Top 10 Best Natural-looking Self Tanners in 2023

As we always do, we checked the market for numerous self tanning products and spent several months testing them.

After assessing them, we came up with the best ten. You can check the individual reviews of the tanners below. In choosing them, we considered how effective they are. So, you can be sure that you’ll get great results from all of them. You don’t want to apply a self tanner that will leave you with patches. We don’t want that either.

We also considered how fast they dry up. We selected only self tanners that will dry up within 30 minutes. So, you don’t have to wait too long before you put on your clothes after self tanning. Most importantly, we also checked the ingredients of every self tanner and screened out two categories of self tanners.

We dropped the ones that do not have their list of ingredients displayed on their body. And we also removed others that have harsh chemicals that are not safe for the human skin. After a strict screening process, we selected the top tanners and decided to review only the best ten.

Top 10 Best Natural-looking Self Tanners:

1. Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion

This self tanner comes in an 8-ounce tube, and some of its key ingredients are Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Organic Coconut Oil, Japanese Green Tea Leaf Extract, and Vanilla Fruit Extract. Some of the users confirmed that it gives a natural glow without leaving nasty streaks, blotches, or dark spots.

It is certified cruelty free. The tanner is effective for all skin types, and that’s why it has a current Amazon rating of 4.3 stars. If you don’t get the desired result after 6 hours of application, you can reapply it to your skin. And if you eventually achieve your desired coloration, you need to apply it every 4 to 7 days to maintain the color.

Like most self tanners, the product requires shaving and exfoliation before you apply it. Also, you must stay away from water within 6 to 8 hours after applying the tanner to get great results.

2. Skinerals Californium Self Tanner Mousse

This is another great self tanning mousse. Apply it in the night a few minutes before bedtime and take your shower the following morning, and you’re good. Moreover, its key ingredients are Shea Butter and Orange Peel. The mousse’s volume is 5.6 ounces. With the volume, you can apply it to your entire body 4 to 8 times per bottle.

Like the self tanner reviewed above, it also has an Amazon rating of 4.3 stars. Furthermore, it is odorless, and it leaves no blotches or streaks. If applied properly, you’ll get a natural-looking glow, and this glow will last for 4 to 7 days before it starts fading. With the product, you won’t have stain issues because it dries up very fast.

Start with exfoliation, and follow it with cleansing and drying your body. Apply the tanner and keep your skin moisturized after.

3. Skinerals Premium Natural-looking Self Tanner

This self tanner also moisturizes the skin. So, it gives 2-in-1 benefits. Vegans can use it because it is certified cruelty free. The tanning set comes with a mitt and an extender lotion. To get the best result, you need to exfoliate, cleanse, and dry your skin before you apply it. You can be sure of its safety.

Some of its ingredients are fruit and plant extracts. In addition, it is paraben-free and sulfate-free. The product weighs 1.19 pounds and its Amazon rating of 4.3 stars confirms its quality. Once you apply it appropriately, you’ll get results in less than an hour.

4. Botanic Tree Natural-looking Self Tanner

This self tanner weighs 6 ounces and it also has the ability to moisturize the skin. Furthermore, some of its ingredients are Organic Aloe Vera, Leaf Juice, and Shea Butter. We love the fact that it is suitable for all skin types. It yields great results without streaks, dots, and blotches.

The product is odorless and effective. Moreover, it is SLS-free, paraben-free, and cruelty free, so it is the ideal self tanner for vegans. Since it contains Shea Butter and Aloe Vera, it also moisturizes the skin. It might also interest you that the product is made in the United States. And the Amazon rating of 4.3 stars speaks volumes about the quality and efficacy of the self tanner.

5. Dave’s Self Tanner Organic & Natural

This 8.96-ounce self tanner offers medium and tan skin tones. With Aloe Vera, Sesame, and Jojoba oil as its ingredients, you should be certain that it is a great tanning product. It also contains antioxidants, and that’s why it is able to fight off the aging of the skin.  The tanner works for all skin types except skin with allergies.

It has no offensive odor, and it leaves no streaks. Also, it will never change the color of your skin to orange. We can also assure you that it is paraben-free. After applying it, you only need to wait for 15 to 20 minutes before you put on your clothes. Finally, it has an Amazon rating of 4.2stars.

6. Bronze Dark Tanning Mousse

This tanning mousse comes in an 11.2-0z can. You can get all skin tones from the product. Apart from tanning, it moisturizes the skin and also reduces the aging process. This is because it contains Aloe Vera and other anti-aging herbal extracts. Once you allow it to dry up after application, you don’t have to worry about cloth stains.

It gives a smooth and glowing tan for all skin types. However, if you notice any irritation on your skin after applying it, don’t use it again.

Also, its Amazon rating of 4.0 stars is quite commendable. Make sure you store it in a cool, dry place. Also, this tanner comes with a vinyl glove for applying it to your skin.

7. Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse

Jergens gives a deep skin tone. Also, it moisturizes the skin and this makes the tanner last a little longer. The dimension of the bottle is 2.11 by 2.11 by 7.13 inches, and it weighs 6 ounces.  You’ll also love the fact that it does not have any odor. Instead, it has a tropical fruity scent.

We can confirm to you that it is cruelty free, and it leaves no streaks. The self tanner is made in the United States. Jergens’ best feature is its drying speed. After applying it, the tanner will dry up in only 60 seconds! Can you beat that? It’s simply amazing.  Its drying speed is probably why it has an Amazon rating of 4.4 stars. That’s the highest rating on this list so far.

8. MineTan Body Skin Self Tanner

This product is good for all skin types and it gives all skin tones. After applying it to your body, just wait for at least 3 hours for the tanner to develop fully. Your sweat will not affect this tanner. It has been fortified against sweat. The longer it stays on your body, the deeper your tone will be.

Its package has a dimension of 1.89 by 1.89 by 7.8 inches, and it weighs 7.05 ounces. We also noticed that it also moisturizes the skin. Although it is not as popular as the leading brands, it is also a good product that will soon join the big league of self tanners.  Its Amazon rating of 4.3 stars is a pointer to that.

9. Fake Bake Fair Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion

This cruelty free self tanner will give you a deep natural-looking tan. So, you should not be surprised that it has a high Amazon rating.  After its application, you’ll see full results in 5 to 6 hours. This product has no smell and it does not leave streaks, orange coloration or blotches.

The tanner will last for about 7 days before it begins to fade off gradually. Also, don’t forget to exfoliate your skin before you apply it. And if you notice any irritation, stop using it. In fact, if you have sensitive skin, it’s better to see your doctor before applying any self tanner to your body.

Like most self tanners, the product requires shaving and exfoliation before you apply it. Also, you must stay away from water within 6 to 8 hours after applying the tanner to get great results.

10. Fake Bake Instant Self Tanning Liquid

This is one of the highest-rated self tanner on our list. It has a current Amazon rating of 4.4 stars. When you use the product, you’ll agree that it is worth the rating.

It gives all skin tones. You only need to select your desired tone. Being a spray makes it very easy to apply. The tanner will bond with the skin’s pigment.

Its package has a dimension of 3.12 by 3.12 by 9.12 inches. And it weighs 16 ounces. The tanner dries fast, so it won’t enter your pores. It has no smell, and it does not leave streaks. And if you allow it to dry up fully, it won’t stain your clothes.

How Do I Get A Natural-Looking Tan Using Self Tanner?

Answer: Take the time to apply tanner the right way. Ensure you follow instructions to the letter. In most cases, you have to start by shaving the hair on your body and exfoliating your skin the night before you apply the tanner. Right before you apply it, cleanse your skin and ensure it dries up before you apply the self tanner.

After application, you need to leave it for a couple of hours for the tanner to dry up before you can put on your clothes. Also, you need to leave it for another 3 to 6 hours to develop fully before you can take a shower.

After the application, you also need to apply moisturizer to your skin every day. In addition, you may add a few drops of the tanner to your body lotion and apply it to your skin every day to maintain your new tan.

Can You Get Naturally Tanned With Fake Tan On?

Yes, you can get naturally tanned with fake tan on. However, that may not be necessary. The fake tan already looks like a natural tan. No one can tell whether it’s a fake tan or a natural tan. So, you have to get naturally tanned since you already have a fake tan on.

Also, the only way to get naturally tanned is by exposing your skin to sunlight. Unfortunately, this is a bad idea. The sun emits UV rays and these rays are known to cause skin cancer. The longer you stay under the sun., the higher your chances of developing skin cancer.

Fake tan emerged as a way to get a natural tan look without subjecting your skin to sunlight. Once again, yes, you can get naturally tanned with fake tan on, but it is not necessary and does not make much of a sense.

Which Fake Tan Looks Most Natural?

All tones of tan look natural because they are smooth, they glow and the tanner is applied evenly. We have done the hardest part for you. We have brought out great self tanners. Be sure that any product you select from this list will give you a natural-looking tan, but you must apply the tanner properly. Make sure you follow the right steps.

Whether it is a tanning spray, tanning mousse, tanning lotion, or tanning water, they can all give you a natural look because they all work the same way, and they’ll all give you a natural-looking tan. They have the same active ingredients. The only difference is their form.

What Can I Do If I Notice Uneven Patches Of Tan?

Uneven patches of tan cannot be fixed. So, you need to remove your self tanner immediately. If it is yet to dry up, you can quickly take a shower with soap and a sponge. Since the tanner is yet to dry up, most of it will be washed away.

After that, you can apply a tan remover to your skin to remove what’s left. When you’re through, you can then cleanse your skin, dry it, and apply self tanner again. This time, you have to be more careful. To avoid uneven patches of skin and blotches, we will advise you to always apply your self tanner under very bright light.

Can You Apply Gradual Tan Twice A Day

Yes and no. Some self tanners can be applied as such and others can’t. So, it depends on the brand of self tanner that you’re working with. What really matters is following the application instructions religiously. That is what will give you a natural-tan look.

Yes, some tanning products, like tanning drops, allow gradual tanning but not twice a day. For tanning drops, after application, you’ll wait till the following day before you apply it again. And you don’t apply the tanner alone. You have to mix it with a body cream, lotion, or moisturizer. Furthermore, it is necessary to wait for the tanner to dry up and develop fully before you apply it again.

Can Tou Wash Off Self Tanners Prematurely?

Yes, you can wash it off before it dries up. That is if you have done a bad job. Also, even if it dries up, you can still wash it off with a tanner remover. This is another skincare product that most self tanner brands offer.

It is easier to wash off a self tanner before it dries up. And it is even harder if it has developed completely. This is why you must assess your tan before it dries up completely. If you notice uneven patches, blotches, or streaks, you have to quickly wash it off before it dries up.

est Natural-looking Self Tanners

What Is The Best Natural-Looking Self Tanner?

We can safely tell you that all the ten self tanners reviewed above are the topmost self tanners in the market currently. We tested them with many other brands, but they were handpicked as the best. So, what makes them the best?

First of all, they all give a natural tan within minutes after application. Also, they will not rub off on your clothes if you wait for them to dry up before wearing your clothes. Also, they will last for about 7 to 10 days after application. Furthermore, none of the products give off the offensive odor that is typical of self tanners. Instead, they have attractive fragrances.

We’re not surprised that all of them have high Amazon ratings. On that note, we’ll recommend all of them. You’re good with anyone you pick.

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