The 28 best face self tanner brands

  • 28 brands ranked
  • Ranked by brand visibility

Beauty by Earth, Jergens and Bondi Sands lead our ranking of 28 face self tanner brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.

Face Self Tanner brands, ranked

TSCentral is reader-supported: we may earn a commission when you shop through links on this page. It does not affect the ranking.

  1. 1

    Beauty by Earth

    Vegan lotion and drops let you tune the tan, with shades for lighter and deeper skin, applied one layer at a time.

    Top products: Self Tanner Body Lotion· Tanning Drops for Face & Body

    Popularity 10.0/10

  2. 2

    Jergens

    Drugstore-priced gradual self tanners with SPF 20 face formulas, including a deep shade for darker skin tones.

    Top products: Natural Glow Face Self Tanner· Glow Face Moisturizer Self Tanner

    Popularity 8.6/10

  3. 3

    Bondi Sands

    Australian brand whose face serum tans gradually, suited to anyone wanting a controlled, sun-kissed colour.

    Top products: Technicolor Self Tanner Face Serum

    Popularity 6.8/10

  4. 4

    COOLA

    Organic, plant-based lotion that builds colour while firming, with scented options such as Pina Colada.

    Top products: Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion

    Popularity 5.9/10

  5. 5

    Sun Laboratories

    Family-run sunless range sold under the Giesee name, with dark lotions and a medium face tanner.

    Top products: Face Self Tanner· Ultra Dark Self Tanning Lotion

    Popularity 5.1/10

  6. 6

    Dr. Dennis Gross

    Pre-soaked face towelettes that exfoliate and build colour, pitched at anti-ageing skincare users.

    Top products: Alpha Beta Glow Pad Self-Tanner for Face

    Popularity 4.8/10

  7. 7

    Loving Tan

    Dermatologist-style face tanners using natural DHA, including a serum for a deeper colour.

    Top products: Deluxe Face Self Tanner· Purest Face Tanning Serum

    Popularity 3.3/10

  8. 8

    St. Moriz

    St. Moriz is a vegan-friendly cosmetic products brand. Established in 2008, the brand strives to provide high-quality self-tanning products for women who love a natural sun-tan look. After 14 years, the brand continues to offer consistent product offerings at affordable prices. Its product portfolio is categorized under skin, range, and product types, enabling easier browsing through its site. The company offers self-tanning and everyday use lotions, mousses, sprays, serums, primers, removers, and make-up accessories.

    Popularity 2.5/10

  9. 9

    Clarins

    Clarins was established in 1954. The founder wanted to create this brand to understand women's needs. They wanted to create an attractive solution for all the women's needs in the beauty sector. They have taken inspiration from nature by studying...

    Popularity 2.5/10

  10. 10

    Dr. Denese

    Do you want to hear compliments about your skin? It will be raining praises once you start using Dr. Denese SkinScience skincare products. The company is the brainchild of Dr. Denese, whose aim is to help women achieve healthy and...

    Popularity 2.5/10

  11. 11

    Vita Liberata

    Vita Liberta is the number one cosmetic brand to get the perfect tan your skin needs. With an enormous range of skin tan products, it has become a top-class brand with premium quality products. One of its bestsellers is the...

    Popularity 2.1/10

  12. 12

    Sally Hansen

    For at-home manicures, Sally Hansen makes nail polish, nail art supplies and nail lacquer. Its Salon Effects nail strips are a signature product that gives a salon-style finish. The line also includes hair care tools and other beauty products.

    Popularity 2.1/10

  13. 13

    Norvell

    No matter the season, there exist people who love to see tanning on their skin, either naturally or artistically. One brand that manufactures tan shading technology, such as an automated spray tan booth which is highly in-demand in the market...

    Popularity 1.8/10

  14. 14

    Arbonne

    Plant-based skincare brand whose tinted lotion gives a light colour with a sheer, natural finish.

    Top products: Liquid Sunshine Tinted Self Tanner Lotion

    Popularity 1.8/10

  15. 15

    LORAC

    Luxury face and body tanner in a bronzing formula, aimed at people who want a quick cosmetic-style glow.

    Top products: SelfTANtalizer Body + Face Self-Tanner· Face Self TANtalizer Bronzing Self Tanner

    Popularity 1.8/10

  16. 16

    Just Nutritive

    Make your hair and skin look beautiful and gorgeous with Just Nutritive. Just Nutritive manufactures high-quality, eco-friendly, sustainable hair care and skin care solutions that are purely made with plant extracts. All their products are highly effective and easy to...

    Popularity 1.8/10

  17. 17

    Carroten

    At Carroten, you can protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, as well as find safe products for tanning that are effective and safe to use. As a company with a rich history spanning over three and a...

    Popularity 1.8/10

  18. 18

    James Read

    James Read Tan was developed by spray tan artist James Read, who has worked with fashion and music names. The range offers self tanners for the face, spray tans, gradual tanning lotions and face tans for a natural-looking glow. Beginners...

    Top products: Overnight Tan Face Sleep Mask

    Popularity 1.5/10

  19. 19

    Caudalie

    The entire world has anti-aging and long life, so Caudalie opted to focus on anti-aging from the inside out, known as vinotherapy. By utilizing the power of the vine for your beauty requirements, vinotherapy unveils your skin's true potential through...

    Top products: Self Tanner Natural Tan

    Popularity 1.5/10

  20. 20

    Nuskin

    NuSkin offers a wide choice of anti-aging skincare, nutritional supplements, and personal care products to help you look younger, live healthier and feel better. Their treatments are tailored to your unique skin type and problem. Today, have a look at...

    Popularity 1.5/10

  21. 21

    Fake Bake

    If bronze is your happy color, Fake Bake is here to make you most joyful. Fake Bake is here to give you that natural-glowing bronze look throughout the entire year. It offers easy-to-use self-tanning products to provide you with that...

    Popularity 1.0/10

  22. 22

    Hawaiian Tropic

    Hawaiian Tropic provides skincare and sun protection products for beach lovers and travel enthusiasts. Apart from bombarding customers with many options, it also offers detailed skincare know-how to guide them toward purchasing the appropriate product. Different types of sunscreen are...

    Popularity 1.0/10

  23. 23

    Garnier

    French brand Garnier offers hair colour, shampoo and skincare products. Its hair colour line is marketed as quick to apply and long-lasting, and its shampoo range covers everyday hair care. The vitamin C cleanser targets dull, sensitive skin, and the...

    Popularity 1.0/10

  24. 24

    Rimmel

    Rimmel London, one of the most renowned cosmetics brands, continues its legacy of inspiring people to bold self-expression through its products. Get the trendy jazzy look you desire using Rimmel London’s long-lasting make-up! Can’t find the right shade of foundation?...

    Popularity 1.0/10

  25. 25

    Biotherm

    Aquasource is the hydrating line from Biotherm, and its gel moisturizers and lotions are among the brand's most recognised skincare products. Biotherm also makes men's face care and face ointments. Its formulas are built around active skincare ingredients and are...

    Popularity 1.0/10

  26. 26

    Art Naturals

    Artnaturals is an organic and natural skincare line that delivers naturally active results by using 100 percent pure therapeutic grade essential oils, the finest quality organic ingredients, and unique delivery techniques. They think that the best quality, natural products should...

    Popularity 1.0/10

  27. 27

    Bare Escentuals

    In 1995, Bareminerals came up with a unique makeup product named "Baremineral's mineral foundation." And that product changed the future of Baremineral to the next level! Being a Maker of mineral-based beauty care products for ladies, the organization offers a...

    Popularity 1.0/10

  28. 28

    Devoted Creations

    Devoted Creations has been providing high-quality tanning products to salons since 2003. They have multiple product lines, each designed to meet the salon's criteria. The products are made using only the best and freshest ingredients and are heavily involved in...

    Popularity 1.0/10

Face Self Tanner Buying Guide

Self-tanning has become a go-to option for many people who are looking for a glowing and sun-kissed tan. However, finding the perfect self-tanning product for your face can be quite challenging. With so many products on the market promising the perfect tan, it can be overwhelming to choose. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the key factors to consider when purchasing a face self-tanner to help you make the best choice for your skin.

Types of Self-tanners

There are two primary types of self-tanners: gradual and instant. You should choose the one that suits your needs best.

Gradual self-tanners:

Gradual self-tanners are a great choice for those who want to achieve a natural-looking glow over time. These products work by gradually building up a tan that looks more natural and subtle than an instant self-tanner. You can apply them daily or every other day until you achieve the desired color. Gradual tanners are typically better for beginners since they allow you to control the amount of color that you get.

Instant self-tanners:

Instant self-tanners are perfect for those who want an immediate tan. They work by adding color to your skin using a pigment called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the proteins in your skin to create a tan. Instant self-tanners can be tricky to apply, and you need to be careful not to apply too much product as it can result in uneven color or streaking.

Application Method

How you apply a self-tanner is almost as important as the product itself. Here are some of the most popular application methods:

Spray Tan

Spray tans are a great option for those who want a quick and easy application method. They are applied in a tanning booth, where a fine mist of self-tanner is sprayed onto your skin. This technique is great for achieving even coverage and can be perfect for special occasions.

Mousse

Self-tanning mousse is one of the most popular application methods. The foam-like texture allows for easy and even application. You can apply it with a tanning mitt or a brush, making sure to blend it in for an even finish. Mousse usually dries quickly, so you won't have to wait too long after application.

Gel

Gels are also a popular option for self-tanning. Gels are applied in the same way as mousse, but they tend to be slightly thicker. They’re great for oily skin types, as they absorb quickly and leave your skin with a matte finish.

Tanning Wipes

Tanning wipes are a quick and convenient way to apply self-tanner. Simply take out a wipe and apply it to your face, making sure to blend it in properly. Tanning wipes are especially popular for traveling as they can be easily packed into a suitcase and don't take up much room.

Formula Type

There are three primary formulas you can choose from when selecting a self-tanner. It's important to choose the right one for your skin type and color.

Lotion

Self-tanning lotions are a great choice for people with dry or normal skin types. They usually contain moisturizing agents that keep your skin hydrated, which is essential to prevent dryness or peeling. You don't have to worry about lotion self-tanners being too heavy or greasy, as they are usually lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin.

Serum

Serums are a great option for those with oily skin types. They are usually lightweight, absorb quickly and dry down to a matte finish. Serums can be mixed in with your regular skincare routine, making the tanning process more natural and less noticeable.

Oil

Self-tanning oils are a new trend on the market, which is perfect for people who want to moisturize and tan at the same time. They are ideal for people with very dry skin types since they provide deep hydration. The only downside to these products is that they can take longer to dry than other products.

Color Payoff and Finish

The final important factor to consider is the color payoff and finish of the self-tanner.

Color Payoff

The color payoff refers to the final color that the self-tanner gives you. Some self-tanners come in shades of light, medium, and dark, while others come in one shade that’s suitable for all skin types. You should choose a product that gives you a natural-looking tan that suits your skin tone. Don’t choose a color that’s too dark as it can look unnatural and streaky. Start with a lighter shade and build up gradually until you find the perfect match for your skin.

Finish

The finish of the self-tanner is the final look that it gives you. Some products provide a matte finish, while others give you a shimmery glow. Matte finishes are perfect for people who like a more natural-looking tan, while shimmery finishes are ideal for special occasions when you want to get a little bit of extra sparkle.

Conclusion

Choosing the right face self-tanner comes down to your skin type, the application method, formula type, color payoff, and finish. By taking into consideration these five factors, you’ll be able to choose a self-tanner that suits your needs, giving you a beautiful, natural-looking tan that will make you feel confident and radiant.