The Best Self Tanners for a Sunless Summer Glow, Tested by Us (2024)

Using a self tanner is one of the easiest ways to achieve glowy, bronzed skin without sacrificing yourself to the damaging effects of UV rays. Top-performing formulas provide natural-looking results with an application that is so streamlined and effortless that even the most novice tanner can get streak-free results.

To find the best self tanners, we researched and tested lotions, sprays, foams, and more, while considering formulation, shade range, development time, product size, and, of course, how good the resulting tan looked. We also spoke with Elizabeth Grace Hand, esthetician and founder of Ställe Studios in New York City, and Courtney Rubin, MD, MBE, FAAD, chief medical officer at Fig.1, for their expertise and real-life results with self tanners. Our best-in-class recommendations will have everyone asking how good your beach vacation was.

Our Top Picks

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What Stands Out

  • The tan offers a natural appearance once developed, and we think it’d be great for many skin tones and shades.

What Could Be Improved

  • The formula dries quickly, so you need to move a bit faster than usual when applying.

The St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzer Mousse is our favorite tanner, thanks to its simple pump-style dispenser, streak-free formula, and longevity. While it is one of the higher-priced formulas on our list, it’s worth it—the product went on easily even though we didn’t have the brand’s signature mitt on, and we really liked the natural-looking, not-at-all-orange color it gave us. That said, we would definitely recommend using the mitt, because it’s a pretty quick-drying formula and without one, there’s more of a risk for an uneven coat.

When blending the formula on the skin, we could tell where we had yet to apply it, making it a great option for beginner and novice tanners. We like the immediate bronzing effect and the fact that it was comfortable to wear throughout the day so we weren’t limited in what we could do while waiting for it to develop. It wasn’t sticky, and it didn’t transfer to any of our clothes or bedding (just wait 60 seconds before getting dressed). There was no off-putting “self-tanner” smell, either. In all, it’s an awesome fake tan that takes four to eight hours to develop and can last up to 10 days.

Type: Mousse | Shades: Classic | Development Time: 4–8 Hours | Size: 1.7, 4, or 8 ounces

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What Stands Out

  • The ergonomic pump makes getting the right amount for each application section easy.

What Could Be Improved

  • It’s not as hydrating as other options.

Considering how lightweight and thin this gradual tanning lotion is, you wouldn't expect the Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk to layer on itself so beautifully as you build up the color. We found that it took us a few daily applications to build up a natural-looking tan, and switching to two days per week resulted in an even appearance to our skin.

As we rubbed the formula into our skin, we noticed right away how quickly it dried down. This means you have to work quickly and in small areas during application to prevent any streaking, but the good thing about a quick dry down is that you can apply it morning or night and feel comfortable wearing any outfit (even one that's all white). Just be careful when applying, as Bondi Sands suggests washing your hands immediately after use to avoid any unwanted tan lines on your hands.

Type: Lotion | Shades: 1 | Development Time: 24 hours | Size: 3.4 and 12.6 ounces

What Stands Out

  • The formula and color development are forgiving.

What Could Be Improved

  • The product can become patchy in hard-to-reach areas or on the contours of the body, like the ankles and knees.

An inexpensive drugstore option that offers a natural radiance is the best way to describe the Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Self Tanner. In testing, the formula was very forgiving, particularly for those of us who have never used a tanning product before. As long as you take the time to rub it into the skin—it’s not as quick drying as other options, so you can apply it just as you would your daily moisturizer—there’s no need for a mitt or any other application method other than your own hands. It gives a natural-looking tan and moisturizes your skin in the process.

This formula has a tropical scent that masks the traditional staleness many individuals notice with self-tanning products, and the option of two hues allows different skin tones to experience the subtle glow. We did experience some patchiness around the ankles, but we didn’t think it was that noticeable. Since this is a gradual tanner, you’ll start to notice subtle results in about 24 hours and slightly deeper color by day two. We wouldn’t recommend this to anyone looking for major color before a big event, but if you want to incorporate a little bit of warmth piece by piece every day, this is for you.

Type: Lotion | Shades: Light/medium and medium/deep | Development Time: Gradual | Size: 7.5 Ounces

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What Stands Out

  • It’s super easy to put on because all you have to do is mix a few drops with your daily moisturizer.

What Could Be Improved

  • The dropper can be messy during the mixing process.

Applying a traditional self tanner to your face is risky, but a formula you can add to your favorite skincare? Game changing. For a naturally glowing complexion, we suggest the Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops.

We read the directions before testing and they say to add two to 12 drops to your favorite moisturizer, mix the two, and gently blend into your skin. Since we weren't sure how pigmented the tanner would make us, we went with four to be safe. Fortunately, there was no streaking or patchiness the next day, and the resulting tan left us feeling sunkissed. It took several days before the color started to fade, but maintenance isn't an issue since the drops are so convenient.

Note that the overall formula of the drops is slightly oily. It didn't change the consistency of our moisturizer, but it is something to consider if you have an oily skin type.

Type: Serum | Shades: Light/Medium or Medium/Dark | Development Time: 6–8 hours | Size: 0.3 & 1.0 ounces

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What Stands Out

  • You don’t have to wait a full eight hours to wash off the guide, so it’s great for people in a rush.

What Could Be Improved

  • The lightest shade might be too deep for those with fair skin.

The Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse is the ideal choice for anyone running low on time and needing an instant glow. Within one and a half hours of applying, we had a well-developed tan that didn't transfer onto our clothes or leave us feeling sticky. If you wanted to keep the tan on longer for a deeper tint, you could—but who has the time?

During testing, the brown foam turned into a milky, sudsy consistency that made blending effortless, ensuring we didn't miss any areas of the skin. There was some slight patchiness on places like our elbows and knees, but it is nothing that proper skin prep couldn't fix. We definitely suggest using a tanning mitt with this mousse to avoid streaking. The product doesn't come with one, so you have to purchase it separately.

Type: Mousse | Shades: Dark or Ultra Dark | Development Time: 1–4 hours | Size: 6.7 ounces

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What Stands Out

  • The formula is rinse free, allowing you to control the depth of the tan, and it’s safe for acne-prone skin.

What Could Be Improved

  • It can feel sticky to some.

Individuals with sensitive skin can experience a range of reactions from redness to itchiness when it comes to body products. The Tanning Foam from SaltyFace, on the other hand, is free of irritants including sulfates, parabens, and phthalates and relies on soothing botanical agents such as aloe leaf extract and chamomile flower extract to create a subtle golden glow. The vegan and cruelty-free formula is also safe for those with acne-prone skin, thanks to oil-balancing camellia sinensis leaf, so you won't necessarily need to purchase a separate tanner for your face and body. No matter where you're applying the tanner, the brand suggests using its body brush to ensure an even application.

Type: Foam | Shades: Light/medium and medium/deep | Development Time: 1–24 Hours | Size: 6.8 Ounces

What Stands Out

  • The packaging makes applying the right amount to certain body areas easy.

What Could Be Improved

  • It is hard to remove even as it fades

The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam is ideal for those who want a straightforward application with a tan that practically won't budge once it develops. It’s easy to apply thanks to its simple instructions. Testing proved that the modest packaging and ergonomic pump allowed for ease of travel and more precise application. If we needed more product, we used two pumps for an area instead of one. As the tan developed, there was a subtle, more natural tan to the skin as opposed to the dark tone promised on the packaging. Still, unlike other formulas, this foam applied and developed evenly, even without an application mit.

The tanner is seemingly impossible to remove, a factor that could make or break using it for some. After application, we found the product to still be visible on our skin a week later. We recommend proper skin prep before applying self-tanner—it’s crucial to getting a flawless tan.

Type:

Foam | Shades: Light/Medium, Dark, Ultra Dark | Development Time: 6–8 Hours | Size: 6.76 Ounces

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What Stands Out

  • There are additional skincare benefits from hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and rosewater.

What Could Be Improved

  • The formula is so popular that it frequently sells out.

With the product's recent package upgrade to a micro-mister, the Bali Body Face Tan Mist is a natural-looking facial spray that won't cause breakouts. We tested the original product where the application technique is similar to how you’d apply a toner. A bit of product applied to a cotton pad and swept across the cheeks left us with a noticeably glowing complexion without signs of breakouts or irritation. After the four-hour mark, we had noticeably deeper skin that received endless compliments.

The formula feels weightless yet moisturizing, and we couldn’t help but love the streak-free and even application. With effortless application in a completely vegan and cruelty-free formula, you're hard-pressed to find a more user-friendly tanning spray.

Type: Spray | Shades: Dark and ultra dark | Development Time: 4–6 Hours | Size: 3.38 ounces

What Stands Out

  • The formula dries quickly and doesn’t transfer.

What Could Be Improved

  • The lightest shade might not provide a noticeable change.

Another lightweight lotion that leaves behind a subtle glow is the Tanologist Brightening Gradual Tan Lotion. It’s quick drying, coconut scented, and doesn't leave behind a tacky film on the skin once it sinks in.

During testing, we opted to apply the formula with a tanning mitt to avoid any staining on our hands. The brand doesn't offer or suggest using one, but it is a personal preference that could save you if you're running out the door. That said, the formula developed nicely overnight and built on itself throughout the week without being uneven or collecting in places like our elbows.

We appreciate that the brand offers two shades when many gradual tanners have one. It makes the product feel more universal and customizable, especially since the price point is affordable compared to those same brands.

Type: Lotion | Shades: Fair/Medium or Medium/Dark | Development Time: 24 hours | Size: 8.45 ounces

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What Stands Out

  • You don’t need a lot of foam, even for larger areas.

What Could Be Improved

  • The scent is heavy and lingers on the skin.

The traditional development time of six to eight hours is well worth the wait, considering the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam evenly tans the skin for a week before fading.

We had to work fast when applying the foam, but the inherent dark hue meant we could see exactly where we needed more product, keeping the tan even. We did notice a bit of patchiness on our wrists, but it was undetectable and most likely because of the glove. As we tested the product, we loved a mitt application, but the one provided with the formula was difficult. The thumb slot made it hard to switch back and forth between our hands, a small detail worth noting.

If you go to bed with the tanner on, try waiting until it fully dries before putting on clothes. We found that if we got dressed too quickly, there was minor product transfer on our garments.

Type: Foam | Shades: Medium, Dark, Ultra Dark | Development Time: 2–8 hours | Size: 6.7 ounces

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What Stands Out

  • The lotion allows you to customize how deep your tan gets when used daily.

What Could Be Improved

  • The coconut scent is strong and lingers.

Of the organic formulas we tried, the COOLA Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion was the most natural and perfect for novice and pro tanners. The lotion itself has a thicker consistency, which meant we had to work harder to blend it into the skin, but the hydration and color left behind didn't disappoint. We found that there is a sweet spot with how much you use. Applying too much resulted in a bit of streaking, not ideal as the product doesn't fade from the skin quickly.

We started to notice the tan developing around the two-hour mark post application, but a full glow wasn't achieved until the typical four- to six-hour window passed. This is an ideal lotion for an overnight tan, particularly because of the swift dry downtime and lack of transfer onto clothes and sheets. If you do choose to use it during the day, the delicious coconut scent masks the odor that self tanner is known for

Type: Lotion | Shades: Universal | Development Time: 6–8 hours | Size: 6 ounces

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What Stands Out

  • The lotion develops into a tan that doesn’t look orange.

What Could Be Improved

  • It can be hard to distinguish where you have and have not applied the lotion.

What's great about the Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tan Lotion is that the thinner consistency made the application a breeze during the testing process. We found it dried quickly but didn't skimp on hydration, thanks to moisturizing ingredients like aloe and raspberry seed oil, but had some minor signs of streaking if not blended into the skin well. Even so, the tan that developed was quite natural and lasted for a solid five days with several showers.

The clear bottle packaging makes it easy to dispense the formula and allows you to see just how much product you have left before you need to restock. To our surprise, after two applications, we picked up on just how much of the lotion you need to get substantial results. Given you have a lot of control over how much product you apply, there is a way to stretch out the given amount in each bottle.

Type: Lotion | Shades: Universal | Development Time: 8–12 hours | Size: 8.45 ounces

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Final Verdict

The Classic Bronzer Mousse from St. Tropez is our favorite self-tanner because of its easy application process, natural-looking finish, and the formula’s lasting results. If you're in a pinch and are looking for a product for an instant bronze with long-term results, the Bali Body Self Tanning Mousse and Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Self Tanner are two standout options. If your skin is sensitive, SaltyFace offers a tanning foam that won't cause breakouts or irritate the skin.

Our Testing Process

To find the best self tanners, we selected 15 options and tested them at home. We selected the color option that best fit our unique skin tones if the brand had multiple to choose from. If there was only one formulation available, we used that tanner.

Before we applied the product to our bodies, we patch-tested the self tanner to ensure we didn't experience any adverse reactions. From there, we followed the manufacturer's directions, collecting our results over the two-week testing period. In the case there were no application instructions, we thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated our skin, ensuring the best possible base for the tanner. We then worked sectionally, gently buffing the product into our skin with an application mitt.

We recorded our initial results and noted any pain points, triumphs, and fading of each tanner we tried.

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How to Shop for Self-Tanner Like a Pro

Type

The most common self-tanning formulas are foam, lotion, mousse, and water-based sprays. The best formula to use is based on personal preference, but there are a few signs that indicate which type will give optimal tan results immediately and throughout the wear.

According to Hand, cream or lotion is best for dry skin, while foam, gel, and water-based products are best for oily skin. This is simply because cream and lotion adds hydration back to the skin; foam, gel, and water-based products dry down quicker without additional moisture benefits, often clinging to rough or dry patches of skin. Ultimately, the best way to find what’s right for you is through trial and error.

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Ingredients

"The active ingredient in self tanner, called DHA, is the same across formulas," Rubin says, but that doesn't mean your tanner can't contain additional skincare benefits.

Choosing a self tanner that also includes ingredients that are good for your skin means an amazing natural-looking tan while addressing specific skin needs and improving overall skin health, whether hydration, firming, boosting collagen, or combatting acne, Hand explains.

She suggests someone with acne-prone skin look at the brand Salty Face because it contains camellia sinensis leaf to balance sebum production. She also recommends Isle of Paradise Tanning Natural Glow Face Drops, as it contains Vitamin C to reduce dark spots and unevenness.

Shades

Color theory plays an integral role in selecting a tanner shade. Hand breaks it down into four categories: fair, medium, olive, and dark. After deciphering which shade of skin you have, consider whether your skin has a warm or cool undertone. Those with neutral undertones (a blend of the two) have room to play with shade variations.

Fair Skin

  • Cool: Choose a fair to light shade with a hint of red or violet to avoid looking orange.
  • Warm: Choose a light to medium shade with golden or peach tones to enhance warmth.

Medium Skin

  • Cool: Go for a medium shade with slight red or olive undertones.
  • Warm: Select a medium to dark shade with golden or caramel tones.

Olive Skin

  • Cool: Medium to dark shades with red or neutral undertones work well.
  • Warm: Choose dark shades with green or golden undertones to complement the natural warmth.

Dark Skin

  • Cool: Look for dark shades with red or blue undertones.
  • Warm: Choose the darkest shades with golden or deep brown undertones to enhance richness.

Development Time

The development time of your self tanner depends on the formula: It can range from one hour with an express tanning mousse to 12 or 24 hours with a gradual tanning lotion.

Most formulas average roughly four to eight hours before the tan reaches its maximum color payoff. At that point, you should follow your product-specific rinsing and post-application instructions to ensure the tan lasts as long as possible on the skin.

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More Self Tanner to Consider

Beauty by Earth Self Tanner: The Beauty by Earth Self Tanner offers a tan that isn't orange and melts into the skin despite its initial thick, white appearance. We love that the formula is completely organic and develops evenly during the eight-hour activation window. If you have sensitive skin, though, you’ll want to avoid this: It made us break out in red, itchy bumps. We applied it again just to make sure that was the culprit, and it was, so we stopped using it. Definitely do a patch test if you decide on this one.

St. Tropez Tan Express Bronzing Mist: We love St. Tropez for its amazing foam tanners, but the Self Tan Express Bronzing Mist is a formula we recommend for a more experienced tanner. The spray doesn't offer the most even application, requiring quick hands and a reliable mitt to prevent streaking. The color was natural yet still noticeable by day six once we understood spraying onto an applicator and buffing it into the skin was the best way to use it. While you won't notice any transfer with this tanner, you'll pick up on that telltale self tanner scent until you jump into the shower.

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Questions You Might Ask

Do you need a separate self tanner for your face?

Not all self tanners are created equal—there are circumstances that require the use of a separate tanner for your face. "If your skin is the least bit acne prone or sensitive, it is better to use a product or tanner formulated specifically for the face vs. one formulated for the body,” Hand says.

This is because body-tanning formulas can include potential pore-clogging ingredients, which may result in a breakout. People often tan slightly differently on their face vs. their body, Rubin adds, so choosing a self tanner specifically formulated for the face can help it to appear more natural.

If you don't find yourself in either camp, you can ultimately choose to forgo self tanner on your face and opt for a deeper shade of foundation and concealer to create harmony between your complexion and body.

How long does self tanner last?

A tan's longevity varies from person to person. Hand believes that contributing factors lie in an individual skin type, the product formula, and pre- and post-body care. Generally, though, it typically peaks on days two through four before fading over the course of about two weeks, she says.

"Self tanner is interacting with the very top layer of dead skin cells, so how long it lasts depends on how quickly those dead skin cells shed," Rubin says. This natural shedding process is why both agree that exfoliating and moisturizing the skin before tanner application will keep it golden and glowing for longer compared to those who don't practice proper skin prep. Your choice of an exfoliant can be physical, like a scrub or exfoliating mitt, or chemical through body serums with ingredients like glycolic or lactic acids.

What is the best type of self tanner for older skin?

Aging skin typically lacks moisture, making it challenging to find body products that don't emphasize concerns like texture, crepiness, or sun damage. Both Hand and Rubin advocate for self tanners with a more hydrating quality to minimize the prominence of these concerns when using a tanner.

Hand says to look for cream- or lotion-based products instead of mousses, sprays, or water-based products. “Tinted products are also great because aging skin tends to be more uneven, so if you can see the product going onto your skin, you automatically reduce the chance of streakiness," she adds.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Grace Parsons, a beauty industry veteran and writer with experience across the cosmetics, skin, and wellness industries. To find the best self tanners, our editors tested 15 products at home over the course of weeks and researched the rest based on formula type, shade range, development time, and size. Grace spoke with Elizabeth Grace Hand, esthetician and founder of Ställe Studios in New York City, and Courtney Rubin MD, MBE, FAAD, chief medical officer at Fig.1, for their expert advice.

The Best Self Tanners for a Sunless Summer Glow, Tested by Us (2024)

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