9 of the Best Self-Tanners for A Natural Golden Glow
Skin that boasts a healthy golden glow always looks healthy and alive. But it's a well-known fact that baking in the sun to get that "I-was-just-vacationing-in-St. Barths-look" is not the way to go; self-tanning products are a much safer way to achieve the look of sun-kissed, tanned skin without compromise. Since there's no such thing as a healthy tan, today's best self-tanners offer advanced formulas (often featuring skin-friendly ingredients) and the right blend of pigments for a skin-tone complimenting color. Ditch the streaky faux glow—you know, the ones that also leave the skin looking orange and blotchy—for these modern formulas that promise to level up the tan factor in the healthiest way possible.
Types of Self-Tanners
With so many different types of self-tanning products to choose from today, finding the right one for your skin tone, type, and needs isn't as complicated as it may seem. The first thing to consider is the formulation. From there, you can dial in the depth of the color and the results you are looking for.
Mousse: One of the most common types of self-tanners, easy-to-use mousses absorb fast and apply to the skin evenly. Some are clear, while others are white or tinted, so you can see exactly where the product has been applied for a more uniform application. Gels: Good for oilier skin, as well as the face, this streak-free option blends into the skin easily for a natural-looking tan. Lotions: Most self-tanning lotions are formulated with skincare ingredients to provide moisture and tend to give the most natural-looking glow. Serums and drops: Like skincare serums, the self-tanning version usually features skincare ingredients to benefit the skin. Perfect for a more precise application, self-tanner serums and drops (more concentrated) can be used on their own or mixed into your favorite moisturizer or body lotions to achieve a more subtle-looking tan. Sprays and Mists: Modeled after professional spray tanning sessions, spray and mist formulas coat the skin for even color. They're also handy for getting at hard-to-reach areas since the bottle can be used upside down or right side up without affecting the nozzle's output. Wipes: Super popular tanning wipes are a mess-free option and a must-have when tanning on the go is necessary. These leak-proof, portable self-tanners offer more coverage with a single swipe that develops into a beautiful golden color in just a few hours. Waters: The most subtle tanning option, tanning waters are oil-free, making them a good option for oily and acne-prone skin types. Clear self-tanning products dry down fast and develop into a light wash of golden color.
What are Self-Tanners Made of?
The best self-tanning products may act like magic in a bottle, but truth be told, they contain a few scientifically based ingredients that power up their glow-getting effects.
DHA (dihydroxyacetone): The active ingredient in most self-tanning products, DHA, is a sugar-derived active that interacts with amino acids in the skin to cause a chemical reaction. The effect is the formation of a compound known as melanoidins, which gives the skin a brown pigment that mimics the look of a tan. Erythrulose: Used in conjunction with DHA, erythrulose is commonly found in self-tanning sprays and allows the color to last longer. While formulas with erythrulose may take longer to develop, they also tend to create less of a streaky finish. Dimethyl Isosorbide (DMI): DMI enhances other ingredients in self-tanner to make the product more effective and the tan more natural-looking.
How to Know What Shade of Self-Tanner to Use
When it comes to finding the perfect shade of self-tanner for your skin tone, understanding the natural color of your skin is key. Going with too dark of a shade can cause an artificial and too-deep tan, whereas using a product that's too light may not give enough color to the skin.
Those with fair and light skin should start with a gradual self-tanner to build up to the desired shade of tan. While light-toned tanners are not dramatic, they give the skin a subtle, golden glow. On the other hand, self-tanning products labeled with shade medium also work for lighter skin tones if you want a more intense tan. The color also delivers a natural hint of color to naturally darker skin tones. Finally, deep tanners produce the darkest toned tan possible.
If you're still unsure which shade to use, start with a light one and work your way up to a darker one. This way, you can gauge the difference in each shade and build upon the tan to achieve the desired color.
Shop the Best Self-Tanners
Best Skin-Firming Self-Tanner: Coola Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion
3 reviews
$48.00
When a golden glow and firmer skin are both top of your beauty wish list, this self-tanner is the one to reach for. Considered a multi-purpose self-tanner, the hydrating and firming formula leaves behind a sheer wash of streak-free color that's also transfer-resistant, while caffeine extract works to tighten and smooth the skin.
Key Ingredients: DHA, green caffeine, alaria esculenta extract, pea extract
Skin Benefits: Hydrates the skin for enhanced softness and smoothes and firms the skin
Beauty Insider Tip: To distribute color evenly, massage the lotion onto the skin in circular motions and allow it to dry.
Best Instant Self-Tanner: Vacation Instant Browning Lotion SPF30
1 reviews
$24.00
Some self-tanners take hours to develop, but not this one. Thanks to natural mineral pigments that give the skin an instantly bronzed flow, this lightweight, hydrating lotion also helps extend the life of your faux tan even long after showering.
Key Ingredients: Natural mineral pigments, self-tanning technology, hazelnut oil, shea oil cocoa butter, coffee arabica blend
Skin Benefits: Deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin, helps to visibly firm and tighten the skin, leaves skin feeling silky smooth
Beauty Insider Tip: This formula won't stain hands or fingers, so you won't need to wear tanning gloves or mitts—just wash them thoroughly with soap and water after using the tanner.
Best for Dry Skin: Tarte Brazilliance Plus Self Tanner
14 reviews
$39.00
Packed with natural moisturizers and exfoliators for an even-looking tan, this formula works wonders on dry skin, which can sometimes look streaky or dull from self-tanner. Thanks to a blend of citric acid to promote surface exfoliation and skin conditioners, the formula always delivers a streak-free tan that looks like you just got back from a tropical vacation.
Key Ingredients: PUREshield scent control, squalane, aloe and citric acid, maracuja, vitamin E
Skin Benefits: Exfoliates and hydrates the skin, helps to condition the skin and improves skin texture after two weeks of use
Beauty Insider Tip: Always allow the tanner to fully absorb into the skin for at least 10 minutes before putting on clothes.
Best for a Subtle Tan: St. Tropez Sunlit Skin Self Tan Express
$34.00
Whether you wear this fast-acting self-tanner on its own or under makeup, the tint creates a natural, lit-from-within gorgeous glow. In just one hour, a bronzy hue suitable for all skin tones starts to develop, which is fully locked in after three hours. The best part is that the formula dries quickly and doesn't need to be rinsed off after it develops.
Key Ingredients: Caffeine, hyaluronic acid, erythrulose, aloe leaf juice
Skin Benefits: Doesn't clog pores, hydrates the skin
Best Bronzing Drops: Tarte Key Largo Glow Bronzing Drops
1 reviews
$35.00
These non-transferrable tanning drops are the way to go for a gorgeous glow without setting foot in the sun. Mix the silky formula with your favorite moisturizer, primer, or foundation, and watch your skin transform from dull and pasty to glowy and tan. Plus, the antioxidant-rich formula helps reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.
Key Ingredients: Amazonian clay, mineral pigments, vitamin E, vegan squalane, rice bran extract, watermelon, lentil extract, apple, sunflower, rosemary, sodium hyaluronate
Skin Benefits: Soothes and softens the skin, provides antioxidant benefits to the skin, helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, evens out the skin's tone and texture, hydrates, enhances elasticity and skin softness
Beauty Insider Tip: Mix one to two drops of the tanning serum with moisturizer for a sun-kissed look, two to four drops with a foundation for a darker glow, or apply it straight to the skin for the deepest tan possible
Best Sunscreen-Packed Self-Tanner: Agent Nateur Holi Sun SPF 50 Dewy Tinted Skin Drops
1 reviews
$58.00
Offering sun protection with a lit-from-within glow, these tanning SPF-rich drops are a must for those who need maximum performance from their beauty products. The plant-based formula is also packed with niacinamide to even out the skin and fight off free radicals and squalene for much-needed moisture.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, vitamin E, omega 9, rice bran extract, bisabolol, rosemary leaf extract, green tea leaf extract, allantoin
Skin Benefits: Protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays, reduces redness, prevents clogged pores, boosts antioxidant activity, enhances hydration, soothes redness and irritation, improves the skin's tone and texture, minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles
Beauty Insider Tip: Apply two fingers worth of the formula to the skin 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours or as needed.
Best Tanning Wipes: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self-Tanner for Body
$48.00
Perfect for all skin tones and types, these easy-to-use tanning pads also offer the built-in benefit of exfoliation for a perfect sunless tan. The skin also reaps anti-aging benefits thanks to a unique blend of AHAs and BHAs. Expect a radiant glow, non-streaky application, and silky-smooth skin with each use.
Key Ingredients: Encapsulated DHA, vitamin E, phospholipids, AHAs, BHAs
Skin Type:
Skin Benefits: Smooths out skin imperfections, improves the skin's texture, hydrates and nourishes the skin
Beauty Insider Tip: To enhance your faux tan and make it last longer, always follow up with body lotion after the initial application
Best Buildable Color: Allies of Skin Sunless Tan + SPF 50
4 reviews
$72.00
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, centella asiatica, green tea leaf, licorice root, chamomile flower extract, DHA, goji berry extract
Skin Benefits: Provides antioxidant and pollution protection, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Beauty Insider Tip: Provides antioxidant and pollution protection, helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Best for Added Hydration: Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF
Thanks to its fresh, dewy finish, this color-infused moisturizer helps to hydrate the skin while lending a smoothing effect. Super easy to apply, the fragrance-free formula refines the pores to make them smaller and gives the skin an overall boost so that it appears more even and flawless.
Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, glycerin, vitamin E, rose flower water, thyme flower, superoxide dismutase
Skin Benefits: Refines the skin's appearance, reduces the appearance of pores, makes the skin look more even, significantly hydrates the skin, improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles
Beauty Insider Tip: Dial the shade up by one or two colors for a natural, flesh-toned pop of color.
How to Apply Self-Tanner
No matter which self-tanner you decide is right for you, and regardless of the formulation, the application steps are the same for even coverage and long-lasting results.
FAQs
How Long Does Self-Tanner Last?
Every self-tanning product is slightly different, so the amount of time one lasts compared to another can be different, too. On average, most self-tanners last on the skin for five to seven days, although some can last a few days longer. To extend the life of your tan, keep the skin well hydrated and reapply it as needed.
Is Self-Tanner Bad for You?
It's a given that a faux glow is far better and safer than a sun-induced one. Yet, many people question self-tanners safety despite their safe track record. Most dermatologists agree that self-tanners are safe and pose no threat to your skin's health since they pose no risk of sunburns, premature photoaging, or skin cancers.
That's not to say that a self-tanner can't cause an allergic reaction or adverse effects (although rare). To make sure that you are in the clear, always patch test a new tanner, which is particularly important for those with sensitive skin.
Does Self-Tanner Expire?
Like all beauty products, self-tanner has an expiration date, usually six to 12 months after opening. Check the bottle to note when it's time to replace it so that you can ensure the best results possible.
What's the Best Self Tanner for the Face?
No one wants a fake orange cast to their skin or a streaky appearance when tanning the face. That's why the formulation is key when using self-tanning products on the face. You want a natural boost of color versus an obvious and very fake-looking one. The more precise the applicator, the better it is for the face. And anything that has more of a serum or gel-like consistency to it, the better.
The Bottom Line
Self-tanners are a welcome addition to any beauty routine especially since they give a boost of natural color without compromising the skin's health or integrity. The perfect alternative to baking in the sun, the best self-tanner for you, is the one that works for your skin type and offers the results you wish to achieve. Don't be afraid to use one type of tanner for your face and another for your body, especially if you want the skin below your neck to be a little darker. Plus, different formulas spread and absorb differently, so it's always a good idea to consider where on your body you are using a self-tanner when designing your self-tanning product wardrobe.
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun. Follow Elise on Facebook, Instagram, and on her beauty blog, elisetabin.com
