sunless tanning products

The Best Sunless Tanning Products

For many, achieving that golden glow feels like a must before heading off on vacation. But as we know, the only truly safe tan is the kind that comes from a bottle. Fortunately, getting a sun-kissed look no longer means putting your skin at risk.

Thanks to major advancements in sunless tanning formulas over the past few years, today’s sunless tanning products deliver more natural-looking, streak-free results than ever before. From innovative formulas with SPF 50 to gradual glow drops, there's a perfect option to help you achieve a safe, sunless tan. 


Our Top-Rated Sunless Tanning Products

Without further adieu, let's dive into our top-rated sunless tanning products, why we love them, and where to purchase them.

 

Most Innovative: FRÉ BRONZE ME Sun-Kissed Mineral SPF 50, $49

A glowy bronze and SPF 50 all in one product? Yes, please! FRÉ BRONZE ME Sun-Kissed Mineral SPF 50 not only provides broad-spectrum protection for your face and body, but also leaves an instant shimmery tan. FRÉ’s exclusive Argania Active Complex™ blends argan oil, leaf water, and stem cells to hydrate and defend against UV damage.

Available on Amazon & FRÉ

Picture via FRÉ

Why We Love It:

  • SPF 50 rating: The broad-spectrum SPF 50 rating makes this the perfect addition to your sun-safe skin care routine. Remember that, as with all SPF products, you still need to reapply every 2 hours or sooner if you're swimming or sweating. 
  • Perfect for mature skin: This product is packed with hydrating and super-power ingredients like niacinimide, vitamin C, and argan oil. Because it prioritizes hydration, it is a fan favorite for mature skin as it is lightweight and less likely to settle into fine lines.

Cons: 

  • Cost: It is no secret that this innovative SPF and bronzer comes with a hefty price tag. Be on the lookout for discounts.
  • Color transfer: This product may be a bit tricky to use with light fabrics as it can transfer to fabrics and services. You also need to wash your hands after application, something that may be tricky while you're on the go. 

 

Best for a Little Glow: Vacation "VACATION" Shimmer Oil SPF 30, $38

Your next vacation has a new sidekick! Sometimes you don't need a full-on self-tanning product, but rather just a little natural glow. This Shimmer Oil SPF 30 provides the perfect natural glow and subtle fragrance while also keeping you sun-safe with SPF 30 sun protection.

Available on Ulta 

Picture via Vacation

Why We Love It:

  • Aesthetics: This product is super Instagrammable and makes sun safety chic! Plus, the packaging is travel-friendly and ready for your next jetsetting adventure.  
  • Water resistant (80 minutes): There is nothing better than a water-resistant formula, and this one offers protection for up to 80 minutes.
  • SPF 30 rating: The broad-spectrum SPF 30 rating makes this the perfect addition to your sun-safe skin care routine. We recommend using it in addition to your daily sunscreen, not in place of. 

Cons: 

  • Cost: It is no secret that this multitasking beauty product comes with a hefty price tag. Be on the lookout for discounts.
  • Possible reactions: As with all products, it is best to patch test before full application, especially if you haven't used a product like this before. Although this product is dermatologist-approved and approves, a small sample of testers with sensitive skin noted small reactions. 

P.S. If you're looking for a great Vacation® sunless tanner for your face, we also love the Studio Tone SPF 50 Bronzing Drops!  

 

Best for Face: Saltyface Tanning Water, $44

Saltyface is an up-and-coming beauty brand with an emphasis on creating safe and effective formulas. Their Saltyface Tanning Water offers the perfect gradual glow that feels lightweight on your skin and develops for up to 24 hours. 

According to their website, the formula includes organic sugarbeet, which reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of the skin for a natural tan effect similar to the sun without exposure to harmful UV rays. Apply this product after your daily moisturizer, but before your SPF. 

Available on Amazon, Saltyface, and Goop

Picture via Saltyface

Why We Love It:

  • Easy application: The dropper bottle makes application a breeze. For the most natural coverage, add a few drops to your hands and then apply to your face, working your way up to your ears, hairline, and neck and chest. Be sure to wash your hands immediately after application. 
  • Streakless finish:  There is nothing worse than the dreaded orange streak that comes from most self-tanners. Thankfully, with this product, there is no horrible orange color in sight. When you apply as directed, this product provides the perfect streak-free finish. 
  • Odorless: We all know the classic self-tanner odor. Thankfully, this product is odorless and also suitable for sensitive skin. 

Cons: 

  • Final results: This product offers more of a sun-kissed natural glow rather than a deep tan. While for some this may be a con, for others it provides the ideal, effortless, and streak-free finish. 
  • Cost: It is no secret that this product comes with a hefty price tag. Be on the lookout for discounts.

If you'd prefer a mist top vs. a dropper, it is sold separately as part of a Tanning Set.


 

Best Tanning Drops: Tanologist Face + Body Self Tan Drops, $22

The Tanologist Face + Body Self Tan Drops are a cult favorite self tanning product. Mix a few drops into your favorite SPF moisturizer or body lotion for a nearly instantaneous natural glow. The best part? These tanning drops are more affordable than similar tanning drops on the market. 

Available on Ulta & Amazon

Picture via Ulta

Why We Love It:

  • Buildable coverage: Since this product is intended to be mixed, it can effortlessly help you achieve everything from a subtle glow to a more bronzed goddess finish. 
  • Smooth, even results: Because this product mixes into your favorite moisturizer/body lotion, it delivers smooth, even results that look completely natural. 

Cons: 

  • Needs to be mixed: In order to achieve the most natural results, you should mix these tanning drops with face moisturizer or body lotion and then apply to your skin. 
  • Self-tanner odor: While this product is noted as being "fragrance-free," it does leave behind the classic self-tanner odor. 
  • Trial and error: As we've found to be the case with all self-tanning drops, this product requires a bit of trial and error to find what works best for you, your skin tone, and your intended results. 

Looking to splurge? The Tan-Luxe The Body Self Tan Drops deliver a stunning, dewy finish. 

 

Best Drugstore Brand: Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam, $27

Self-tanning foam is the unsung hero of an even and natural faux tan with a user-friendly application and lightweight finish. The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam checks all of these boxes and more.

Available on Ulta, Amazon & Target

Picture via Target

Why We Love It:

  • Three color options: This product is available in light/medium, dark, and ultra dark, perfect for helping you achieve your intended results.
  • Easy to apply: Foam self-tanning products provide a far more user-friendly application than drops and are more lightweight than a self-tanning lotion. For a seamless application, we recommend applying with the Bondi Sands Application Mitt. 
  • Coconut scent: The coconut scent helps to mask that dreaded self-tanning odor.  

Cons: 

  • Long developing time: Not everyone has 4-6 hours to allow the tan to develop fully before washing it off. Thankfully, Bondi Sands also offers a 1-hour express for those on the go. 
  • Varying price point: Different retailers list this product at varying price points. Be sure to shop around for the best deal. 

Up Next: The Best Scalp Sunscreens for the Entire Family

 

All products in this post are independently reviewed and purchased. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission to help support our business. 

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