A sun-kissed glow sure looks flattering but baking in the sun can mess up your skin pretty bad if you’re not careful. Indoor tanning may sound like a great option but it has its own downsides.
So, does that mean you should pass up on that beautiful golden hue? Not at all. You can still get tanned safely using the best self-tanning lotions. But choosing the right product can be near impossible especially if you have sensitive skin.
Certain formulas can cause skin irritation, acne breakouts, etc. And some of the products fail to meet your expectations. You certainly do not want an orange hue that screams from miles, “this is a fake tan.”
If you have sensitive skin, you need something that’s gentle on your skin, delivers desired results, and doesn’t streak.
Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of the best self-tanners for sensitive skin. Read on to explore the best available options.
Best Self-Tanner for Sensitive Skin Reviewed: Top 10 Picks
1. Beauty By Earth Self Tanner
When it comes to self-tanners for pale skin, nothing does it better than Beauty by Earth Self Tanner. It’s one of the best-selling self-tanning products on the market.
One of the many things that make it stand out from the rest is the fact that it’s made up of simple, organic ingredients such as Japanese green tea, shea butter, coconut oil, along with other ingredients.
The lightweight formula spreads evenly and covers harder-to-reach areas such as elbows, knees, etc. quite easily. Oh, and don’t you worry about the results! It will appear as if your tan came straight from the beaches of St. Barth.
No more burning yourself in the sun for that sun-kissed look. What’s more, the lotion dries quickly and does not rub off on your clothes and sheets.
Even better? You can apply it every day until you get the desired complexion. And the good news is that you don’t have to worry about getting those blotchy creases. Very simply put, you can never go wrong with this product.
2. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse
Are you sick of the streaky effects and messy application that comes with a bad self-tanning product? Enter St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse. The highlight of the product is that you don’t have to wait for the stuff to dry out.
It dries in about 60 seconds and the results are streak-free. Yes, you read that right. You don’t have to wait to put on your clothes after applying the product.
It has a mild smell that will take you to the tropics. In 4 to 8 hours, you’ll get a deep, natural tan that looks flattering.
Other notable qualities of the product? It has a vegan formula and uses 100% natural DHA. Plus, the moisturizing ingredients will drench your skin in hydration. The coverage is excellent and it’s very unlikely that you will miss a spot.
All the ingredients used are safe for sensitive skin. It’s formulated without parabens, dyes, phthalates, or other skin irritants.
3. Skinerals Californium Sunless Bronzer
If you want a natural-looking tan, Skineral Californium Sunless Bronzer is your best bet. It contains all-natural and organic ingredients that are safe for every skin type. You can expect a bronzed, glowing skin without having to worry about streaks, blotchiness, etc.
It doesn’t contain parabens, dyes, and fragrances. What’s more, it’s loaded with aloe vera, shea butter, lavender oil that not only moisturize but also soothe itchy and irritated skin.
The bronzer has a lightweight texture that goes on quickly. It’s very easy to apply and you’ll love the pleasant fruity smell. Plus, the foolproof formula plumps the skin with hydration and guarantees an even tan.
A single bottle can last you up to 8 full-body applications. Additionally, it’s safe for everyone including children. Upon application, your skin will feel fresh, hydrated, and smooth.
Honestly, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for safe tanning alternatives. Within an hour of application, a warm bronze color will start to develop.
4. COOLA Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum
If money is no object, this product from COOLA is simply the best for a number of reasons. First of all, you’ll love the piña colada smell. Unlike regular self-tanner, this one doesn’t have any bad odor.
Secondly, the formula is extremely lightweight. The product goes on quickly and gives you a beautiful tan. It will appear as if you spent the vacation in Cabo. Plus, it has essential vitamins and minerals to protect your skin.
Additionally, it also slows down the aging process. You can expect a golden, dewy skin that turns heads. After testing the product and reading the reviews, we can say it’s the best self-tanner for face.
It makes your skin soft and adds a subtle warmth. Also, you’ll absolutely love the way your skin feels after applying the product. As you would expect, it has a natural DHA which is derived from sugar beet.
To top it off, this magical product also helps with dryness, dehydration, inflammation, thanks to ingredients such as Centella Asiatica and hyaluronic acid.
5. Miami Gorgeous Lapaya Glow Self Tanning Mousse
If you’re lusting after instant natural bronze color, Miami Gorgeous Self Tanning Mousse is exactly what you need. It is enriched with argan oil and pure vitamins to give you smooth skin with perfect bronze.
It contains organic DHA that darkens your skin without causing breakouts. The bronzing complex ensures top-notch results. In addition to tanning, it also soothes irritated skin.
The formula is quick-drying and a single bottle will last you 10 to 12 full body applications. It can be used on the face as well. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and suitable for use by both men and women.
That’s not all. The formula contains vitamin C and E that fight free radicals, even out complexion and repair the skin from sun damage. Moreover, it will improve texture and rid you of dullness.
Finally, it is paraben-free and gluten-free. If you’re not satisfied with the results, the brand offers a 100% money-back guarantee. In short, you’ll not regret the purchase.
6. ArtNaturals Soleil Sunless Self-Tanner Lotion Set
This product from ArtNaturals not only gives you a nice, golden glow but it also fights the signs of premature aging. Your skin will impart a beautiful sun-kissed glow and you don’t even have to expose yourself to the harmful UV rays.
It is packed with the goodness of jojoba oil, safflower oil, and almond oil that condition your skin while developing the tan. You also get a specially designed mitt for seamless application.
Thanks to shea butter, your skin will stay hydrated throughout the day. Green tea extract fights free radicals, repairs damaged skin and increases cell turnover.
You can expect an even, streak-free, and blotch-free results. The stuff sinks into the skin quickly and is very easy to apply. The tan looks so natural and beautiful that you’ll get obsessed with yourself.
Additionally, it makes your skin really soft. And the price is also great. We guarantee that you’ll absolutely love this miraculous lotion from ArtNaturals.
7. Sun Laboratory Self Tanner Instant Ultra Dark
Loaded with natural ingredients, this self-tanner from Sun Laboratory won’t make your sensitive skin freak out. The formula revitalizes and restores new life to your skin.
It’s fast-drying as well and smooths evenly. Now let us bring it to your attention that the product is rich in antioxidants to soothe your skin and improve the appearance of signs of aging.
With a darker color, you will look more beautiful and slimmer. It’s easy to use, you won’t get streaks or blotches. You also get an instruction manual for a seamless application experience.
What’s more, it has a natural DHA so it’s totally safe for people with sensitive skin. And it doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates, or other toxic ingredients.
So, you can rest assured that this miraculous product won’t make your sensitive skin freak out. Even better? It’s a perfect fit for everyone. Both men and women can use it. It’s so effective that even doctors and celebrities recommend this product.
8. Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner
If you’re sick of tan lines, then you need Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner. The formula applies evenly, dries quickly, and doesn’t streak. In addition to an authentic tan, the product also has anti-aging benefits.
So, if you’re dealing with the signs of aging, this sunless tanner will soon become your new best friend. You don’t need to worry about looking like an orange mess with this product as it delivers a natural-looking tan.
Thanks to anti-aging moisturizers, it keeps your skin hydrated and moisturized. Also, you won’t be needing a moisturizer as it’s highly moisturizing. Thus, you’ll be able to save the money you spend on moisturizers.
Your tan will get deeper upon regular application. Use it every day until you’ve achieved the perfect color. A little goes a long way, so a single bottle would last you at least a couple of applications.
The product is a bit expensive, though. Nevertheless, it’s an exciting product that delivers high-end results.
9. Botanic Tree Self Tanner
Meet Botanic Tree Self Tanner that delivers a deep, dark tan and also moisturizes your skin at the same time. Infused with natural ingredients such as avocado, apricot, rosemary, coconut, jojoba, etc, this lotion will leave your skin feeling great with a bronze hue.
It has a quick-absorbing formula that dries quickly. Also, it gives you a natural tan and doesn’t turn your skin orange. Since it doesn’t have nasty ingredients, you don’t need to worry about acne and skin irritation.
The problem with most self-tanners is that the results are often streaky and blotchy. Luckily, you won’t have to encounter such problems with this product. Also, the cream is transfer-free and doesn’t stain clothes.
On top of that, this is a budget-friendly product. It is made in the USA and is never tested on animals. Apply the product every day until you’ve reached the desired shade. After that, you’ll only need to apply it every 4 to 5 days to maintain that color.
10. Golden Star Beauty Self Tanner for Face
Presenting anti-aging face serum that not only helps you get tanned but also offers several other benefits such as diminishing blemishes, reducing fine lines, and eliminating acne.
If you take a quick look at the ingredients, you will find several powerful ingredients such as organic rosehip oil, hyaluronic acid. Now, we don’t need to tell you how effective these ingredients are when it comes to caring for your skin.
What’s more, it doesn’t turn your skin orange like the majority of those self-tanners. It’s non-comedogenic, so it doesn’t clog pores.
The product also features vitamin B5 that makes your skin soft, smooth, and healthy overall. Also, the natural oils used in the serum are USDA certified and is safe for sensitive complexions.
On top of that, the serum doesn’t contain parabens, dyes, phthalates, etc. If you don’t like the product, the company offers a full refund. It’s safe to assume that you’ll fall in love with this tanner.
11. Tanceuticals CC Self Tanning Body Lotion
Looking for something to get a brown color on your body? Tanceuticals CC Self Tanning Lotion is the product to look out for. This self-tanner is trusted by over 240,000 users worldwide.
Popular skincare blogs like Marie Claire, Vive Magazine recommend this. So, you get the idea of how popular and effective this lotion is.
The lotion is fairly easy to use and it doesn’t streak. Your tan will last 6 to 7 days which is really good if you ask us. More importantly, you get a natural sun-kissed look without crease lines, blotchiness, etc.
The consistency and coverage are excellent. You won’t miss a spot and the results look really pleasing. It doesn’t rub or transfer on your clothing.
The lotion has ingredients such as mango butter, acai berry, and vitamin E that improve elasticity, texture, and overall skin health. Plus, it doesn’t have parabens or mineral oil. So, it’s a win-win.
12. Bahama Tan Gradual Self Tanner
Loved for its all-natural and organic ingredients, Bahama Tan Gradual Self Tanner will give you the most amazing sunless tan. You don’t have to worry about orange hue, blotchiness, streaking, or anything as the formula is completely dependable.
With ingredients like safflower oil, argan oil, shea butter, babassu oil, the lotion develops a profound tan while also soothing irritated skin.
It doesn’t have fillers, propylene glycol, or artificial fragrances, so your sensitive skin is in safe hands. It does have DHA, but it’s completely natural derived from sugar cane. As far as the lifespan of the tan is concerned, it will last you somewhere between 4 to 7 days.
You get an instruction set telling you how to apply the product for maximum and effective results. The highlight of the product is that it imitates the natural skin color and darkens it. So, the results are appealing.
Not only will your skin get a subtle warmth, but it will also feel fresh and rejuvenated upon application. Price is also very reasonable for such a top-notch product.
Tips on Choosing the Best Self Tanner for Sensitive Skin
You sure don’t want the blotchy appearance, uneven tan, or skin irritation. Below are some tips to help you choose the best product for you.
Natural DHA
DHA reacts with skin cells and temporarily darkens your complexion. Now, DHA is not bad for people with normal skin. However, that doesn’t hold true for people with sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, you should look for products with natural DHA.
Lucky for you, the products we’ve mentioned above contain DHA. If you decide to buy a product not mentioned on the list above, make sure to check that it has natural DHA.
Go Organic
Another great tip for you is to buy organic self-tanners. Try to skip products loaded with chemicals. More often than not, these chemicals can cause irritation, redness, itchiness, inflammation, and whatnot.
Look for the products that do not have parabens, dyes, phthalates, fragrances. This is one way to avoid irritation.
Natural Oils
Look for ingredients such as argan oil, rosehip oil, shea butter, etc. as they are intensely hydrating and moisturizing. You will only be able to achieve a perfect tan when your skin is soft, smooth, and healthy.
All these essential oils make sure that your skin gets everything it needs to stay healthy. Luckily, there are a lot of products out there that come loaded with these oils. So, finding one should not be a problem.
Important Sunless Tanning Tips
For the highest level of effectiveness, here are a few important tips for you to follow:
- Exfoliate: It’s vital to exfoliate the skin first before applying self-tanner. This will remove all the dead cells and help you achieve a long-lasting tan.
- Wax: For the product to work its magic, waxing body hair is important. But do it at least 24 hours before application.
- Patch Test: A simple patch test goes a long way. It’s the best way to avoid any kind of problems. In case of allergies or irritation, wash off all the lotion and discontinue using the product. It would be wise to speak to your doctor about the treatment.
- Showering: Wait for at least 4 hours unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer. Showering early will wash off the lotion before it could even work its magic.
- Read Instructions: Don’t forget to read the instruction label when using a product. It’s their formula and no one knows it better than them. This will ensure the best possible results.
Conclusion
Taking the plunge with a new skincare product sure feels risky especially if you have sensitive skin. But it’s definitely worth the chance. That being said, the self-tanners we’ve reviewed above are totally safe for sensitive skin.
You can have your peace of mind knowing that all the products above are tested on sensitive skin. All the ingredients used are gentle, so they won’t freak out your skin. However, if you’re dealing with skin problems, then we would advise you to wait until those problems have resolved.
If you’ve tried one of these products, we would love to hear your experience. Also, if you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.
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