9 Best Self-Tanners For Sensitive Skin – Our Top Picks Of 2023
Make heads turn with the gorgeous sun-kissed look while protecting your sensitive skin.
Expertise: Cosmetic Dermatology
Experience: 10 years
Dr. M. Khawar Nazir has 10 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and is the CEO of Boston Aesthetics Lahore, Pakistan. He earned his MBBS degree from Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan, and did his post graduation from Boston U... more
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skincare coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, ... more
Image: Shutterstock
Finding the best self-tanner for sensitive skin is not an easy task. A bad self-tanner can leave you streaky, and if you have sensitive skin, many products can cause your skin to react negatively. If you still want a bronzed body, you will need to select the best self-tanner for sensitive skin.
We have compiled a list of the top 9 self-tanners for sensitive skin to help you out. These are composed of natural oils and soothing ingredients to give you that beautiful sun-kissed look. Take a look at them!
Top Picks
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Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse $42 ON AMAZON Read More › $42 ON AMAZON - 3
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VITA LIBERATA Advanced Organics Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion $30.0 ON AMAZON Read More › $30.0 ON AMAZON - 4
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Bahama Tan Sunless Lotion $18.99 ON AMAZON Read More › $18.99 ON AMAZON - 5
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Botanic Tree Self Tanner $20.39 ON AMAZON Read More › $20.39 ON AMAZON - 7
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Bahama Tan Gradual Self Tanner $18.99 ON AMAZON Read More › $18.99 ON AMAZON - 8
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In This Article
9 Best Self Tanners For Sensitive Skin – Reviews
The Beauty by Earth Self Tanner is a vegan tanning lotion free of harmful chemicals. This sun-free tanner for sensitive skin gives you a gradual sun-kissed natural glow without sunburns, signs of premature aging, and risk of skin cancer. It is formulated with natural ingredients like organic shea butter, moisturizing organic coconut oil, antioxidant-rich Japanese green tea, organic cranberry, organic jojoba seed oil, organic argan oil, radish root ferment filtrate, and sugarcane-derived DHA. This tanner adds a glow to the skin and also protects the skin from free radicals. Your skin will look and feel soft, supple, and healthy. This product is the perfect alternative to self-tanners filled with chemicals. This tanning lotion is creamy, soft, and non-greasy. It spreads evenly, absorbs quickly, does not streak, and is transfer-resistant. It can be used on the body and face.Beauty by Earth Self Tanner
Pros
- Vegan
- Spreads evenly
- Non-greasy
- Absorbs quickly
- Does not streak
- Transfer-resistant
- Can be used on the body and face
Cons
- Does not last long
Pro Tip
The St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse is an instant tanning tinted mousse that applies evenly and does not streak. It is a vegan formula, contains all-natural tanning ingredients and the ecocert approved DHA. It is free of harmful and skin-irritating ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. This sunless tanner is a non-sticky, quick-drying formula that hydrates and nourishes the skin. It leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft. It lasts for 24 hours. It does not have the off-putting self-tan smell.
Pros
- 100% naturally-derived
- Vegan formula
- Lasts up to 24 hours
- Does not streak
- Non-sticky
- Transfer-resistant
- Quick-drying
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No self-tan smell
Cons
- Expensive
- May cause skin irritation in some (patch test recommended)
Quick TipThe VITA LIBERATA Advanced Organics Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion is formulated with shea butter and aloe vera that soothe and nourish the skin. Vitamins C and E help protect and firm the skin. Lychee extract acts as an anti-aging agent, licorice reduces inflammation, and raspberries repair skin damage. The lotionis 100% naturally formulated with certified organic botanicals. It is perfect for sensitive skin. The non-sticky formula is fast-drying, does not streak, and leaves the skin with a beautiful sun-kissed glow. It creates a natural-looking tan that lasts for seven days. It is free of fragrance, alcohol, parabens, and other harsh chemicals. It does not smell and is suitable for sensitive and mature skin.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Protects against sun damage
- Reduces signs of aging
- Non-sticky
- Fast-drying
- Does not streak
- Lasts for seven days
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- No smell
- Reasonably priced
Cons
None
Pro Tip
The Bahama Tan Sunless Lotion is formulated with eco-certified DHA and organic ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, and Monoi de Tahiti oil. These ingredients moisturize, hydrate, and nourish the skin. The lotion does not streak or blotch. It is just the perfect sun-kissed bronzy glow that is great for sensitive skin. It is free of parabens, PABA, formaldehyde, mineral oils, SLS, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, lanolin, filler, and fragrance. It lasts up to 4 to 7 days. The pump dispenser ensures a small amount of the lotion goes a long way. The lotion is vegan and gluten-free. It can be used by both men and women on the face and body.
Pros
- Vegan
- Organic ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Lasts up to 4-7 days
- PABA-free
- SLS-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Butylene glycol-free
- Lanolin-free
- Filler-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Texture could be too thick
Quick TipMiami Gorgeous LaPlaya Glow Instant Self Tanner
The Miami Gorgeous LaPlaya Glow Instant Self Tanner is infused with nourishing argan oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, eco-certified DHA, vitamins A, C, and D, and elder flower extract. It provides an instant natural bronze color. This self-tanner for sensitive skin has pure vitamins and natural oils that leave your skin smooth and soft. It is non-sticky, absorbs fast, and does not streak. This self-tanning mousse is gluten-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. It can be used on the body and face by men and women.
Pros - Non-sticky
- Fast-drying
- Does not streak
- No blotching
- Spreads evenly
- Lightweight formula
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- For body and face
- For men and women
Cons
- Not long-lasting
The Botanic Tree Self Tanner is formulated with 100% organic extracts of apricot, jojoba, avocado, grape seed, rosemary, linseed, passion fruit, moringa, coconut, and vanilla. It is a non-oily, non-greasy formula that spreads evenly, does not transfer or stain, and dries quickly. It is non-comedogenic and does not cause acne breakouts and skin inflammation. It nourishes and moisturizes the skin, and the tint looks natural. Just apply a coat or two of this vegan, cruelty-free self-tanner to get glowing skin.
Pros
- 100% organic extracts
- Non-oily and non-greasy
- Spreads evenly
- Does not transfer or stain
- Dries quickly
- Non-comedogenic
- Vegan
Cons
- May fade in blotches
The Bahama Tan Gradual Self Tanner is a white lotion (no tint) made with pure, natural, and organic ingredients perfectly blended to create a beautiful, natural-looking tan. This self-tanning body lotion for sensitive skin is formulated with eco-certified DHA (natural tanning ingredient) and organic moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, argan oil, safflower seed oil, and babassu oil. The color develops into a beautiful sun-kissed glow. It does not streak, transfer or blotch. It is non-comedogenic and a great option for people with acne or pimple-prone skin. This sunless skin-tanner is mineral oil-free, lanolin-free, paraben-free, PABA-free, petro-chemical-free, sodium lauryl sulfate-free, formaldehyde-free, harsh chemical-free, propylene glycol-free, butylene glycol-free, and free of fillers and artificial fragrances.
Pros
- Vegan
- Non-greasy
- Does not streak
- No blotching
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for acne or pimple-prone skin
- Paraben-free
- SLS-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Propylene glycol-free
- Butylene glycol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Free of fillers
- Gluten-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Lasts up to 4 to 7 days
Cons
- May have a self-tanner smell
Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight Self TanningLotion
The Sun Laboratories Tan Overnight Self Tanning Lotion is fast-drying and paraben-free. It is formulated for all skin types, applies evenly, absorbs quickly, and develops in 24 hours. It is a long-lasting self-tanner for sensitive skin and can be used on the body and face. It gives you that perfect beach vacation tan that is so appealing.
Pros - Fast-drying
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Develops in 24 hours
- No smell
- No streaking
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Fades quickly
Famous Dave's Organic & Natural Self Tanner
The Famous Dave’s Organic & Natural Self Tanner is manufactured at an FDA certified organic facility. It is formulated with organic argan oil, hyaluronan, co-enzyme Q10, organic aloe vera gel, sesame, and jojoba oil. This creamy self-tanner lotion gives you the most natural-looking, golden brown summer glow. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is suitable for sensitive skin and mature skin. The hyaluronic acid plumps the skin and makes it look younger. It leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth. This anti-aging self-tanner is paraben-free and cruelty-free.
Pros - Spreads evenly
- Fast-drying
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for both men and women
Cons
- Those with fair skin may need two coats
These are the 9 best self-tanners for sensitive skin. In the following section, we have included a buying guide that helps you make a better purchase decision.
How To Choose The Right Self Tanner For Sensitive Skin
- Natural DHA: A good self-tanner for sensitive skin should not contain chemically-derived DHA. Chemically-derived DHA produces harmful free radicals that cause the skin to age fast. Go for naturally-derived DHA or eco-certified DHA that is not harmful for the skin.
- Tint: The tint of the self-tanner should not be too orangy as it can look miserably wrong. Always do a patch test to check the concentration of the self-tanner.
- Natural Ingredients: Look for self-tanners that contain soothing organic ingredients like aloe vera, olive oil, jojoba oil, fruit extracts, etc.
- Application: A self-tanner that spreads evenly, does not streak, and does not transfer is worth the buy.
Useful Tips
- Always wash your skin and shave before applying a self-tanner.
- Use gloves to apply the self-tanner.
- Always do a patch test to see if your skin is reacting and if the color is right.
- Check the expiry date.
Infographic: What To Look In a Self-Tanner For Sensitive Skin
Everyone desires a lovely tan without ever having to stay out in the sun, more so if you have sensitive skin that reddens or gets irritated easily. This is why self-tanners are a godsend for those with delicate skin. But from the myriad of brands to choose from, how do you know which one is the best?
Check out the infographic below to learn more tips on what to look for in a self-tanner for sensitive skin. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic 
If you have sensitive skin, bad self-tanners can cause disasters irritating your skin. You need the best self-tanners for sensitive skin made with special gentle formulae to activate that sun-kissed look. They contain organic ingredients like olive oil, aloe vera, and fruit extracts that soothe your skin. These products are often paraben-free, vegan, and fast-drying. You may need two coats if you have fair skin to avoid fading away quickly. Always wash your skin before applying a self-tanner and do a patch test before use.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal is a certified skin care coach and has compiled this list of the best self-tanners for sensitive skin. These products have been carefully handpicked after thorough research on their quality and user reviews. She has also included a list of each product’s pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. This article also includes tips on choosing the right self-tanner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a self-tanner cause a rash?
Yes, a self-tanner can cause a rash if it contains ingredients that your skin is sensitive to. These include gluten, parabens, fragrance, DHA, etc.
Why is my fake tan making me itch?
You probably have an allergic reaction. You must see a skin doctor immediately and stop using this product.
Do self-tanners age your skin?
Self-tanners with chemically-derived DHA produce harmful free radicals that may cause the skin to age prematurely. Ensure you go for self-tanners that contain eco-certified DHA.
What is the best self-tanner for older skin?
The VITA LIBERATA Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion is a good self-tanner for mature skin. Check price.
Why does fake tan sit in my pores?
Ideally, it should not. But if it does, then do not use the product. Use a self-tanner with aloe vera gel and dimethicone to help reduce the appearance of pores. The Famous Dave’s Tanner Organic & Natural Self Tanner can be ideal.
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