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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 by1,106
Formulation
Skin Type Compatibility

Most important from
24889 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 by1,106
Formulation
Skin Type Compatibility

Most important from
24889 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

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Foam | Lightweight + Quick Dry Foam Enriched with Argan Oil, Provides a Hydrated Streak-Free Tan | 6.76 Oz/200 mL

Rating
8.5
Formulation Type
Color Depth (Shade Options)
Drying Time and Development Time

Most important from
46370 reviews

Formulation Type
Delivers an even, consistent, and natural-looking tan without the unpleasant typical tanner smell.
Color Depth (Shade Options)
The color develops into a deep golden bronze that never looks orange and lasts about a week.
Drying Time and Development Time
Dries quickly enough to get dressed almost immediately, making it perfect for those short on time.
Longevity and Fading
The color develops into a deep golden bronze that never looks orange and lasts about a week.
Skin-Friendly Ingredients
The pleasant, light coconut scent is noticeable but not overpowering or headache-inducing.
Application and Guiding Color
Application is effortless with the foam texture, and the visible color helps ensure even coverage without streaks.

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Foam is a lightweight mousse designed to deliver a deep, golden tan quickly and conveniently. Its standout feature is the ultra-fast drying time, allowing you to get dressed almost immediately after application, which is great if you’re short on time. The formula is enriched with argan oil, a skin-friendly ingredient that helps keep your skin hydrated and smooth, which sets it apart from some drying self-tanners. This product is suitable for all skin tones and aims for a darker, bronzed glow, making it a solid choice if you want a rich color rather than a subtle tint.

The foam texture makes it easy to spread evenly, and the signature coconut scent adds a pleasant tropical vibe during use. However, the product offers limited shade options, focusing mostly on one deep golden color, so if you prefer lighter or more customizable shades, this might not fully meet your needs. While the tan develops without the need to rinse off, typical fading occurs after several days, which is common for self-tanners and means regular reapplication is necessary to maintain the look.

Bondi Sands Liquid Gold is a great option for anyone seeking a quick-drying, deeply bronzing self-tanner with skin-hydrating benefits, though it may not be suitable for those looking for multiple shade choices or longer-lasting wear.

Rating
8.5
Formulation Type
Color Depth (Shade Options)
Drying Time and Development Time

Most important from
46370 reviews

Formulation Type
Delivers an even, consistent, and natural-looking tan without the unpleasant typical tanner smell.
Color Depth (Shade Options)
The color develops into a deep golden bronze that never looks orange and lasts about a week.
Drying Time and Development Time
Dries quickly enough to get dressed almost immediately, making it perfect for those short on time.
Longevity and Fading
The color develops into a deep golden bronze that never looks orange and lasts about a week.
Skin-Friendly Ingredients
The pleasant, light coconut scent is noticeable but not overpowering or headache-inducing.
Application and Guiding Color
Application is effortless with the foam texture, and the visible color helps ensure even coverage without streaks.
#3

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam | Lightweight, Self-Tanner Foam Enriched with Aloe Vera and Coconut Provides an Even, Streak-Free Tan

Rating
7.6
Skin Type Compatibility
Color Guide
Development Time

Most important from
46370 reviews

Skin Type Compatibility
Perfect for extremely pale skin, achieving a natural, healthy tone without looking obviously tan.
Color Guide
Easy to see and fix any streaks during application, ensuring an even tan every time.
Development Time
Best results are achieved by rinsing after 1-3 hours, ideal for those who want a subtle, natural look.
Longevity
Lasts well even with frequent moisturizing, maintaining color for several days.
Shade Range
Finally found a self-tanner that doesn't turn me orange, even with professional spray tans.

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam is a lightweight, easy-to-apply self-tanner designed to provide an even, streak-free tan. It is enriched with aloe vera and coconut, which helps to nourish the skin while delivering a natural bronzed glow.

This foam formulation is particularly beneficial for normal skin types and is applied using a mitt in long, sweeping motions. The product is suitable for those looking for quick results, as skin can be washed after just one hour of application. It features dual tanning actives that ensure a consistent and long-lasting tan.

The product is lightweight and ideal for someone looking for a simple, salon-quality tanning solution without extensive preparation or waiting time. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you might need to ensure that the aloe vera and coconut blend will provide sufficient hydration and soothing effects.

Rating
7.6
Skin Type Compatibility
Color Guide
Development Time

Most important from
46370 reviews

Skin Type Compatibility
Perfect for extremely pale skin, achieving a natural, healthy tone without looking obviously tan.
Color Guide
Easy to see and fix any streaks during application, ensuring an even tan every time.
Development Time
Best results are achieved by rinsing after 1-3 hours, ideal for those who want a subtle, natural look.
Longevity
Lasts well even with frequent moisturizing, maintaining color for several days.
Shade Range
Finally found a self-tanner that doesn't turn me orange, even with professional spray tans.

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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