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.

Bondi Sands Ultra Dark Self Tanning Foam is a lightweight mousse designed for easy, streak-free application, especially because it comes with a reusable mitt that helps avoid stained hands and uneven patches. This foam formulation is great if you want quick absorption and a smooth finish. It offers an ultra dark shade, which suits those looking for a deep, intense tan, though it might be too strong if you prefer a subtle glow or lighter options. The tanning process is convenient—you apply with the mitt on clean, dry skin, and the tan develops in about an hour, after which you can rinse.

Thanks to ingredients like aloe vera and coconut, this product helps keep skin hydrated and comfortable, which is a plus for sensitive or dry skin types. If you’re after a self-tanner that’s easy to use, offers a rich color, and includes skin-nourishing elements, this Bondi Sands foam is a solid choice. Just be aware that the ultra dark shade may not suit everyone’s preference, and you might want to test for how the tan fades on your skin.

Fake Bake's Self Tanning Liquid Flawless Darker is a liquid formulation designed for users seeking a deep, dark tan with a natural look. It stands out for its fast drying time and relatively quick development period of 4-6 hours, making it convenient for those who want results without long wait times. The built-in color guide is a helpful feature that ensures even application, reducing the chance of streaks, especially when paired with the included mitt and gloves.

This product is noted for working well on all skin tones, from fair to dark, by enhancing your natural pigment rather than masking it, which makes it versatile. It has a pleasant black coconut scent and a non-sticky feel, contributing to a comfortable tanning experience. Longevity is strong, with the tan lasting and fading naturally, which is ideal for users wanting a lasting glow without rapid fading or patchiness. Additionally, it’s formulated with skin-friendly, natural ingredients that are paraben-free, vegan, and cruelty-free, which is a big plus for sensitive skin and those mindful of clean beauty products.

On the downside, this product is specifically marketed as the darkest shade option, so those looking for lighter or more gradual tanning options might need to look elsewhere. Also, while the packaging comes as a 6 fl oz bottle and often sold in a pack of two, some users might find the quantity small if tanning large areas frequently. This self-tanner suits anyone wanting a quick-drying, dark, and natural-looking tan with clean ingredients and ease of use, especially if you prefer a bold bronze look.