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The warm-weather season is officially here, and we couldn’t be more grateful for long sunny days, 3-day weekends, and spending plenty of time near the water. Between daydreaming about cute swimsuits, loose breezy cover-ups, and tasty grilled outdoor meals, we want to add a sun-kissed glow to our skin without risking damage. Thankfully, tanning lotions are the perfect solution for all skin types and complexions looking to add a faux glow to the skin without risking sun damage.

Tanning lotions are safer than baking in the sun and more affordable than other forms of achieving a bronze glow. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, a bestie who still goes to a tanning salon, or a loved one who already relies on tanning lotion, this no-fail guide is handy everyone. Our beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, chatted with experts about self-tanners, including how they work, how to shop, and the all-time best product recommendations.

The Best Tanning Lotions

Benefits of Tanning Lotions

Great news: there are no known health risks associated with tanning lotions. The Skin Cancer Foundation says excessive sun exposure can increase the risk for serious health concerns like melanoma, which means baking in the sun or at the tanning salon isn’t an ideal tanning method.

Tanning lotions are also relatively cheap compared to other forms of fake baking. For example, liquid body bronzers, such as the NARS Monoi Body Glow, costs nearly $60 at Sephora, and a session at one tanning salon in New York costs $45. In comparison, these beauty editor-approved self-tanners start at just $12 on Amazon.

How Tanning Lotions Work

So, how exactly do tanning lotions work? The magic lies in an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone — aka DHA — which, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman, M.D., is “a result from glycerin that interacts with the amino acids in our dead skin cells which makes the bronze color appear.” DHA only impacts the top layer of the skin and, in simplest terms, reacts similarly to a cut apple browning when exposed to oxygen.

What to Consider

Jaliman says tanning lotions are a much safer and time-saving alternative to sunbathing outdoors or using tanning beds. We asked Jaliman and Jordan Cook, the global tanning expert at St. Moriz, about what to consider when shopping for a tanning lotion.

• Review the ingredients: It sounds like common sense, but reading the product’s label may mean avoiding an accidental allergic reaction. Once their self-tanner arrives, Jaliman recommends they do a patch test on their body to be sure they're not allergic to any ingredient in the self-tanner.

• Consider their skin tone: Many brands make self-tanners for different skin tones, ranging from fair to dark. Be sure to order a self-tanner in the recipient's skin tone range for the most natural look, advises Cook.

• Formulation: Tanning lotions are the best formulation for all skin types, especially anyone dealing with or concerned about body acne.

How We Chose

After speaking with skincare and self-tanning experts, Saunders asked them to spill the tea on their recommended products. Saunders also researched self-tanners, analyzed their ingredients list, and carefully read their online reviews to ensure our selections actually live up to the hype. Some are even editor-approved products we personally know and love. Plus, all of these self-tanners earned thousands of sparkling reviews on retailers like Amazon, Ulta, Sephora, and more.

Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion

Our best overall recommendation is budget-friendly and fast-drying, making it an ideal option for anyone who wants to get tan, but doesn't want their self-tanner to transfer onto their LBD. And if someone wants to bronze, but they're worried about breaking the bank, this is their best bet. L’Oréal’s Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Serum serves up the appearance of sun-kissed skin with no streaking.

The no-fuss formula is safe for both body and face, quick-drying, and helps the skin glow to perfection in any season.

And don’t just take our word for it — with nearly 4,420 Amazon reviews, this one is a safe winner of our best overall distinction. To quote one Amazon reviewer who has been self-tanning since 1989: “Dollar for dollar, this stuff is a much better deal — less expensive, lasts longer. No contest. Bye-bye, higher-priced fake bake!”

More: Dermatologists and Our Beauty Editor Reveal Their Favorite Razors for Sensitive Skin

Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer

Jergens is a go-to for fair-skinned beauties because the brand offers several shades, not just a super-dark color. The Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer is a great formula for those looking to ease into sunless tanning without a salon appointment.

Regular use over the course of just 7 days will result in visibly firmer skin and natural-looking color that’ll gradually become darker over time.

And with more than 19,800 Amazon reviewers, users can rest assured this self-tanner is effective. According to one reviewer, their skin only took one day to develop a gorgeous tan. “This is completely worth it and never turns out patchy on me, unlike most fake tans on my skin,” says their 5-star review.

Face Self Tanner

Looking to blur skin imperfections like acne, scars, and wrinkles? This self-tanner uses natural ingredients, like witch hazel, cranberry, and pomegranate extracts, to ensure our faces are always picture perfect, hydrated, and golden. There's also shea butter, aloe vera, and antioxidant-rich green tea, which helps reduce redness.

And don't worry: This is a non-comedogenic self-tanning lotion, meaning it won't cause annoying acne or congest our pores.

“It works in just 1 application, isn’t sticky, isn’t orange, and doesn’t have that awful smell drugstore tanners have. I also have acne-prone skin and it didn’t break me out at all. Would recommend spending the extra few dollars to get this one,” says one 5-star Amazon review.

The Gradual

Our readers love TAN-LUXE's array of tanning products, but The Gradual is a great product for anyone looking to control their glow. Its hybrid lotion-and-oil formula is the lightest among all of our suggestions, so it's a fantastic pick for someone who doesn't need intensive moisture.

Users should apply it like they would normally slather on a body lotion, taking extra care to only use a light amount of tanner on their knees, feet, and hands, three areas that get dark relatively quickly. Reviewers agree they begin to notice results within 2-4 hours, but usually get the desired level of self-tanning overnight.

“The lotion seems to be made with high-quality ingredients that not only leave my skin feeling good but also looking good! I would strongly recommend the Tan Luxe The Gradual Tanning Lotion to anyone looking to give themselves a light and natural-looking tan as we head into the spring,” says one 5-star review.

Self-Tanning Lotion Sunless Tan

If you're like us, Hawaiian Tropic was one of the first sunscreen and self-tanning brands you tried. Luckily for everyone, this isn't the ’90s and 2000s, and the brand's innovations, such as the Self-Tanning Lotion Sunless Tan, are genuinely practical for customers.

This derm-tested lotion is infused with soothing aloe vera and moisturizing vitamin E to offer up to 24 hours of hydration. We also appreciate that it’s PETA-certified, paraben-free, and safe for anyone who values vegan products. Even if you don’t, that’s OK because it just means the formulation isn’t tested on animals and contains no animal by-products.

Either way, online reviewers say this is one of the best tanning lotions in the game, with many noting their skin feels nice and smooth whenever they slather on this product.

“This is probably one of the easiest and cheapest gradual tanners that actually work! I’d say if you’re a die-hard dark tanner then maybe this isn’t for you, because while it does develop a beautiful color it’s more on the light-medium side. Honestly though, for the price, I still think that’s a good result,” says one 5-star Amazon review.

Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion

Most self-tanners offer buildable coverage, but Neutrogena’s Build-A-Tan is next-level bronzing goodness. While most self-tanners start to look unrealistic with several layers of self-tanners, Neutrogena promises this option can provide a hint of color or a deep rich tan if someone prefers.

And don’t just take the brand’s word for it. Hundreds of Amazon reviewers highlight this product as a true standout among other options on the market. Notably, they’re all keen on its rich texture and moisturizing abilities. Others say the light floral scent is highly enticing.

To quote one Amazon reviewer who previously used the older version of this tanning lotion, “[The] new version is a lighter white color that does not seem to stain anything I wear, even white shirts (the white color initially made me think the product wouldn’t work as well, but it tans equally if not better).”

Glow Protect and Tan

Want to look tan before stepping foot onto toasty beach sand? Coppertone, a well-respected drugstore sunscreen brand, created the ultimate hybrid product.

This gradual self-tanner is lightweight, imparts a sun-kissed glow onto the skin, and provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 coverage. Even better? It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so anyone looking to take a dip can rest easy knowing their skin is protected from the sun's UVA and UVB rays, while their body looks golden brown.

Amazon reviewers appreciate the goof-proof formula and natural effect. “There’s no fake-looking orange color using this. The smell is nice - fresh with a hint of sunscreen,” says one 5-star review.

Organic Sunless Tanning Lotion

We feel comfy recommending this product because dermatologists have previously suggested that our readers use Coola sunscreens. This tanning lotion is the only option on our list that uses caffeine to help firm up the skin, while other natural ingredients, like shea butter, soften and nourish dry skin.

Coola’s award-winning self-tanner is lightweight and fast-absorbing. Plus, we love that it uses beet-derived DHA to impart a warm, tan glow onto the skin.

Online reviewers swear by this tanning lotion, with many noting it doesn’t strike and dries quickly. “This has become my favorite sunless tan lotion. It is easy to apply without streaking. I reapply about every 3 to 4 days for a lightly tanned look,” says one 5-star review.

Disco Tan Instant Wash-Off Body Bronzer

Don’t want to commit to a long-term bronze? Try a disco tan! This innovative product from Isle of Paradise allows anyone to wash away their tan after they wear it.

We love that it earned the Sephora Clean seal, indicating it’s free of ingredients, such as parabens and sulfates, that the retailer finds questionable. Instead, Disco Tan is loaded with nourishing avocado, chia seed, and coconut oils to keep the skin looking and feeling silky and tan.

Sephora reviewers agree it doesn’t transfer on clothes, it’s long-lasting in heat and humidity, and it provides a much-needed glow. “It’s a gel texture and dries down fairly quickly so I’d recommend applying it in sections at a time. You’ll definitely have a first day of vacation glow but it’s probably only a shade and a half darker than your skin tone,” says one 5-star Sephora review.

PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion

Despite having decades of beauty editor experience, our senior editor Eunice Lucero-Lee is the first to admit that self-tanner is intimidating.

She’s a big fan of this Bondi Sands self-tanner because it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E. “It has a clear, gradually developing formulation that looks natural on my fairer skin tone, meaning no streaks. It’s pretty much goof-proof and, best yet, fragrance-free,” she says.

We love that it's colorless and made with 100% recycled plastic. Plus, it contains aloe vera, one of the best skin-soothing ingredients in the game.

Self Tanning Instant Gel

This fast-acting gel is a winner for anyone short on time because it will give a quick tan. It's oil-free and creates an even, streak-free finish, and it dries in literal minutes.

This quick-drying self-tanner has a gel formula that imparts an even, long-lasting tan onto the face and body without causing breakouts. It combines a property DHA blend and erythulouse, which is also a plant sugar for gentle, no-fail results.

No need to wash it off — just apply and wait a few minutes (about 15-20) before getting dressed, and you will be all set to head out for the day.

One reviewer swears by this product and has proudly used it for years. Their biggest pro-tip: apply before bed, and allow it to dry completely before popping on a light, long-sleeve shirt and pajama bottoms. "When I wake up I have a glorious glowing tan that lasts! Two nights in a row for a deep tan and then twice a week to maintain," says their 5-star review.

Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion

Makeup artists we've previously interviewed are keen on Vita Liberata products, so we were intrigued by their Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion. It's similar to Jergen's tanning lotion, but this one imparts a richer tan onto the skin. This product is incredibly hydrating thanks to a grape seed and marula oil blend.

It also relies on a combo of other easy-to-pronounce and skin-friendly ingredients, like soothing cucumber, witch hazel, and aloe vera. There's also bladderwrack for anti-aging benefits, papaya to exfoliate skin and promote collagen production, and antioxidant-rich pomegranate to plump the skin.

“I use this lotion all the time. You can actually tell the difference with just one use. It makes my skin super smooth and doesn’t leave any kind of stain on my sheets when I sleep in it,” says one 5-star review.

Their biggest tip: Apply a regular lotion onto dry spots like the elbows, knees, and ankles, to ensure everything is even-toned and non-patchy.

Brazilliance PLUS + Self-Tanner with Mitt

This self-tanner product is packed with quality vegan skincare ingredients such as squalane, aloe, and vitamin E to nourish the skin as it bronzes. It's also infused with maracuja oil, Tarte's signature ingredient, that promises to help firm and brighten the complexion.

Online reviewers consider this the ultimate self-tanner because it doesn't make fair skin orange. "This is hands-down the best sunless tanner I have ever used and is well worth the money. I hope they never change the formula because I am sold," says one 5-star Ulta review.

Bonus: It includes a tanning mitt to keep your hands from turning too tan in the process. What's not to love?

FAQ

Q: How long does self-tanner last on skin?

The experts we consulted say self-tanner will last anywhere from 3 to 10 days, depending on the product someone uses and how frequently they shower or soak in a bubble bath.

How often someone sheds dead skin cells also determines how long their self-tanner lasts. “Self-tanner only penetrates the surface layer of the skin, which is the epidermis layer. This means that when your natural skin cells are shedding throughout the day, so is your tan,” explains Cook.

Q: What happens if you don't exfoliate before self-tanner?

We love all things body scrubs, so when the pros encouraged us to exfoliate before using a self-tanner, we were excited, although curious why it's essential.

“If you exfoliate well, it [self-tanner] should last about 6 or 7 days. If you don’t exfoliate and have a lot of dead skin, your self-tan will last much less,” says Jaliman, an assistant clinical dermatologist at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York.

Q: Does self-tanner work on dark skin?

Yes, darker skin tones can use self-tanner, but your results will vary depending on the product and how many layers you use.

"The amount of noticeable difference may be less obvious on an individual with darker skin, but it will deepen the skin cells as it would if the person spent time in the sun, without the damage," says Melanie Richard, founder of goGLOW tanning studios.

Cook recommends opting for a self-tanner that's similar to your natural skin tone and notes that you might need to use extra layers to achieve your desired shade.

Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette Classic 10 Count

THE FACE Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

This innovative tanning concentrate turns any serum, moisturizer, or lotion into a tanning product. Just add a few drops of this magic to an existing favorite, and it's suddenly a self-tanner. Everyone can customize the depth of their tan depending on the number of drops that they use.

"Gives the best golden glow with only a few drops! This is now a staple! I washed my hands right after applying and didn't have any issues with orange residue on [my] hands or staining on white sheets," says one Sephora reviewer.

Several reviewers note it is also scent-free, which is always great for those with sensitive noses.

Alpha Beta Glow Pad for Body

These best-selling tanning towelettes are great for getting a major glow on while exfoliating any unwanted dead skin cells. These tiny-but-mighty towelettes give the body a bronzy, flake-free glow, while skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin D and caffeine give your skin a head-to-toe TLC boost.

An Amazon reviewer relies on these wipes to impart a realistic tan onto their face, neck, arms, and back of hands. They found this application is a success, so they now use it year-round. "These help me look healthier without that orange glow so common to self-tanners. A little goes a long way. At $1.10 per use, I've spent more money on worse products," says their 5-star review.

Plus, they claim to help minimize shaving, and who wouldn't like to put the razor down for a few days longer?

Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

This brand grew a cult following (and over 6,700 5-star reviews on Amazon) nearly overnight because of this holy grail of a self-tanner. This ultra lightweight tanning foam won't leave a sticky feel or streaky mess, and it transforms into a bronzy, subtle glow that will have everyone thinking your recipient just came back from the French Riviera.

Users will appreciate that it doesn't leave behind streaks nor transforms them into a life-size Cheeto. "This one is a WINNER. I could feel it drying after about 20-30 minutes and felt like it was safe to put on clothes without staining them. I ran errands and rinsed off in the shower about 3 hours later. The tan was subtle, but definitely there. NO STREAKING," says one Amazon reviewer.

Plus, it smells like lychee and only takes 2 hours to fully develop — a time-saving dream in our book!

Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

This classic sunless tanning mousse by St. Tropez is a best seller for good reason. It's a super lightweight, easy-to-apply, tinted mousse that dries in 60 seconds and delivers a rich, bronze glow.

Reviewers across Amazon and Ulta say it quickly creates a nice, even tan and dries quickly, so stained clothes are a thing of the past. "As a beginner, I had no problem with [the] application. Went to bed, but it didn't transfer to my white sheets or my clothes, and washed off in the morning. I think it gives a nice glow that doesn't make me look orange. Would definitely purchase again," says one 5-star review.

Better yet, it does it all while swapping that typical self-tanner smell for a mood-boosting fragrance.

Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pads

These best-selling tanning towelettes are great for getting a major glow on while exfoliating any unwanted dead skin cells. These tiny-but-mighty towelettes give the body a bronzy, flake-free glow, while skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin D and caffeine give your skin a head-to-toe TLC boost.

An Amazon reviewer relies on these wipes to impart a realistic tan onto their face, neck, arms, and back of hands. They found this application is a success, so they now use it year-round. "These help me look healthier without that orange glow so common to self-tanners. A little goes a long way. At $1.10 per use, I've spent more money on worse products," says their 5-star review.

Plus, they claim to help minimize shaving, and who wouldn't like to put the razor down for a few days longer?

Self Tan Serum for Face

Golden Star Beauty’s most unique self-tanner is this illuminating serum designed for the face and décolletage. Simply mix three to six drops of serum into skincare products like a face moisturizer or underneath makeup.

The dermatologist-tested serum gradually warms up their face, so their golden glow looks natural rather than obvious like a Jersey Shore castmate.

Amazon reviewers say they regularly receive compliments after using this self-tanner, with many noting the glow factor is surreal. "This product went above and beyond. It smells good, and the bottle will last you forever because you only need about two pumps, and it glides on. I definitely recommend," says one 5-star review.

We love that it's made in the USA and infused with some of our favorite hydrating and calming ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin B-5, and aloe vera. It's also non-comedogenic, meaning it's free of pore clogging ingredients that lead to acne and excessive oil on the face.

Love at First Tan

Only have one hour to spare but need a beautiful tan? We got you! Love at First Tan is the second lightest self-tanner option from B.TAN, and has a unique violet base. Don't worry: It won't transform anyone into a grape.

Made with sustainably sourced and 100% vegan ingredients, it'll impart a light-to-medium deep tan onto the skin. The whipped
formula works within the hour, but whenever someone wants a richer tan, simply leave it on for no more than 4 hours before rinsing it away with lukewarm water.

As an Amazon best seller, we're not surprised it earned over 20,000 impressive reviews. Reviewers called it everything from "excellent" and "very fast working" to "best I've used."

One reviewer formally used St. Tropez's pricier self-tanner but fell in love with B.TAN. "Compared to others that I have used, this fades the best and doesn’t leave me blotchy. I exfoliate my body and then moisturize my knees, ankles, wrists, and elbows before applying," says their 5-star review.

Extra Dark Mousse

With a velvety-whipped mousse texture, it's no wonder this self-tanner made it on our list. Tanolgoist is incredible for anyone already familiar with self-tanner and looking to transform themself into an envy-inducing bronze hottie. Notably, it provides the richest tan of all the options on this list.

The secret to its tanning power is a t-tech complex to penetrate the skin deeper for a faster developing, and longer lasting tan in just one hour. It's also infused with the brand's signature trio of pink grapefruit, goji berry, and juniper to brighten, soften, and hydrate.

"It surprisingly has a good perfume fragrance as opposed to some tanners that smell really strong and have an odd unappealing smell. It went on realllllly smoothly which I love," says one 5-star Ulta review.

Advanced Instant Tanning Face Mist

Reviewers adore this option from St. Moriz because its genius formula is 100% clear! Wait, why is this a big deal? Since it's untinted, there's zero risk for someone's face, hairline, or clothes to turn brown. It also means there's zero chance for embarrassing streaks, which we appreciate.

It also boasts a fast-drying formula and contains vitamin E and aloe vera extract to hydrate and soothe the complexion.

Simply put, tanning enthusiasts and newbies will find this a great and simple to use option, at least according to thousands of glowing online reviews. One self-tanning noob gave this self-tanner a 5-star Amazon review because it's "super easy to apply, I just spray it on a cotton round and wipe it on my face. It dries quickly and is a little moisturizing but does not make my skin greasy."

Self Tanning Drops

Malibu-based designer Francesca Aiello makes some of the cutest swimsuits in the game, so we were stoked to see she created a self-tanner available on Amazon.

Designed with all skin types in mind, this hypoallergenic self-tanner is a real winner for anyone looking only to use gentle products on their skin. Made with a nourishing blend of vitamin E, panthenol (vitamin B-5), green tea extract, and chamomile, it's especially fab for dry or sensitive skin.

The best way to apply this self-tanner is to add a few drops to a face serum, moisturizer, or oil. The more droops someone uses, the richer the color, so definitely start small and add more as necessary for the most natural finish.

"My skin is super pale, and I have never been able to achieve a natural tan, so I have searched far and wide for a way of getting that natural glow. These self-tanning drops have been great so far," says one positive Amazon review.

Sunless Tan Dry Body Oil Mist

Coola's sunless spray is the self-tanner for your loved one if their application method of choice. This easy-to-use dry oil mist delivers a natural-looking, buildable radiance that lasts up to 3 days.

Its nourishing formula features an antioxidant-rich golden blend of clean ingredients such as argan oil, vitamin C, hibiscus, and chamomile extract. It also has a sweet-smelling pina-coco scent, which is a nice change from the typical self-tan fragrance.

Like Isle of Paradise, this one is also Clean at Sephora with the added bonus of extra hydration courtesy of hyaluronic acid, which attracts moisture to the skin like a magnet on the fridge.

One Sephora reviewer is even already on their third bottle of Coola self-tanner. To quote their 5-star review, "This is my FAVORITE sunless tan face serum! It makes my face look tan and sunkissed without having to sit in the sun! I’ve gotten so many compliments when I use this product — they think it’s a real tan and don’t believe me when I tell them it’s just from a really cool little bottle!"

Self Tanning Foam Dark

With an impressive 31,000 Amazon reviewers, we knew Bondi Sands was worth investigating. Available in two shades, we have to give snaps to the shade Dark because this option is a saving grace for melanin-rich complexions. It's a darker formula than other brands, leaving behind a more significant tan once it's done developing.

This salon-quality formula also contains skincare heroes such as coconut oil and aloe vera to soothe and soften skin without any irritation, making it a great pick for sensitive skin types as well.

The foaming self-tanner is so incredible that one Amazon reviewer says people consistently stopped her to compliment her subtle, natural tan. "I get so many comments from 'You are glowing, what did you do differently?' to 'Your skin looks amazing.' Even my boyfriend noticed, and guess what? He made me tan him tonight so he can look just as good," says one 5-star reivew.

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