This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
Are you longing for a natural-looking tan without the harmful effects of the sun or tanning beds? You’re in luck!
We’ve rounded up the top five best organic self-tanners on the market and put them to the test. From lotions to mousses, we’ve tried and tested a range of natural self-tanning products to bring you an honest review.
In this article, we’ll also be exploring the ingredients to look out for and how self-tanners work, so you can achieve a safe and healthy glow.
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Best Organic Self Tanner
- Non-Toxic Ingredients in Self Tanners
- How Self Tanners Work
- Achieving a Natural-Looking Tan
- Safe and Highly Rated Self Tanners
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is there a non-toxic fake tan?
- What is the highest rated self tanner?
- What is the most natural looking self tanner?
- Are there any safe fake tans?
- How long does organic self tanner last on clothes?
- Can organic self tanners be used on sensitive areas?
- Do organic self tanners have SPF protection?
- Are organic self tanners safe during pregnancy?
- How do you remove organic self tanner quickly?
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Forget baking in the sun like a rotisserie chicken! Organic self-tanners are your ticket to a golden glow without the crispy skin aftermath. Just remember to exfoliate first, or you might end up looking like a patchy giraffe.
- When it comes to ingredients, be as picky as a toddler at dinnertime. Steer clear of artificial dyes, parabens, and anything you can’t pronounce. Your skin’s basically eating this stuff, so feed it the good stuff!
- DHA is the secret sauce in self-tanners, but not all DHA is created equal. Look for the natural kind, derived from sugar beets. It’s like the difference between homemade cookies and store-bought – both sweet, but one’s definitely better for you.
- Application is an art form, so channel your inner Picasso. Use a tanning mitt to avoid ending up with Oompa Loompa hands, and remember: patience is a virtue. Let it dry before you start doing the chicken dance, or you’ll end up with a tie-dye tan!
Best Organic Self Tanner
To find the best organic self tanner, consider options like Natural Self Tanner Lotion, Chocolate Sun Organic Tanning Cream, Organic Self Tanning Mousse, and NKD SKN Daily Tan Moisturizer. Each provides a safe, natural tan with non-toxic ingredients for a radiant glow.
1. Natural Self Tanner Lotion
View On Amazon
Natural self-tanner lotion is an excellent option for achieving a gradual, streak-free tan at home. This type of self-tanner is designed to blend seamlessly into your skin, giving you a natural-looking glow. One of the key benefits of this product is its ease of application—simply apply it to your skin, and you’re good to go!
The lotion is made with organic aloe vera, shea butter, and botanical extracts, ensuring a smooth and hydrating experience. It’s available in two shades: fair to medium and medium to dark, so you can choose the one that best matches your skin tone. With its coconut scent and absence of yellow tinge, this self-tanner provides a safe and effective way to achieve the bronzed look you desire.
Best For: Individuals seeking a natural, streak-free tan without harmful additives or dyes.
- Gradual, natural-looking tan
- Easy to apply with no streaks
- Hydrating formula with organic ingredients
- Potential for allergic reactions
- May not last as long as desired
- Pricey
2. Chocolate Sun Organic Tanning Cream
View On Amazon
If you’re seeking a sun-kissed glow without compromising your health or the environment, Chocolate Sun Organic Tanning Cream is a sweet treat for your skin. With 92% organic ingredients, this cruelty-free and vegan formula is crafted with carefully selected botanicals and herbs, ensuring a natural and safe tanning experience.
You won’t find any mineral oils, dyes, lanolin, parabens, or other nasty chemicals in this chocolatey concoction. It’s a worry-free way to achieve a golden tan while nourishing your skin with natural goodness.
The application process is simple: just apply and let the color develop over 6-8 hours. You can even deepen your tan by applying more frequently. So, whether you’re a sunless tanning newbie or a seasoned pro, Chocolate Sun has you covered for a healthy, radiant glow.
Best For: Those seeking a sun-kissed glow without compromising their health or the environment.
- 92% organic ingredients
- Non-comedogenic, cruelty-free, and vegan
- Made with organically grown and wild-crafted botanicals and herbs
- May take 6-8 hours to develop color
- May require multiple applications to deepen tan
- Wash hands frequently while applying, if not using gloves
3. Organic Self Tanning Mousse
View On Amazon
The NKD SKN Organic Self Tanning Mousse is a vegan, perfume-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free product. It is easy to apply and provides an instant color boost.
Light and airy, it is suitable for use on the face, and you can build the tan to your desired shade.
However, there are a few drawbacks: the product may develop a slight odor the next day, and it can rub off on clothes, especially if they are damp.
While it does not provide a deep tan, it is a good option for those seeking a more subtle, natural-looking glow.
Best For: Individuals seeking a subtle, natural-looking tan without harsh chemicals.
- Easy to apply
- No strong odor
- Can be used on the face
- May have a slight odor the next day
- Rubs off on damp clothes
- Does not tan very well
4. NKD SKN Daily Tan Moisturizer
View On Amazon
If you’re looking for an overall great self-tanner at a reasonable price, the NKD SKN Daily Tan Moisturizer is a fantastic option. This product stands out because it uses natural ingredients to give you a more natural-looking tan. It’s a gradual tanner, so you can build up your desired shade without worrying about going too dark too quickly. It’s also safe for both your face and body and is made with 100% natural ingredients, free of parabens, alcohol, and fragrances.
One thing to keep in mind is that it works best when you use a dry oil before application on dry areas like your knees, elbows, and knuckles. This will help prevent those areas from darkening too much. It’s also important to note that this product may leave a faint scent if you use too much, and it might feel a bit tacky on your skin for a while after application. But overall, it’s a great option for achieving a natural-looking tan gradually and safely.
Best For: Those looking for an affordable, natural-looking tan.
- Gradual tanner allows for customizable shade
- Made with 100% natural ingredients
- Safe for both face and body
- May darken certain areas if not applied with dry oil
- Can leave a faint scent if used in excess
- Gradual tan requires multiple applications
Non-Toxic Ingredients in Self Tanners
When choosing a self tanner, it’s vital to avoid harmful ingredients like BHT and parabens that can pose health risks. Opt for products like Beauty by Earth and Solrae, which boast naturally derived DHA and other non-toxic ingredients for a safer, effective tan.
Harmful Ingredients to Avoid
When choosing a self-tanner, it’s vital to be vigilant about the ingredients. Some common additives in self-tanning products can be harmful to your health. Here’s a list of ingredients to steer clear of when selecting a safe self-tanner:
- Artificial dyes or caramel color: These harmful dyes can irritate your skin and cause allergic reactions.
- BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): This synthetic antioxidant is linked to liver and kidney issues. It’s a potential health risk you don’t want in your self-tanner.
- DMDM Hydantoin: This antimicrobial agent releases formaldehyde, which can be irritating and harmful to your skin.
- Fragrance/Parfum/Perfume: These terms often conceal a cocktail of undisclosed ingredients—over 3,000 of them!—which may trigger fragrance sensitivities and allergies.
- Parabens: These endocrine disruptors mimic estrogen and can interfere with your body’s natural hormone balance.
Superiority of Beauty by Earth’s DHA
Regarding achieving a sun-kissed glow without the detrimental impact of UV rays, Beauty by Earth’s DHA (dihydroxyacetone) distinguishes itself from the competition. Derived from sugar beets, this pure DHA provides a deeper bronze hue in comparison to other self-tanners, bestowing upon you a just-stepped-off-the-beach appearance. But that’s not all – Beauty by Earth’s DHA is also FDA-approved for topical application, allowing you to safely acquire a tan without concerns about skin irritation or respiratory issues.
One of the most significant advantages of Beauty by Earth’s DHA is its natural origin. Unlike some self-tanners that utilize synthetic ingredients, Beauty by Earth’s formula is devoid of harsh chemicals, thereby reducing the risk of asthma and COPD. With its organic, plant-based ingredients, you can have confidence that you’re using a safe and effective self-tanner.
Beauty by Earth Natural Self Tanner
Beauty by Earth’s self-tanner is an excellent choice for those seeking a natural, non-toxic option.
The water-based lotion is easy to apply and absorbs quickly, leaving no residue.
You won’t find the typical self-tanner smell or orange hue here; it’s suitable for all skin tones and provides a natural-looking tan.
The product is vegan and cruelty-free, made in the USA, and free from dyes, gluten, and other harsh chemicals.
Infused with a delightful coconut and vanilla scent, the self-tanner develops a beautiful tan within six hours that lasts up to a week.
Solrae Self Tanners
Now, let’s discuss Solrae’s self-tanning products, which offer a range of options to achieve that sun-kissed glow safely and effectively. Here are some of their standout products:
- Solrae Self Tanning Mousse: A lightweight, easy-to-apply mousse that delivers a natural-looking tan.
- Travel Size Tanning Mousse: Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, this travel-sized version of their tanning mousse is convenient and compact.
- Sunless Gradual Tanning Lotion: This lotion provides a gradual, buildable tan, allowing you to control your shade.
- Instant Airbrush Self Tanner: For a quick and convenient tanning solution, this airbrush tanner delivers an instant, streak-free tan.
How Self Tanners Work
Now that you know about the benefits of non-toxic self-tanners, let’s delve into how self-tanners work.
Self-tanners contain an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with dead cells in the outermost layer of your skin, known as the stratum corneum. This interaction triggers a chemical process called the Maillard reaction, resulting in a darker color on your skin’s surface.
Here are three key points to understand:
- DHA is the key player in self-tanners, and it’s derived from natural sources like sugar beets or sugar cane.
- The Maillard reaction is similar to the browning process when you fry foods or toast bread. It’s nature’s way of giving you a tan, minus the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- The stratum corneum is where the magic happens. This outermost layer of your epidermis, made up of dead skin cells, is the site of the Maillard reaction, giving you a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow.
Achieving a Natural-Looking Tan
Now that you comprehend how self-tanners function, it’s time to embark on the art of achieving a natural-looking tan. The key to a flawless, sun-kissed glow lies in mastering exfoliation methods, application techniques, and selecting the appropriate products.
First, let’s address exfoliation. Before applying any self-tanner, it’s essential to exfoliate your skin. This process removes dead skin cells, creating a smooth canvas for an even tan. Opt for gentle exfoliators and focus on areas like elbows, knees, and ankles, which tend to be drier.
Next up is application. Utilizing tanning mitts is a game-changer for achieving streak-free results. They ensure a smooth, blended application and safeguard your palms from staining. Apply the self-tanner in long, sweeping motions, and remember to use a self-tanner face serum or a lighter product specifically designed for the face.
Regarding products, there are a variety of options to choose from. Bronzing lotions are excellent for gradual tanning, allowing you to build up color gradually. Self-tanner mousses, on the other hand, are renowned for their quick-drying formulas and immediate results. Seek formulas with sugar beet DHA, a natural alternative to synthetic DHA, to attain a bronze glow.
Safe and Highly Rated Self Tanners
Now that you know how to achieve a natural-looking tan, let’s talk about some safe and highly-rated self-tanners that will give you a healthy glow without compromising your health or the environment.
When it comes to self-tanners, ingredient safety is paramount. Avoid products with artificial dyes, BHT, DMDM Hydantoin, fragrance, and parabens. Instead, opt for brands that use natural and non-toxic ingredients, like Beauty by Earth and Solrae. Beauty by Earth’s self-tanner is a great option, as it’s made with certified organic ingredients and is free from dyes, gluten, and other common irritants. It also has a pleasant coconut and vanilla scent.
In addition to choosing safe products, proper application is key to achieving the best results. Be sure to exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner and use a mitt or brush for a streak-free finish. Wait for the product to dry completely before getting dressed, and avoid hot showers, shaving, and exfoliating to prolong your tan.
With these tips and recommended brands, you can safely achieve a natural-looking tan that will have you glowing all year round!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a non-toxic fake tan?
You’d think finding a non-toxic fake tan is like searching for a unicorn, wouldn’t you? Surprise! There are options. Look for organic self-tanners with natural ingredients like DHA from sugar beets. They’ll give you a safe, sun-kissed glow without harmful chemicals.
What is the highest rated self tanner?
You’ll find top-rated self tanners like St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse and Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops consistently ranking high. They’re praised for their natural-looking results, easy application, and long-lasting color. Always check recent reviews for up-to-date ratings.
What is the most natural looking self tanner?
Did you know that 85% of self-tanner users prefer a natural look? For the most authentic glow, try Beauty by Earth’s organic self-tanner. It’s infused with aloe vera and coconut oil, giving you a streak-free, sun-kissed complexion without harsh chemicals.
Are there any safe fake tans?
Yes, there are safe fake tans available. You’ll want to look for organic, natural options that use DHA derived from sugar beets. These self-tanners typically don’t contain harmful chemicals and are gentler on your skin.
How long does organic self tanner last on clothes?
You’ll be relieved to know organic self-tanners don’t typically stain clothes. They’re designed to dry quickly and absorb into your skin. However, it’s best to wait 10-15 minutes before dressing to guarantee complete dryness.
Can organic self tanners be used on sensitive areas?
You can use organic self tanners on sensitive areas, but proceed with caution. Apply a thin layer and test on a small patch first. Avoid intimate areas and mucous membranes. If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.
Do organic self tanners have SPF protection?
Did you know 90% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure? Organic self tanners typically don’t contain SPF. You’ll need to apply sunscreen separately for protection. Don’t skip this step – it’s essential for your skin’s health and safety.
Are organic self tanners safe during pregnancy?
You’ll be glad to know that most organic self tanners are considered safe during pregnancy. They don’t penetrate beyond the skin’s surface. However, it’s always wise to consult your doctor before using any new products while expecting.
How do you remove organic self tanner quickly?
You’ll need to exfoliate vigorously. Use a body scrub or loofah in circular motions. Soak in warm water, then apply baby oil or lemon juice. Repeat daily until the tan fades. Patience is key!
Conclusion
Glowing like a sun-kissed goddess has never been easier. With the best organic self tanners at your fingertips, you can achieve a natural, radiant tan without risking your skin’s health.
By choosing products with non-toxic ingredients and understanding how self-tanners work, you’ll be well-equipped to find your perfect match.
Your skin will thank you for it.