Top 10 Self Tanners
Your Official Guide To The Best Self Tanners Ever Created
When thinking (or daydreaming as one does now) about summer, a few smells come to mind: barbecue, salty ocean air, bug spray, and for the beauty-obsessed, self tanner. Of all the skincare essentials, it’s the one most synonymous with warm weather. While sitting in the sunlight can be great for your physical and mental health, too much can do the opposite. If you have skin that's prone to burning and irritation, sunbathing is especially out, and reinforcements, like self tanner, are in. The latter is like a traditional sun tan but better, because you have more control over the amount of product, which in turn gives you a certain level of control over the intensity of your glow.
Still, it’s easy to do self tanner wrong. If applied wrong, you can be left with streaks, orange lines, and uneven color on your face and body. Bad timing, like rinsing prematurely or getting dressed before the formula dries, can leave stains on your clothes. The best self tanner for you is one that comes in a shade complimentary to your natural tone, at a price you can afford, and made with ingredients your skin can tolerate. Most importantly, your best self tanner comes in a formula you can easily work with, whether it’s mousse, gel, cream, or otherwise. And to help you find that perfect one, is our roundup of the interent's top recommended formulas. From drugstore favorites to beginner-friendly options, consider this your official guide to finding the your new go-to self tanner.
Our Method For Finding The Best Self Tanners
Our list of the best self tanners covers a range of preferences, from sensitive skin-friendly to eco-conscious to newbie-approved. And like all our Top 10 lists, we found these glowy gems with the help of our ultra-smart and unbiased algorithm tool that analyzes a spectrum of data to identify product picks. That includes recommendations from beauty editors, user reviews, word-of-mouth on social media, and more. It’s our way of guaranteeing you’re only shopping the very best the internet has to offer.
June 14, 2024
Written By:Nikki Brown
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette
Overall Score
4.7
10
Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette
4.52
1226 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Self-Tanning Towelettes
THINGS TO KNOW
We love anything that makes our life easier, and these self-tanning towels fall into that bucket. With a quick-dry, streak-free formula that won’t discolor ankles, knees and elbows, this self tanner offers a consistent tan on the body or face within three hours of application. Plus, they come individually wrapped to make them travel-friendly.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Self-tanner is often known for its unpleasant smell, but these towelettes are different, featuring a refreshing citrusy scent so you can smell good while getting your tan on.
More Colors
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse
Overall Score
4.8
09
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse
4.3
2259 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Quick-Dry Self Tanner
THINGS TO KNOW
You know those times when you waited to the last minute to get ready only to discover your body was in dire need of a tan? Yea, we've all been there. Luckily, this self tanner is made for those exact moments. Featuring a quick-dry formula, you'll skin will be glowing in just an hour after application.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
If you're one who also hates the typcial tropical smell found in self tanner, we have good news: this one is accompained by a mood-boosting fragance.
Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Mousse
Overall Score
4.8
08
Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Mousse
4.39
868 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Color-Correcting Self Tanner
THINGS TO KNOW
Introducing a self-tanner that customizes its formula to match your skin. This lightweight mousse is easy to apply and is created to provide a streak-free, golden tan without the risks of UV rays. With color-correcting actives, this unique formula helps to brighten and even out your skin tone, guaranteeing a radiant, flawless finish with each application.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Enriched with hydrating coconut, chia seed, and avocado oils, this self-tanner not only gives you a beautiful tan but also nourishes and hydrates your skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
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Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Overall Score
4.85
07
Tan-Luxe The Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
4.38
2259 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Body Self-Tanning Drops
THINGS TO KNOW
With this quick and easy-to-use formulation, achieving a sun-kissed glow has never been easier. It seamlessly blends with any moisturizer or body butter. Simply add a few drops to your favorite body hydrator, and this innovative formula will effortlessly give you a natural-looking, hydrated, and radiant golden tan.
PROMISING REVIEW
"These tanning and illuminating drops are perfect for those of us that just can’t seem to get it right when applying self tanning products at home. No matter what I always end up with a streak here and there and no matter how much I exfoliate, my knees, elbows and ankles wind up darker than the rest of my body. Not with these drops though. I put between 4-8 drops in my moisturizer and a subtle, glowy tan develops the rest of the day. There is no awful smell, you can customize the color to as dark or as light as you want, and the illuminating effect makes your skin look SO healthy!"
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
Overall Score
4.85
06
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
4.53
23254 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Body-Firming Self Tanner
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL LOVE
If you’re looking for a self-tanner with anti-aging benefits but are wary of tanning agents, Coco & Eve’s formula will put you at ease. It’s one of the few products to use an all-natural DHA agent, in addition to natural antioxidant and a proprietary blend that addresses lack of skin firmness.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW
The formula is also made with a green-grey base that helps prevent orange tones upon application.
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Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion
Overall Score
4.9
05
Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion
4.21
2477 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Gradual Self Tanner
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL LOVE
Here’s a newbie- and busy body-friendly formula that can be applied to the face and body. The texture is a blend of oil and lotion that requires no rinse, and delivers color in as little as one hour. It also includes the brand’s exclusive Cellutone Complex, which breaks down fat cells to gradually decrease the appearance of cellulite.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW
While a lot of self-tanners require clean and dry skin before application, Tan-Luxe ask that you be lightly moisturized before applying this lotion.
Cruelty Free
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner
Overall Score
4.9
04
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner
4.43
23494 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Self Tanner On Amazon
THINGS TO KNOW
This Amazon best-seller is such a good moisturizer, its tanning abilities are just the icing on the cake. To top it all off, you'll actually be able to pronounce the ingredient list—the DHA (aka the darkening ingredient in most self tanners) is free of chemical additives and only contains natural ingredients like aloe, shea butter, and sugar cane.
APPLICATION TIP
Because of the thick consistency, many users like to mix this formula with their favorite moisturizer for easier application.
More Colors
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse
Overall Score
4.9
03
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse
4.66
12198 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Bet Self Tanner For Medium To Dark Skin Tones
THINGS TO KNOW
A potent formula that yields results after a single use. Loving Tan 2HR Express Mousse instantly provides color and develops into a deeper tan, washable after 2 hours.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I love this self tanner, by far one of my favorites i've ever used. This has been my go to for 3+ years now and it has never failed me! Creates such a beautiful color and goes on very smoothly/evenly! I definitely recommend this tanner."
More Colors
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
Overall Score
4.95
02
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
4.54
28023 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Nourishing Self Tanner
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL LOVE
Some of the best self-tanning brands and products hail from Australia, including this internationally known best-seller. Bondi Sands was one of the first brands to create a vegan self-tanning formula that also includes trusted ingredients for addressing dryness and sensitivity-prone skin. This one is enriched with aloe vera, coconut, glycerin, and panthenol.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW
This is a classic self tanner, which means you should apply to dry skin with a tanning mitt and leave on anywhere from one to six hours before rinsing off.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
Overall Score
5
01
St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
4.49
17664 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Self Tanner Overall
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL LOVE
St. Tropez has a lot of self-tanning formulas but its bestselling classic formula continues to be the most popular. Suitable for all skin types and free of that infamous self tanner smell, the water-based formula is refreshingly minimal with a combination of natural tanning agents and nourishing properties like glycerin and jojoba esters.
PROMISING REVIEW
“When I say I have tried practically every self tanner, I’m not exaggerating. Some might say I have a small addiction to self tanner;). I always come back to St. Tropez. It is one of the few that leaves an actual golden tone on the skin, rather than the orange that most other tanners leave. Goes on evenly, and most importantly, no harsh self tanner smell!! It’s the best! The mousse is my favorite!!!”
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