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 St.Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist offers a convenient way to achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow while incorporating skincare benefits. Its formulation includes hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, which help to hydrate and provide an instant radiance boost. This vegan and cruelty-free product is designed for easy application with a lightweight, quick-drying spray that requires no rinsing. It’s especially suitable for those with dry skin, as it hydrates while tanning, ensuring a streak-free finish. The clear mist means there's no risk of transferring color to clothes or bedding, which is a significant advantage.

However, because it's clear, it doesn't have a color guide, which might make it challenging for beginners to see where they've applied it. Development time is relatively quick, with the tan lasting for several days, reducing the need for frequent reapplication. While it works well under or over makeup, the product size (2.7 Fl Oz) might be on the smaller side for those seeking a long-term solution. Also, the shade range isn’t specified, which could be a limitation for those looking for a specific depth of tan.

This face mist is best suited for those looking for a hassle-free, hydrating self-tanner with added skincare benefits.

The Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water in Dark is a user-friendly, spray-on self-tanner designed for both face and body. Its clear water-based formula stands out because it doesn’t leave a visible color while applying, reducing the risk of streaks or uneven patches. This makes it much easier to apply than some traditional self-tanners that can be messy or leave an orange tint during application. The formula includes plant oils like grapefruit, chia seed, and avocado, which help keep the skin hydrated and support a natural, glowing tan. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, making it a good choice if you prefer products with skin-friendly and ethical ingredients. The product is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts, making it suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

In terms of shade, it offers a deep bronze color, and the built-in violet color-correcting actives help counteract any unwanted orange tones, creating a more natural bronze look. The tan develops gradually over 4 to 6 hours after application, giving you time to achieve your desired depth. The product dries quickly with no transfer onto clothes or sheets, allowing for a mess-free experience.

One limitation is that the product only comes in one shade depth (dark), so if you are looking for lighter options, this might not be ideal. Also, achieving the best results requires some preparation like exfoliating and moisturizing dry areas beforehand, which might be a bit time-consuming for beginners. Since it is a water-based aerosol, the coverage might require careful spraying and blending with a mitt to avoid missing spots. This self-tanner is ideal for users seeking a quick, clear-application tanning option that is gentle on the skin and buildable over hours without the strong scent or stickiness often found in other tanners. It is especially good if you want a deep, natural-looking tan without the hassle of a thick cream or mousse.