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 Self Tanning Foam is a lightweight, easy-to-apply self-tanner that delivers a streak-free, natural-looking bronze glow. Its foam formulation is gentle and enriched with aloe vera and coconut, which help moisturize and soothe the skin during tanning. This makes it a suitable choice for people with normal skin who want a smooth, even tan without a heavy or greasy feel.

The tanning foam is applied with a mitt in long, sweeping motions on clean, dry skin, and the color typically develops within about an hour before washing off. The foam format generally helps to avoid streaks more effectively than lotions or sprays, and drying and development times are reasonable for those new to self-tanning.

This tanner is ideal for users seeking a user-friendly, skin-friendly foam that provides a natural bronze shade with minimal fuss, especially if quick, even application and gentle ingredients are priorities.

The St.Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse is a versatile self-tanner suitable for all skin types, making it a great option for anyone seeking a customizable tan. One of its standout features is the ability to control the depth of your tan by adjusting the development time – leave it on for 1 hour for a light tan, 2 hours for a medium tan, or 3 hours for a dark tan. This flexibility is ideal for users who want to achieve different shades for various occasions.

Additionally, the mousse formulation allows for easy and even application, reducing the chances of streaks and providing a natural-looking finish. The product is quick-drying and non-sticky, enhancing user comfort post-application. Its vegan and cruelty-free credentials, along with natural tanning actives, make it a conscientious choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Users must follow through with exfoliation and moisturizing before application to achieve the best results, which may be an extra step for some. The longevity of one week is decent, though some might find they need to reapply sooner depending on their skin type and lifestyle. The product's signature fragrance is designed to boost mood, although some users might prefer a fragrance-free option. In summary, the St.Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse is a highly adaptable and user-friendly self-tanner that performs well across various skin types and tanning preferences, particularly benefitting those who appreciate a natural, streak-free tan that can be customized quickly.