10 Best Self Tanners 2025 in the United States

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.

The Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion is designed for medium to deep skin tones and offers a gradual, natural-looking tan, making it a good choice if you prefer a subtle, buildable color rather than an instant dark tan. Being a lotion, it’s easy to apply and provides hydration with ingredients like coconut water and antioxidants, which help keep your skin feeling moisturized and healthy during tanning. It also contains collagen and elastin, which aim to visibly reduce the appearance of cellulite over about a week, adding a skin-firming benefit that many other self-tanners don’t offer. The formula is paraben-free and suitable for all skin types, which is great if you have sensitive skin. The scent is light and fresh, so it won’t leave you with a strong or unpleasant odor typical of some tanning products.

This product focuses on gradual tanning, so it requires several days of consistent use to see a noticeable color change. As a lotion, it may take longer to dry than sprays or mousses, so patience is needed to avoid streaks during application. The package includes two bottles, which is convenient if you plan to use it regularly or on larger areas.

Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion is a solid option for those seeking a moisturizing, gentle, and gradual tan with added skin-firming benefits, though achieving the desired color demands consistent use and some patience.

Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse is a mousse-formulated self-tanner designed for those seeking a quick and natural-looking tan. It offers a dark shade option with an instant bronzer that acts as a color guide, making it easier to apply evenly without streaks. The mousse dries fast—within about 60 seconds—so you can get dressed quickly, and the color guide rinses off after just two hours, with the tan deepening over the next 24 hours. This speedy development time is a strong point for anyone wanting a fast yet effective tanning experience.

The product emphasizes skin-friendly ingredients, being free of parabens and alcohol, and uses naturally derived DHA, which helps create a sun-kissed look without harmful sun exposure. It’s also cruelty-free and dermatologist tested, appealing to those mindful of ethical and skin health concerns.

In terms of application, the mousse comes with a recommended mitt and simple instructions, including moisturizing dry areas beforehand to avoid patchiness. The built-in color guide helps prevent common mistakes like uneven color or streaks, making it more foolproof for beginners. The color depth is limited to a dark shade, so it might not suit those looking for lighter or more customizable tones. While the tan is described as long-lasting, the exact longevity and fading pattern can vary depending on skin type and care routine, which is typical of self-tanners. The packaging offers about five or more applications per bottle, so heavy users may find they need to repurchase frequently. This product fits best for users who want a fast, natural, and streak-free dark tan with skin-conscious ingredients and easy application. It may be less ideal for those seeking multi-shade options or a very gradual tanning build-up.