13 of the Finest Tanning Lotions to Get a Bronzy Glow this Summer season
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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.
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1
Best Overall
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion
1
Best Overall
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Great price from a reputable brand
- Oil-free, so it shouldn’t cause body acne
Cons
- Medium Natural Tan is sold out everywhere
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
2
Best Budget Buy
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer
2
Best Budget Buy
Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer
Now 19% Off
Pros
- Reviewers say it lasts longer than pricier options
- Can be worn on its own or mixed with moisturizer
Cons
- Some reviewers say the glittery finish can be annoying
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.
3
Best for Blurring Skin Imperfections
Beauty by Earth Face Self Tanner
3
Best for Blurring Skin Imperfections
Beauty by Earth Face Self Tanner
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Smells like coconuts
Cons
- Medium to Dark isn’t deep enough for those with richer complexions
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.
4
Best for Controlling Your Glow
TAN-LUXE The Gradual
4
Best for Controlling Your Glow
TAN-LUXE The Gradual
Pros
- Ideal for a light, gradual tan
- Doesn’t streak
Cons
- Some reviewers say their hands get dark fast, so use gloves
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.
5
Best Cruelty-Free Formula
Hawaiian Tropic Self-Tanning Lotion Sunless Tan
5
Best Cruelty-Free Formula
Hawaiian Tropic Self-Tanning Lotion Sunless Tan
Now 43% Off
Pros
- Smells like a tropical beach vacation
- Reviewers say the lightweight lotion absorbs quickly
Cons
- Reviewers advise rubbing it into the skin
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.
6
Best for a Buildable Tan
Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion
6
Best for a Buildable Tan
Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion
Pros
- Doesn’t stain clothing
- Reviewers say it’s non-sticky and spreads easily
Cons
- Some reviewers with fair skin say they can’t use it often or they’ll get too tan
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 model is a lighter white colour that doesn’t appear to stain something I put on, even white shirts (the white colour initially made me assume the product wouldn’t work as properly, however it tans equally if not higher).”
7
Finest for Solar Safety
Coppertone Glow Shield and Tan
7
Finest for Solar Safety
Coppertone Glow Shield and Tan
Now 14% Off
Professionals
- Broad-spectrum SPF 20 protection
- Doesn’t comprise oxybenzone, octinoxate, dyes, and PABA
Cons
- Skip in the event you do not like shimmery pores and skin
Need to look tan earlier than stepping foot onto toasty seaside sand? Coppertone, a well-respected drugstore sunscreen model, created the last word hybrid product.
This gradual self-tanner is light-weight, imparts a sun-kissed glow onto the pores and skin, and gives broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Even higher? It is also waterproof for as much as 80 minutes, so anybody trying to take a dip can relaxation simple understanding their pores and skin is protected against the solar’s UVA and UVB rays, whereas their physique seems golden brown.
Amazon reviewers admire the goof-proof system and pure impact. “There’s no fake-looking orange colour utilizing this. The scent is sweet – recent with a touch of sunscreen,” says one 5-star evaluation.
8
Finest for Firming
Coola Natural Sunless Tanning Lotion
8
Finest for Firming
Coola Natural Sunless Tanning Lotion
Professionals
- Made with 99% pure components
- Smells like piña colada
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
We really feel cozy recommending this product as a result of dermatologists have beforehand recommended that our readers use Coola sunscreens. This tanning lotion is the one possibility on our checklist that makes use of caffeine to assist agency up the pores and skin, whereas different pure components, like shea butter, soften and nourish dry pores and skin.
Coola’s award-winning self-tanner is light-weight and fast-absorbing. Plus, we love that it makes use of beet-derived DHA to impart a heat, tan glow onto the pores and skin.
On-line reviewers swear by this tanning lotion, with many noting it doesn’t strike and dries rapidly. “This has change into my favourite sunless tan lotion. It’s simple to use with out streaking. I reapply about each 3 to 4 days for a calmly tanned look,” says one 5-star evaluation.
9
Finest Short-term Self-Tanner
Isle of Paradise Disco Tan Instantaneous Wash-Off Physique Bronzer
9
Finest Short-term Self-Tanner
Isle of Paradise Disco Tan Instantaneous Wash-Off Physique Bronzer
Professionals
- Washes off immediately after an evening out
- Clear system infused with avocado, coconut, and chia seed oils
Cons
- Skip in the event you want your tan to final for a number of days
Don’t wish to decide to a long-term bronze? Strive a disco tan! This progressive product from Isle of Paradise permits anybody to clean away their tan after they put on it.
We love that it earned the Sephora Clear seal, indicating it’s freed from components, equivalent to parabens and sulfates, that the retailer finds questionable. As a substitute, Disco Tan is loaded with nourishing avocado, chia seed, and coconut oils to maintain the pores and skin feeling and looking silky and tan.
Sephora reviewers agree it doesn’t switch on garments, it’s long-lasting in warmth and humidity, and it gives a much-needed glow. “It’s a gel texture and dries down pretty rapidly so I’d suggest making use of it in sections at a time. You’ll positively have a primary day of trip glow however it’s most likely solely a shade and a half darker than your pores and skin tone,” says one 5-star Sephora evaluation.
10
Finest for Freshmen
Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion
10
Finest for Freshmen
Bondi Sands PURE Gradual Tanning Lotion
Professionals
- Nice for a golden tan
- Reviewers promise it would not flip them orange
Cons
- Skip in the event you do not get pleasure from fragrance-free merchandise
Regardless of having a long time of magnificence editor expertise, our senior editor Eunice Lucero-Lee is the primary to confess that self-tanner is intimidating.
She’s an enormous fan of this Bondi Sands self-tanner as a result of it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and nutritional vitamins C and E. “It has a transparent, regularly growing formulation that appears pure on my fairer pores and skin tone, which means no streaks. It’s just about goof-proof and, greatest but, fragrance-free,” she says.
We love that it is colorless and made with 100% recycled plastic. Plus, it comprises aloe vera, among the finest skin-soothing components within the recreation.
11
Finest for Instantaneous Outcomes
Clarins Self Tanning Instantaneous Gel
11
Finest for Instantaneous Outcomes
Clarins Self Tanning Instantaneous Gel
Professionals
- Quick-drying gel system will not trigger physique pimples
- Buildable protection that may be utilized as much as 4 occasions per week
Cons
- Skip in the event you want a extra intense tan
This fast-acting gel is a winner for anybody brief on time as a result of it would give a fast tan. It is oil-free and creates an excellent, streak-free end, and it dries in literal minutes.
This quick-drying self-tanner has a gel system that imparts an excellent, long-lasting tan onto the face and physique with out inflicting breakouts. It combines a property DHA mix and erythulouse, which can also be a plant sugar for light, no-fail outcomes.
No want to clean it off — simply apply and wait a couple of minutes (about 15-20) earlier than getting dressed, and you’ll be all set to go out for the day.
One reviewer swears by this product and has proudly used it for years. Their largest pro-tip: apply earlier than mattress, and permit it to dry utterly earlier than popping on a lightweight, long-sleeve shirt and pajama bottoms. “After I get up I’ve an excellent glowing tan that lasts! Two nights in a row for a deep tan after which twice per week to take care of,” says their 5-star evaluation.
12
Finest for Minimal Switch
Vita Liberata Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion
12
Finest for Minimal Switch
Vita Liberata Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion
Professionals
- Reviewers say it would not stain their sheets
- Reviewers with delicate noses say the gentle scent would not trouble them
Cons
- It takes 4-8 hours to develop
Make-up artists we have beforehand interviewed are eager on Vita Liberata merchandise, so we had been intrigued by their Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion. It is much like Jergen’s tanning lotion, however this one imparts a richer tan onto the pores and skin. This product is extremely hydrating because of a grape seed and marula oil mix.
It additionally depends on a combo of different easy-to-pronounce and skin-friendly components, like soothing cucumber, witch hazel, and aloe vera. There’s additionally bladderwrack for anti-aging advantages, papaya to exfoliate pores and skin and promote collagen manufacturing, and antioxidant-rich pomegranate to plump the pores and skin.
“I exploit this lotion on a regular basis. You’ll be able to truly inform the distinction with only one use. It makes my pores and skin tremendous easy and doesn’t depart any type of stain on my sheets after I sleep in it,” says one 5-star evaluation.
Their largest tip: Apply a daily lotion onto dry spots just like the elbows, knees, and ankles, to make sure the whole lot is even-toned and non-patchy.
13
Finest Vegan Method
Tarte Brazilliance PLUS + Self-Tanner with Mitt
13
Finest Vegan Method
Tarte Brazilliance PLUS + Self-Tanner with Mitt
Professionals
- Reviewers say it instantly hydrates their pores and skin
- It takes about 4 hours to develop right into a seamless tan
Cons
- Some reviewers do not benefit from the scent
This self-tanner product is full of high quality vegan skincare components equivalent to squalane, aloe, and vitamin E to nourish the pores and skin because it bronzes. It is also infused with maracuja oil, Tarte’s signature ingredient, that guarantees to assist agency and brighten the complexion.
On-line reviewers take into account this the last word self-tanner as a result of it would not make honest pores and skin orange. “That is hands-down the perfect sunless tanner I’ve ever used and is properly definitely worth the cash. I hope they by no means change the system as a result of I’m bought,” says one 5-star Ulta evaluation.
Bonus: It features a tanning mitt to maintain your palms from turning too tan within the course of. What’s to not love?
FAQ
Q: How lengthy does self-tanner final on pores and skin?
The consultants we consulted say self-tanner will final anyplace from 3 to 10 days, relying on the product somebody makes use of and the way often they bathe or soak in a bubble bathtub.
How typically somebody sheds lifeless pores and skin cells additionally determines how lengthy their self-tanner lasts. “Self-tanner solely penetrates the floor layer of the pores and skin, which is the dermis layer. Which means when your pure pores and skin cells are shedding all through the day, so is your tan,” explains Prepare dinner.
Q: What occurs in the event you do not exfoliate earlier than self-tanner?
We love all issues physique scrubs, so when the professionals inspired us to exfoliate earlier than utilizing a self-tanner, we had been excited, though curious why it is important.
“If you happen to exfoliate properly, it [self-tanner] ought to final about 6 or 7 days. If you happen to don’t exfoliate and have plenty of lifeless pores and skin, your self-tan will final a lot much less,” says Jaliman, an assistant medical dermatologist at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York.
Q: Does self-tanner work on darkish pores and skin?
Sure, darker pores and skin tones can use self-tanner, however your outcomes will differ relying on the product and what number of layers you employ.
“The quantity of noticeable distinction could also be much less apparent on a person with darker pores and skin, however it would deepen the pores and skin cells as it could if the particular person frolicked within the solar, with out the harm,” says Melanie Richard, founding father of goGLOW tanning studios.
Prepare dinner recommends choosing a self-tanner that is much like your pure pores and skin tone and notes that you simply would possibly want to make use of further layers to attain your required shade.
Magnificence Editor
Jennifer is the previous magnificence editor for BestProducts.com, the place she’s testing out the whole lot from the newest lip gloss to the craziest skincare pattern sweeping the net beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Attract, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and extra. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow throughout her arms, you will discover the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on finish for classic finds, consuming pad thai, and hanging out together with her cat, Chunks.
Magnificence Editor
Nicole Saunders is the Magnificence Editor at BestProducts.com, the place she oversees protection on all issues magnificence. When she’s not creating buying guides, interviewing consultants, and testing magnificence therapies, you possibly can most likely discover her strolling round Decrease Manhattan or overanalyzing the newest episode of “Succession.” You’ll be able to ship all lipstick and calamari suggestions to her inbox and DM her memes on Instagram.
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