The 10 Best Self-Tanning Drops For Women (2024) – A Buying Guide
Get that sun-kissed golden glow on your skin from the safe comfort of your home.
Blade TiessenMedical Esthetician 
Blade Tiessen is a certified esthetician and the owner of a renowned anti-aging clinic in Orillia, Canada. He has over 34 years of experience in the esthetics industry and has worked in several premier spas across Toronto, including the pre... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
ramona sinhaMA (English Literature) Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you want your skin to have that golden glow without exposing it to the harmful UV rays of the sun, we have the perfect products for you. The best self-tanning drops can give you sun-kissed skin from the comfort of your home. These concentrated formulas can be added to your moisturizers or body oils before applying them to the skin. The product will eventually make your skin glow with a gorgeous tan. However, these are not permanent tanning products, and the color might fade after a few days of application. Also, the best part is that the self-tanning drops are streak-free and non-greasy. So, what are you waiting for? Explore our list and pick your favorite!
In This Article
What Is A Self-Tanner?
Self-tanners are beauty products to tan your skin without exposing it to harmful sun rays. They are commonly sold as lotions, creams, sprays, or drops. Self-tanning drops are generally mixed with regular body lotions or oils and then applied to the skin. You can easily customize the strength of the tan with these drops. Wondering if these products work?
Read ahead to find out.
Do Self-Tanners Really Work?
Yes. Sunless tanning is considered safe and gives effective results. The active ingredient in these products is dihydroxyacetone, which reacts with dead cells on your skin’s surface to give a tanned look.
10 Best Self-Tanning Drops For Women
1. Best Oil-Free Formula:Sol By Jergens Deeper By The Drop Serum
Now achieve tanning without sun exposure with the Sol By Jergens Deeper By The Drop Serum blends well with your moisturizer. Its oil-free and lightweight formula is derived from natural sugars, making it a long-lasting product. It is tested by dermatologists and works on your unique skin tones. The product is handy and travel-friendly. Watch this video to get a detailed review of the product based on this reviewer’s experience.
- Travel-size
- Dermatologically-tested
- Cruelty-free
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Lightweight
- Oil-free
- Long-lasting
- Suitable for oily skin
- May feel patchy
Pro Tip2. Best Natural-Looking Finish: Isle of Paradise Light Self-Tanning Drops
The color-correcting benefits of Isle of Paradise Light Self-Tanning Drops give you the ultimate natural-looking fake tan on fair skin. Its skin-brightening actives provide the perfect light, sun-kissed glow. The tanning drops offer a healthy glow and are perfect for those who have a lighter skin tone. This premium product features a blend of superfoods like chia seeds, beetroot, and kale extract to nourish your skin. Avocado, coconut, raspberry seed oil, and blueberries in this product boost collagen production. The cocoa seed extract in these tanning drops protects skin from pollution and blue light. Check out this video by this reviewer to help you understand more about this product.
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Ideal for daily use
- Expensive
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 6,222 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
3. Best Cruelty-Free:Xabav Self-Tanning Drops
The Xabav Self-Tanning Drops offer a golden glow to your face and body. It rejuvenates all skin types. This vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free formula gives a natural look to your skin and is enriched with the goodness of coconut, chia seed, and avocado oil. Mix these self-tanning drops for a flawless finish in your favorite lotion or moisturizer for the best results.
- Cruelty-free
- Proven efficacy
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for dry skin
- Sticky
Fun Fact4. Best Non-Toxic:Tan-luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
The bespoke high-end Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops feature triple tan technology, a blend of organic tanning actives, to deliver a radiant, natural-looking tan. It is non-toxic and cruelty-free. The tanning drops offer a radiant complexion due to the goodness of raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E which keep the skin soft and nourished, offering streak-free results. Check out this video based on the tester’s experience to know more about the product.
- Fragrance-free
- Non-toxic
- Cruelty-free
- Natural finish
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Synthetic dye-free
- Streak-free
- May clog pores
5. Best Hydrating Formula:L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops
The L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops has a hydrating formula enriched with hyaluronic acid. The scientifically formulated tanning drops are super hydrating and make your skin feel moisturized, nourished, fresh, and smooth while offering a healthy bronze glow. This product is easy to apply, dries quickly, and offers sun-kissed radiance.
- Artificial fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Non-sticky
- Easy to apply
- Streak-free
- Cruelty-free
- May give an orangish tinge
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 3,664 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
6. Best Non-Sticky Formula:Glossiva Face & Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
If you want a sunkissed glow, the Glossiva Face & Body Illuminating Self-Tan Drops are perfect. The lightweight formula is infused with fruit extracts, hyaluronic acid, hibiscus flower extract, along with color-correcting ingredients to give you that uniform natural-looking tan. These tanning drops offer a sun-kissed look and are enriched with natural ingredients which leave your skin smooth and supple. It is suitable for both body and face.
- Easy to use
- Proven efficacy
- Skin-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
None
7. Best Quick-Absorbing Formula:Collistar Face Magic Drops Self Tanning Concentrate
The Collistar Face Magic Drops Self-Tanning Concentrate leaves the skin moisturized, supple, smooth, and toned. It has a delicate scent, can be easily applied, and gets absorbed just as quickly so you can dress up straightaway. The easy-to-use tanning drops are designed for the body and have a beautifully intense bronze color.
- Delicate scent
- Fast results
- Non-staining
- Tan may not last long
8. Best Dermatologist-Tested Formula:Ulta Beauty Gradual Self Tan Face Drops
The Ulta Beauty Gradual Self-Tan Face Drops deliver a glowing complexion without any effort. These tanning drops offer a natural glow and have the best soothing formula, thanks to the presence of aloe vera and green tea, which help hydrate your skin. According to people’s experience, it delivers a natural bronze look to your skin, is cruelty-free, and is formulated without parabens.
- Dermatologist-tested
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Strong smell
9. Best Non-Comedogenic:Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops
The Bondi Sands Pure Self Tanning Drops offer an iconic intense bronze glow. These buildable tanning drops are formulated with hyaluronic acid to provide hydration, vitamin C to boost skin radiance, and vitamin E to repair the natural barrier. Mix this dermatologically-tested colorless formula with your favorite lotion, serum, or moisturizer for a buildable and customizable glow.
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Eco-friendly
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Sulfate-Free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
None
10. Best Lightweight Formula:Tanologist Face + Body Drops
The Tanologist Face + Body Drops are tested and approved by dermatologists. The product has a lightweight formula that makes these drops perfect for people with sensitive skin. This dermatologically-tested self-tanning drops with skincare benefits are infused with pink grapefruit, goji berry, and juniper to boost hydration and skin radiance. Mix this non-comedogenic formula with your skincare routine and get a customizable glow.
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically-approved
- Easy to use
- Skin-friendly
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
None
Now that you know the best self-tanning drops available online, it is time to learn the right way to apply this product to your skin. Read the next section for a detailed guide.
How To Apply Self-Tanner Drops?
It is always advisable to follow your package direction. However, you can also follow these self-tanning drop application tips for ideal results.
Step1: Exfoliate your skin to remove the dead cells and pat your skin dry.
Step 2: Add a few drops of the tanning product to your regular body lotion or oil.
Step 3: Apply the lotion evenly to your body. Focus on the elbows, knees, and ankles.
Step 4: Wash your palms immediately after application.
Step 5: Wait for four to five hours and let the color develop.
Want to know how long tanning drops last? The next section answers your query.
How Long Do Self-Tanning Drops Last?
Depending on your skin type or the depth of color, the tanning may last somewhere between four to ten days.
If you want to remove the fake tan before it fades away, you can follow our tried and tested methods. Keep scrolling to learn how!
How To Remove Fake Tan
1. Scrub: Scrub the body with a washcloth in circular motions to remove the fake tan.
2. Baking Soda And Lime juice: Mix baking soda and lime juice and apply it to your skin to remove tan.
3. White Vinegar: Dilute equal parts of white vinegar and water and wash your skin with the solution.
4. Baby Oil: Apply baby oil and leave it on for ten minutes, then rinse it with warm water.
5. Rubbing Alcohol: Apply rubbing alcohol to the tanned area and leave it on for ten minutes. Rinse it off with water
Ready for your self-tanning journey? Well, before going ahead, give a moment to learn the best way to choose self-tanning drops for yourself.
How To Choose The Best Self-Tanning Drops
1. Ingredients: Check for soothing and natural ingredients like aloe vera and tea tree oil in the tanning drops for added benefit. Avoid products that have parabens, alcohol, and other harmful chemicals. Go for clinically tested products to get effective and visible results.
2. Skin Type: Consider your skin type, before choosing tanning drops. These drops generally suit all skin types but they work best for dry skin.
The Bottom Line
You can get a gorgeous tan from the comfort of your home with the help of self-tanning drops. These drops can effectively moisturize your skin and keep it soft and glowing. The self-tanning drops can be mixed with body lotions and oils, which give an evenly tanned look when applied to the skin. Try the Sol By Jergens Deeper By The Drop Serum to get a natural-looking tan without the greasy feeling of oil-based products, or you can use the Isle of Paradise Light Self-Tanning Drops to get a subtle and buildable tan. If you want a cruelty-free and non-toxic option, use the Tan-luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops. However, check the compatibility of the self-tanning drops with your skin tone before purchasing any. And avoid the ones that are too sticky and give patchy finishes after application.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. She loves helping you discover new products that improve your skin. She understands the risk behind exposing your skin to harsh UV rays to achieve that perfect tan. So, she recommends using these self-tanning drops instead. She investigated each of these products and their reviews across multiple forums and platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do self tan drops work?
Yes, self-tan drops help you achieve a sun-kissed glow throughout the year. They are gentle to your skin and protect it from harsh UV rays.
Is tanning mousse or tanning drops better?
Tanning drops are better since you can easily customize how tanned you want to appear. You can mix your tanning drops with a moisturizer to keep your skin nourished and hydrated.
How long do self-tanning drops take to work?
Self-tanning drops take around four to six hours to work.
Do tanning drops stain sheets?
No, tanning drops do not stain your clothes or sheets.
Can you shower after using tanning drops?
No, do not shower after six to eight hours of using the tanning drops. Showering may rinse the tan without letting the color settle in your skin.
How do you mix self-tanning drops with moisturizer?
Add three to five drops of the moisturizer to a pea-sized amount of the self-tanner. You may use more tanner as per your convenience. Mix both the products in a small dish and apply the combination all over your body.
How often should you use self tanning drops?
You may use self-tanning drops every day if you are trying to build up your tan. If not, use them twice weekly for a subtle look.
