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Beauty/Skin/Self Tanners

Top 10 Self Tanners

Your Official Guide To The Best Self Tanners Ever Created

Image credits: isleofparadise

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. 

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December 11, 2023

Written By:Nikki Brown

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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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


10
Image credits: ulta
Rank & Style Approved

ulta

B.Tan Self Tanner Mousse

Overall Score

4.65

10

B.Tan Self Tanner Mousse

4.31

19058 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

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.

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Best Self Tanner For A Dark Tan

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL LOVE
This is a must-try for those who want a dramatic tan that also won’t completely alter their face. The mousse is completely vegan, and infused with multiple plant-based oils to keep the skin nourished as it darkens. It’s also quick-drying and free of parabens and palm oil. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW
Expect results in just one hour but leave on for at least four if you’re looking for the most dramatic results. 

More Colors

More Colors


Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Overall Score

4.7

09

Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

4.19

996 User Reviews

3

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 Facial Self Tanner

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL LOVE
No mitts needed with this luxurious feeling self-tan oil that can be mixed with your moisturizer, serum or oil before applying evenly to the face. This is truly a skincare-first product, as the formula includes aloe vera and vitamin E, both of which help retain moisture in the skin. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW
To elongate your glow, be sure to exfoliate your skin daily. 

More Colors

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Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer

Overall Score

4.7

08

Jergens Natural Glow + Firming Daily Moisturizer

4.47

17898 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 Drugstore Self Tanner

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL LOVE
Jergens’s self tanner is a drugstore classic, thanks to its easy application and natural-looking results. In addition to creating a tan, it also helps reduce the appearance of cellulite with a formula that includes firming collagen and elastin. 

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW
This should replace your daily body moisturizer, as opposed to being combined. 

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

Overall Score

4.7

07

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

4.49

11524 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

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. 

More Colors

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St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse

Overall Score

4.7

06

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse

4.55

10230 User Reviews

3.3

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

BEST FOR
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 THINGS TO KNOW
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. 


Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion

Overall Score

4.75

05

Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Gradual Tan Lotion

4.3

1054 User Reviews

3.1

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

Cruelty Free


Isle Of Paradise Self Tanning Drops

Overall Score

4.75

04

Isle Of Paradise Self Tanning Drops

4.27

7729 User Reviews

3.3

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 Color-Correcting Self Tanner

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL LOVE
These self-tanning drops are the ultimate multitasker, tackling color, uneven tone, dryness, and redness in just a couple of drops. Standout ingredients include hydrating glycerin, antioxidant-rich chia seeds, and soothing coconut oil.

SOMETHING ELSE TO KNOW
Mix with your favorite face and/or body products. The number of drops depends on how deep you want your tan to be; the more drops, the darker. 

More Colors

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion

Overall Score

4.85

03

Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion

4.31

18114 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 For Sensitive Skin

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL LOVE
This affordable self-tanning lotion is celebrated for being sensitive skin-friendly. The cruelty-free lotion keeps all of the ingredients that nourish and correct—like organic aloe vera and shea butter—but leaves out the nasties, including artificial fragrance, parabens, and phthalates. 

PRODUCT REVIEW
“Top tier best of the best tanner. I fully paid for this product and believe it was worth every penny. I’ve used every tanner under the sun and nothing has ever compared to this product. It doesn’t create those little black dots in your pores, it looks like a medium- deep natural tan (think tropical vacation after 4 days in the sun) I can’t believe people even bother with anything else. I applied it and slept in a bright white top and didn’t see a single spot on it in the morning. I love the ingredients, how glowy and smooth I look and the price for how amazing it is.”

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Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

Overall Score

4.9

02

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

4.51

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

More Colors

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

Overall Score

5

01

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

4.58

17204 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. 

PRODUCT 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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