You can achieve a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV radiation and burning holes in your pocket with the best drugstore self-tanners. As you may be aware, self-tanners are designed to darken the skin, mimicking the effects of sun exposure, through the use of active ingredients like dihydroxyacetone (DHA). 

As per our expertise, a good self-tanner should provide an even, natural-looking tan without streaks or an orange hue. However, differentiating between quality self-tanners and ineffective ones can be a challenging task, especially when presented with a plethora of options. Safe to say, picking the best often comes down to formulation, application method, and user reviews. 

We recommend looking for products with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to prevent dryness and ensure an even application. Additionally, opt for self-tanners that offer a buildable tan to customize the depth of color. Common ingredients found in self-tanners include DHA, erythrulose, and various botanical extracts. 

With the right product and application technique, drugstore self-tanners can provide a safe and healthy glow year-round. Here we have rounded up the top self-tanners available in drugstores. So read on and take your pick.

• 1
  Best for Deep Tanning

  B.tan Darkest Possible Self Tan Mousse

  Buy on Amazon

Achieve your deepest tan yet with B.tan Darkest Possible self-tanner. The product is extremely popular for its ability to deliver an exceptionally deep tan, often regarded as one of the darkest achievable from a self-tanner. It promises to provide users with a rich, bronzed look in just one hour, making it an ideal choice for those seeking quick results. 

Notably, it is formulated without the typical scent associated with fake tans, offering a more pleasant application experience. B.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner prides itself on being vegan and cruelty-free, and that gets it extra points for ethical considerations from us. 

Key Ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, Glycerin, Argan oil, Macadamia oil 

Size: 6.7 Fl Oz.

2

Most Pleasant Smell

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam Dark

Buy on Amazon

Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam is a popular self-tanning product known for its ease of use and natural-looking results. It's a lightweight foam enriched with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut, providing hydration while delivering a streak-free tan. 

The foam formula washes really well under the shower, making the process mess-free. Available in various shades, it ensures long-lasting results, giving you a flawless bronzed look that lasts for days.

Key Ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, Aloe Vera

Size: 6.76 Fl Oz.

Quick Tip:

Shower with lukewarm water after 1-6 hours (depending on how dark you want your tan to be) for optimum results.

3

Editor’s Pick

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Light Bronze

Buy on Amazon

For a light bronze tan instantly, try Jergens Natural Glow Mousse. Its airy mousse texture allows for easy and even application, ensuring a streak-free finish. Formulated for fair to medium skin tones, it offers a natural-looking glow that gradually deepens with repeated use. 

Users appreciate its quick-drying formula and subtle scent, making it a convenient choice for daily use. One happy customer writes, “Easy application with no streaking. Color is beautiful.”

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Dihydroxyacetone

Size: 6 fl Oz.

4

Best Hydrating Formula

Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner

Buy on Amazon

Tan Physics True-Color Formula 12 delivers a rich and natural tan surpassing expectations. Enriched with exclusive anti-aging moisturizers, it hydrates and replenishes skin, eliminating the need for additional moisturizers. This 2-in-1 tanner and anti-ager simplifies your skincare routine, saving time and money. 

What we love the most is that Tan Physics is hydrating, forgiving, and foolproof, ensuring a flawless tan for both beginners and pros. With no streaks, orange tones, or unpleasant odor, it's a must-try for a believable, natural-looking tan.

Key Ingredients: Argan oil, Coconut oil, Natural caramel & sugars, Organic aloe vera, Matrixyl

Size: 8 fl Oz.

Quick Tip:

Use a gentle exfoliant before using the tanner for optimum results.

5

Most Long-lasting Tan

Skinerals Californium Bronzing Mousse

Buy on Amazon

You can get your face and body tanned without worrying about chemicals with Skinerals Self Tanner Sunless Bronzer. Say goodbye to uneven application — the natural formula guarantees a smooth, flawless tan with no blotchiness. The radiant, natural-looking glow lasts up to 7 days per application, without any orange tint. 

 

Based on our observations, the slightly scented whipped mousse provides instant bronzing for a beach-ready look. For an effortless application, consider using the recommended Skinerals Double-Sided Ultra Soft Applicator Mitt.

Key Ingredients: Aloe, DHA, Erythrulose, Indian gooseberry, Acai berry, glycerin, fig extract, goji berry extract, green tea, white tea, and vitamins A, C, and E

Size: 8 fl. Oz.

6

Best Cruelty-free Pick

Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Tanning Drops

Buy on Amazon

Easily achieve your desired tan with these customizable self-tanning drops. You can tailor the color to match your skin tone by adjusting the number of drops used. Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like aloe, jojoba seed oil, cucumber extract, and squalane, it offers a natural-looking tan without the typical self-tanner smell or orange hue. 

Conveniently travel-friendly, these drops can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer to create a personalized face or body tanner lotion, giving you a nice glow wherever you go.

Key Ingredients- Aloe, Dihydroxyacetone, avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, Squalane, cucumber extract, vanilla fruit extract

Size: 1 fl Oz.

7

Best for Quick Results

Body Drench Quick Tan Gradual Tanning Lotion - Dark

Buy on Amazon

Body Drench Quick Tan offers a medium deep tan within 3-5 hours of application, making it a convenient choice for those seeking quick results. Its non-messy application and dry oil formula ensure a pleasant experience without the hassle of waiting for drying time. 

Users appreciate its pleasant scent and gradual tanning effect, allowing for a natural-looking tan to develop over time. Formulated with DHA, it provides a reliable and effective solution for achieving a radiant complexion without exposure to harmful UV rays.

Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, Dihydroxyacetone, Erythrulose

Size: 8 fl Oz.

8

Most Easy to Use

Fake Bake Flawless Mousse

Buy on Amazon

Achieve a flawless tan without the sun with Fake Bake Flawless Self Tanning Mousse. Its streak-free formula ensures a long-lasting, natural glow suitable for all skin tones. The included color guide helps you apply it evenly, from your back to your legs, with ease. This tropical-scented mousse dries quickly, leaving behind a non-sticky finish reminiscent of a tropical paradise. 

Within 4-6 hours, you'll enjoy a beautifully glowing tan that enhances your skin's unique pigment, thanks to its natural ingredients. With the added mitt and gloves, bronzing has never been easier or more precise.

Key Ingredients: Dihydroxyacetone, Glycerin, Caramel

Size: 6.7 Fl Oz.

9

Most Versatile

BestBronze Self Tanner Mousse- Tinted

Buy on Amazon

Experience the BestBronze Self Tanner Mousse, your go-to solution for a natural tan. This fragrance-free, non-comedogenic face tanner is enriched with healthy, powerful ingredients like DHA, Erythrulose, and Polyglutamic Acid. Achieve a buildable bronze with ease: exfoliate, hydrate, and apply the mousse for a light, medium, or dark tan. What’s impressive is that this product doubles as a bronzer. With its transfer-resistant formula, enjoy a mess-free application and no streaks. Best Bronze offers a lightweight, quick-drying formula for an instant, natural-looking bronze you'll adore.

Key Ingredients: DHA and Erythrulose

Size: 5.07 Fl Oz.

Quick Tip:

Use sparingly if you have very pale skin as this product works as a bronzer plus tanner, so the tan can build up to become very dark.

When selecting a drugstore self-tanner, consider the following factors to ensure optimal results:

Ingredients: Look for products containing DHA as the active tanning ingredient. Additionally, seek formulations with moisturizing agents like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated during and after application.

Formulation: Choose between lotions, mousses, sprays, or the best drugstore tanning oils, based on your preference and skin type. Opt for tinted formulas or guide colors to aid in even application and reduce the risk of streaking.

Skin Type And Desired Tan Intensity: Consider your skin type (dry, oily, sensitive) and the level of tan intensity you desire. Some products offer gradual tanning effects, allowing you to control the depth of color over time.

Price And Value: Evaluate the product's price relative to its size, ingredients, and performance. While affordability is a key factor, prioritize value by considering the quality and quantity offered.

By carefully considering these factors, you can confidently select a drugstore self-tanner that suits your preferences and delivers a natural-looking tan.

Achieving a flawless tan with a drugstore self-tanner requires proper application technique. Here are the steps with some additional tips: 

• Begin by exfoliating your skin to remove dead cells and ensure an even tan. 
• Moisturize dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles to prevent excessive absorption of the tanner, unless otherwise specified in a brand’s product usage instructions. 
• Apply the product in circular motions using a tanning mitt or gloves to avoid streaks. Remember to start with a conservative amount and gradually build up the tan to your desired intensity. 
• Pay attention to tricky areas such as hands, feet, and face, using sparing amounts and blending well. 
• Allow ample time for the product to dry before dressing to prevent smudging or transferring.