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What is the best sunless tanning lotion for me?

by Aaron|June 16, 2022
What is the best sunless tanning lotion for me?

Though tanned skin has become synonymous with summer for some, there’s truly no such thing as a healthy glow from the sun or tanning bed. “Tanned skin is actually a manifestation of damaged skin, whether from time spent outdoors under the sun or indoors in a UV tanning bed,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin founder Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “Both methods of tanning are harmful, contributing to skin cancer as well as premature aging.”

Still craving the look of bronzed skin for summer? “Sunless tanners are a much safer alternative that dermatologists approve of and recommend without reservation,” Dr. Schlessinger says. Sunless tanning lotions, also called self-tanners, contain an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone—DHA for short—that causes the skin to temporarily darken, mimicking the look of tanned skin. However, with such a wide variety of self-tanners out there to choose from—lotions, foams, wipes and mists— what is the best sunless tanning lotion for you? Check out our expert recommendations to meet a variety of needs, including:

The best sunless tanning lotions for fair skin

COOLA Organic Gradual Sunless Tan Firming Lotion

COOLA Organic Gradual Sunless Tan Firming Lotion

When it comes to choosing the best sunless tanning lotion for fair skin, opt for a gradual-tan formula that allows you to build your sunless tan slowly and subtly with every application. This self-tanner has a rich cream texture that’s easy to apply and provides moisturizing benefits thanks to shea butter and baobab oil. It also contains caffeine, which can help skin look temporarily tighter and firmer after each application and features a light piña colada scent that’s just right for summertime.

PHYTOMER Sun Radiance Self-Tanning Cream Face & Body

PHYTOMER Sun Radiance Self-Tanning Cream Face & Body

This all-over sunless tanning lotion is another excellent option for fair skin. It has a traditional lotion texture that’s easily applied to the face and body and is quickly absorbed, leaving a satin finish. You’ll notice a natural-looking glow starting to develop about 2.5 hours after application. In clinical trials, 96% users reported a good intensity of tan that was long-lasting after applying this sunless tanning lotion three times weekly.

The best sunless tanner with fast results

Norvell Vivid 1 Hour Rapid Self Tan Mousse

Norvell Vivid 1 Hour Rapid Self Tan Mousse

For days when you don’t have time to wait the usual six to ten hours for self-tanning lotion to take effect, this speedy self-tanner is your summertime solution. With an easy-to-apply mousse texture and pleasant vanilla scent, this sunless tanner delivers a light bronze look after one hour, a medium bronze after two hours and a dark bronze after three hours. You can use this mousse on your face as well as your body. After your chosen period of time has passed, rinse with warm water and do not shower with soap for 24 hours.

The best sunless tanner with anti-aging benefits

Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Self-Tan Drops

Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Self-Tan Drops

This unique facial sunless tanner combines the bronzing power of sunless tanning lotion with the anti-aging benefits of an antioxidant facial serum all in one product. Use the dropper applicator to dispense the lightweight, fast-absorbing liquid into your hands and gently smooth it onto your face, neck and decolletage. For a natural-looking tan, start with four to six drops. For a deeper, golden tan, work up to six to eight drops. This formula contains vitamin E to help hydrate skin as well as vitamin C, designed to help firm skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The best sunless tanner for travel

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self Tanner for Face and Body

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self Tanner for Face

Ready to get glowing on vacation? Leave your bottles of sunless tanning lotion at home and bring these single-use tanning wipes, which are perfectly portioned for travel with a unique formula that’s designed to exfoliates and tan in one simple step. When you’re ready to apply, just tear open the package and pull out the moistened towelette, which features a textured surface to help exfoliate skin as you apply. The tanning wipes for the body contain glycolic acid to help smooth bumpy skin, salicylic acid to help curb body acne. This sunless tanner also contains Capislow, an ingredient formulated to help minimize hair growth, to help you shave less frequently between trips to the beach or pool. The tanning wipes for the face also contain alpha and beta hydroxy acids to help exfoliate dull, dead skin cells and leave skin looking smooth and softly bronzed.

The best vegan sunless tanning lotion

The Organic Pharmacy Self Tan

The Organic Pharmacy Self Tan

If you prefer to avoid animal products when it comes to stocking your beauty stash, give this vegan-friendly sunless tanning lotion a try. Made without animal-derived products, this lotion’s ingredient list is also 80% organic. Suitable for use on your face as well as body, it moisturizes your skin with organic coconut oil, sesame oil and shea butter while giving skin a subtle, natural-looking tan.

The best sunless tan lotions with bronzer

Arcona Bronze Tinted Self Tanner

Arcona Bronze Tinted Self Tanner

One part bronzer, one part sunless tanning lotion, this self-tanner is formulated to give your face and body an instant glow with bronzing pigments as the active ingredients go to work developing a natural-looking tan throughout the day. It also contains a blend of shea butter, vitamin E and grapeseed extract, which work together to nourish skin and leave it feeling soft and ready for summer.

Guinot Sun Logic Auto Bronze Self-Tanner Face Gel

Guinot Sun Logic Auto Bronze Self-Tanner Face Gel

Here’s another fantastic option if you’d like to bronze and self-tan in one step. Easy to apply thanks to its tinted formula (so you can see exactly what spots you’ve missed), this gel formula gives your face an instant bronze while your longer-lasting sunless tan develops over time. Because it contains Hydrocyte Complex to help infuse your skin with moisture, it can also take the place of your usual morning moisturizer, further simplifying your summer skin care routine.

Check out the best tips and techniques to use to get an even-looking sunless tan and more skin care advice on the LovelySkin Blog.

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About the Author

Aaron serves as Editor at LovelySkin. Since graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2016 with degrees in Creative Writing and English, he has immersed himself in the beauty industry. When he’s not writing about the latest beauty trends, he spends time cuddling his dogs, scouring antique stores, playing tennis and hiking.

Other Posts by Aaron

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