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 Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse in Medium offers a professional strength sunless tanning solution. It stands out with its streak-free application and natural-looking results, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a reliable self-tanner. The mousse formulation is lightweight, which helps with easy and smooth application. It's suitable for combination skin types and contains naturally derived DHA, avoiding parabens, alcohol, and aluminum, which is great for those with sensitive skin concerns. Additionally, it's cruelty-free, aligning with ethical beauty standards.

Each bottle provides up to five self-tan applications, making it relatively economical for regular use. The product’s development time is quite efficient, delivering a noticeable tan without a prolonged wait. However, the shade range is somewhat limited to a medium tone in this particular product, which may not cater to all skin tones. Users might need to look for other shades from the brand to find their perfect match.

In terms of longevity, the tan tends to last reasonably well, though individual results can vary depending on skin preparation and maintenance. The color guide helps ensure even application, reducing the chances of missed spots. This self-tanner is a good fit for those looking for a middle-ground tan with natural ingredients and a cruelty-free stance, while it might not be ideal for anyone needing a broader range of shades or those new to self-tanning who may require more detailed instructions.

The Loving Tan Deluxe Self Tanning Bronzing Mousse in Ultra Dark is a foam-based self-tanner designed to give you a deep, natural-looking tan with a quick and easy application. Its biggest plus is the built-in color guide, which acts like an instant bronzer and helps you apply the product evenly without streaks. This makes it great for users who want a foolproof tan without the mess or guesswork. The mousse dries quickly—within 60 seconds—so you can get dressed shortly after applying it, which is convenient if you’re in a hurry. The tan continues to develop over 24 hours and lasts several days, giving you a long-lasting glow that fades gradually rather than patchily.

The formula is made with naturally derived ingredients, free from parabens and artificial dyes, making it a gentle option for all skin types. It also has a pleasant fragrance, which is a nice touch since some self-tanners can have a strong smell. The product comes in a 4-ounce bottle, providing multiple applications per bottle, which is economical. The instructions are straightforward, advising moisturizing dry areas before application to avoid uneven color.

A limitation of this product is that it only comes in one very dark shade (Ultra Dark), which might not suit those looking for a lighter or medium tan. Also, you need to wait about eight hours before rinsing off the color guide, meaning you should plan your tanning session ahead of time, ideally overnight, which might not work for everyone’s schedule. While the mousse format is easy to apply with the included mitt, some users may find foam a bit tricky compared to lotions if they're not used to it. Loving Tan Deluxe is a strong choice for anyone wanting a rich, streak-free tan quickly with natural ingredients, especially if they prefer a very dark shade and don’t mind the overnight development time.