About B. Tan: Questionable Claims and Controversies
B. Tan burst onto the self-tanning scene in 2009 with lofty promises of delivering the “darkest tan possible” while being vegan, sustainably sourced, and good for your skin.
But over a decade later, does this indie brand live up to the hype? This investigative B. Tan review will analyze if their products truly deliver, while peeling back the curtain on some questionable claims.
On first glance, B. Tan checks many boxes for the conscious consumer…
The Good:
- Certified vegan and cruelty-free
- Recyclable packaging
- Free of parabens, sulfates and other harsh chemicals
- Usage of natural oils like coconut and argan for skin benefits
But looking closer, some subtle red flags emerge around their sustainability initiatives and skin safety assurances.
For example, B. Tan claims their mitts and bottles are “recycled materials, meant to be repurposed after use.” Yet, their website lacks any concrete details around take-back programs or how customers can actually recycle the packaging.
Additionally, the brand makes vague statements about sourcing “ingredients responsibly” without defining what that entails or providing supply chain transparency around palm oil suppliers.
Finally, while B. Tan states their formulas “deliver results you want” without “compromising skin health,” their self-tanner ingredients like DHA remain controversial due to studies linking it with increased aging and cell damage over time.
So while B. Tan markets themselves as the safe, ethical choice for golden goddess dreams, this review will analyze if the reality lives up to their pretty packaging promises.
B. Tan Self Tanner Review: Questioning Their Best-Sellers
First, let’s review the performance of B. Tan’s most popular tanning mousses and oils…
B. Tan I Want The Darkest Tan Possible Review
B. Tan I Want The Darkest Tan Possible
Get ready for your next Instagram post with the B. Tan I Want The Darkest Tan Possible mousse. Obviously, it’s the darkest possible shade with no fake fragrances and many skin benefits according to the company.
This mousse is 100% vegan and paraben-free. The development time is about one hour. If you really want that dark tan, leave it on for four hours before rinsing off in the shower.
Additionally, exfoliating your skin beforehand will help you get the best results. Or so they claim…
In reality, multiple negative reviews complain this mousse turns them no darker than a medium tan.
Some cite splotchiness and uneven tone as issues:
“I noticed some streaking on hard to reach spots like my back.”
“It dried super quick before I could blend properly. My knees and feet ended up much darker.”
Many blame user error but strict 4+ hour developing times remains impractical for most.
B. Tan AF Review: A Fading, High-Maintenance Formula?
B. Tan AF
Tanning addicts will not be able to get enough of B. Tan AF according to their marketing.
This mousse is slightly lighter than the Darkest Tan Possible but still promises that bronzed complexion.
The brand cautions against applying any lotions or makeup before tanning with Tan AF as it can prevent even results.
But multiple reviewers complain the formula fades quickly regardless, with touch-ups needed every 3-4 days. Others cite stains on sheets and clothing as annoying downsides.
Some positives shared highlight the light tropical scent and smooth, easy application. But the high-maintenance nature proves a turn off for casual tanners or those with sensitive skin.
B. Tan Tanned AF Oil Intensifier Review: The Best B. Tan Product?
B. Tan Tanned AF Oil Intensifier
The Tanned AF Intensifier earns high marks as the best B. Tan product with nearly 5 stars across 30+ reviews.
The lightweight oil formula blends easily without feeling greasy or sticky. Customers love the light citrus scent along with skin softening effects from moisture magnets like coconut and argan oil.
As the name suggests, the AF Intensifier noticeably deepens an existing tan while claims it develops in just 30 minutes. Most reviews support those results but some still found color payoff underwhelming.
Either way, this glow boosting oil seems closest aligned to B. Tan’s brand promise of quick, customized bronzing without compromising skin.
B. Tan Tanning Oils Review
Rounding out this review, let’s evaluate the performance of B. Tan’s SPF tanning oils…
B. Tan Beach Please SPF7 Tanning Oil Review
B. Tan Beach Please SPF7 Tanning Oil
For some added sun protection, the B. Tan Beach Please SPF7 Tanning Oil can be your tanning go-to according to the website.
The formula includes marula and argan oil for some extra nourishment. But with only SPF 7, is this enough coverage for extended sun exposure?
Dermatology experts strongly advise using a minimum SPF 30 when actively tanning. Lower SPFs like 7 or 15 encourage users to bake longer, putting them at higher risk for burns, plus long term skin damage and cancer risk.
So while the Beach Please oil will add some bronzing botanicals and moisture, relying on it as primary sun protection remains sketchy at best.
B. Tan Tropic Like It’s Hot SPF15 Tanning Oil Review
B. Tan Tropic Like It’s Hot SPF15 Tanning Oil
Similarly, the Tropic Like It’s Hot SPF 15 Tanning Oil claims to get you that beach babe glow while protecting your skin. But SPF 15 remains on the low side for safe sunbathing.
And many customer images show deep brown tans achieved after just one use. This casts doubt around responsible usage recommendations from the brand about maximum sun exposure times.
While Vitamins C and E in the formula provide some antioxidant protection, the overall UV coverage still appears inadequate for lasting skin health.
Who Is B. Tan Best For? Read The Fine Print…
B. Tan markets itself as the perfect feel good beauty brand – vegan, natural, skin loving. And their affordable prices and influencer hype makes it so tempting…
But after analyzing all evidence in this B. Tan Review, some big questions remain around whether the brand truly prioritizes your health, safety and right to transparency as a conscious consumer.
While their self-tanners and oils will certainly get you summer bronze (if you meticulously follow instructions), the bigger issue is around skin damage over time and enabling unsafe tanning behaviors.
So ultimately, we only recommend B. Tan‘s lineup for very informed consumers who will take a judicious approach to all product claims and strictly moderate usage.
Those with sensitive skin or allergies should also patch test due to numerous complaints around reactions and PPD allergy risks common in self-tanners.
For everyone else seeking a truly clean, ethical golden glow we suggest exploring tanning oil and mousse alternatives with rigorously vetted formulas from green beauty pioneers like Skinney Beauty.
The Verdict: Why This B. Tan Review Finds Them Overhyped
After peeling back the pretty packaging and hype around B. Tan, inconsistencies emerge between clever marketing claims versus transparent business practices.
Yes, their self-tanners and oils can deliver bronzed goddess status fast. But gaps around ethical supply chain transparency and enforcing safe usage keep this B. Tan reviewer skeptical.
While not outright greenwashing, the brand subtly enables the unhealthy pursuit of short term aesthetics gains over long term skin integrity.
And that feels misaligned for a company supposedly created “with intention” to help people “look and feel your best without compromise.”
Until B. Tan coughs up supply chain details, conducts independent clinical studies on their formulas and provides evidence of comprehensive recycling programs, we place them firmly in the “proceed with caution” category.
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