Snooki saw the light when she swore off spray tanning — it may cause cancer. A panel of medical experts told ABC News that the active chemical used in spray tans, dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, can cause genetic mutations and wreak havoc on human DNA.

How safe is dihydroxyacetone?

The use of Dihydroxyacetone as hair colouring ingredient in leave-on applications (non- oxidative) up to a maximum concentration of 6.25% together with the use of self-tanning lotion and face cream containing up to a maximum concentration of 10% Dihydroxyacetone is considered safe.

Is dihydroxyacetone bad for your skin?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DHA for external application to the skin. However, the FDA states that DHA shouldn't be inhaled or applied to areas covered by mucous membranes, including the lips, nose or areas around the eyes because the risks of doing so are unknown.