If you’ve ever been unfortunate enough to apply self-tanner and ended up with streaky or orange results—we’ve been there, too. That’s why we put seven top options to the test over three weeks to determine the winning formulas. Our testers evaluated each product based on the ingredients, ease of application, development time, scent and longevity. The is our pick for the best self-tanner overall: It dries quickly and develops into an even tan after an hour, which is great for those who want quick results. We also recommend , an excellent drugstore option that delivers gradual, subtle color with daily use.
This luxurious tanning mousse is our top recommendation thanks to its ease of application, how quickly it works and its customization factor. The whipped formula applies evenly and absorbs into the skin quickly; I found that using the ensures a smooth, even application while keeping my hands clean. The mousse is tinted, so you can easily see if it’s applied evenly or if you missed a spot.
Based on how many hours you leave it on, your tan can range from subtle to a deeper tan. I found that even after an hour, I had natural-looking color that looked believable for my fair (type III) skin tone. For a recent wedding, I left the formula on for two hours before rinsing it off, and I was pleasantly surprised at the results. The tan was deeper without looking too dark or fake for my complexion. It also faded beautifully after a week and never left me with unsightly splotches or color, which can sometimes occur with spray tans. The one downside our multiple testers noted is the lingering scent, which some describe as “a strong perfume smell.”
The 2026 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
This easy-to-use tinted mousse is ideal for beginners and those daunted by the self-tanning products because it leaves skin with a subtle, buildable wash of color that’s also moisturizing. One applied, it dries down quickly without any stickiness, and the ingredient list includes aloe vera and hyaluronic acid for hydration and to prevent uneven fading. The tinted formula also helps with even application and allows you to see where you’ve missed any spots.
Unlike the St. Tropez mousse, this one has to be left on for about eight hours before it’s rinsed off, and the results are soft and natural. “This looked great after showering, and the color was very even,” says one tester. Like the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse, the color lasts on my skin reliably for a week before it starts to fade. It faded evenly, but if there were dry spots (for example, my ankles and elbows) with lingering product, an exfoliating body mitt or loofa did the trick to give me a clean slate before applying it again. If you’re looking for a more noticeable tan, opt for the Dark shade.
Unlike most tanners, these travel-friendly wipes can be packed in your bag, eliminating the possibility of messes or spills. The individually wrapped towelettes are quick-drying (gently rub the wipe in circular motions to apply, and the color develops in several hours), and in my testing lasted an impressive four full days. The formula isn’t tinted, so you won’t see where you’ve already applied it. Blend slowly and evenly to avoid streaks, starting with your lower body and working your way up. Keep in mind that these pads are designed to be used on your neck and body; for a subtle glow on your face, use the . Like the face pads, the body wipes contain lactic and glycolic acids to gently exfoliate the skin.
I love the even, sun-kissed glow that develops, and it fades evenly for the most part. On day five, I noticed the area around my ankles looking a little patchy. This was my first time using the body wipes, and I may not have applied the product evenly around my elbows, knees and ankles—plus these are the areas where self-tanner fading may be most noticeable as skin turns over.
This facial tanning water contains ingredients that hydrate and soothe your complexion. Glycerin and aloe add moisture, while cucumber fruit extract and marshmallow root soothe and reduce inflammation. This formula is meant to be applied as the last step in your skincare routine—after cleansing and moisturizing—and you can use a fluffy brush or your fingers, which is my preferred application method. I’ve found that smoothing it over my skin provides more noticeable results—although if you’re looking for a more subtle, diffused tan, use the brush.
The clear liquid is completely unscented and in the year that I’ve been using this has never irritated or given my skin breakouts (I have combination, acne-prone skin). The color reliably lasts for a few days. After day three, the color started to fade, and I needed to use the product again to restore some color to my complexion. Luckily, it never fades unevenly or leaves me with splotches, which was my biggest fear when I started using self-tanner on my face. Just keep in mind that it takes longer for the tan to fully develop—approximately eight to nine hours.
The Clarins Self Tanning Tinted Gel feels like a milky cleanser—a change in consistency from some of the more common mousse formulas on the market. It has a faint tropical scent that fades within 30 minutes of application, and there’s no need to apply the formula with anything but your hands. “Because it’s a gel, it dries quite quickly but not so fast that you feel rushed and can’t apply it to your whole body in one fell swoop,” says our tester, who has used this product for a decade.
The color develops within 30 to 40 minutes and looks incredibly natural on our tester’s fair skin. If you want an extra-subtle wash of color on your face and neck, mix it into your moisturizer before applying. In terms of longevity, our tester notes that this product lasts for a week and can be used multiple days in a row to build or maintain color without appearing streaky or inconsistent.
If you have dry skin, the Tan-Luxe Hydrating Self-Tan Water is a great option packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, beta-glucan, aloe leaf juice and panthenol. It also includes vitamin C, which can help brighten your complexion and boost collagen production. To apply, you spray it directly onto your skin—each spritz covers a fairly large surface area—and rub it in using a mitt. Like the , you leave it on for 30 minutes to three hours, depending on how dark you want your tan to be.
“I typically leave it on for about 90 minutes. It gives the most natural color of any self-tanner I’ve tried—no orange tinge,” says our tester, who has been using this product for two years. The abundance of hydrating ingredients also ensures your sun-kissed glow fades evenly. “One of my favorite things about this tanning product is how naturally it fades—I never end up looking splotchy or having leftover tan patches,” she says.
Another benefit is that this formula can be applied to the face, eliminating the need for a separate product. “I have sensitive skin, so I wouldn’t want to slather a tanning mouse all over my face,” says our tester. “With this formula, a few spritzes gives me a believable glow that matches my body.”
The Jergens Natural Glow Body Lotion is our top pick for an affordable formula that leaves skin with a buildable tan. It has more than 31,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and our tester gave it high marks for its easy application and pretty, natural-looking results. “Though it does have that slight stickiness right after application, it’s not the same level as many sunless tanning foams or mousses where you feel like you can’t touch anything for several minutes and need to fully air dry,” says our tester, who uses the medium to deep shade. She didn’t notice any transfer onto sheets or clothing, although it’s best to give it ample drying time before putting on socks or shoes. The lotion is also enriched with vitamin E and antioxidants to keep skin looking—and feeling—soft and smooth.
Our tester recently traveled with the because it’s more compact, and she was happy with the results after using it on her legs. Both the face and body formulas are incredibly user friendly, and the color builds steadily with noticeable results after the first few days.
How We Tested The Best Self-Tanners
To determine the best self tanners, we combined in-depth research with a rigorous, multi-stage testing process that spanned from initial application to longterm wear.
The Testing Panel
After narrowing down top contenders using our own beauty expertise, we tested seven formulas across a range of skin tones, from type I to IV (our lead tester identifies as a type III). During the initial 3-week testing process, our testers took copious notes at each stage in the development process. Each formula was formally tested for several weeks, with long-term testing insights gathered after more than a year.
Application
Testers started with clean, exfoliated skin—a step that Jenni Blafer, founder of Sunkissed by Jenni, notes is essential for the best results. During this phase, we evaluated:
- Scent: Testers noted the initial smell and whether it dissipated during application.
- Texture: We evaluated how messy the product was during use, how quickly it dried down and if there was any lingering stickiness or residue.
- Transfer: We monitored whether there was any immediate color transfer onto clothing.
Color Results And Longevity
Post-application, we primarily focused on the quality of the tan and how it evolved over time. We particularly paid attention to:
- Appearance: Testers observed whether or not the final color looked natural for their specific skin tone.
- Development: We noted how long the tan took to develop and whether or not the coverage was even.
- Longevity: We tracked how many days the color lasted and if it looked patchy as it faded.
- Staining: We monitored if any color transferred to bedding or clothing after the tan had set.
How To Pick A Self-Tanner
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best self-tanners. According to the two experts we interviewed, here’s what to keep in mind.
Formula
Formulas range from lotions to oils to mousses. Finding the best one for you depends on your skin type and preferences.
- Lotion: “If your skin tends to be on the drier side, lotions and creams are great since they add hydration while giving you a smooth, even tan,” says Courtney Claghorn, founder of Sugared and Bronzed.
- Mousse: If you want to get bronzed a little quicker, Claghorn recommends a mousse formula. “Mousses dry fast and blend easily, making them a go-to for oily or combination skin,” she says.
- Oils: Oils and waters are perfect if you love a skincare-infused glow that builds gradually and feels lightweight, Claghorn says.
- Serums and mists: Blafer notes that serums and mists are good for hard-to-reach areas and layering, but require careful blending to avoid uneven spots.
As far as what to prioritize in a formula, “Look for hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil, as they lock in moisture, preventing dryness and uneven fading,” says Claghorn. “Vitamin E and antioxidants also support skin health and keep your tan fresh.”
Development Time
The development time comes down to the type of formula, and it can range from 30 minutes to eight hours. If you’re new to self-tanning or unsure about your application skills, you might want to start with a gradual option like the . With most options, showering can halt the development process if the color develops too quickly or it’s too dark.
Skin Type And Shade Range
When choosing the formulas for this guide, we ensured there were options for a range of skin tones, from fair to deeper complexions. Our beauty team categorized testers using the described below. I consider myself a type III; our other testers range from type I to IV.
Certain products like the are available in several shades, so you can choose the option that complements your natural skin tone and tanning preferences. If you want a subtle glow or you have pale skin (type I, II or III), opt for a light or medium shade, while those who want a deeper glow should choose a darker color. Other formulas, like the , allow you to customize your shade based on how long you leave it on.
- Type I: Skin always burns, never tans and is sensitive to UV exposure.
- Type II: Skin burns easily and tans minimally.
- Type III: Skin burns moderately and tans gradually to light brown.
- Type IV: Skin burns minimally and always tans well to moderately brown.
- Type V: Skin rarely burns and tans profusely to dark.
- Type VI: Skin never burns, is deeply pigmented and is least sensitive to UV exposure.
Tips For Using Self-Tanner
If you’re new to using self-tanner, the whole process can feel a bit intimidating at first. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results, according to our experts.
- Exfoliate and moisturize your skin before application. Our experts agree that you should shave and exfoliate 24 hours before tanning. “Use a gentle scrub, exfoliating mitt or dry brush to remove dead skin cells for an even application,” says Blafer. “Focus on the elbows, knees, ankles and hands.” Right before applying the product, it’s a good idea to apply a “light, oil-free lotion to elbows, knees, ankles, wrists and knuckles to prevent over-absorption.”
- Be cautious if you have pre-existing skin conditions. It’s generally advised to avoid applying self-tanner to any areas of the body affected by eczema or psoriasis. “Thick plaques on the skin will lead to an uneven appearance of the tan,” says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner.
- Avoid using retinoids to increase your tan’s longevity. While self-tanners do not interact with other active ingredients, Zeichner recommends staying away from retinoids and exfoliating assets following application, as they can make skin peel quicker.
- Chemical exfoliants can help speed up removal. If you’re looking to remove your faux tan before it fades naturally on its own, use gentle exfoliating products that contain ingredients like hydroxy acids. “This dissolves connections between cells and the outer skin layer so the darkly pigmented cells can be more easily shed,” Zeichner says.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted beauty and grooming team has published dozens of expert-led stories dedicated to skincare.
- Author of this story Katherine Louie is a lifestyle editor with over seven years of firsthand experience testing skincare, haircare and makeup.
- All of the products in this story were selected or approved by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung, who has two decades of experience covering lifestyle topics with an expertise in beauty.
- We regularly update this story to ensure accuracy and helpfulness. It was last refreshed for the spring 2026 by beauty writer Claire Epting, who has spent nearly three years updating Forbes Vetted’s beauty content.
Our Experts
- , founder of spray tan chain Sugared and Bronzed
- , founder of LA-based tanning company Sunkissed by Jenni
- , New York-based dermatologist