FAQ

For a smooth, patch-free tan, apply Elan Pure's foam-lotion hybrid self-tanner using our reusable tanning mitt. Pump the product onto the mitt and blend into clean, dry skin using circular motions. Exfoliate 10 to 24 hours prior to application for a smooth finish.

Yes. Shave and exfoliate 10 to 24 hours before applying self-tanner using the Elan Pure Exfoliating Mitt. This removes dead skin cells and rough patches so color develops evenly instead of clinging to dry spots. It also helps your tan absorb better, last longer, and fade evenly.

Let the self-tanner absorb for at least 15 minutes before getting dressed. Wait 8 to 10 hours before showering, and rinse with water only (no soap) to let your color fully develop. Pro tip: customers who tan in the morning and wait 12+ hours (or shower the next morning) get the best results. Your tan continues to develop after 24 hours.

Heads up, it'll feel more dewy than what you're used to since we're a foam and lotion hybrid. Give it 2 hours to soak in and that feeling goes away. That's actually a good sign, it means the product is absorbing evenly instead of just sitting on top, which is what leads to patchiness.

Exfoliate beforehand and moisturize dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles so the formula has an even surface to work with. Then use the Elan Pure tanning mitt to blend in circular motions. Because our foam-lotion hybrid is skincare-grade, it's formulated to glide on smoothly and absorb evenly rather than sitting on top of skin and grabbing onto dry patches, which is what usually causes streaks. That makes it forgiving even for first-time users.

Elan Pure self-tanner is buildable. Apply one layer for a natural glow, or add a second layer after your initial rinse for more color. Reapply throughout the week to maintain or deepen your tan, with no streaks or patchiness.

Reapply every 3 to 6 days to maintain your glow. Our non-toxic, hydrating formula is gentle enough for frequent use without dryness or irritation. Pro tip: exfoliate weekly with the Elan Pure Exfoliating Mitt for a fresh canvas.

Moisturize daily with a non-toxic lotion, avoid hot showers and harsh soaps, and pat your skin dry after bathing. Reapplying every 3 to 6 days keeps your color looking fresh.

After you've applied tan to your whole body, use only the leftover product on your mitt for your hands. Apply it to the backs of your hands only, avoiding palms. Then rub a small amount of lotion into your hands to blend everything in evenly. You can use the same method for your feet.

Avoid hot showers, sweating, and tight clothing for at least 8 to 10 hours. Pat dry after bathing and moisturize regularly to keep your color even.

Whatever fits your day. Just pick a time when you can stay dry and skip the sweat for 8 to 10 hours. Tanning at night? Give it 15 minutes to absorb before bed.

Let your tan fully develop first so you can see exactly where you missed. Then put a tiny bit on the mitt or brush, dab it onto the spot and blend the edges out. Check it the next day and repeat if needed.

It's not instant-dry, and that's by design. A lot of formulas dry fast by drying out your skin in the process. Elan Pure takes the skincare route instead: the foam-lotion hybrid seeps into skin rather than sitting on top, so you'll feel a touch of dewyness while it absorbs. Once it sets in, your skin feels ultra hydrated, not coated or stripped.

It means you get the best of both worlds in one product. Foam spreads easily and dries fast, but can feel thin and skip moisture. Lotion hydrates well, but can be heavy, sticky, or hard to blend evenly. Elan Pure's foam-lotion hybrid combines the light, easy glide of a foam with the hydrating, skin-loving feel of a lotion, so it blends smoothly, absorbs quickly, and leaves your skin soft instead of sticky or tight.

Most self-tanners rely on DHA alone, which develops color quickly but can shift orange and fade unevenly. Elan Pure uses a dual-active approach: plant-based DHA for fast, visible color, plus organic erythrulose, a natural keto-sugar that develops more slowly and evenly. Together they create a deeper, more balanced tan with fewer orange tones and a smoother fade. It's a small formulation choice that makes a big difference in how natural your tan looks, start to finish.

A short list of ingredients that all earn their spot. Plant-based DHA and organic erythrulose work together to build color. Organic cucumber and calendula extract soothe and calm skin. Hyaluronic acid and plant-based glycerin lock in hydration so your tan doesn't dry out or go patchy. No parabens, no synthetic fragrance, no filler.

No. Our self-tanner is dye-free, so it won't stain your sheets or clothes. Once fully developed (8 to 10 hours) and rinsed off, it won't transfer at all. During the development window, we still recommend wearing dark, loose clothing and using an old towel or sheet on your bed, just to be safe.

With proper prep and aftercare, your tan can last 7+ days depending on your skin type. To get the most out of it: exfoliate before applying, moisturize daily, skip the hot showers, and pat (don't rub) your skin dry. Building up layers over time also helps your color last longer.

The skincare ingredients hydrate and the tanning actives create your color. You get both in one step.

Yes. Every Elan Pure formula is hormone-safe and free of the 1,600+ ingredients banned in clean beauty. No parabens, no synthetic fragrance, no junk. Just a clean, skincare-grade tan.

Elan Pure's self-tanner uses a plant-based DHA formula at a safe, effective concentration to develop color, paired with skincare ingredients so it works with your skin instead of against it.

Yes. Elan Pure's DHA is plant-based, derived from natural sugar sources, not synthetic. That means a cleaner tanning process and a better experience on your skin, without the harsh chemical smell or irritation that comes with some synthetic DHA formulas.

Elan Pure's hormone-safe, skincare-grade formula is designed to work for all skin types, including sensitive skin, since it's free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrance.

"Clean" gets thrown around a lot, but it's not a regulated term, so it doesn't always mean much. Non-toxic is specific: it means a product is free from ingredients linked to hormone disruption, like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic fragrance. Elan Pure formulas exclude 1,600+ ingredients banned under our hormone-safe standard. Read your labels. Clean isn't always non-toxic, but non-toxic is always clean.

No. A self-tan glow doesn't protect you from the sun, so keep using SPF 30 or higher.

Our formula is clean and hormone-safe, but every pregnancy is different. Please check with your doctor and bring the ingredient list with you.

Store it somewhere cool and dry with the cap on tight, and use it by the date on your bottle. Can't find it? Email hello@elanpure.com and we'll help.

Yes. Elan Pure's non-toxic self-tanner is safe for facial use. Apply a small amount and blend evenly, or use our dedicated Face Tanning Mist for a lighter, more natural facial glow that matches your body tan.

Apply your skincare routine first. Spritz Elan Pure Face Tanning Mist onto the Elan Pure beauty brush and apply to clean skin. Color develops in 6 to 8 hours.

We don't recommend spraying directly on your face. For optimal results, spray onto the brush so you can blend the product seamlessly. You get a more even glow and you won't breathe in any mist.

Yes! For best results, apply to a clean, bare face and allow the mist to fully absorb before applying makeup. Once absorbed, follow your normal makeup routine.

Use it a few days in a row to build your shade, then a couple of times a week to keep it going.

The self-tanner is a foam-lotion hybrid built for full-body application via mitt. The Face Tanning Mist is a lighter, gentler formula made specifically for facial skin, designed to be applied with the Elan Pure beauty brush for a natural, even glow. Bonus: it's also great for quick touch-ups on your hands and neck anytime.

Soap makes skin slippery, and the mitt needs a little grip to do its job. Soak in a warm shower for a few minutes, wet the mitt and buff with water only. Rinse, then wash like normal.

Yes! After a few minutes in a warm shower, buff gently with the wet mitt and water only. If a spot is stubborn, let it fade instead of scrubbing harder.

Once a week is the sweet spot. Use light pressure, and skip a week if your skin feels dry or sensitive.

When the texture starts to wear down or the seams loosen. Let it dry fully after every use and it will last a long time.

Hand wash with mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse well and let it air dry completely. Skip the dryer.

As long as the fabric and lining stay intact. If it tears or product starts getting through to your hand, it's time for a new one.

Wash the bristles with mild soap and lukewarm water, rinse, reshape and lay it flat to dry. Try not to soak the handle.

It's great for small spots like hands, feet and blending edges. For bigger areas, the Tanning Mitt is faster.

Yes! US orders $55+ ship free.

Yes! We're now available in Canada through our distributor partner, Curated. You can purchase HERE

Choose Subscribe & save on the Non-Toxic Self-Tanner or Face Tanning Mist and pick how often you want it: every 4, 6, or 8 weeks. You save 15% on every delivery, and your order ships automatically so you never run out mid-glow.

Anytime, with no fees and no minimum. Sign in to your account, go to Subscriptions, and skip, pause, change your frequency, or cancel. Make changes before your next billing date to update that order.

If you tan weekly, every 4-6 weeks is a great place to start. Tan less often? Try every 8 weeks. You can change it anytime from your account.

Subscription orders of $55 or more ship free, just like any other order.