The most effective products available are sunless tanning or self tanning lotions and sprays that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. The tan is not a dye, stain or paint, but a chemical reaction between the DHA and the amino acids in the dead layer on the skin surface.[citation needed] This is similar to a reaction well known to food chemists called the Maillard reaction. This refers to the browning process during food manufacturing and storage. It does not involve skin pigmentation nor does it require exposure to ultraviolet light to initiate the color change. The tan is temporary and will fade gradually over 3 to 10 days. Some products use Erythrulose combined with the DHA. Erythrulose works identically to DHA on the skin surface, but develops more slowly. The two chemicals used together may produce a longer lasting sunless tan.[citation needed]

Dihydroxyacetone or Erythrulose may cause contact dermatitis. First time users of sunless tanning products should apply them to a small patch of skin and wait 24 hours before a full body application.

These products can be applied at home, in the form of gels, lotions, mousses, sprays and wipes. Best results are obtained when applied to clean, dry skin. Bathing and swimming should be avoided until product is fully absorbed, which varies from one to six hours. More DHA is absorbed by the thicker skin on the hands and feet, so those areas should be skipped or cleaned immediately after application.

Tanning lotions can be classified as bronzers, accelerators, and tingling lotions. Tingling lotions refer to indoor tanning lotion accelerators and maximizers that produce a tingling sensation when they are applied. It is believed that the tingle factor increases blood flow to the upper layers of the skin which brings more oxygen and affects melanin. This tingling sensation will vary depending on the skin type from mild to very strong.

Professional spraytans applications are available from spas, salons and gymnasiums by both hand held sprayer and in the form of sunless or UV-Free spray booths. The enclosed booth, which resembles an enclosed shower stall, sprays the sunless tanning solution over the entire body.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states when using DHA-containing products as an all-over spray or mist in a commercial spray "tanning" booth, it may be difficult to avoid exposure in a manner for which DHA is not approved, including the area of the eyes, lips, or mucous membrane, or even internally. DHA is not approved by the FDA for inhalation.

Consequently, FDA advises asking the following questions when considering commercial facilities where DHA is applied by spraying or misting:

"Are consumers protected from exposure in the entire area of the eyes, in addition to the eyes themselves? Are consumers protected from exposure on the lips and all parts of the body covered by mucous membrane? Are consumers protected from internal exposure caused by inhaling or ingesting the product?

If the answer to any of these questions is "no," the consumer is not protected from the unapproved use of this color additive. Consumers should request measures to protect their eyes and mucous membranes and prevent inhalation."

Airbrush spraytans are applied by professional technicians using specialized equipment including Laser guided spray guns designed for applying self tanning sprays, such as an airbrush, LVLP spraygun, and HVLP spraygun equipment types. The technician hand sprays the client from head to toe with a gentle solution misting. This custom spraying using overspray control systems is controlled and following FDA guidelines is simple. The portability of the equipment allows spray tanning services in a large variety of places, from beach kiosks and malls to in home application.