9 Best Self-tanners for Men to Achieve a Sun-kissed Complexion

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 16, 2024
Best Self-Tanner for Men
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

Gentlemen, gone are the days when you had to bake yourself under the sun to attain the perfect tan. Now, for an alluring sun-kissed glow, simply get your hands on one of the best self-tanners for men.

These self-tanners will lend you desirable bronzed skin without making you fall prey to skin cancer or sun damage. 

After hours of research, we can confidently say that they are indeed revolutionary products that will not only save you time but also expose you to a variety of tanning options and shades depending upon your needs and preferences. Be it a spray, drops, serum, or a self-tanning lotion for men, the products we have picked are deemed safe for the skin. 

Drawing from our experiences, long-lasting self-tanners are an excellent solution for achieving a honey-like glow without needing to splurge on a vacation.

The majority of self-tanning lotions, gels, mousses, sprays, and wipes contain a compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that chemically reacts with the amino acids present in the outermost layer of your skin. That’s how your skin produces a pigment and gives you the appearance of a tan. 

Tanning salons have been offering an indoor method with tanning beds and booths. However, you can save your hard-earned money by splurging on some finest self-tanners that are feasible and also highly efficient. 

So, come along with us and dive deeper into our carefully curated list of the best self-tanners for all skin types. Yes, they are completely safe and worth spending on!

9 Best Self-tanners for Men

Our very first recommendation is this fail-proof self-tanning foam introduced by Bondi Sands. To start with, it is enriched with aloe vera and coconut that work together to help you attain an even and streak-free tan. Secondly, it possesses a weightless formula and smooth texture for easy and mess-free application. It has managed to gain more than 34 thousand ratings on Amazon for its fantastic formulation. All in all, it delivers flawless results that you just can’t resist drooling over!

 

Quick Tip:

Use a mitt to apply the foam evenly. Spread it across using long, sweeping motions on clean and dry skin for effective results.

Size: 6.76 Fl Oz
Type: Foam

Shades Available: 2

Pros
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Mesmerizing fragrance
  • Budget-friendly
Cons
  • Might stain your clothes
  • Editor’s Pick

    b.tan Tanned AF Darkest Self-Tanning Mousse

    b.tan Tanned AF Darkest Self-Tanning Mousse
  • The beauty of this b.tan’s Tanned AF Self-Tanning Mousse is that it contains 100% natural DHA to help you achieve the tan of your dreams. Perfect for anyone who wants the darkest of the dark tans and super quickly, this mousse features a 1-hour express formula. Plus, you can apply it to your face as well as your body. And guess what? For easy, quick, and even application this tanner comes with a mitt!

    Size: 6.7 Fl Oz
    Type: Mousse

    Shades Available: 5

    Pros
    • Pocket-friendly
    • No gross or fake tan smell
    • Paraben-free
    • Suits all skin type
    Cons
    • Might not last long
  • Most Cost-effective

    Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse

    Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse
  • For anyone who is looking for a light and subtle tan, this Sun Body Mousse from Jergens is an excellent choice. It is an airy mousse that dries in just 60 seconds and lasts for days. Addedly, it exudes a tropical fruity fragrance that refreshes your mind and hooks your senses. What we really like is its airy texture and lightweight formula. There is something more; this sunless mousse also moisturizes your skin deeply!

    Quick Tip:

    You can apply this mousse directly with your hands or by using a sunless tanning mitt. It will deliver precise and streak-free results.

    Size: 6 Fl Oz
    Type: Mousse

    Shades Available: 2

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Cost-effective
    • Dermatologist-tested
    • Fast-drying formula
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best for Sensitive Skin

    ST TROPEZ Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

    ST TROPEZ Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
  • On our lookout for the best sunless tanner for men, we found the Classic Bronzing Mousse introduced by St. Tropez. What makes it stand out from the rest is the fact that it is enriched with the goodness of jojoba and hydrating ingredients. Moreover, it is easy to apply and features a non-sticky, lightweight texture. Speaking about its tanning benefits, it moisturizes your skin and the pigmentation lasts straight for up to 10 days. 

    Size: 8 Fl Oz
    Type: Mousse

    Shades Available: 1

    Pros
    • Quick-drying
    • Sulfate-free
    • Ideal for beginners
    • Odor-free
    Cons
    • Fragile dispenser
  • Most Travel-friendly

    Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Mousse

    Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Mousse
  • We highly recommend Beauty by Earth Self Tanner Mousse for a couple of reasons. First, it is an astounding self-tanner for guys who are looking for a product that will help them attain light to dark tan with utmost ease. That’s all because with multiple applications one can accentuate the desired tone. Secondly, it contains sugar-derived DHA and is suitable for the face and body. Last but not least, this top-notch tanner is crafted in the USA with clean ingredients.

    Size: 3.30 Fl Oz
    Type: Mousse

    Shades Available: 2

    Pros
    • Toxin-free
    • Travel-friendly
    • Vegan
    • Dye-free
    Cons
    • Might look a little orange-ish if applied inaccurately
  • Great Colour-Correcting Benefits

    Glossiva Illuminating Self-tan Drops

    Glossiva Illuminating Self-tan Drops
  • Forget about baking under the sun — with Glossiva’s Illuminating Self-tan Drops you can attain the most natural-looking tan just by sitting at home. These drops are infused with selective ingredients to even out skin tone and are loaded with color-correcting actives, hyaluronic acid, fruit extracts, and hibiscus flower extract. Adding to that, these high-quality ingredients are also clinically tested for safety and efficacy. All you need to do is add 1 to 2 drops to one of your favorite moisturizers, mix them well, and apply the mixture to your skin. That’s it, you are done! 

    Size: 1.01 Fl Oz
    Type: Drops

    Shades Available: 1

    Pros
    • Can be applied to the face
    • Vegan
    • Skin-friendly formula
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • Might stain
  • Best With Antioxidant Properties

    Coco & Eve Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist

    Coco & Eve Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist
  • To get the most natural-looking sun-kissed tan, look no further than Coco & Eve’s Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist. It is an apt fake tan for men who do not want something too drastic. Formulated with an antioxidant complex that increases collagen production and hyaluronic acid that boosts skin’s hydration levels, this micromist is a sheer winner. What’s impressive? It features a lightweight formula and is ultra-convenient to use. Topping it all off, this self-tanner is suitable for all skin types!

    Size: 2.54 Fl Oz
    Type: Mist

    Pros
    • No nasties
    • Smells great
    • Non-greasy
    • Paraben-free
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best Oil-free Tanner

    Bro Glo Body Tanner

    Bro Glo Body Tanner
  • If you are looking for an oil-free self-tanner for men's legs, hands, and face, this is an excellent choice to consider. It is a lightweight, water-based tanning mousse to get the most subtle and realistic tan. Furthermore, we love the fact that it possesses a non-greasy, non-sticky, and quick-absorbing texture. After analyzing its features a little more, we found that this tanner works in just 6 to 8 hours whereas the pigmentation lasts straight for up to 3 to 5 days!

    Size: 6.76 Fl Oz
    Type: Mousse

    Shades Available:1

    Pros
    • Mess-free application
    • No dyes
    • Doesn’t stain clothes
    • Suits all skin types
    Cons
    • Might look streaky
  • Best Water-based Formula

    Men’s Self-Tanning Drops by RemeVerse

    Men’s Self-Tanning Drops by RemeVerse
  • Lastly, we recommend Men’s Self-Tanning Drops introduced by RemeVerse for its water-based and fragrance-free formula. What bowled us over is the fact that it evens out skin tone, diminishes redness, and lends you the most healthy and natural-looking tan. In addition, it is loaded with anti-aging properties, skin-softening ingredients, and antioxidants that reduce breakouts and soothe the skin. All you need to do is add a few drops to your daily moisturizer, mix well, and apply the mixture to your face and body!  

    Size: 1 Fl Oz
    Type: Drops

    Shades Available: 1

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Budget-friendly
    • Free from parabens
    • Moisturizes the skin
    Cons
    • Slow results

    That was our comprehensive list of the best fake tans for men. Now, let us run you through a detailed buying guide.

    How to Choose the Best Self-Tanner for Men?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best self-tanner for men: 

    Skin Type And Undertone: Ensure that you analyze your skin type and undertone before splurging on any of the best self-tanners for men. It is wise to invest in the one that not only helps you attain the perfect tan but also leaves your skin utterly nourished. If you have sensitive skin, then choose a tanner that is gentle and mild just like St.Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse. On the other hand, pay heed to your skin undertones to achieve a desirable shade. 

    • Warm Undertone: For all those who possess a warm undertone, make sure you get your hands on a good-quality men's self-tanner that features a lighter and warmer shade. 
    • Cool Undertone: For those who have cool undertone skin, pick the best men's self-tanner that is darker in shade.

    To accentuate the beauty of your existing skin tone, choose a tanning cream for men that matches your natural skin color. Likewise, to attain a deep and darker tan, pick a buildable tanning lotion for men that comes in an ultra-dark shade so that you can easily attain the color you desire. 

    Type of Self-tanner: There are 4 types of self-tanners available on the market. They differ according to their respective texture, formula, application method, and consistency. Here are some common types:

    • Mousse: Self-tanning mousse is a type of bronzed foam. It is widely used by those who possess dry skin. 
    • Lotion: A self-tanning lotion is easily buildable and it works for all skin types. 
    • Spray: A self-tanning spray is nothing but a dense mist that is widely used by professionals. 

    Drops: For temporary results and everyday usage, self-tanning drops work the best.

    Ingredients: Check the list of ingredients before getting your hands on the self-tanner for men. It is advisable to invest in those that are enriched with active ingredients as well as gentle ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, cocoa seed extract, coconut, botanical extract, etc just like Glossiva Illuminating Self-tan Drops. Do not invest in tanners that contain synthetic ingredients or harsh chemicals. 

    Coverage: Pay heed to the level of coverage offered by the tanner. Some of them will lend you a subtle tan whereas others might give a deeper color. This usually depends on the shade and type of tanner. So, always check the shade and level of coverage that it promises to offer.

    Formula: Next, let’s talk about the formula! The formula of the tanner is also of utmost importance. It is advisable to invest in a good-quality men's tanning moisturizer, lotion, spray, or drop formulation that is non-comedogenic, and free from parabens, phthalates, gluten, and silicone to avoid skin rashes, allergies, or inflammation. 

    Texture: Last but not least, the texture of the tanner allows you to predict its efficacy. For those who have dry skin, choose a tanner that has a creamy and thick texture whereas for those who have oily skin, you may pick a tanner that is light in weight and non-sticky just like Coco & Eve Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist. Make sure that it doesn’t clog your pores. 

    Now, let us walk you through a few steps for using one appropriately.

    Steps to Apply Self-Tanner for a Natural-looking Tan

    Below are the steps for applying a self-tanner accurately: 

    Step 1: Exfoliate your skin to sweep away the dead skin cells and moisturize your skin thoroughly. 

    Step 2: Start applying the tanner to your feet, and then apply it to your hands and face in a circular motion. You can apply it directly with your hands or use a mitt.

    Step 3: Apply it evenly to avoid any patches or streaky results.

    Step 4: Let the tanner stay on the skin as directed. 

    Step 5: Rinse it with lukewarm water. 

    Step 6: Damp your skin gently with a microfiber towel. 

    Step 7: Apply a sunscreen.

    Tada, you are done! Now, come along to know how to remove it.

    Ways to Remove Self-Tanner

    Following are the various ways you can use to remove the self-tanner effectively:

    • Exfoliate your skin thoroughly. 
    • Apply oil and thoroughly rub it on the skin before wiping off the tan. 
    • You may try using a sugar-based body or face scrub to remove the tan with ease.
    • Use a hair removal cream. 
    • You may pour vinegar into a cotton ball and dab it onto your skin. Let it sit for two minutes. Rinse your skin with warm water.
    • Apply a whitening toothpaste onto the tanned areas and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Rinse it with warm water and damp your skin gently. 

    That’s all folks!

    Conclusion

    With these best self-tanners for men, we promise nothing can stop you from achieving the perfect sun-kissed, honey-like, bronze glow. We have enlisted these products only after thoroughly analyzing their features and considering factors like type, texture, formula, and application method. These self-tanners will not only lend you desirable tan shade but also boost the hydration levels of the skin. For anyone who is looking for a vegan, cruelty-free, and budget-friendly self-tanning mousse, Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam has to be your ideal pick. Likewise, for those with sensitive skin, Glossiva Illuminating Self-tan Drops is a reliable choice to consider as it features a skin-friendly formula. No matter what type of self-tanner you pick, make sure it suits your skin and complexion. Happy tanning!

    FAQ's

    How important is preparing your skin before tanning?
    Exfoliating will eliminate dead skin cells and unclog your pores.
    What are the common mistakes people make when applying a self-tanner?
    Some common mistakes people make when applying a self-tan is that they usually over-apply the self-tanner the first time and do not give enough time for it to dry completely.
    Will a self-tanner give an orange tint?
    A self-tanner can give an orange tint if you apply it over dry spots, they will likely look orange.
    How long does it take to see results from a self-tanner?
    A self-tanner will immediately start showing results. Usually, the tan will keep getting darker over the next 10 hours.
    Are self-tanners safe for all skin types?
    It depends from brand to brand. A few of them might not suit specific skin types like sensitive or very dry skin.
    Why should men consider using self-tanners?
    Men can consider using self-tanners to undergo a transformation and look more dapper.
    How to avoid streaks and uneven color with self-tanners?
    You can avoid streaks and uneven color by exfoliating your skin thoroughly before using a self-tanner and applying it evenly and well, following package instructions.
    Are there specific self-tanners suitable for travel?
    Yes, there are specific self-tanners that come in small sizes and facilitate mess-free applications suitable for travel.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified skincare coach, Anoushka, has reviewed the best self-tanners for men keeping in mind various factors like skin type, skin concerns, type, texture, formula, and ingredients. She believes self-tanners are one of the easiest ways for men to correct uneven skin tone. She has ensured that all the tanners on her shortlist, be it in the form of a moisturizer, foam, mousse, drops, or mist, are safe and highly effective. Personally, she was quite impressed with the formulation and texture of Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam. You too can snatch a glimpse of the rest of her picks and get your hands on the best of the best tanner for men today itself! 

    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!

    1. A Review of Common Tanning Methods

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4345932/

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More