Why Your Fake Tan Turned Green (and How to Stop It)
Zoe Klein
🌿 Why Does My Fake Tan Look Green?
We all love that fresh, bronzed glow — so when your tan suddenly turns green, it can be a little alarming. But don’t worry! It’s a common issue, and once you know why it happens, it’s super easy to prevent.
💚 Why Fake Tan Turns Green
If your tan looks a little Shrek-like, it’s not your imagination — it’s science.
The guide colour in fake tan (the brown tone you see when you first apply it) is made up of red, yellow, and blue pigments. Over time, the red pigment can oxidise, leaving behind yellow and blue — which mix to form green.
This can happen for a few reasons, but the most common are expired tan, incorrect storage, or product reactions.
⏳ 1. Expired or Old Tan
At Ohh My Glo, we use natural and organic ingredients, which means our tans don’t rely on harsh preservatives like parabens.
This gives you a cleaner, skin-loving formula — but also a shorter shelf life.
Once a tan has expired, it’s not harmful, but it won’t perform as it should. The DHA (the ingredient that makes you tan) breaks down, and the bronzer can shift to a green hue.
✅ Tip: Always check the “use by” date before applying any tan.
☀️ 2. Storage Matters
Heat and light are a fake tan’s worst enemies.
When stored in a warm or sunny spot, the formula oxidises faster — causing that green tint.
✅ How to store it right:
Keep your fake tan in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or humidity (like the bathroom).
🧴 3. Skin Prep & Product Reactions
Sometimes it’s not the bottle — it’s what’s already on your skin.
Deodorant, perfume, body wash, or moisturiser can react with the tan’s bronzer and cause discolouration (especially in areas like armpits).
✅ Prep like a pro:
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Exfoliate the night before tanning
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Avoid applying deodorant or perfume before tanning
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Make sure your skin is clean and dry
💫 How to Avoid a Green Fake Tan
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Store your tan properly
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Don’t use expired products
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Prep your skin well before applying
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If your tan ever looks green in the bottle — toss it and grab a new one
Unless green is the look you’re going for (we get it, Halloween happens), it’s best to start fresh with a new bottle.
✨ The Glo Way
At Ohh My Glo, our self-tanners are designed for a natural, golden olive finish, never green.
Each formula is Australian-made, vegan, cruelty-free, and enriched with Kakadu Plum, Aloe Vera, and Argan Oil to keep your skin hydrated and your tan flawless.