Every fair-skinned woman or man desires a bronzy sun-kissed glow. However, it is not worth the sun damage. Plus, there is also a high risk of skin cancer involved. Oops, that sounds like a nightmare! No worries, today, we have come up with a list of some of the best self-tanners for fair skin.  These are nothing but sunless tanning products that can be applied to the skin for achieving a tanned appearance. They come in an array of forms, such as lotions, mousses, gels, sprays, wipes, powders, and creams. All that they do is coat the outermost layers of your skin and lend you an impeccable golden tan (1). Talking more about self-tanners, our contributor Dr. Chaudhry, UK board-certified Dermatologist, says, ”The best self-tanners for fair skin should provide a natural, gradual color buildup to avoid an orange or unnatural look. Opt for products with a light formula and adjustable intensity, allowing you to control the depth of color. Always do a patch test and exfoliate before application.” Now, before you kickstart your shopping spree already, here is what you need to know!

Most of the self-tanners are infused with a compound called DHA i.e. dihydroxyacetone. It is a plant-derived sugar molecule that chemically reacts with the amino acids present in the stratum corneum. This reaction, regarded as ‘Maillard Reaction’, is responsible for producing a pigment called melanoidins once a self-tanner is applied to the skin (1). This is what lends you the beautiful tan of your dreams. Talking about the same and safety of using self-tanners at home, Dr. Sam Ellis, a dermatologist says, “Yes, self-tanners are very safe. The DHA sits on the topmost layer of your skin. A very small amount gets absorbed into the skin but not in a very meaningful way. Secondly, it never causes any birth defects, or skin burns, and isn’t problematic for breastfeeding moms and their babies. However, everyone’s skin is unique and hence I advise you to speak to your immediate dermatologist, pediatrician, or gynecologist. According to me, self-tanners are absolutely safe.” That was Dr. Sam for you sharing her views on the goodness and efficacy of tanners! Now, you may get ready to slide the best of all to your cart. 

Ahead is our all-inclusive list of the best self-tanners for the face and body. Scroll down and check them all out. 

• 1
  Best Foaming Self-tanner

  Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

  Buy on Amazon

This product by Bondi Sands is our very first recommendation on the list owing to its delectable formulation. It is enriched with the goodness of aloe vera and coconut to help you attain that gorgeous bronzed tan. What we also liked about this foam is its streak-free finish, pleasant coconut fragrance, and lightweight, salon-quality formula. Addedly, this foam develops tan in 6 to 8 hours. The best part? This best self-tanner is just perfect for beginners.

 

2

Most Cost-effective

B.Tan Love At First Tan - Self Tan Mousse

Buy on Amazon

The next on our list is B.tan’s self-tan mousse which provides an exotic dark skin color. Secondly, it has a violet base and comes with the power to knock off orange tones. The reason why we label it as the best natural self-tanner is because of the product’s vegan, paraben, and cruelty-free formula. Plus, it doesn’t smell gross or contain any nasties. Another aspect that left us impressed is the fact it is crafted from recyclable materials making it perfect for eco-conscious folks. 

 

3

Best Tanning Lotion for Fair Skin

Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion

Buy on Amazon

While researching for the best self-tanning lotion for fair skin, we came across this one by Beauty By Earth. It reigns on the list of fabulous tanners for some really good reasons. Firstly, it contains clean, natural, and organic ingredients, such as shea butter, aloe vera, and botanical extracts. In addition, it is the lotion that lends you a warm sunless tan as desired just by sitting at home. Secondly, it has weightless, buildable, non-greasy, and easy-to-apply properties and hence you need not worry about any after-effects.  

 

4

Best for Everyday Use

Jergens Natural Glow+Firming Daily Moisturizer

Buy on Amazon

The brand Jergens has introduced Glow Firming daily moisturizer that provides a flawless light bronze tan and looks extremely natural. This best gradual tanning lotion is infused with coconut oil, green tea, collagen, and elastin to give your skin an additional dose of hydration and nourishment. Our team also glanced through the reviews and comments section of this product and discovered that this lotion not only develops a subtle tan with consistent usage but also firms the skin. Thus, if you miss this product, you will be at a great loss. 

 

5

Best Fast-drying Formula

Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer

Buy on Amazon

Here comes another best self-tanner for fair skin from the brand, Jergens. This time it's the ‘Wet Skin’ moisturizer that got our attention. It is a cruelty-free, and soothing  sunless tanning lotion specially crafted for fair to medium skin tones. It is hydrating, moisturizing, smoothening, and everything else that you wished for with regards to tanners. After putting it to the test, users were impressed by its easy-to-glide and ‘no-wait’ formula. Undoubtedly, it is an award-winning self-tanning shower lotion!

 

6

Best with Skincare Benefits

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam

Buy on Amazon

Coco & Eve’s Sunny Honey bronzing foam has locked its place on the 6th position of our list due to a number of reasons. To begin with, it is made from natural antioxidants like fig, papaya, banana, and cocoa that help in improving the signs of aging. Moreover, the fact that this instant self-tanning product is loved for its fast-drying, non-sticky, and streak-free formula, made us irresistible to share it with you. Addedly, while analyzing, we were surprised to know that this foam is regarded as the world's first 100% natural DHA self-tan body treatment loaded with skincare benefits.

7

Best Tanning Drops

Isle Of Paradise Light Self Tanning Drops

Buy on Amazon

Words fall short when it comes to Isle of Paradise’s self-tanning drops. That’s all because of its alluring skin-loving ingredients, such as avocado, chia seed, coconut, and eucalyptus oils that leave no place for any complaints. We also glanced through the features of this product and were surprised to know that these drops make your skin look hydrated and streak-free. Furthermore, it lasts long and doesn’t stain your clothes, becoming an ideal pick for a gradual golden tan. 

 

8

Best for Instant Results

B.Tan Ain't Nobody Got Time For That Pre-Shower 9-Minute Tan

Buy on Amazon

With this self-tanner by B.tan in your hands, all you need to do is apply the mousse, shower, and go! Yes, achieving the perfect golden look is now this simple! To note further, the product is a pre-shower 9-minute tanning formula crafted with no nasties and parabens. Our investigation also demonstrated that this product is great for someone who doesn’t have much time in the store to sit, apply, and wait until the desired tan develops. Moreover, this product is vegan, cruelty-free, and has no gross smell. 

9

Tanologist Express Tan

Buy on Amazon

Our research suggests that this self-tanner for pale skin by Tanologist contains skin-friendly plant extracts of mukul myrhh, coleus forskohlii, aloe vera, grapefruit extracts that nourish your skin and give it a radiant glow. The formula is suitable to use on the face as well as the body as it contains no nasties that can harm your skin. You’ll be happy to know that the formulation is very hydrating, so you can spruce the appearance of your skin without irritating or drying it. 

10

Most Customizable Tan Glow

Tan-Luxe The Face - Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Buy on Amazon

The fact that one can easily customize the tan glow made us fall in love with Tan-Luxe’s illuminating self-tan drops. Its non-toxic and cruelty-free formulation itself make it one of the best natural self-tanners. On the other hand, our findings show that one can use this product as a semi-permanent makeup essential to minimize imperfections and cancel out all prominent skin redness. All you need to do is pour some drops into your favorite serum, moisturizer, or lotion and transform them into your very own self-tanning product. 

 

11

Best Gradual Self-tanner for Fair Skin

Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Mousse

Buy on Amazon

Bring home Beauty By Earth’s Self-tanner mousse and stop baking in the sun for once and for all. This vegan, paraben and cruelty-free mousse is all that you need to rely on for the gorgeous sun-kissed look. Apart from being ideal for fair skin, it is also regarded as the best self-tanner for pale skin. What also got our attention is its dye and toxic-free formula that gets absorbed quickly and leaves behind the tan of your dreams. To conclude, this is a cleaner option to invest in for tan lovers. 

 

12

Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner

Buy on Amazon

Based on our observations, women avoid sun tanning as they fear skin damage or skin cancer. Thus, keeping this in mind, Alba Botanica has introduced this sunless tanner with utmost care and love. It is enriched with a luxe blend of oils, and shea butter, and serves you with a natural-looking tan in just 3 hours. The reason why we call it the best self-tanner for pale skin, as well as fair skin, is the fact that the results are subtle yet perfect — neither too bronzy nor orangey.

13

Sol By Jergens Deeper By The Drop Serum

Buy on Amazon

Here comes another blockbuster self-tanning product from Jergens that will leave you in awe. It seamlessly fits into any kind of skincare routine and allows you to personalize the color of your tan. All you need to do is add 3 to 6 drops for a subtle sun-kissed color, 7 to 10 drops for a medium golden tan, and 11 to 15 drops to attain a deep bronze glow. Our analysis of this product revealed that the tanning active present in this serum is derived from natural sugars and thus causes no harm to the skin. 

 

14

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Mousse

Buy on Amazon

Lastly, we recommend St. Tropez’ self-tanning bronzing water mousse that is 100% clean and vegan-friendly. What we liked the most about this product is its ability to nourish your skin and offer 24 hours of hydration. In addition, this tanning essential develops in 4 to 8 hours and serves you with a streak-free transfer-proof tan. Furthermore, the extremely lightweight formula revives your skin and lends you a sunless natural-looking tan for a longer period of time. 

 

15

Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil

Buy on Amazon

This self-tanning oil by Josie Maran makes your skin beach ready as it not only gives it a gorgeous tan but also offers refreshment and nourishment that your skin would love in a humid weather. It contains the goodness of coconut water and soothing aloe vera juice to quench your skin’s thirst as well as rich argan oil that helps seal in the moisture. As a result of using it, your skin will get a sun-kissed, radiant glow.

16

Coola Organic Sunless Tan Dry Oil Mist

Buy on Amazon

Trust us when we say this, this tanning oil by Coola feels like a delicious drink of pina colada on your skin — but, the tanning results surely look like single-malt whiskey! The product is formulated with non-GMO and nourishing ingredients such as argan oil, aloe vera extracts and hibiscus extracts that deliver oodles of hydration and soften your skin. Besides, the application is easy and the results are quick, which is enough reason for you to invest your bucks in it!

17

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self-Tanner for Body

Buy on Amazon

If you’re sick of goopy liquid tanners that are difficult to apply and make you look like a Oompa Loompa, then try out these infused glow pads by Dr. Dennis Gross. This dermatologically-created self-tanner for lighter skin tones are devoid of nasty ingredients such as parabens and instead contains skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, aloe juice, caffeine, etc. The product also helps eliminate dead skin cells for an even-toned skin. All in all, your skin will not only love how this tanner makes it look but also makes it feel!

18

St. Moriz Professional Tanning Lotion

Buy on Amazon

This sublime self-tanning lotion for fair by St. Moriz will leave no streaks on your skin, while giving your skin a sun-kissed golden glow. Despite having a pocket-friendly price, this tanner won’t stink up your skin like other products at this price point. Formulated with olive milk and vitamin E, this product proves to be very nourishing for your skin, especially if you have dry skin.

This was our comprehensive list of the best self-tanning lotions and creams. Now, run your eyes through our detailed buying guide and make some informed purchasing decisions within minutes. 

 

Before snagging up on the best sunless tanner for fair skin, here are a few aspects you should consider - 

Ingredients: Make sure that you glance through the list of ingredients before investing in the best self-tanner for beginners or professionals. An ideal tanner should possess moisturizing, hydrating, and skin-loving ingredients such as avocado, coconut, almond, argan oils, botanical extracts, shea butter, and green tea. Avoid self-tanning products that contain harsh toxins and chemicals. 

Type of Self-tanner: There are a variety of self-tanning products like tanning lotions, sprays, moisturizers, bronzing water, serums, and creams. All of them work wonders on fair and pale skin. However, it depends upon your personal preference and the results that you are wishing for. If you are looking for a tanner with skincare benefits, then we suggest investing in serums that blend well with your favorite skincare products. 

Formula: Ensure that the self-tanner you are planning to invest in is vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free. Secondly, it should not contain dyes or any artificial fragrances. An ideal self-tanner should possess a lightweight, easy-to-use, non-streaky, non-greasy, and easy-to-glide formula. 

After taking note of the above aspects, glance through the steps of using a self-tanner lotion or cream appropriately.

As per our contributor Dr. Chaudhry, one must follow certain precautions while using self-tanners. He says, “Before using self-tanners, exfoliate to ensure an even application. Apply a thin layer and blend well, especially around elbows, knees, and ankles. Wash hands immediately after application. Wait for the product to dry before getting dressed. Remember that self-tanners do not provide sun protection, so continue using sunscreen.”

Here is a stepwise breakdown of the process to use the best self-tanner for fair skin.

Step 1: Exfoliate your skin with the best exfoliator in your hands. 

Step 2: On dry and clean skin, apply the self-tanner using your hands or a mitt in circular motions. Ensure that you apply less quantity on elbows, knees, feet, and wrists. 

Step 3: Let the tan develop for a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 8 hours or leave it on your skin as directed. 

Step 4: Rinse the tanner with lukewarm water. Please note, there is no need to apply soap.