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10 Best 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 by1,240
Formulation
Skin Type Compatibility

Most important from
24869 reviews

Formulation
The clean ingredients make a great first impression, and the results are impressive with a flawless, natural-looking tan after just one application.
Skin Type Compatibility
This tanner creates a subtle, natural glow that blends perfectly with naturally olive skin, never turning it orange.

The Beauty by Earth Self Tanner is an appealing choice for anyone seeking a natural-looking tan without exposure to harmful UV rays. Its formulation, made with organic ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter, ensures a moisturizing experience that’s gentle on the skin, making it suitable for various skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Users particularly appreciate the streak-free application, which is a common concern with self-tanners, and the fact that it dries clear, minimizing the risk of staining clothes or sheets.

One of the strengths of this self-tanner is its shade range. It offers options from fair to medium and medium to dark, allowing users to select a color that complements their natural skin tone. The tan develops quickly and can last several days with proper care, making it a convenient option for those who want an easy, low-maintenance way to maintain a sun-kissed glow.

Some users might find the development time to be a bit longer than anticipated, requiring patience for the desired results to fully take effect. Additionally, while the product claims to be suitable for all skin types, results can vary based on individual skin conditions and how well the lotion is absorbed. In terms of availability, this self-tanner is part of a broader range of tanning products from Beauty by Earth, which is a plus for those looking to explore different formats like mousse or tanning drops.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,240
Formulation
Skin Type Compatibility

Most important from
24869 reviews

Formulation
The clean ingredients make a great first impression, and the results are impressive with a flawless, natural-looking tan after just one application.
Skin Type Compatibility
This tanner creates a subtle, natural glow that blends perfectly with naturally olive skin, never turning it orange.
#2

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Face & Body Drops- Medium, Self Tanner Drops for a Natural Bronze, Long-lasting Tan, Cruelty Free, Fragrance Free & Dermatologist-Approved, 1.01 fl. oz

Rating
8.2
Formulation
Development Time

Most important from
10678 reviews

Formulation
This is the best self-tanning product I've ever used. Mixing a few drops with your regular lotion ensures an even application and allows customization of the tan's depth.
Development Time
Just 3 drops into my moisturizer and a couple of hours later, I had a sunny glow.

The Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops in Medium (Golden Glow) offer a tailored approach to self-tanning by allowing users to mix the drops with their favorite moisturizer. This customizable formulation ensures you can control the depth of your tan, making it suitable for varying preferences—from a light radiant glow to a deeper bronze tan.

The drops are vegan and cruelty-free and are infused with natural ingredients like grapefruit, chia seed, and avocado oils, which help to keep the skin hydrated while providing an even and long-lasting tan without streaks, stains, or unpleasant smells. The product uses green color-correcting actives to neutralize red tones and offer a medium golden tan.

Suitable for normal skin types, the self-tanning drops develop within 4-6 hours, providing a quick turnaround for those looking to achieve a sun-kissed look efficiently. It is essential to wash hands after application to avoid staining. While the shade range is customizable, it depends on the user's ability to mix the correct amount, which might be tricky for some. Additionally, because it is designed to mix with your moisturizer, the final result can vary based on the moisturizer’s formulation. This product is beneficial for those who prefer a personalized tanning experience and are comfortable with mixing their own solutions.

Rating
8.2
Formulation
Development Time

Most important from
10678 reviews

Formulation
This is the best self-tanning product I've ever used. Mixing a few drops with your regular lotion ensures an even application and allows customization of the tan's depth.
Development Time
Just 3 drops into my moisturizer and a couple of hours later, I had a sunny glow.
#3

Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops, Customizable Face Tanning Serum, Natural Glow, Mix With Skincare, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Streak-Free, 0.33 fl. oz/10 ml Bottle (Light/Medium)

Rating
8.2
Formulation
Skin Type Compatibility
Color Guide

Most important from
6865 reviews

Formulation
Mixing the drops with moisturizer or serum allows full control over the depth of the tan, making it easy to achieve a subtle glow or a more noticeable effect.
Skin Type Compatibility
The formula works wonders even on very fair skin, providing a gentle glow without appearing orange or streaky.
Color Guide
A small amount goes a long way, delivering a perfect, natural-looking color that evens out skin tone and eliminates the need for makeup.

TAN-LUXE The Face Mini is a 10ml drop-based self-tanning concentrate designed to be mixed with your own moisturizer, serum, or face oil, allowing you to create a custom self-tanner. Its triple tan technology uses organic tanning ingredients that adapt to your skin tone, helping you achieve a natural-looking, radiant tan without the orange or streaky effects some self-tanners can cause. It suits all skin types and is free from parabens, toxins, and cruelty, which is great if you prefer cleaner beauty products.

The formula also includes nourishing ingredients like raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E, which help keep your skin soft and minimize irritation or dryness. The customizable approach means you control the depth of your tan by how much you mix in. Since it’s a mini size, it’s perfect to try out or for travel, but may not last long if you plan to use it daily.

The shade range is limited to a light/medium tone, so those looking for a deeper tan might need a different option. This product is ideal for people who want a subtle, natural facial tan with the flexibility to adjust the intensity, especially those who enjoy mixing their skincare products rather than using pre-mixed self-tanners.

Rating
8.2
Formulation
Skin Type Compatibility
Color Guide

Most important from
6865 reviews

Formulation
Mixing the drops with moisturizer or serum allows full control over the depth of the tan, making it easy to achieve a subtle glow or a more noticeable effect.
Skin Type Compatibility
The formula works wonders even on very fair skin, providing a gentle glow without appearing orange or streaky.
Color Guide
A small amount goes a long way, delivering a perfect, natural-looking color that evens out skin tone and eliminates the need for makeup.

Buying Guide for the Best Self Tanners

Choosing the best self-tanner for you means finding a product that matches your skin tone, your application skills, and your desired level of tan. With so many options available, it can seem overwhelming, but focusing on a few key features will help you make a smart choice. Think about how natural you want your tan to look, how much time you have to apply and maintain it, and how comfortable you feel with different formulations, such as mousse, lotion, or spray. Remember, everyone's skin is different, so a product that works for one person may not work for another.
Formulation TypeThe formulation type refers to the texture and delivery method of the self-tanner. Common options are lotions, mousses, sprays, drops, and towelettes. Lotions are often hydrating and easy to spread, making them suitable for beginners, while mousses absorb quickly and are good if you want faster results. Sprays offer even coverage for hard-to-reach areas, drops can be mixed into moisturizer for a subtle effect, and towelettes provide convenience with minimal mess. Think about how comfortable you are applying each format and how much time you have—you may prefer a lotion if you're new to tanning, or a mousse or spray if you're more experienced and want a faster process.
Color Depth (Shade Options)Color depth means how dark your tan will look after application. Self-tanners usually come in options like light, medium, and dark, and it’s important because you want a natural look that matches your undertone and starting skin color. If you have pale skin or are new to self-tanning, choose a lighter shade to avoid streaks or unnatural results. For medium or olive skin, a medium or dark option might suit you better for a noticeable but still realistic tan. Always consider starting with a lighter tan and building the color gradually.
Drying Time and Development TimeDrying time is how quickly the self-tanner sets on your skin, while development time is how long it takes the color to reach its peak after application. Fast-drying formulas let you get dressed sooner and are good if you're short on time or want to avoid mess. Some tanners require a few hours to develop (overnight tanners), while others offer instant or express versions that work in 1–3 hours. If you need a tan quickly for a last-minute event, look for express products, but for a more gradual, controllable tan, traditional formulas are a good choice.
Longevity and FadingLongevity is how many days the tan will last, and how it fades over time matters for maintaining a natural look. Some self-tanners last only a few days, while others can stay visible for up to a week or more. The way a tan fades—whether it peels, patches, or gradually lightens—is important for avoiding uneven coloring. If you want low maintenance, look for products that promise even fading and longer-lasting results. If you don’t mind reapplying every few days, a shorter-lasting option may be fine.
Skin-Friendly IngredientsSince self-tanners interact with your skin, their ingredients matter—especially if you have sensitivities. Some are formulated with moisturizing agents, vitamins, or are free from common irritants like parabens and fragrances. These are important if you have dry, sensitive, or allergy-prone skin. If your skin is sensitive or you want added skincare benefits, seek out products that highlight hydrating or gentle ingredients. Always consider patch testing on a small area first to see how your skin reacts before applying all over.
Application and Guiding ColorGuiding color means some self-tanners have a visible tint when you apply them, helping you to see where you’ve already put product and avoid streaks or missed spots. Clear formulas don’t show color as you apply, which can be trickier for beginners but may avoid staining clothes or sheets. If you’re new to self-tanning or want a foolproof application, go for a self-tanner with a visible guide color. If you are experienced or want to avoid rub-off, a clear formula might be best.

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