The 11 Best Self-Tanners For A Healthier Glow, Sans Sun Damage

This mousse easily earned its place as our top pick for a few reasons. The formula contains 90% organic ingredients, including powerful botanical hydrators packed with antioxidants. Application is also a breeze: It comes out a slightly brown color, so you can see where you've applied the tan to ensure an even, streak-free bronze glow. Beyond that, the tan lasts up to 10 days, according to our testers.

This tanning lotion is a natural option that's especially good for someone with dry skin, as it doubles as a powerful body moisturizer. This blend is chock-full of skin-loving ingredients like pomegranate extract, aloe vera, shea butter, and green tea. Wondering what makes this lotion work for a golden glow? It's the DHA (what makes you look tan) derived from sugar beet. Once applied, it takes up to eight hours for the bronze color to set in. Our testers noted the lotion was less pigmented than other formulas, but it's easier to apply than a mousse and creates a more natural-looking tan.

Tanning drops are a great way to begin exploring self-tanner because the intensity is buildable. Want a lighter glow? Add two to four drops to your go-to body lotion. What about a darker tan? Kick it up to 10 to 12. These drops specifically come in peach (light), green (medium), and violet (dark). No, that's not going to be the color of your tan—it's just balancing out certain colors within your skin. Peach will help brighten the skin, green will correct redness, and violet will help you get that deeper bronze. Just be sure to take your time with the application, as the clear formula makes it hard to see where you applied (but also prevents bedsheet stains).

Dark mousse and a tanning mitt is a classic combo because it's easy to use; you can see where you've applied and easily avoid blotchy patches. This quick-drying mousse develops in just two hours, which is speedy for a self-tanner. If you're looking for a deeper tan, it's best to leave this mousse on overnight. Our testers confirmed the formula didn't give off an odd smell, like many others, so you won't mind sleeping with it. Plus, there's a green-gray base to the color, which helps eliminate any orange hues. The formula does contain lilial, which the EU's European Commission has linked to fertility concerns. (There are no human studies at the moment to prove the link, but they regulated its use out of an abundance of caution). 

St. Tropez's mousse is a classic—but it doesn't have the cleanest ingredients compared to other options. You'll find lilial and Benzyl salicylate, which is being studied as a possible hormone disrupter. However, the formula comes with a few unique perks that still made it worthy of a call-out. The dark tint of the mousse makes it easy to track application and doesn't easily transfer to sheets or clothing, according to our testers. And the end result? A bold glow that screams vacation. Just beware, the mousse does have a self-tanner smell; however, it rinses away in the shower.

Just like you use different skin care products for your face and body, the same goes for self-tanner. These drops are packed with skin-loving botanical extracts like raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E, all of which support skin hydration. This blend is made with organic tanning actives that work with your skin for a buildable, custom tan. Plus, it comes in a mini size, so you can try it out before you commit. Pro tip: Avoid face exfoliators post-application to ensure your new bronze glow stays in place.

If you're in the market for a light glow rather than a transformative tan, this lotion might be your best pick. It's made with tons of hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba seed oil, and shea butter. Sugar-beet DHA helps to tan your skin naturally, sans harmful chemicals. If you want something that hydrates while helping your complexion glow, this is an A+ option. It does contain essential oils, so keep that in mind.

Spray tans more your speed? This phenomenal clean option is bound to be your new go-to. The kit contains a mister and refillable self-tan water. You may think spray-on tanners are not as hydrating, but don't be fooled; this product is chock-full of moisturizing ingredients. A few notable ones include coconut oil, chia seed oil, and avocado oil. Prep your skin as you would for any type of tan, and be sure to blend in the water on your hands and feet with a mitt or brush for an even look.

This lotion is another great clean option if you're looking for a rub-on self-tanner. It gives a golden glow from beet-derived DHA and contains hydrating additions such as almond oil, shea butter, and coconut oil. Some reviewers did warn the lotion gives an orange hue on paler complexions, but others found it was the perfect natural tan. Just be sure to apply this lotion evenly to avoid any patches and let it dry completely before putting on clothes or hopping into bed. 

Not into the mousse, lotions, or spray-on tanners? Here's a new one: self-tanning oil. This unique formula has an oily consistency that works wonders to create a natural glow. Among the clean ingredients, you'll find argan oil, which keeps skin hydrated and glowing so you don't feel dry while letting your tan set. Because its a gentle tanner, you can build up the intensity as you see fit by applying it multiple times (at least eight hours apart to let the product set).

Meet the holy grail of natural face tanners. It uses carob pulp to activate your skin's natural tan, making the bronzing effect stronger and long-lasting. It can be used on the body but is really formulated for the face. The dropper applicator makes it easy to build your tan as you see fit. It realistically lasts three to five days, but you only have to use a few additional drops to keep up a natural, glowing effect. Plus, the ingredients are both clean and noncomedogenic, so it's safe for acne-prone skin.