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10 Best Face Self Tanners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Beauty by Earth Self Tanner - USA Made with Natural & Organic Ingredients, Moisturizing Self Tanning Lotion with Aloe Vera & Coconut for a Natural Glow, Streak-Free Fake Tan, Medium to Dark

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,230
Formulation
Color Guide
Development Time

Most important from
23992 reviews

Formulation
The ingredients are clean and the product delivers a flawless, natural-looking tan after just one application.
Color Guide
It's important to rub the lotion in well around hands and feet to avoid staining, and washing hands after application helps prevent over-tanning.
Development Time
This tanner looks better than an airbrushed spray tan after just one use.
Longevity
Never turns the skin orange, even with regular use every three days.
Skin Type Compatibility
Perfect for naturally olive skin, providing a subtle, natural glow without making the skin look unnaturally dark.
Scent
The tanner smells great and any color that comes off on towels washes right out.
Ingredients
The ingredients are clean and the product delivers a flawless, natural-looking tan after just one application.

The Beauty by Earth Self Tanner is a face and body tanning lotion known for its natural and organic ingredients, making it a good choice for those who are mindful of what they apply to their skin. The inclusion of aloe vera and coconut ensures the product is moisturizing, which can be beneficial for those with dry skin.

It is designed to provide a natural glow without the unwanted orange hue, available in medium to dark shades to cater to various skin tones. The formulation is free from harmful additives like sulfates, parabens, and artificial colors, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

The application process is straightforward, with the product going on clear to prevent streaks and stains on clothing or sheets. One of its strengths is the long-lasting result, which can maintain a tan for several days with proper care. Additionally, it is fragrance-free, which could be a plus for those sensitive to strong scents but might be less appealing for those who enjoy a scented product.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,230
Formulation
Color Guide
Development Time

Most important from
23992 reviews

Formulation
The ingredients are clean and the product delivers a flawless, natural-looking tan after just one application.
Color Guide
It's important to rub the lotion in well around hands and feet to avoid staining, and washing hands after application helps prevent over-tanning.
Development Time
This tanner looks better than an airbrushed spray tan after just one use.
Longevity
Never turns the skin orange, even with regular use every three days.
Skin Type Compatibility
Perfect for naturally olive skin, providing a subtle, natural glow without making the skin look unnaturally dark.
Scent
The tanner smells great and any color that comes off on towels washes right out.
Ingredients
The ingredients are clean and the product delivers a flawless, natural-looking tan after just one application.
#2

Tanning Lotion Self Tanner - USA Made with Natural and Organic Ingredients Non Toxic Sunless Browning Lotion, Best Gradual Tanner for Men and Women, Streak-Free Fake Tan, Fair to Medium

Rating
10.0
Formulation
Color Guide
Skin Type Compatibility

Most important from
23992 reviews

Formulation
The formula goes on clear and doesn’t stain clothes or sheets, making it very convenient to use day or night.
Color Guide
The tanning lotion blends easily without leaving an orange tint, providing a natural, gradual glow that looks very subtle and realistic.
Skin Type Compatibility
It’s super moisturizing and feels silky smooth on the skin, which is great for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Ingredients
Despite some users experiencing mild irritation, the product’s natural ingredients and fragrance-free formula make it safer for sensitive skin types.

This self-tanning lotion by Beauty by Earth aims to give a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without the common orange tint, which is a plus if you want a subtle bronze effect. It comes in two shades—fair to medium and medium to dark—making it suitable for a wide range of skin tones. The lotion is made with natural and organic ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter, avoiding harmful additives such as parabens, sulfates, and artificial colors, which makes it a good choice for sensitive or dry skin types. It’s fragrance-free, so it won’t leave a noticeable scent after application.

The product is designed for both face and body use, including acne-prone skin, which adds versatility. Application is reportedly easy and streak-free, going on clear and not staining clothes or sheets, which can be a big convenience. The tan develops gradually and lasts for several days, allowing you to maintain a healthy glow without sun exposure. However, since it's a gradual tanner, it might not deliver an intense or immediate color change if you’re looking for a quick deep tan.

The lotion is praised for moisturizing the skin and having a clean beauty formula, though some users might prefer other formats like mousse or spray for faster coverage or different textures—these alternatives are also available from the brand. The product is made in the USA and backed by a satisfaction guarantee, reflecting confidence in its quality. This self-tanner is suitable for those seeking a natural, gentle, and safe tanning option that blends easily and suits multiple skin types, especially for people who prefer organic ingredients and gradual color rather than a strong instant tan.

Rating
10.0
Formulation
Color Guide
Skin Type Compatibility

Most important from
23992 reviews

Formulation
The formula goes on clear and doesn’t stain clothes or sheets, making it very convenient to use day or night.
Color Guide
The tanning lotion blends easily without leaving an orange tint, providing a natural, gradual glow that looks very subtle and realistic.
Skin Type Compatibility
It’s super moisturizing and feels silky smooth on the skin, which is great for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Ingredients
Despite some users experiencing mild irritation, the product’s natural ingredients and fragrance-free formula make it safer for sensitive skin types.
#3

b.tan Clear Face Tan Mist | Gimme The Glow Down - Best Facial Tanner Spray, Gradual Bronzing Sunless Tanning Water, Infused with Rosewater, Vegan, Cruelty Free, 6.7 Fl Oz

Rating
9.9
Formulation
Color Guide
Development Time

Most important from
48896 reviews

Formulation
The formula dries quickly and the tan develops gradually over several hours, allowing for a buildable, even glow.
Color Guide
The tanner’s brown color makes it easy to see where it’s applied, and it doesn’t stain sheets or feel sticky.
Development Time
The formula dries quickly and the tan develops gradually over several hours, allowing for a buildable, even glow.
Skin Type Compatibility
Even on very pale skin, this tanner delivers impressive, natural-looking color without the harsh chemical smell or feel.
Scent
It has a mild, pleasant scent that doesn’t overpower or smell odd, making the tanning experience comfortable.

The b.tan Clear Face Tan Mist is a gentle and user-friendly self-tanner designed for both face and body. Its spray formulation, infused with soothing rosewater, helps calm the skin while gradually building a natural-looking tan without orange tones. This gradual tanning mist allows you to control the intensity by layering multiple sprays, which is great if you want a subtle glow or a deeper bronze. It’s suitable for all skin types and is free from parabens and harsh chemicals, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin or who prefer vegan and cruelty-free products.

The scent is mild and pleasant, thanks to the natural ingredients, so it won't overwhelm your senses. The tanning effect develops gradually, so you won’t see an instant change but can build your desired color over several days. Like most gradual tanners, the longevity might require regular application to maintain the glow, especially if you wash your face frequently. The spray is easy to apply evenly, but you need to wait a few minutes before applying makeup or sunscreen to avoid disturbing the tan.

Made in the USA with quality ingredients, this mist is a solid option for anyone looking for a straightforward, natural-feeling facial self-tanner that offers hydration and even skin tone along with a subtle, buildable bronzed look.

Rating
9.9
Formulation
Color Guide
Development Time

Most important from
48896 reviews

Formulation
The formula dries quickly and the tan develops gradually over several hours, allowing for a buildable, even glow.
Color Guide
The tanner’s brown color makes it easy to see where it’s applied, and it doesn’t stain sheets or feel sticky.
Development Time
The formula dries quickly and the tan develops gradually over several hours, allowing for a buildable, even glow.
Skin Type Compatibility
Even on very pale skin, this tanner delivers impressive, natural-looking color without the harsh chemical smell or feel.
Scent
It has a mild, pleasant scent that doesn’t overpower or smell odd, making the tanning experience comfortable.

Buying Guide for the Best Face Self Tanners

Choosing the right face self-tanner can be a game-changer for achieving a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV rays. The key to finding the perfect product lies in understanding your skin type, desired outcome, and how different formulations work. Here are some important specifications to consider when selecting a face self-tanner.
FormulationFace self-tanners come in various formulations such as lotions, gels, sprays, and drops. The formulation affects how the product is applied and how it interacts with your skin. Lotions are hydrating and good for dry skin, gels are lightweight and suitable for oily skin, sprays offer easy application, and drops can be mixed with your regular moisturizer for a customizable tan. Choose a formulation that fits your skin type and application preference.
Color GuideA color guide is a tint in the self-tanner that helps you see where you have applied the product. This is important for ensuring an even application and avoiding streaks. If you are new to self-tanning, a product with a color guide can be very helpful. However, if you prefer a more subtle application, you might opt for a clear formula.
Development TimeDevelopment time refers to how long it takes for the self-tanner to develop its full color on your skin. This can range from a few hours to overnight. If you need a quick tan, look for products with a shorter development time. For a more gradual and natural-looking tan, products with longer development times might be preferable.
LongevityLongevity indicates how long the tan will last before it starts to fade. This can vary from a few days to over a week. If you want a tan that lasts longer, look for products that promise extended longevity. Keep in mind that moisturizing your skin regularly can help maintain the tan for a longer period.
Skin Type CompatibilityDifferent self-tanners are formulated for different skin types. Some are designed for dry skin and contain hydrating ingredients, while others are oil-free and suitable for oily or acne-prone skin. Knowing your skin type and choosing a product that caters to it can help prevent breakouts and ensure a smooth, even tan.
ScentThe scent of a self-tanner can be a significant factor for many users. Some self-tanners have a strong odor that can be off-putting, while others are formulated to be fragrance-free or have a pleasant scent. If you are sensitive to smells, look for products that are labeled as having a light or no scent.
IngredientsChecking the ingredients is crucial, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Look for self-tanners with natural and skin-friendly ingredients. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, parabens, and sulfates. Ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins can provide additional skin benefits.

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