Top 10 Self Tanners
The Ultimate List of Self-Tanners That Will Give You a Totally Natural Glow
Self tanner has become a year-round staple for good reason: it delivers the look of sun-kissed skin without the risks that come with UV exposure. Today’s formulas are smarter than ever, offering natural-looking color, customizable depth, and skin-loving ingredients that work with your routine—not against it. From fast-drying mousses to gradual lotions and clean, hydrating blends, the best self tanners now prioritize both performance and skin health.
Still, results depend heavily on the formula. The wrong pick can lead to uneven color, streaking, or unnatural tones, while the right one blends seamlessly, fades evenly, and looks convincingly real on a range of skin tones. Application style matters too—whether you prefer a lightweight foam, a buildable daily lotion, or a mess-free serum can make all the difference in how your tan develops and wears.
Our Method for Finding The Best Self Tanners
To determine the top performers, we relied on our data-driven ranking algorithm, which evaluates thousands of customer reviews, best-seller performance, beauty editor recommendations, and social media traction. The result is a curated list of the highest-rated self tanners on the market—spanning luxury, drugstore, gradual, and clean formulas—each selected for its ability to deliver consistent, streak-free results. Whether you’re new to self tanning or refining your go-to glow, these picks represent the best the category has to offer.
All products and deals are sourced by the Rank & Style team using data and expert insights. If you shop through our links, we may earn a commission—at no extra cost to you.
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The Rankings
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner
Overall Score
4
10
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner
4.33
23677 User Reviews
3.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3.6
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Organic Self Tanner
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
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse
Overall Score
4.1
09
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse
4
35719 User Reviews
4.6
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3.8
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Drugstore Self Tanner
THINGS TO KNOW
This fan-favorite tanning mousse delivers an instant, natural-looking bronze that deepens within hours. Its airy, tinted formula makes application foolproof, helping you achieve a streak-free glow with minimal effort.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Available in Light Bronze and Deep Bronze shades, this self-tanner features odor-blocking technology and dries quickly without leaving a sticky residue. For best results, use a tanning mitt and allow the formula to fully develop before showering.
Cruelty Free
Tanologist Hydrating Gradual Tan Lotion
Overall Score
4.2
08
Tanologist Hydrating Gradual Tan Lotion
4.2
2120 User Reviews
4.4
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
4.2
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Clean Beauty Self Tanner
THINGS TO KNOW
This ultra-hydrating gradual tan lotion is perfect for those who prefer a buildable, natural-looking glow. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E, it nourishes while delivering a streak-free tan that develops over time.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Designed for all skin tones, this lightweight, fast-absorbing formula blends seamlessly and won’t transfer onto clothes or sheets. Plus, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and dermatologist-approved for even the most sensitive skin.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
Overall Score
4.2
07
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
4.53
23254 User Reviews
4
Best Seller
4.2
Industry Recognition
4.4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
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, along with natural antioxidants and a proprietary blend that addresses skin firmness.
SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW
The formula also features 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
4.3
06
Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion
4.4
35719 User Reviews
4
Best Seller
4.6
Industry Recognition
4.2
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
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 many self-tanners require clean, dry skin, Tan-Luxe recommends applying this lotion when the skin is lightly moisturized.
Cruelty Free
Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse
Overall Score
4.5
05
Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse
4.4
204 User Reviews
4.2
Best Seller
4.8
Industry Recognition
4.6
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Luxury Self Tanner
THINGS TO KNOW
If you want a self tanner that looks as good on your vanity as it does on your skin, this is it. Dolce Glow Lusso delivers a rich, streak-free bronze with a silky mousse texture that blends effortlessly and dries quickly—no stickiness, no orange tones. Loved by celebrity spray-tan artists and red-carpet regulars, the formula creates a smooth, airbrushed finish that fades evenly and feels hydrating, not tight.
WHY TO BUY
It’s a splurge, but for a flawless, high-gloss glow that looks professionally done, Lusso earns its luxury status.
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
Overall Score
4.55
04
Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
4.54
28023 User Reviews
4.8
Best Seller
4.4
Industry Recognition
4.4
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Value 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 it to dry skin with a tanning mitt and leave it on anywhere from one to six hours before rinsing off.
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Cruelty Free
Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Mousse
Overall Score
4.6
03
Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Mousse
4.39
868 User Reviews
4.4
Best Seller
4.4
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best TikTok Favorite 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 formulated to deliver a streak-free, golden tan without the risks of UV exposure. 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.
More Colors
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse
Overall Score
4.75
02
Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse
4.57
9873 User Reviews
4.6
Best Seller
4.6
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Deep Bronze Self Tanner
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."A powerful formula that delivers results in just one use. Loving Tan 2HR Express Mousse provides instant color and develops into a deeper tan, easily washable after 2 hours.
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse
Overall Score
4.95
01
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse
4.5
16236 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
4.8
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
To be featured on Rank & Style, a product must meet the requirements of our proprietary algorithm—a vetting process that analyzes data across the four pillars shown above. This system scores products based on consumer and industry performance to identify the market consensus for each category. We do not physically test products in-house. Instead, we ensure every recommendation is backed by real-world data and professional authority.
Best Overall Self Tanner
THINGS TO KNOW
You know those times when you waited until the last minute to get ready, only to discover your body was in dire need of a tan? Yeah, we've all been there. Luckily, this self tanner is made for those exact moments. Featuring a quick-dry formula, your skin will be glowing in just an hour after application.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
If you're not a fan of the typical tropical scent in self-tanner, we have good news: this one is accompanied by a mood-boosting fragrance.
Cruelty Free
Not Recommended: Tan-Luxe The Future Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist
Not every highly hyped product earns a spot on our Top 10. After seeing conflicting data around Tan-Luxe The Future Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist—strong editorial praise and social buzz paired with consistently negative user reviews—we decided to put it to the test ourselves.
While the concept is appealing, the execution fell short. Instead of a fine, even mist, the formula dispensed as a heavy, wet spray that was difficult to control and far from the airbrushed finish promised. Although the resulting color was natural, the application experience was cumbersome and uneven, making it hard to achieve consistent results without streaking or over-application.
Given the price point ($39) and learning curve, this formula didn’t meet our standards for ease of use or performance. We’re optimistic that Tan-Luxe will continue refining the "airbrush" solution, but in its current iteration, it’s not a product we can confidently recommend.
