The sun tan is something which should be treated immediately, else it will lead to uneven skin tone, pigmentation, and even long term skin damage. Even though there are a lot of products available in the market, choosing ones which are safe and treat the skin concern is important. Sunscreen is one of the first things which should be considered for reducing sun damage; but an additional option is getting your hands on the best tan removal soap by a dermatologist.
In this guide, you will know some of the best dermatologist approved soaps, along with the right blend of ingredients considering your skin type.
Top Dermatologist-Recommended Tan Removal Soaps
Wondering which are the best tan removal soaps that are loved by dermatologists? Here are few for your reference:
|
Soap Name |
Key Ingredients |
Why Dermatologists Like It |
Best For |
|
Deyga Charcoal Soap |
Activated Charcoal, Natural Oils |
Deep cleans pores; removes dirt and buildup that make skin appear darker (supports tan removal routine) |
Oily skin, acne-prone skin, surface dullness |
|
Dermatouch Kojic Acid + Glutathione Soap |
1% Kojic Acid, Glutathione |
Strong melanin-inhibiting action; effective for visible tan and pigmentation |
Deep tan, stubborn dark spots |
|
Ethiglo Skin Whitening Soap |
Arbutin, Salicylic Acid, Licorice Extract |
Gentle brightening + mild exfoliation; helps fade discoloration without irritation |
Mild to moderate tan, uneven tone |
|
Beardo De-Tan Coffee Detox Bar |
Coffee Extract, Natural Exfoliants |
Exfoliates dead tanned cells; improves skin texture and brightness |
Body tan, dull skin, men’s skincare |
|
Dermatouch Fix It Kojic Acid 1% Soap |
1% Kojic Acid, Brightening Actives |
Targets pigmentation, sun damage, uneven tone; effective when lather is left on briefly |
Strong tan, facial tan, sun damage |
Dermatologist-Approved Tan Removal Ingredients
|
Ingredient |
Dermatologist View |
Works for Tan Removal? |
How It Works |
Best for |
|
Charcoal |
Good for cleansing and a natural depigmenting agent |
Yes |
Absorbs dirt, oil, impurities; unclogs pores |
Oily skin, acne-prone skin, dull skin |
|
Kojic Acid |
Strong depigmenting ingredient |
Yes |
Inhibits tyrosinase (melanin production) |
Visible tan, dark spots, pigmentation |
|
Alpha Arbutin |
Gentle and effective brightener |
Yes |
Reduces melanin formation |
Sun tan, uneven skin tone, sensitive skin |
|
Niacinamide |
Skin-brightening + barrier-strengthening |
Yes |
Reduces transfer of melanin to skin cells |
Mild pigmentation, dullness, sensitive skin |
|
Vitamin C |
Antioxidant + brightener |
Yes |
Fades pigmentation and prevents UV damage |
Tan, sun damage, uneven tone |
|
Glycolic/Lactic Acid (AHAs) |
Top dermat choice for exfoliation |
Yes |
Removes pigmented, tanned skin cells |
Tanned, rough, uneven skin |
|
Azelaic Acid |
Anti-inflammatory + pigment reducer |
Yes |
Inhibits melanin and reduces inflammation |
Pigmentation with acne or sensitivity |
|
Tranexamic Acid |
New-age dermat-approved brightener |
Yes |
Blocks UV-induced melanin pathways |
Stubborn tan, melasma-like pigmentation |
|
Licorice Extract |
Natural and soothing brightener |
Yes |
Suppresses melanin and calms skin |
Mild tan, sensitive skin, redness |
Why Dermatologist-Recommended Soaps for Tan Removal
When you are choosing dermat-recommended soap, here are some of the following features to be checklisted:
-
Active Ingredients That Target Melanin or Pigmentation
-
Kojic acid, which inhibits melanin production.
-
Glutathione, one of the powerful antioxidants which helps in reducing pigmentation.
-
Azelaic acid, the one which helps in promoting even skin tone and also reduces inflammatory pigmentation.
-
Glycolic or lactic acids, a gentle exfoliator which speeds up cell renewal
-
Licorice extract or niacinamide helps in fading skin discoloration.
-
Charcoal, a natural de-pigment which works on skin tanning.
-
Balanced Formulation
While picking soaps, make sure they cleanse your skin without damaging your skin barrier. As a dermatologist, it is vital to recommended skin-friendly and PH-balanced soap. -
Hydrating or Soothing Components
Ingredients like glycerin, aloe vera, Vitamin E, oils, and butters help in maintaining hydration; They also prevent dryness as they have active brightening ingredients.
How to Use a Tan Removal Soap Safely & Effectively
Only after picking the right soap, it is important to know how to use them effectively for removing the skin tan:
-
If you are using it for the first time, start with patch testing. Wait for 24hrs; If no irritation occurs, then you can start incorporating it in your skincare routine.
-
Now, wet your body and apply the lathered soap on the tanned areas. Wait for a minute, and then rinse off gently with lukewarm or cold water.
-
Follow up with a moisturizer and sunscreen in your AM routine.
-
For best and visible results, follow up with serum or toner, which is niacinamide or vitamin-C based.
Who Should Use Tan Removal Soap and Who Should Be Careful
Perfect choice when:
-
People have mild or moderate tan
-
Who has pigmentation spots.
-
For someone who needs a brightening routine.
Ensure to be cautious if you:
-
Have very sensitive or reactive skin
-
Using other acid-based treatments
-
Have eczema or very dry skin
-
Are pregnant or on prescription treatments
What Results to Expect & Timeline
-
During the first two weeks skin feels smoother and you may feel a slight difference in skin tan
-
In the next couple of weeks, you may feel the skin brightening especially in tanned areas.
-
In the 6th week, you will feel noticeable results in tan and pigmentation spots.
-
After 8+ weeks, you will see them fading away. But never miss incorporating sunscreen in your skincare routine.
Conclusion
Getting your hands on dermatologist recommended tan removal soap helps in fading away the skin tan and also the pigmentation. Instead of using bleaching soaps or fancy shower gels, get your hands on active and skin-friendly ingredients like kojic acid, acids, charcoal, etc.
Also never miss following your everyday skincare routine, while not missing sunscreen in your AM routine.
FAQs
Will tan removal soap bleach my skin?
No — dermatologist-recommended soaps don’t bleach. They use actives like kojic acid or glutathione to reduce melanin gradually and safely.
How often should I use a tan removal soap?
Typically once daily is sufficient. If the active is strong, limit it to once a day or alternate days and monitor your skin’s reaction.
Can I use tan removal soap on my face and body?
Yes, but choose formulas accordingly. A gentle brightening bar could work for both, while stronger bars (with kojic acid) may be better reserved for body or specific tanned zones.
Will using this soap guarantee that my tan goes away completely?
Results vary. Mild tan may fade significantly, but deeper pigmentation may need complementary treatments like chemical exfoliants or dermatologist-prescribed actives.
Is soap enough, or do I need a tan removal cream or serum too?
Soap helps because it cleans and mildly exfoliates, but for deeper pigmentation, a targeted cream or serum with vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinoids may be needed along with consistent sunscreen.
