones create unnatural orange colouring

This is especially common with:

  • Cheap fake tans
  • Very dark instant tans
  • Overapplying product
  • Dry skin

That’s one reason many people are now moving away from heavy fake tan routines and looking for ways to build a more natural-looking tan gradually instead.

Your Skin Tone Changes How Fake Tan Develops

Fake tan can look very different depending on your natural complexion.

Fair Skin

People with very pale skin are often more likely to experience:

  • Orange undertones
  • Patchiness
  • Uneven fading
  • Dark elbows, knees, and hands

This happens because strong fake tan formulas contrast heavily against lighter skin tones.

For very fair users who struggle to tan naturally, the Quad Bundle is usually the most popular option because it allows longer loading phases and more consistent tanning maintenance over time.

Read Beginner Tanning Routine for Pale Skin to learn more.

Olive & Medium Skin

Medium skin tones usually tolerate fake tan better because the colour blends more naturally with existing melanin.

However, overapplication can still create:

  • Artificial colour
  • Muddy undertones
  • Overly dark areas

Many medium skin users prefer maintaining colour naturally rather than constantly layering fake tan every week.

Dry Skin Makes Fake Tan Worse

Dry areas absorb more product.

That’s why fake tan often develops darker on:

  • Knees
  • Ankles
  • Hands
  • Elbows
  • Wrists

Without proper skin prep, fake tan can become extremely uneven.

This is why skincare and hydration matter if you want a better-looking tan overall.

How To Avoid Orange Fake Tan

1. Exfoliate Before Applying

Removing dry skin helps fake tan develop more evenly.

This can reduce:

  • Patchiness
  • Streaking
  • Dark build-up areas

2. Moisturise Dry Areas

Apply moisturiser lightly to:

  • Hands
  • Knees
  • Elbows
  • Ankles

before tanning.

This helps prevent excessive product absorption.

3. Don’t Overapply

More product does not always mean a darker or better tan.

Overapplying fake tan often causes:

  • Orange undertones
  • Sticky development
  • Uneven colour

4. Build Colour Gradually

Natural-looking tanning is usually built over time.

Trying to become extremely dark overnight often creates the most artificial-looking results.

This is why many users now focus on gradual tanning routines combined with sun exposure rather than relying on weekly fake tan applications.

To understand how gradual tanning routines work, read How Long Does It Take To See Results From Tanning Nasal Spray?

Why Some People Switch Away From Fake Tan

A lot of people become frustrated with:

  • Fake tan transferring onto clothes
  • Orange hands and wrists
  • Weekly scrubbing and reapplying
  • Patchy fading
  • Artificial-looking colour

Especially before:

  • Holidays
  • Beach trips
  • European summer
  • Festivals
  • Events

many people want a tan that looks more natural and lasts longer.

That’s why bundle systems are becoming increasingly popular — especially for people wanting to build and maintain colour consistently over time.

Choosing The Right Bundle For Your Skin Tone

At Gold Coast Tanning, most customers choose bundles based on:

  • Their natural skin tone
  • How difficult they find tanning
  • Their tanning goals

Single Spray

Best for:

  • Already tanned users
  • Quick maintenance
  • Top-ups
Glow Spray Ultra Strength duo set promo featuring a woman, two white and gold bottles, and a $189 sale price.

GLOW DUO

Best for:

  • Medium skin tones
  • Maintaining colour
  • Casual tanning
Glow Spray Ultra Strength trio set promo featuring a tanned model, three white and gold bottles, and a $269 sale price.

GLOW TRIO

Best for:

  • Pale users who can still tan
  • Building and holding colour
  • Longer-lasting results
Promotional ad for Gold Coast Tanning's 'Quad Set' of 'Glow Spray Ultra Strength'.

GLOW QUAD

Best for:

  • Very fair skin
  • Users who struggle tanning naturally
  • Building the darkest possible tan
  • Long-term maintenance

The Quad Bundle also gives the biggest savings and is one of the most popular options before holidays and summer.

Build A More Natural Looking Tan

For people wanting:

  • More even colour
  • Longer-lasting tanning results
  • Less fake orange undertones
  • A more natural appearance

consistency and gradual tanning routines are usually key.

Instead of covering the skin with fake colour every week, many users now prefer building their tan progressively over time.

You can also read:

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does fake tan look orange?

Orange fake tan is usually caused by DHA reacting strongly with the skin, overapplication, poor-quality formulas, or dry skin.
Why does fake tan go patchy?

Dry skin and uneven application often cause fake tan to develop darker in certain areas.
How do you make fake tan look natural?

Exfoliating, moisturising dry areas, and building colour gradually can help fake tan appear more even and natural.
Does fake tan look worse on pale skin?

Very fair skin types are often more prone to orange undertones and patchiness from fake tan formulas.
Which bundle is best for very fair skin?

Most very fair users choose the Quad Bundle because it allows longer loading phases and ongoing tanning maintenance.

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