Many of us pale skin beauties love the golden glow on our skin. The best self-tanner for sensitive skin infuses a beautiful golden tone minus the risks of traditional tanning associated with the sun. Traditional tanners come with their own set of disadvantages. It involves lying in the sun to achieve the perfect bronzed look. However, there’s a lurking danger of sunburns and cancer on the other end. And that’s a strict no-no! Using a skin tanner can be a tricky job. Nobody loves a fake tan, so if you’re in search of a self-tanner that gives you a natural tan and is also specially designed to suit your sensitive skin, look no further. But we’ve found sunless tanners that make you look like a golden goddess, never orange. Below is a compilation of the 15 best self-tanners for sensitive skin that you should immediately add to your cart:
15 Best Self-Tanners For Sensitive Skin
1. Best Natural-Looking:Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Face Moisturizer
If you are looking to get a sun-kissed, natural-looking tan with flawless skin, this is just the product for you. Perfect for fair to medium skin tones, this oil-free moisturizer protects your skin from the sun thanks to its broad-spectrum SPF 20 that gives UVA and UVB protection, and it keeps your skin hydrated as well. You can expect results in a week with its blend of color-enhancing ingredients and nutrients. This non-comedogenic self-tanner for sensitive skin has a fresh and light fragrance that keeps you feeling rejuvenated the whole day. You can use it in the morning as a face lotion under makeup or before going to bed at night for gorgeous skin. This dermatologically tested self-tanner is also available for medium to tan skin tones. Learn more about this product by watching this video. Pros
Lightweight Cruelty-free Easy to apply Improves skin glow Suitable for everyday use
Cons
May leave behind an orange tint on some May not provide instant results
2. Best Streak-Free:St. Tropez Self-Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
The natural-looking self-tanner for sensitive skin has a gorgeous golden tint, is streak-free, easy to apply, and lasts for up to ten days with no self-tan smell. This self-tanner provides all-day hydration and is quick-drying. Its award-winning foam formula is enriched with hydrating jojoba and skin care actives so that your tan remains intact and fades evenly. Results show within four to eight hours with this mousse, making it great for first-time users. Its clean formula contains no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Its signature fragrance is a mood enhancer, and you don’t need to worry about the self-tan smell nor about the mousse transferring onto clothes or bed sheets. For a more detailed review of this product, here’s a video. Pros
Lightweight Non-sticky Easy to blend Vegan-friendly Cruelty-free
Cons
Can stain the hands when applied directly May not provide a dark tan
3. Best Non-Sticky:Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam – Medium
Get a natural tanned look without chemicals or sun damage with this totally natural DHA self-tanner. You don’t have to worry about unsightly blotches or streaks for a beautiful golden glow without the nasty orangey tones. This non-sticky mousse gives you an instant exquisite bronze glow that is fast-drying and gives you a long-lasting tan in just two hours. Enriched with raw coconut and mandarin oils, amino acids, and botanicals, this self-tanner for sensitive skin hydrates and firms your skin, and Balinese papaya, banana, and cocoa reduce stretch marks and pigmentation. Natural antioxidants like mango and fig reduce signs of aging, and orange and lotus flowers reduce cellulite. It features a refreshing tropical Balinese guava and mango fragrance that keeps you invigorated throughout the day. Formulated with premium-quality natural ingredients, it lasts up to 10 to 20 tanning sessions. If you want to know more about this product, here’s a video worth watching. Pros
Lightweight Suitable for all skin types Vegan-friendly and toxin-free Cruelty-free formula Available in three shades
Cons
May not be sweatproof Some may not find it easy to apply
4. Best Cruelty-Free:Golden Star Beauty Self Tanner Facial Serum
Go for a stunning golden bronze tan with this self tanner for sensitive skin that is infused with organic, USDA-certified oils and extracts like rosehip oil, macadamia oil, evening primrose oil, DHA derived from sugarcane, aloe vera, vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, and strong moisturizers. This natural tanning serum is cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, dye-free, and vegan. It gives you a perfect, even tan with no streaks, unsightly orange tinge, or fake tan smell. Your face will feel soft and smooth with no oily feel as this non-comedogenic self-tanner deeply nourishes, moisturizes, and rejuvenates your skin. It improves the tone and elasticity of your skin, prevents aging, and doesn’t clog pores or cause acne. Pros
Makes the skin plump Provides sun-kissed tan Suitable for all skin types Easy to apply Available in two shades
Cons
May not be suitable to apply with a moisturizer May fade quickly
5. Best For Sensitive Skin:Skinerals Onyx Extra Dark Sunless Bronzer
Packed with antioxidants like acai berry, orange peel, shea butter, and fig extracts along with minerals, this pure and natural bronzer reduces blemishes, evens out skin tone, and keeps the skin looking bright and young. The clean formula of this self-tanner for sensitive skin is ideal for medium to deep complexions and is cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, aerosol-free, and vegan. Get a stunning radiation-free tan glow with this lightly fragranced sunless bronzer that causes no blotchy patches, streaking, or orange-tinted skin. You will have a sun-kissed glow with fresher, smoother, and toned skin. Pros
Made from natural organic ingredients Green-based solution Lasts up to seven days Suitable for all skin types Quick-drying Suitable for men and women Easy to apply
Cons
Some may find the smell unpleasant Some may find the color light
6. Best Fast-Drying:Existing Beauty Bronze Tan Self Tanning Mousse & Moisturizer
If you want to avoid wrinkles, sun spots, and sun damage but still want that exotic bronzed glow, this delicious vanilla-scented self-tanner for sensitive skin is just for you. Infused with vanilla extract, it not only makes you look good but makes you smell good too. Crafted with premium quality natural ingredients like aloe vera and powerful antioxidants, its formula hydrates and moisturizes your skin. The formula is highly concentrated and comes in a 200 ml bottle, and can be applied effortlessly for a streak-free and naturally bronzed look. This product has an airy mousse texture, is fast-drying, gives you a medium dark tan, and is almost twice the size of other self-tanners. It can be used by people of all genders, ages, and skin tones. Pros
Does not fade in the shower Natural sun tan look Lasts five to seven days Vegan and cruelty-free Paraben-free formula
Cons
May find it hard to blend Some may experience dry skin
7. Best Nourishing Ingredients:Beauty By Earth Face Self Tanner
Crafted with clean vegan ingredients, the Beauty By Earth face self tanner is available in two variants— a fair to medium for pale skin and a medium to dark for olive undertones. The color is buildable and gives you a natural bronze color without any streaks or orange tinge in just a few hours. This cruelty-free product features carefully chosen high-quality, natural, organic, and nourishing ingredients like organic green tea extract, shea butter, aloe vera, and organic witch hazel extract to care for your skin. Its lightweight, easy-to-apply formula can be worn with or without makeup. This self-tanner for sensitive skin is a combination of a gradual and even self-tanner and facial treatment and gives you a natural, sun-kissed tan in just six hours. Pros
Non-comedogenic Lasts upto five to seven days Dye-free Paraben-free Does not cause breakouts Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Some may find the smell unpleasant Some may find it oily
8. Best Gluten-Free:Miami Gorgeous La Playa Glow Self Tanning Mousse
Get an instant bronze tan that looks natural and is a powerhouse of potent natural oils and vitamins, leaving your skin smooth and streak-free. Made of healthy and clean ingredients in a perfect blend, it gives you a perfect tan. Infused with argan oil, coconut oil, vitamins A, C, and D, jojoba oil, olive oil, and elderflower extract, you can be prepared for an instant, radiant bronze glow. This versatile self-tanner for sensitive skin is fast-absorbing and quick-drying, and it can be used for ten to 12 tanning sessions. This self tanner is extremely safe to use and contains no parabens, sulfates, fragrances, or gluten, is cruelty-free and contains eco-certified DHA. So get ready for amazingly nourished and beautifully tanned skin. Pros
No orange tinge Suitable for all skin types Long-lasting Safe to use on sensitive skin Suitable for men and women
Cons
May find the scent strong Might feel the skin dry after tanning
9. Best Fragrance:Bipin Self Tanner
Get that beautiful and exotic bronze glow without the usual nasty streaks, blotches, orange tint, sunburn, or dark spots. Enriched with milk extract for a soft fragrance, you can be sure about this self-tanner for sensitive skin, making you smell as good as it makes you look. This organic self-tanner uses only premium-quality natural ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, argan oil, and hyaluronic acid. Its innovative formula will hydrate and moisturize your skin while giving you that stunning exotic look. The tan develops in approximately four to six hours and lasts from five to seven days. This cruelty-free bronzing lotion is suitable for all genders, ages, and skin tones and is a great alternative to tanning beds and exposure to the sun. Pros
Easy to apply Anti-aging properties No harsh ingredients Buildable color Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
Some may experience dryness May look patchy as the tan fades
10. Best Fast-Absorbing:Botanic Tree Self Tanner
This natural, plant-based, and organic self-tanner, gives you an amazing bronze tan without any chemicals or exposure to harmful UV rays. Absolutely streak-free, this tanning lotion for sensitive skin will leave your skin perfectly tanned without giving it an orange tint. This easy-to-apply lotion comes on evenly and just requires a thin layer to stay moisturized and for the best results in tanning. This fast-absorbing lotion does not transfer or stain your clothes or sheets. Enriched with shea butter and ten organic fruit extracts like jojoba, avocado, apricot, moringa, grape seed, linseed, coconut, vanilla, and passionfruit, this lotion keeps your skin refreshed, hydrated, and rejuvenated. The formula is cruelty-free, and vegan and contains absolutely no parabens, sulfates, or toxic chemicals. Pros
Long-lasting Plumps the skin Non-greasy Helps boost collagen Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Some may dislike the sweet perfume scent Some may find it darker than expected
11. Best Hypoallergenic Fragrance:Bioderma Photoderm Autobronzant
Get ready to welcome an enhanced, natural-looking bronze tan that lasts up to seven days and has a light and pleasant fragrance. Photoderm self-tanner does the dual job of giving you a beautiful, gradual, and even tan while protecting, hydrating, and moisturizing your skin at the same time. It features a unique and innovative 360° diffusion stem that ensures that more DHA comes in contact with the skin, improving color quality. This self-tanner for sensitive skin is absorbed quickly and moisturizes with a non-sticky texture. It has a comfortable and simple spray application, and thanks to its diffusion system, it does not need to be spread around. It does not stain your clothes or sheets and is mainly made up of glycerine, xylitol, and DHA. Pros
Hypoallergenic formula Easy to blend Lightweight No orange tint Buildable tanner Non-streaky
Cons
May require frequent application Some may find the quantity little
12. Best For Very Dark Tan:Minetan Ultra Dark Express Tan Mousse
This express tan mousse is suitable for more experienced tanners and for those who are looking for a very dark tan. Its triple-action formula develops a dark, natural-looking tan while deeply hydrating the skin and giving it a glowing finish. This lightweight self-tanner for sensitive skin is suitable for all skin types and has a pleasant coconut fragrance. Made with clean ingredients, this tanner is 100% vegan and cruelty-free and is devoid of parabens, sulfates, palm oil, and mineral oil. It contains natural DHA sourced from sugarcane and sugar beets, erythrulose for an even, streak-free, and long-lasting tan, and coconut oil that is rich in proteins and vitamin E. It’s made with sustainably sourced ingredients and is packaged in recyclable material. Pros
Fast-drying formula Easy to apply Suitable for face and body Restores skin PH level No orange tinge Available in three shades
Cons
May wash off slightly in the shower Dispenser may be hard to pump
13. Best Skin-Boosting:Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops – Medium / Dark
The magical self-tanner creates a customized glow with its triple tan technology, where each drop adds to the tan you want. Ingredients like raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E create a moisture balance complex that has skin-boosting properties and keeps your skin nourished and hydrated. This self-tanner for sensitive skin also minimizes blemishes and redness and acts like semi-permanent makeup, leaving you with flawless and radiant skin. It contains high-quality, naturally-derived DHA, and the more drops you use, the darker your tan will be. Its odor-lite fragrance technology features a 4.5 pH to minimize the typical smell associated with self-tan. You will get a streak-free, odorless tan with no drama, and it’s a perfect size to carry with you. It comes in a glass bottle with a pipette and is perfect for medium to dark skin tones. Pros
Non-toxic Cruelty-free formula Custom self-tanning Works with existing skincare regime Available in different shades No orange tinge
Cons
Results may be slow May not be suitable for all skin types
14. Best Non-Comedogenic:Tanceuticals Self Tanning Face Lotion – Dark
This award-winning self-tanner is specially designed for the face and neck, as the skin in these areas is more sensitive and thinner. It features a slightly thicker and more moisturizing texture and is non-comedogenic. This self-tanner for the face guarantees a natural and smooth-looking tan that doesn’t have an orange tint. Its fresh coconut fragrance removes that typical self-tanner smell. It is fast-drying, doesn’t transfer onto clothes and sheets, and lasts for six to seven days. This self tanning lotion is made with healthy ingredients like mango butter, acai berry, and vitamin E that improve your skin. It is cruelty-free, dye-free, and does not contain any harmful ingredients like parabens or mineral oil. Pros
Natural looking tan Does not cause acne Easy to blend Streak-free Hydrates the skin
Cons
Might feel sticky May find it lighter than expected
15. Best Anti-Aging:Famous Dave’s Professional Self Tanner – Medium / Dark
A healthy blend of organic argan oil, hyaluronan, CoEnzyme Q10, matrixyl 3000, organic aloe vera, jojoba oil, and sesame oil, this creamy and smooth tanning lotion for sensitive skin is perfect for medium to dark skin. It has great moisturizing and anti-aging properties and is paraben-free. Ideal for all skin types, it boosts skin hydration, provides antioxidant protection to the cell membrane, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Its creamy texture makes it easy to distribute evenly on your skin, and it can be used all year round to give you that instant and natural tan. Pros
Streak-free Lasts upto five to seven days No orange tinge Fast-drying Does not stain clothes Faint and pleasant smell
Cons
Some may not prefer the thick consistency Might require frequent applications for a darker tan
Now that you have been through our review of the 15 best self-tanners for sensitive skin, let us give you a few tips on what to keep in mind while choosing one so that you get the perfect golden tan without exposing yourself to the harmful rays of the sun.
How To Choose The Right Self Tanner For Sensitive Skin
Gradual formulas
If you are a beginner at self-tanning, it’s best to start out with gradual formulas— that way you can slowly build up your tan to the desired shade, rather than ending up with an instant tan that may be too intense. The formula of gradual tanners is usually in the form of lotions and creams, which provide extra hydration.
Type
Self-tanners come in many forms— lotions, mousses, wipes, drops, and sticks, each with their pros and cons. Lotions take time to soak in, and it’s not always possible to see where the product is being applied. But they’re a good option for dry skin as they are usually moisturizing. If you are confident with self tanning, bronzing mists and mousses are the best option. They are stronger, dry faster, and lightweight with a deeper and more intense color that is long-lasting. Experienced self-tanners can also use an express formula for quick, on-the-go self tanning.
2-in-1 formulas for the face
When using self-tanners on your face, it’s a good idea to go for a 2-in-1 formula that self-tans and looks after your skin. Self tanning products that contain antioxidants like vitamins C and E, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and other smoothing and brightening ingredients will do both jobs well. Water mists, tanning drops, and overnight serums are good options. Translucent formulas will not block your pores, it’s advisable to avoid anything too instant or dark, and to avoid using a product that’s designed only for the body.
Should work for your skin
Depending on what works for your skin, you can go for a self tanner that is chemical-based or made out of organic ingredients. Some lotions are formulated to be used by those with a particular skin type. By and far, you should go for a hypoallergenic product and one made with natural ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, ensure that the product is suitable for your skin, and it’s best to get one that is recommended by doctors.
Tint
There’s nothing worse than using a self tanner and ending up with an orange tinge on your face. It’s best to do a patch test and check the concentration of the tanner. It should also spread evenly, without streaking and transferring.
Natural DHA
DHA temporarily darkens your complexion by reacting with skin cells. It’s not too much of an issue for people with normal skin, but people with sensitive skin should opt for products that contain natural DHA. Chemically-derived DHA can produce harmful free radicals that cause aging of the skin, while naturally-derived or EcoCert approved DHA are not harmful for the skin. It’s best to choose a product that has added antioxidants. Also, do keep in mind that DHA has a particular odor which is masked in some products with added fragrance. A wash-off product is the only option if you want to avoid DHA completely.
Go organic
Organic self tanners are by far the best, so avoid products that are packed with chemicals. Chemicals can very often cause redness, irritation, inflammation, or itchiness, so opt for products that are devoid of dyes, parabens, phthalates, and fragrances.
Natural oils
Ingredients like argan oil, primrose oil, rosehip oil, mandarin oil, olive oil, aloe vera, jojoba oil, fruit extracts, and shea butter, are extremely moisturizing and hydrating. A perfect tan is only possible if your skin is smooth, soft, and healthy, so make sure your self tanner has some of these ingredients.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a skincare and makeup enthusiast, and she loves helping readers pick the best products from reliable brands. Based on user reviews, she has compiled this list of the best self-tanners for sensitive skin and has mentioned some factors to consider while choosing the right one, such as tint, natural DHA, and gradual formulas. These self-tanners will help you achieve a healthy tan look without irritating your skin.
