With picks from Bondi Sands, St. Tropez, and more
As virtually every dermatologist will tell you, it’s best to limit your exposure to the sun’s UV rays—not only to avoid a painful sunburn but also to keep fine lines, crepey skin, hyperpigmentation, and other signs of photoaging at bay. If you still crave a bronzy, sun-kissed glow, self-tanner is where it’s at.
“Using self-tanning products at home decreases your exposure to premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer caused by the sun and tanning beds,” says celebrity esthetician and dermatological nurse Natalie Aguilar. “They contain an FDA-approved ingredient called dihydroxyacetone, commonly known as DHA, which temporarily tans the outermost layers of your skin.”
We conducted hours of research on the best body self-tanners, carrying out real-world tests. At home, we used the self-tanners multiple times during a two-week period, taking note of ease of application, dry and development time, shade range, and more. We then combined these results with expert recommendations and additional research to put together this list of the best in show.
Best Overall: Tan Luxe Hydra Mousse Tanning Mousse
Tanning at home can be messy with plenty of room for error, whether that be during the application or while waiting for the formula to dry. We’re happy to report that this hydrating foam mousse from Tan Luxe has the easiest, cleanest application process that you’ve been looking for. It goes on completely clear (so you don’t have to worry about it transferring while it’s still drying), and gives you a glowy, natural shade that lasts about a week.
While testing this product, we loved that it had a smooth, blendable texture that glides on easily with the provided mitt. It dries in about 20 minutes without any streakiness or uneven patches. We were most impressed with how quick the drying process was—we applied before bed and had absolutely no transfer on white sheets. Upon waking, we saw noticeable results that didn’t look orange or unflattering. This formula also earns bonus points for its slightly floral, fresh scent that doesn’t linger.
Best Overall, Runner-Up: Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse
We’re also giving high praises to this tanning mousse from Lux Unfiltered, which is formulated with natural plant extracts like sunflower and papaya to hydrate the skin while providing a natural color and glow. It looks very dark when it first comes out of the bottle, so we were surprised to see that it didn’t stain our hands or furniture. This is due to its thicker foam texture—being able to stay put once applied (so no dripping or running). It has a lightweight consistency that melts into the skin effortlessly, making it easy to create a thin, even layer for a smooth application.
It comes with a soft, double-sided mitt that makes it even easier to buff out the product for better absorption and takes about 30 minutes to dry completely. We noticed results about 4 hours after the initial application, and we fell in love with the gorgeous color that resembled a natural, after-summer tan. We also appreciated that it took only about 10-15 pumps of the formula to cover our entire body, so it definitely has great value. Our only con is that it has a pretty strong fragrance, which leans more chemical than blood orange. But, it didn’t last too long, so it didn’t bother us much.
Best Drugstore: Sol by Jergens No Wait Tropical Tan Tinted Mousse
If you’re in a pinch and need a tanner that’s easy to find and can add color instantly, look no further than this drugstore pick from Sol by Jergens. It develops pretty much as soon as you apply (and builds a little more after a few hours) and gives you a subtle glow with one application. When we tried it for ourselves, we noticed that it had a light texture that blended evenly—so it only took about 20 minutes for the whole process. It did feel a little sticky afterward, but once it dried down there was no transfer on our sheets or pajamas. The end result was a flattering, splotch- and streak-free tan that lasted for days.
Best Mist: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mist
Mousses aren’t your thing? Try a tanning mist instead, specifically this one from self-tan brand St. Tropez. It has a fine mist that dries quicker than most mousse formulas—so you do have to work quickly to blend it in—but the end result is even and streak-free. The coolest thing about this pick is that you can choose what shade works best for you (light, medium, or dark tan) with just one product. All you have to do is wait one, two, or three hours to shower based on how dark you want it to be. We also love that it dries down within a few minutes, but the shade still deepens for a couple of hours afterward. We had great color for about four to five days, and it faded evenly without any splotches.
Best Drops:Isle of Paradise Medium Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops
Isle of Paradise makes the #1 best-selling face tanning drops, so it’s no surprise that their body drops are just as excellent. Made with caffeine and oat extract to hydrate and brighten the skin, this easy-to-use formula only requires one step for a sun-kissed complexion. All you have to do is add a couple drops to your body moisturizer and apply as normal, and then you’ll have a subtle but noticeable glow that lasts for about four days. Since it blends in with your lotion, it’s able to absorb pretty quickly without leaving a sticky residue. We found that it had absolutely no transfer, and faded evenly without any streaks. One thing to note is that since you have to apply with your hands, make sure to wash them thoroughly once you’re done.
Best Wipes: Tan Towel Body Tan Towelettes
You might think that using wipes to tan could be a little difficult, but these towelettes from Tan Towel make it so easy. Coming in three shades and full-body as well as half-body sizes, they’re similar in texture to makeup wipes—except they’re saturated with a buildable tanning solution for bronzed, luminous skin. When testing, we found the application process super simple—you just need to spread it around your body in circular motions, making sure that all areas are covered. It doesn’t leave a mess or drip as you’re applying, and it dries completely in about five minutes (making it perfect for when you’re on the go). We think it’s a great choice for maintaining an already existing tan since the color is subtle and gradual, and it fades evenly without leaving streaks behind.
Best Express Tan: Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse
Express tans are a great choice for those who are looking for results on the same day or don’t have the time to let it develop overnight. This bronzing mousse from Loving Tan completely dries down in about an hour and can be washed off after two hours, revealing a deep but natural-looking tan that lasts about a week and a half. We loved that it faded very naturally without leaving any streaks behind, and that it comes in three shades to match multiple skin tones.
Best Long-Lasting: IL Makiage 85/66 Magic Moisturizing Sun Foam
If you love having a natural glow but don’t love the process of tanning itself, this foaming tan gives you up to seven days of the perfect tan. When testing it, we loved that it dried immediately—so there was no transfer at all. It also develops very quickly, so you can see the color pretty much as soon as you apply it. It’s formulated with a natural tanning agent called erythrulose, which is also able to reduce the appearance of scars and discoloration. You can also find hyaluronic acid and aloe vera in the formula to nourish and soften the skin.
Best for All Skin Tones: Bondi Sands Technocolor Emerald 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam
Self-tanner might be a foreign concept to those with darker skin, but there are many formulas on the market nowadays that can add a subtle glow to all tones. This express formula from Bondi Sands comes in four different shades, ranging from a natural cool tone to a warm golden tone. The brand conducted extensive research to find the best tanning actives and colors that complement each skin tone the best, so it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have a flattering, luminous finish. When applying the product ourselves, we were happy to see that it didn’t drip when using the mitt, and it was a simple and clean process. While our skin still felt tacky for about an hour after applying, we loved that it didn’t transfer even when it wasn’t completely dry. The end result was a radiant, golden color that lasted about five days.
Best for Mature Skin: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
Not only does this self-tanning formula give you a just-vacationed glow for around six days, but it also works to prevent signs of aging and cellulite. It’s formulated with the brand’s trademarked firming technology to reduce cellulite, as well as numerous natural antioxidants to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental free radicals. We love that it has a velvety smooth texture, and it comes with a mitt that makes application easy. We saw a difference in our color right away and got noticeably darker after 2 hours—becoming a perfect deep bronze after a full day.
However, it was so natural and flattering that people were shocked when we told them it was self-tanner.
Best Fragrance-Free: Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops
Even though many formulas on the market are scented, self-tanner smell—which is caused by the key ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA)— can be persistent. We’re happy to report that this one from Bondi Sands has no smell at all, making it perfect for both face and body. To apply, just add up to 12 drops to your normal moisturizer and massage in circular motions, making sure to spread evenly. Because it’s completely colorless, it didn’t transfer onto our hands or make a mess while drying (which it does pretty much immediately). You can use this daily when you moisturize, but it lasts about three days without reapplication.
Final Verdict
The best body self-tanner on the market is the Tan Luxe Express Tanning Mousse, which has a clear formula—making for a clean and easy application—that has no transfer, dries immediately, and lasts for 7 days. We also love the Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse, which is made with hydrating ingredients and gives you a beautiful but natural bronze glow.
What to Look for When Buying Self-TannersShades/Undertones
Of course, all self-tanners aren’t made equal, which means one doesn’t fit all. Many formulas in the market only come in one shade, which doesn’t always work for those with medium or dark skin tones. When looking for a self-tanner, it’s best to choose one that is recommended for your specific shade or one that comes with multiple shade options, like the Bondi Sands Technocolor Emerald 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the color base of the formula, which can determine what your end result will look like. “An olive-based tan will balance out red and pink in the skin, a golden tan will balance out olive in the skin, a violet brown tan will balance out yellow and olive in the skin,” says celebrity tanning artist Kristyn Pradas. “Using this method will prevent you from turning orange.”
Hydrating Formula
“Look for hydrating ingredients that balance the dehydrating effects of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in self-tanner,” says esthetician Rhea Souhleris Grous. Many of our favorite picks (like the IL Makiage 85/66 Magic Moisturizing Sun Foam and the Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops) include ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and more to replenish the moisture levels in the skin.
Development
The development time is how long it takes for a self-tanning product to show on your skin, and the time can vary from product to product. There are express tans like the Loving Tan 2 HR Express Self Tanning Mousse, which can develop in as little as two hours. Gradual formulas, such as the Lux Unfiltered N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse, start developing within a couple of hours but show the best result after leaving on overnight.
FAQWhat’s the best way to apply a body self-tanner?
“Think of self-tanning as makeup for the body and you are the artist,” says Grous. “Consider where the sun naturally hits your skin and where it doesn’t. The palms of the hands and soles of the feet are never tan. The undersides of the arms are always lighter than the tops.”
She recommends reading the instructions for specifics and then using the gloves to apply in layers instead of doing too much at once. Start from above your ankles and work your way up, and remove the gloves once you’re done to blend the excess onto the back of your hands. She also mentions that prep is important—make sure to exfoliate and moisturize before application.
How long does self-tanner last after applying?
The majority of self-tanners last about five to seven days. Grous says that moisturizing daily can extend the life of your tan, as well as exfoliating less.
How often should you use self-tanner?
The majority of self-tanners last about five to seven days, but it’s completely safe to apply it as often as you’d like.