7 Best Body Scrubs for Fake Tan Prep in 2026

Ready to get your skin perfectly smooth for a stunning, even tan in 2026? These top 7 body scrubs, like Bali Body’s express remover and Coco & Eve’s gel with AHA & BHA, are game-changers! They gently remove dead skin, boost glow, and prep you for flawless color. Whether you want a luxurious spa-like feel or a quick fix, these picks have you covered. Keep going to discover tips to choose the best scrub for your skin!

Fake You! Exfoliating Body Scrub for Smooth Skin

Are your tans uneven or patchy? Do they leave you looking dull instead of radiant? Try Fake You! Exfoliating Body Scrub. This scrub gently removes dead skin cells. It reveals smooth, refreshed skin. This helps your tan look even and last longer. It also prevents streaks. The scrub works well for both men and women. It feels like a spa treatment at home. The scent is fresh and calming. With regular use, your skin becomes softer and more radiant. Your tan will appear natural and flawless. Use this scrub before tanning or to maintain healthy skin all over your body.

Good for: people who want gentle, effective exfoliation. Ideal before tanning or for healthy skin from head to toe.

Pros:

• Removes dead skin and dirt gently
• Makes tan last longer and look even
• Provides a soothing, spa-like experience at home

Cons:

• Contains pecan shell powder, not for nut allergy sufferers
• May need multiple uses to see big results on very rough skin
• Must rinse thoroughly to avoid residue on sensitive skin

Bali Body Express Tan Remover & Exfoliating Body Scrub

If you want to get a smooth, streak-free tan, the Bali Body Express Tan Remover and Exfoliating Body Scrub can help. It removes old self-tanner easily, so you can start fresh. You don’t need harsh scrubbing. The scrub uses natural exfoliants and nourishing ingredients like grapefruit oil and glycerin. It leaves your skin soft, hydrated, and ready for a new tan. Plus, it smells great! This vegan, cruelty-free scrub is perfect for preparing your skin before a spray tan or after sunless tanning.

Best for: removing old self-tanner gently, preparing skin for a new tan, and keeping skin smooth and moisturized before or after tanning.

Pros:

• Removes old self-tanner without harsh scrubbing
• Moisturizes skin with natural ingredients
• Makes skin soft, refreshed, and ready for tanning

Cons:

• Might not suit very sensitive or irritated skin
• Less effective on very heavy or stubborn tan buildup
• Needs rinsing and drying, which can take some time

Pre-Tan Body Scrub for Skin Balance, 8 oz

Looking for a way to achieve a smooth, even sunless tan? The Pro Tan Get Buffed Pre-Tan Body Scrub helps prepare your skin. It comes in an 8 oz. bottle and feels like a mini spa treatment. This scrub gently removes rough patches using natural ingredients like tropical mango and papaya. It helps you get a deeper, longer-lasting tan and balances your skin’s pH. Use it before tanning to prevent streaks and uneven color. After use, your skin feels fresh, looks great, and smells like a tropical paradise. Keep this scrub in your skincare collection for better tanning results.

Best For: People who want a gentle exfoliator to prepare their skin for sunless tanning and enjoy a refreshing, tropical scent.

Pros:

• Made with natural mango and papaya extracts that soften and smooth skin
• Helps improve tan clarity and durability
• Balances skin pH for a healthy feel
• Leaves skin feeling refreshed and smelling nice

Cons:

• May not work well for very sensitive or dry skin without added moisturizer
• Use before tanning; not for daily use
• Natural ingredients could cause allergic reactions for some users

Om SHE Aromatherapy Golden Body Pre Tan Sugar Scrub

The Om SHE Aromatherapy Golden Body Pre Tan Sugar Scrub is a gentle exfoliant that prepares your skin for fake tan. It removes dry, dead skin, revealing softer, fresher skin underneath. This helps your tan go on smoothly and last longer. The scrub contains nourishing ingredients like Aloe Vera and Rosehip Oil. These help hydrate and soften your skin as you use it. Use the scrub twice a week for best results. It is gentle enough to regular use and suitable for most skin types. Plus, it is vegan-friendly and made in Australia, so you can feel good about what touches your skin.

Best For: People preparing their skin for self-tan who want a gentle, nourishing scrub.

Pros:

• Removes dead skin for a smooth tan base
• Hydrates skin with Aloe Vera and Rosehip Oil
• Vegan-friendly and made in Australia

Cons:

• Might not be strong enough for deep exfoliation
• Requires regular use twice a week
• Contains natural ingredients that may not suit highly sensitive skin

Coco & Eve Body Gel Scrub with AHA & BHA

Get ready to improve your fake tan with the Coco & Eve Body Gel Scrub with AHA & BHA. This scrub helps you get smooth, glowing skin. It works by gently removing rough patches and brightening dull areas. Its ingredients, including acids and botanicals, target dryness, bumps, and uneven skin tones. The scrub is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Use it 24 hours before you tan for the best results. After use, your skin feels softer, smoother, and ready to glow. Say goodbye to streaks and hello to beautiful, sun-kissed skin.

Best For: people with sensitive, dry, or uneven skin who want a gentle scrub to improve smoothness and brightness before tanning.

Pros:

• Exfoliates deeply for softer, smoother skin
• Brightens dull, uneven skin
• Contains botanicals that nourish sensitive skin

Cons:

• May cause a slight tingling feeling from the acids
• Needs to be used a day before tanning
• Contains acids, so use cautiously on very delicate skin

Self Tanner Remover & Exfoliating Glove

If you want smooth, streak-free self-tan results, this Self Tanner Remover & Exfoliating Glove is very effective. It removes dead skin, old tanning products, and residue easily. This leaves your skin fresh and ready for a new layer of self-tanner. Use it in the shower before applying your favorite self-tanner. It helps prevent uneven patches.

This tool is versatile. It also clears blackheads and unclogs pores. The glove is durable, reusable, and simple to clean. It becomes a useful part of your skincare routine for a consistent, sunless glow without irritation.

Best For: People who want smooth, even self-tan application and clearer skin through exfoliation and pore cleansing.

Pros:

• Easily removes dead skin and old self-tanner for a clean surface
• Helps clear blackheads and unclogs pores
• Reusable, durable, and simple to clean

Cons:

• Needs gentle pressure to avoid irritation
• Some may need multiple uses to remove stubborn tan remnants
• Not suitable for sensitive skin without patch testing

Chemist at Play Exfoliating Body Scrub with Coffee

Are you looking for a body scrub that removes dead skin and prepares your skin for a perfect tan? Try the Chemist at Play Exfoliating Body Scrub with Coffee! It uses natural coffee, sugar, and AHAs to help smooth rough, sun-damaged, or pigmented skin. After use, your skin feels soft, bright, and smooth. The coffee scent makes scrubbing enjoyable, turning a simple step into a refreshing treat. It’s easy to use, safe for all skin types, and leaves your skin velvety soft, ready for your tan.

Best for: people who want gentle body exfoliation and a coffee-scented experience to prep for a tan. Suitable for all skin types.

Pros:

• Removes dead skin, tan, and impurities to make skin brighter and smoother.
• Made with natural ingredients like coffee and AHAs.
• Leaves skin soft, nourished, and smelling fresh.

Cons:

• Does not work on the face; only for body use.
• May need to be used often to keep results.
• Comes in a small 2.6 fl oz bottle, so you might need to buy more if you use it regularly.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Body Scrubs for Fake Tan Prep

When picking a body scrub for fake tan prep, you want one that gets along perfectly with your skin and the ingredients you love (or hate!). Think about how much exfoliating power you need — too rough can ruin your glow, but too gentle might miss those dead layers. And don’t forget to pick a scent and texture that makes your pampering session feel like a treat, not a chore—because glowing skin should feel fabulous from start to finish!

Ingredient Compatibility

Getting your skin ready for a smooth, even tan requires choosing the right ingredients in your body scrub. Use gentle exfoliants like sugar, pumice, or plant extracts. Avoid harsh tools or ingredients that can harm your skin barrier. Pick products that hydrate your skin and keep it soft. Avoid synthetic fragrances and abrasive particles that could irritate sensitive skin. Natural acids such as AHA or BHA help exfoliate evenly and keep your skin’s pH balanced. Make sure the ingredients match your skin type, especially if you have sensitivities or allergies. When you choose compatible ingredients, your tan looks better, lasts longer, and is more even. Your future self will thank you for taking care of your skin now.

Skin Type Suitability

Choosing the right body scrub for your skin type helps prepare your skin for a smooth, even tan. If your skin is sensitive, choose gentle scrubs with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin. These ingredients help prevent irritation and dryness. For oily or acne-prone skin, look for scrubs with salicylic or glycolic acid. These ingredients help control oil and reduce breakouts. If your skin is dry or sensitive, avoid harsh scrubs with large sugar or shell pieces. These can cause redness and irritation. Instead, pick gentle formulas that balance your skin’s pH and include calming botanicals. Using the right scrub keeps your skin healthy and makes your tan look better. Select products suited for your skin type for best results.

Exfoliation Depth

Choosing how deep to exfoliate affects your tan. Light, surface-level scrubs remove only dead skin on the surface. They help keep your skin smooth and fresh. These are good for regular skin maintenance.

If you want to prepare your skin more thoroughly, use a scrub with coarser particles. These can reach deeper layers of dead skin. They help remove thick, rough patches for a super smooth finish. This method works well before applying a tan.

Be careful. Exfoliating too deeply or with harsh scrubs can irritate or damage your skin. Always match the exfoliation method to your skin’s sensitivity. Use gentle, surface scrubs regularly. Use deeper scrubs only when needed.

With the right exfoliation, your skin will look bright and ready for a tan. You will get a smooth, streak-free glow that looks natural.

Fragrance Preferences

Choose a body scrub with a scent you enjoy. A pleasant fragrance makes exfoliating more fun. Natural scents like citrus, floral, or tropical aromas can help you feel fresh and relaxed. They can turn your shower into a mini getaway. Some people prefer scentless or lightly scented scrubs. This is helpful if you wear strong perfumes or have sensitive skin. Check the label for added fragrances. Some contain essential oils, while others use synthetic scents. If you are allergic, choose carefully. Matching your fragrance to your mood or style makes your body care more enjoyable. It makes your prep for tanning or other treatments a relaxing routine.

Texture and Consistency

The right texture in a body scrub is important for your fake tan prep. It should feel grainy and exfoliating. This helps remove dead skin and reveals a smooth surface ready for tanning. Avoid scrubs with very coarse particles that can irritate or damage your skin. A good scrub balances coarse and fine grains. Cream- or gel-based scrubs with a thick consistency work best. They give you control and prevent slipping during application. Sugar or salt scrubs are effective options because they have enough grit to exfoliate well and stay in place. When you choose the right texture and consistency, your skin becomes better prepared for a flawless, even tan.

Frequency of Use

To get the best fake tan, choose the right timing for using a body scrub. Use your scrub 24 to 48 hours before applying the tan. This helps your skin refresh and become smooth for even absorption. Exfoliating 2 to 3 times a week keeps your skin smooth. It also helps prevent dry spots and ingrown hairs. This makes your tan last longer. Do not exfoliate more than three times a week, as it can irritate your skin. If you have sensitive skin, only exfoliate once a week. Stick to a regular schedule. This will help your fake tan look even, smooth, and beautiful.

Additional Skin Benefits

When choosing a body scrub for fake tan preparation, look for options with natural ingredients. Ingredients like sugar, salt, or fruit enzymes remove dead skin gently. They also provide antioxidants that help brighten your skin. Some scrubs contain oils or glycerin that keep your skin moisturized and soft. Adding vitamin C, aloe vera, or plant extracts can make your skin look healthier. These ingredients help soothe irritation and even out your skin tone. Picking a scrub that supports your skin’s pH balance helps keep your skin barrier strong. This reduces dryness and helps prevent irritation. Using a scrub regularly makes your skin healthy, glowing, and ready for a smooth, even tan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Exfoliate Before Applying Fake Tan?

You should exfoliate two to three days before applying fake tan, ensuring your skin is smooth and dead skin is removed. Avoid exfoliating on the day of application, as it might cause uneven tan and streaks.

Can I Use Body Scrubs on Sensitive or Irritated Skin?

You should avoid using body scrubs on sensitive or irritated skin, as it can worsen irritation. Instead, opt for gentle, fragrance-free exfoliants or consult a dermatologist to find suitable products that won’t cause further discomfort.

Are Natural or Chemical-Based Scrubs Better for Tan Preparation?

You should choose natural scrubs for tan prep, as they are gentler and less likely to irritate sensitive or irritated skin. Chemical-based scrubs can be effective but may cause more irritation, so proceed with caution.

What’s the Best Body Scrub for Removing Old Fake Tan?

You should try a gentle exfoliating scrub with ingredients like glycolic acid or lactic acid. These help dissolve old fake tan effectively, leaving your skin smooth and ready for a fresh application without causing irritation.

Do Exfoliants Affect the Longevity of My Fake Tan?

Exfoliants can affect your fake tan’s longevity, especially if used too frequently or aggressively. They remove dead skin cells, so use gentle exfoliation once or twice a week to maintain your tan without fading it prematurely.