Do you dream of a sun-kissed glow without the sun’s harsh rays? Many of us want that healthy, bronzed look, but the thought of tanning beds or sun exposure makes us cringe. Thatโs where self-tanner comes in! However, finding a natural self-tanner can feel like a treasure hunt. You worry about strange smells, streaky results, or ingredients you canโt even pronounce. Itโs frustrating when you want a beautiful tan but don’t want to compromise your health or end up looking orange!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what makes a self-tanner truly natural and how to pick one that gives you flawless, streak-free color. Youโll learn to spot the best ingredients and avoid the duds. Get ready to say goodbye to fake-looking tans and hello to your best natural glow yet. Keep reading to unlock the secrets to choosing the perfect natural self-tanner for your skin!
Top Natural Self Tanner Recommendations
- A NATURAL, SUN-KISSED GLOW: Goodbye to orange hues and hello to a natural-looking tan. Our bronzing tanning lotion comes in fair to medium & medium to dark shades for all skin types.
- CLEAN BEAUTY: Trust Beauty by Earth for a natural self tanner organic made with organic aloe vera, shea butter, and botanical extracts without any harmful additives or dyes.
- SUITABLE FOR FACE & BODY: Our organic tanning lotion can be used on both face and body for a seamless, all-over tan. For acne-prone skin, use our tanner lotion for glowing skin.
- OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE: We offer a variety of USA-made best self tanning lotions and formats, including mousse, spray tan, tanning drops, tanning mist, and more. Find your perfect match!
- EASY APPLICATION, NO STREAKS: Our best self tanner for body is easy to apply & goes on clear, without leaving any streaks or patches. You'll have a beautiful, even tan in no time. And no staining your sheets or clothes!
- MADE IN USA WITH CLEAN & ORGANIC INGREDIENTS: Formulated with clean, organic ingredients for a safe and natural-looking glow, our self tanners are ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐.
- A NATURAL, SUN-KISSED GLOW: Achieve a flawless, sun-kissed glow with our self tan mousseโno orange tones, just a natural, radiant tan! Easy to apply and perfect for all skin types, this sunless tanning mousse gives you a smooth, ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ค-๐๐ซ๐๐ finish every time.
- QUICK TAN MOUSSE: The clean self tanning foam absorbs quickly and delivers a ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ณ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ in just a few hours. Our quick-drying formula wonโt transfer or stain clothes or sheets!
- DYE FREE, TOXIN FREE: Achieve a natural-looking tan with our tanning mouse, formulated with the best ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ and ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ like glycerin and hyaluronic acid for glowing and hydrated skin. Our formula is free from junk, providing a safe and effective tanning solution.
- GOODBYE TANNING ODOR: Get a stunning, even tan without the usual strong, unpleasant tanning scent. There are no artificial fragrances, just the natural scent of ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐จ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฌ.
- A NATURAL, SUN-KISSED GLOW: Goodbye to orange hues and hello to a natural-looking tan. Our bronzing tanning lotion comes in fair to medium & medium to dark shades for all skin types.
- CLEAN BEAUTY: Trust Beauty by Earth for a natural self tanner organic made with organic aloe vera, shea butter, and botanical extracts without any harmful additives or dyes.
- SUITABLE FOR FACE & BODY: Our organic tanning lotion can be used on both face and body for a seamless, all-over tan. For acne-prone skin, use our tanner lotion for glowing skin.
- OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE: We offer a variety of USA-made best self tanning lotions and formats, including mousse, spray tan, tanning drops, tanning mist, and more. Find your perfect match!
- EASY APPLICATION, NO STREAKS: Our best self tanner for body is easy to apply & goes on clear, without leaving any streaks or patches. You'll have a beautiful, even tan in no time. And no staining your sheets or clothes!
- SELF TANNER BODY LOTION - Create a flawless light bronze tan with gradual, natural-looking color while nourishing and hydrating dry and extra dry skin
- FIRMING TAN LOTION - Infused with antioxidants and Coconut Water, Jergens +FIRMING Moisturizerโs hydrating blend of nutrients boosts moisturization for healthier looking skin and daily skin hydration.
- CELLULITE REMOVER - Infused with collagen, elastin, and green tea infusions, our fast-acting, anti cellulite formula will help reduce cellulite appearance within 7 days
- ACHIEVE HEALTHY-LOOKING SKIN - With antioxidants and Coconut Water, Jergens +FIRMING Moisturizer hydrating blend of nutrients boosts moisturization for healthier looking skin and daily skin hydration
- FRESH SCENTED SUNLESS TANNING - Jergens Natural Glow sunless tanning daily moisturizers will keep you feeling fresh with a light and fresh scent
- NATURAL LOOKING, SUN KISSED SKIN. The world's first 100% Natural DHA self-tan body treatment with full skin care benefits. Transforms your skin without any of those nasty streaks or blotches for a beautiful natural looking, golden glow with no orangey tones.
- ANTI-AGING WITH ZERO NASTIES. This lightweight mousse delivers an instant bronze glow that is fast drying and develops in just 2 hours to a long-lasting tan. Infused with raw virgin coconuts, botanicals and amino acids to hydrate, blurs pigmentation and cover blemishes to perfect your skin. Created using our unique Cellushape technology enriched with powerful natural antioxidants like fig, banana, papaya and cocoa to improve signs of aging.
- SMELL SO GOOD, YOUโLL WANT MORE. Our Sunny Honey self tan has a tropical mango and guava fragrance that gives you the feel of an island escape. No more biscuit smells! Get ready to rock that tan glow! A little goes a long way as each bottle has roughly 260 pumps and can last approx 10-20 full body tanning sessions.
- EASY APPLICATION WITHOUT ANY TRANSFER. Lightweight, non-sticky formula to be applied by hand in circular motions. Use only a small pump to apply the tan to tricky-to-tan areas like the feet, hands, face and ears. Shower in warm water after 2 hours and gently pat skin dry. You may also wish to sleep in it overnight for a deeper and longer-lasting tan as our tan doesn't transfer! Psst, you may even use a fine-tipped brush or freckle stencil to make faux freckles!
- CRUELTY FREE, VEGAN AND ALL NATURAL. Formulated with only the highest quality natural ingredients. Our cutting-edge formula will moisturize your skin while giving you that stunning beach babe glow. Our Coco & Eve Sunny Honey tanning mousse is vegan, cruelty free, never tested on animals and toxin free made with all natural ingredients.
- MADE IN USA WITH CLEAN & ORGANIC INGREDIENTS: Formulated with clean, organic ingredients for a safe and natural-looking glow, our self tanners are ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐.
- A NATURAL, SUN-KISSED GLOW: Achieve a flawless, sun-kissed glow with our self tan mousseโno orange tones, just a natural, radiant tan! Easy to apply and perfect for all skin types, this sunless tanning mousse gives you a smooth, ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ค-๐๐ซ๐๐ finish every time.
- QUICK TAN MOUSSE: The clean self tanning foam absorbs quickly and delivers a ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ณ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ in just a few hours. Our quick-drying formula wonโt transfer or stain clothes or sheets!
- DYE FREE, TOXIN FREE: Achieve a natural-looking tan with our tanning mouse, formulated with the best ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ and ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ like glycerin and hyaluronic acid for glowing and hydrated skin. Our formula is free from junk, providing a safe and effective tanning solution.
- GOODBYE TANNING ODOR: Get a stunning, even tan without the usual strong, unpleasant tanning scent. There are no artificial fragrances, just the natural scent of ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐จ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฌ.
- MADE IN USA WITH CLEAN & ORGANIC INGREDIENTS: Formulated with clean, organic ingredients for a safe and natural-looking glow, our self tanners are ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐.
- A NATURAL, SUN-KISSED GLOW: Achieve a flawless, sun-kissed glow with our self tan mousseโno orange tones, just a natural, radiant tan! Easy to apply and perfect for all skin types, this sunless tanning mousse gives you a smooth, ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐๐ค-๐๐ซ๐๐ finish every time.
- QUICK TAN MOUSSE: The clean self tanning foam absorbs quickly and delivers a ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ง๐ณ๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ in just a few hours. Our quick-drying formula wonโt transfer or stain clothes or sheets!
- DYE FREE, TOXIN FREE: Achieve a natural-looking tan with our tanning mouse, formulated with the best ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ and ๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ง๐ข๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ like glycerin and hyaluronic acid for glowing and hydrated skin. Our formula is free from junk, providing a safe and effective tanning solution.
- GOODBYE TANNING ODOR: Get a stunning, even tan without the usual strong, unpleasant tanning scent. There are no artificial fragrances, just the natural scent of ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐จ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฌ.
- Fast-developing gradual self tanner โ Lightweight daily body lotion builds a soft, streak-free tan in hours, leaving skin smooth, radiant, and naturally bronzed
- Proven to last up to 7 days โ Gradual tanning formula delivers a healthy, long-lasting glow that fades evenly and keeps skin glowing all week
- Smells great and transfer-proof โ Summer fragrance and quick-absorbing texture ensure a clean tanning experience without self-tan odor or color transfer onto clothes
- Enriched with skincare ingredients โ Infused with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and beta glucan to hydrate, plump, and nourish skin while supporting a lasting glow
- Natural bronze, not orange โ Vegan and cruelty-free clean beauty formula creates a golden, streak-free finish that suits every skin tone and type
Your Guide to Glowing Naturally: Choosing the Best Natural Self-Tanner
Want that sun-kissed look without the sun damage? Natural self-tanners are your answer! These products use ingredients derived from nature to give you a beautiful, healthy glow. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? Follow this guide to become a natural self-tanning expert.
1. Key Features to Look For
Good natural self-tanners share important traits. Look closely at the label before you buy.
Color Development and Tone
- Gradual vs. Instant Color: Some tanners build color slowly over several days. Others give you a tan right away. Decide which speed works best for you.
- Undertone Match: The best natural tanners avoid orange tones. Look for formulas that promise a “golden” or “olive” hue. This means the color will look more real on your skin.
Application Style
- Mousse vs. Lotion vs. Drops: Mousses dry fast and are easy to spread. Lotions are moisturizing and great for dry skin. Drops let you mix the color into your regular moisturizer for the most control.
Scent
Many traditional tanners smell like biscuits. Natural formulas often use essential oils or no fragrance at all. If strong smells bother you, seek out “fragrance-free” options.
2. Important Ingredients: What Makes it Natural?
The “natural” part of the tanner comes from its main coloring agent and its supporting ingredients.
The Main Ingredient
Almost all effective self-tanners use Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). In natural formulas, the DHA is often plant-derived (like from sugar beets or cane sugar). This ingredient reacts safely with the amino acids on your skin’s surface to create the tan color.
Nourishing Additions
High-quality natural tanners include skin-loving extras:
- Aloe Vera: This soothes and hydrates your skin.
- Natural Oils: Shea butter or coconut oil keep the skin soft during the tanning process.
- Antioxidants: Ingredients like Vitamin E protect your skin.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a natural tanner affects how long it lasts and how good it looks.
Quality Boosters
- Even Blending: Formulas that glide on smoothly usually give a more even result. Thick or sticky formulas can streak.
- Long Wear Time: Natural tanners that contain good moisturizing agents tend to last longer because they prevent dry patches from flaking off too soon.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)
Watch out for products loaded with harsh chemicals. Parabens and synthetic fragrances can irritate skin, which makes the tan look patchy. Also, formulas that dry too quickly often lead to uneven application.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about when and how you plan to use your tanner.
For Beginners
If you are new to self-tanning, start with a gradual tanning lotion or tanning drops. These give you gentle color that is easy to fix if you make a small mistake. You build confidence slowly.
For Special Events
If you need a deep, quick tan for a party, choose a dark mousse. Mousses develop color fast, often within four to eight hours. Make sure you exfoliate well before using these for the best result.
Daily Maintenance
Use a tanning body wash or a daily moisturizer with a hint of tanner to keep your color fresh between full applications. This keeps your glow consistent.
Natural Self-Tanner FAQs
Q: How long does a natural self-tanner usually last?
A: Most natural self-tanners last between four to seven days. This depends on how often you shower and moisturize your skin.
Q: Will natural self-tanner make me look orange?
A: High-quality natural tanners usually avoid orange tones. They aim for a golden or bronze color that matches your skin’s natural undertones.
Q: Can I use natural self-tanner if I have sensitive skin?
A: Yes, often you can! Natural formulas usually skip harsh perfumes and dyes. Always check the ingredient list for known allergens, though.
Q: Do I need a special mitt to apply natural self-tanner?
A: A tanning mitt is highly recommended. It helps you spread the product evenly across large areas like your legs and arms, preventing stains on your hands.
Q: How should I prepare my skin before applying?
A: You must exfoliate your skin the day before tanning. Shave any hair you plan to remove. On the day of application, make sure your skin is clean and completely dry. Do not put on any lotion first.
Q: What is the difference between natural DHA and synthetic DHA?
A: Chemically, they are the same molecule that creates the color. The difference is where the DHA comes from. Natural versions are sourced from plant sugars, while others might be made differently in a lab.
Q: Can I swim or exercise after applying the tanner?
A: Wait at least eight hours after applying before swimming or heavy sweating. Water and sweat can wash off or streak the fresh tan.
Q: Are tanning drops better than a tanning lotion?
A: Tanning drops offer more control. You mix a few drops into your normal lotion for a very light tan. Lotions give a more direct application, often resulting in a deeper color faster.
Q: Does natural self-tanner smell bad?
A: Modern natural formulas smell much better than older products. Many use essential oils for a light, pleasant scent, or they are completely odorless.
Q: How often should I reapply for a consistent tan?
A: To keep your color strong, you usually need to reapply a full layer every five to seven days. You can use gradual tanners in between to touch up fading areas.