14 Best Face Self-tanners for Acne Prone Skin to Get a Sun-kissed Tan

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Mar 12, 2024
self-tanners for acne-prone skin
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Indulging in sun-kissed moments feels so soothing. While soaking up in the sun can be a good source of vitamin D, it can also trigger severe issues. Using the best self-tanners for acne-prone skin is an excellent choice to cover acne scars, besides getting a beautiful tanned look. These self-tanners feature oil-free and hydrating formulas to make your skin feel refreshed and moisturized without making it feel greasy or sticky, which is a big NO-NO for acne-prone skin. Drawing from our experience, acne-prone skin often faces various skin concerns, including whiteheads, blackheads, and acne scars. So, it can be quite tricky to find the best self-tanning products that tan your skin without clogging the pores. Hence, we have curated a list of our favorite products that will help you ace a sun-kissed finish without triggering breakouts. Scroll down for the recommendations!

14 Best Face Self-tanners for Acne Prone Skin

Skip the idea of spending all your moolah at a tanning spa and opt for this easy-to-use facial moisturizer by COOLA. It comes in a capsule form that makes application extremely easy. All you need to do is puncture the top and use your fingertips to spread it on your cheekbones, nose, and forehead. The multi-tasking moisturizer is derived from DHA which gives you a natural glow. Whether for a special party or on a vacation, this moisturizer gives you a dewy finish that will undoubtedly turn heads.

Pros
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free
  • 70% organic
  • Easy-to-use
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Best Non-comedogenic Formula

    Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer

    Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer
  • Jergens Natural Glow Face Moisturizer imparts a natural glow on your face to brighten your complexion. This face moisturizer features an oil-free formula to make acne-prone skin feel fresh and clean. With a tinted finish and a lightweight texture, this hydrating moisturizer is a must-have to radiate flawless tan without making your face feel greasy. With enhanced UVA and UVB protection, this SPF 20 moisturizer covers sunspots to make your sun-kissed moments smooth and fun. So, create your own sunshine and flaunt a sun-kissed glow with this beauty adding sparkle to your innate glamor.

    Pros
    • Blends nicely
    • Cruelty-free
    • Non-comedogenic formula
    • Glides smoothly
    Cons
    • Not suitable for sensitive skin
  • Best Transfer-proof Formula

    St.Tropez Classic Self Tan Classic

    St.Tropez Classic Self Tan Classic
  • If you love to add a golden hue to your face, this St.Tropez classic tanner might surprise you with its lovely finish. Made with jojoba esters, this tanner hydrates and calms your skin. The rapid absorption formula makes it look natural, even, and long-lasting. Featuring a feathery light consistency, this classic tanner moisturizes your face to maintain the natural oil balance of your skin barrier. So, shine on as this product is perfect for reflecting your sparkle and charm in a harmless way.

    Pros
    • Refreshing scent
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Non-transfer formula
    • Doesn’t feel sticky
    Cons
    • Not suitable for sensitive skin
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

    Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
  • Soak up glossy sun-tan vibes with this bronzing tanner by Coco & Eve that delivers flawless glimmer on your skin. Enriched with the goodness of natural ingredients like raw virgin coconuts, botanicals, and amino acids, notice the magical effect it has on reducing pigmentation and stretch marks. Flaunt a stunning beach glow and protect your skin from sun damage with this super lightweight tanner that puts your skin at ease. With this product, you can accentuate your facial features to reclaim the spotlight acne marks tend to take.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    • Transfer-proof formula
    • Delicate fragrance
    Cons
    • Might not be suitable for extremely dry skin
  • Best Gluten-free Formula

    Golden Star Beauty Self Tanner Facial Serum

    Golden Star Beauty Self Tanner Facial Serum
  • You can rock a tanned golden glow with Golden Star Beauty’s fake tan moisturizer that rejuvenates your complexion for a flawless, gleaming finish. Owing to the addition of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, vitamin B5, and organic oils, this beauty essential enhances your skin tone and elasticity. With pimples and scars dulling your spark, this tanner is a game changer, featuring anti-aging and revitalizing properties to hydrate and nourish your dry skin deeply. The non-comedogenic formula makes it an absolute favorite to flaunt lovely tanned touch-ups.

    Pros
    • Gluten-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Vegan
    • Lightweight formula
    Cons
    • Unpleasant smell
  • Best Antioxidant Formula

    Skinerals Californium Sunless Tanning Mousse

    Skinerals Californium Sunless Tanning Mousse
  • With Skinerals Californium Sunless Tanning Mousse, radiate a stunning beach glow that will leave you craving for more. The nurturing blend of organic aloe, DHA, gooseberry, and acai possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to refine, soothe, and even out your skin texture. The beauty of this sunless tanner is that it feels super refreshing and dewy — something that is relieving when you’re struggling with irksome acne concerns. Make dull skin smooth and velvety with this product offering a premium glow-up experience and moisturization.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    • Vegan
    • Non-transfer formula
    Cons
    • Might not suitable for sensitive skin types
  • Best Vegan Formula

    Beauty By Earth Face Self Tanner

    Beauty By Earth Face Self Tanner
  • Achieve a beautiful bronze glimmer with this face self-tanner from Beauty By Earth. The hydrating blend of organic coconut oil, aloe vera, shea butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil helps inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria to make your skin healthy and strong. With the buildable formula of this tanner, you can go for a customizable color to get an even skin tone and blur pigmentation and acne marks that seem to take forever to leave. Our analysis of the product shows that it glides smoothly onto the skin and offers flawless coverage.

    Pros
    • Glides smoothly
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Sulfate-free
    • Paraben-free
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • Makes the skin look orange-toned
  • Best Moisturizing Formula

    Botanic Tree Faux Glow Sunless Tanning Lotion

    Botanic Tree Faux Glow Sunless Tanning Lotion
  • Botanic Tree Sunless Tanning Lotion leaves your skin with an impressive sun-tanned complexion that looks super natural and dewy. Give a boost to your skin’s collagen production and seal in the moisture with this glowing lotion packed with passionfruit, coconut, moringa, shea butter, and rosemary. These nutritive agents are also quite effective for soothing and protecting your oily skin from irritation and itchiness. Create your own beauty statement with this beautiful bronzed lotion that is the perfect tan shade of sunshine.

    Pros
    • Smooth application
    • Buildable formula
    • Blends nicely
    • Moisturizing composition
    Cons
    • Unpleasant smell
  • Best Overall

    Tanceuticals Self Tanning Face Lotion

    Tanceuticals Self Tanning Face Lotion
  • This smooth tanning lotion by Tanceuticals adds a gorgeous color to your skin, making you fall for it instantly. With an easily blendable formula, it doesn’t leave any residue and complements your natural spark. Improve the quality and texture of your skin with the nourishing blend of acai berry, mango butter, and vitamin E, which feature antioxidant properties to inhibit the growth of acne-causing germs and bacteria. With a non-comedogenic formula, keep your pores unclogged and clean as this tanning lotion helps smoothen your skin without congesting them. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to for acing sunlit moments.

    Pros
    • Paraben-free
    • Non-transfer formula
    • Moisturizing texture
    • Long-lasting tan
    Cons
    • Strong scent
  • Existing Beauty Bronze Tan Face & Body Tanning Water

    Existing Beauty Bronze Tan Face & Body Tanning Water
  • Make a beauty statement with the Existing Beauty Bronze designed to enhance the radiance of your face. Cucumber, vitamin E, and aloe vera being the key ingredients of this product, this tanning water makes your skin feel calm and refreshed. Drench in the magic of moisturization which makes your skin silky smooth and bouncy. This water tanner feels super light on your skin and works as a gentle exfoliator to unclog your pores and prevent sebum production. Spray this beauty on your face and eliminate excess oil and impurities to flaunt healthy, youthful-looking skin.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan
    • Paraben-free
    • Feels refreshing
    • Lightweight texture
    Cons
    • Not suitable for daily use
  • Best Sleep Mask

    Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Sleep Mask

    Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Sleep Mask
  • Featuring a nourishing formula, Bondi Sands Pure Self-Tanning Sleep Mask is one of the most amazing night masks that renews your skin texture to give your face a radiant glow. The key ingredients being cocoa, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, you’d love how this sleep mask repairs your skin barrier, reduces pimple bumps, and keeps your skin moist and plump. So, include this wonderful sleep mask in your night skincare routine and wake up to gorgeous skin texture.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan
    • Fragrance-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Hydrating formula
    Cons
    • Turns the skin orange
  • COOLA Sunless Tan Anti-aging Face Serum

    COOLA Sunless Tan Anti-aging Face Serum
  • Youthful, radiant, and a bit bronzy — this is what the Coola Sunless Tan Face Serum makes your skin feel. The magic ingredient being hyaluronic acid, this anti-age serum locks in moisture and feels light and gentle on the acne-prone skin. The soft and subtle tan this face serum adds to your skin feels a part of your skin — something that is worth flattering. Get a wowsome tanned complexion and leave people in awe of your skin tone with this product crafted with perfection for making your skin healthy and glammed up.

    Pros
    • Vegan
    • Glides smoothly
    • Evens your skin tone
    • Cruelty-free
    • Quick to dry
    Cons
    • Slower results
  • Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops

    Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops
  • Indulging in a lavish sunless tan experience can be super easy with +Lux Unfiltered Face Drops tailored to give you the most gorgeous tanned complexion. With the addition of amazing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, coconut water, passion fruit oil, and pomegranate extracts, these face drops combat breakouts, soothe skin irritation, and diminish acne scars — a complete package for acne-prone skin. The beauty of these drops is the buildable formula that helps choose the kind of tanned finish you want to ace with ease. Leaving no residue, and containing no harsh additives like parabens, silicones, phthalates, paraffins, and sulfates, this is a perfect addition for keeping your skin safe and glossy.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Gluten-free
    • Vegan
    • Paraben-free
    • Sulfate-free
    Cons
    • Slower results
  • Best for Pores

    Tan-Luxe Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

    Tan-Luxe Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
  • These Illuminating Self-Tan Drops by Tan-Luxe boost your skin radiance to minimize imperfections created by acne. Vitamin E, aloe vera, and raspberry seed oil are the star ingredients of these tan drops that keep the skin cool and calm. Your go-to for quick touch-ups, these illuminating drops add beautiful luminosity to your face. Acting like a semi-permanent makeup, you can look vibrant on the go. Don’t be surprised if you keep coming back to these beauty drops to accentuate your natural gleam and charm.

    Pros
    • Reduces the appearance of pores
    • Buildable formula
    • Transfer proof
    • Cruelty-free
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • May stain the skin

    How to Choose the Best Face Self Tanner for Acne Prone Skin?

    1. Read the Label

    Acne-prone skin can be quite challenging to take care of with breakouts, scars, blemishes, etc. finding their way into the skin now and then. However, by ensuring the ingredients used in the formulation of self-tanner are not harmful is the key. Avoid using self-tanners that contain parabens, sulfate, alcohol, and heavy fragrances as that might add to your list of acne worries, and make your skin more prone to breakouts. You should also steer clear of harsh chemicals to ensure your skin doesn’t suffer any severe damage.

    2. Check the Formulation

    Another important factor to consider before buying the best face self tanner for acne prone skin is the formulation. Avoid using tanners that are greasy and sticky as that may trigger excessive sebum production. Instead, prefer hydrating and nourishing formulas that can moisturize your skin deeply to maintain the oil balance of your skin. 

    3. Choose Proper Shade

    Self-tanners should complement your natural glow. Avoid using shades that are too dark or light for your skin. Use a shade slightly darker than your skin tone so that you can flaunt a tanned complexion without exposing yourself to sun exposure. You can also prefer tanners that impart a healthy and natural-looking glow without leaving any residue. 

    Having your share of tanned glam can be harmful with sun aggravating acne skin concerns. But, you can flaunt a natural-looking tan with these best self tanners for acne prone skin. These tanners are composed of oil-free and lightweight formulas to keep oil and grease at bay. With acne-prone skin being affected by blemishes, dark spots, and stubborn acne marks, these products can be a wonderful pick to conceal them without making your skin suffer. Ensure you go through the buying guide to get the best self tanner for your skin. Happy sun-tanned glowing!

    FAQ's

    Can you use a self-tanner if you have acne-prone skin?
    Yes, you can use self -tanner on acne-prone skin to conceal acne marks and blemishes.
    Does face self-tanner clog pores?
    It totally depends on the composition of self-tanners. You can go for non-comedogenic face self tanners to prevent clogging of the pores.
    Can you use self-tanner to hide acne scars?
    Yes, you can use self-tanner to hide acne scars.
    Does salicylic acid remove tan?
    Yes, salicylic acid can help soothe and reduce tan.
    Will self-tanner cause breakouts?
    Self-tanners composed of mild formulas and nourishing ingredients may not cause breakouts. However, you should check the ingredients carefully to prevent breakouts.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, our skincare expert, says that a sun-kissed complexion can accentuate your facial features. However, picking the right tanning product for people with acne-prone skin can be challenging. Hence, she decided to research the products to pick the best ones that don’t make acne worse. After trying and testing various best-selling products, she has come up with this list of the best face self tanners for acne prone skin. Out of these products, she recommends using Tanceuticals Self Tanning Face Lotion as it blends smoothly into the skin and has a non-comedogenic formula.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More