Best Facial Self Tanners of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

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Facial self tanners are a popular beauty product that provides a safe and natural-looking tan without the harmful effects of UV rays. These products come in various forms such as creams, lotions, and sprays, and are specifically formulated for the delicate skin on the face. They contain ingredients like DHA, erythrulose, and natural extracts that work together to give a gradual, streak-free tan that lasts for several days. Facial self tanners are easy to use, affordable, and provide an instant boost of confidence to anyone who wants to achieve a sun-kissed glow without exposing their skin to the sun.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Drops - Medium Color Cover #TOP 1
Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Drops - Medium Color
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ST TROPEZ Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist Cover #TOP 2
ST TROPEZ Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
ftb score rating icon 9.7
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Facial Drops Cover #TOP 3
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Facial Drops
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Facial Self Tanners

#TOP 1

Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Drops - Medium Color

ST-DROP-MDUM
Medium
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Drops - Medium Color Cover
Self Tanning Drops - USA Made with Natural & Organic Ingredients, Medium Face Tanning Drops to Add to Lotion, Moisturizing Bronzing Drops for Face & Body, Toxin Free Face Tanner for Fake Tan

Beauty by Earth Tanning Drops is a customizable self-tanner that can be used to create your own face or body tanning lotion. With its natural and organic ingredients, such as aloe vera and coconut water, it provides a natural-looking tan without the orange hue or unpleasant odor. The travel-friendly bottle allows you to mix the drops with your favorite moisturizer, making it convenient for on-the-go tanning. The drops are suitable for all skin types and can be adjusted to match your desired color. Beauty by Earth is a leading clean self-tan brand, with other formats such as face mist and tanning foam available. Made in the USA, this product is guaranteed to satisfy your tanning needs or your money back.

What We Like
Natural-looking tan
Customizable glow
Easy application
Clean, natural ingredients
Long-lasting results
What We Don't Like
Possible skin irritation
Short tan duration
#TOP 2

ST TROPEZ Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

4354971925
ST TROPEZ Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist Cover
St.Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist, Natural Sunkissed Glow Face Tan with Hyaluronic Acid & Antioxidants, Vegan, Natural & Cruelty Free Face Care, 2.7 Fl Oz

The ST TROPEZ Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist is a clear, refreshing and lightweight mist that does not require rinsing off. It provides a refreshing and revitalizing feeling to your skin, making it look healthier and more rejuvenated after application. Made in France, this face mist is perfect for anyone looking to achieve an effortless, natural-looking tan.

What We Like
Natural-looking glow
Lightweight and easy to apply
Subtle tropical scent
Even color application
Long-lasting results
What We Don't Like
May cause skin reactions
Short duration of tan
#TOP 3

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Facial Drops

071249419083
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Facial Drops Cover
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Facial Drops with Hyaluronic Acid, Gradual Tan, Fragrance-Free, 1 fl. Oz

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Facial Drops are specially formulated for face and neck, suitable for all skin types. These fragrance-free facial drops can be mixed with your moisturizer or serum for an easy application, and gradually build your desired facial tan. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, it can provide hydration benefits, leaving your skin fresh, smooth, and moisturized. With daily application, it creates a streak-free golden sun-kissed glow, making your skin look well-rested and healthy.

What We Like
Quick drying formula
Natural-looking tan
Customizable tan levels
No orange tint
Long-lasting results
What We Don't Like
Requires careful application
Tan may fade quickly
#TOP 4

Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops

890010_SML
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops Cover
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops, Medium (Golden Glow) - Vegan and Cruelty Free Self-Tan Drops, 1.01 Fl Oz

Get a customizable and even self-tan with Isle of Paradise Drops. This vegan and cruelty-free product is perfect for both your face and body. You can mix it with your favorite moisturizer to get a custom glow. Infused with natural skin-loving ingredients like Grapefruit, Chia Seed & Avocado Oils, this self-tanner hydrates your skin and gives you a long-lasting tan without any streaks, stains or smells. The Green color correcting actives in the medium self-tanning drops cancel out red tones and give you the perfect medium golden tan. With 100% customizable tanning, you can control your glow by adding 3-12 drops to your moisturizer. Your glow will develop in 4-6 hours.

What We Like
Natural-looking tan
Customizable color depth
Minimal to no smell
Easy to mix with lotion
Long-lasting results
What We Don't Like
Some lingering after smell
Confusing application instructions
#TOP 5

Jergens Natural Glow Face Tanner Lotion

27873
Fair to Medium
2 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
Jergens Natural Glow Face Tanner Lotion Cover
Jergens Natural Glow Face Self Tanner Lotion, SPF 20 Sunless Tanning, Fair to Medium Skin Tone, Daily Facial Sunscreen, Oil Free, Broad Spectrum Protection, 2 Fl Oz (Pack of 2) (Packaging May Vary)

Jergens Face Tanner Lotion is designed to give you a natural-looking tan while protecting your skin from the sun. This lightweight formula offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, helping you stay safe while enjoying a sun-kissed glow. As you apply it daily, you can expect a gradual enhancement of your skin tone, allowing you to go makeup-free within a week. Plus, the fresh scent keeps you feeling revitalized. With its moisturizing properties, this product not only enhances your complexion but also keeps your skin hydrated and smooth.

What We Like
Lightweight, non-greasy formula
Provides gradual tanning effect
SPF 20 sun protection
Buildable color for customization
Pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
May cause mild irritation
Requires additional moisturizer for best results
#TOP 6

Tanologist Self Tan Drops Mini

990031
Medium
Tanologist Self Tan Drops Mini Cover
Tanologist Face and Body Self Tan Drops Mini, Medium - Bronzing Drops - Illuminating Self Tanning Drops, Natural Ingredients & Vegan - 0.5 Fl Oz

The Tanologist Tan Drops offer a convenient way to achieve a natural-looking tan. You can easily mix these concentrated drops with your skincare, makeup, or body care products, allowing for customization based on how deep you'd like your glow to be. The unique formula also brightens, softens, and hydrates your skin using nourishing ingredients like pink grapefruit, goji berry, and juniper. Plus, with a fast-drying and transparent formulation, you won’t have to worry about color transfer onto your clothes or sheets, making application mess-free and simple.

What We Like
Natural-looking tan
Customizable color intensity
Easy to mix with lotion
Long-lasting results
Pleasant fragrance
What We Don't Like
Potential for slight odor
Inconvenient bottle design
#TOP 7

Coco & Eve Face Tanning Micromist

Coco & Eve Face Tanning Micromist Cover
Coco & Eve Antioxidant Face Tanning Micromist. Sunless Self Tanning Face Mist with Antioxidants to Boost Hydration. Quick, Flawless, Streak Free Face Tan. (2.54 fl oz) / (75ml)

The Coco & Eve Tanning Mist combines self-tanning and skincare in one easy-to-use product. Its innovative micromist technology ensures a smooth, even application, allowing you to achieve a natural-looking glow without streaks. This mist is suitable for all skin types, offering hydration for dry skin while being effective for oily skin as well. Additionally, you’ll love the delightful tropical scent that replaces the typical self-tanner smell, making your tanning experience feel luxurious and enjoyable. With all these benefits, you can feel confident and radiant with minimal effort.

What We Like
Natural tan color
Easy to apply
Subtle and glowy finish
Good for acne-prone skin
Lightweight feel
What We Don't Like
Fragrance might be overpowering
May cause redness for some
#TOP 8

Face Self Tanner Tanning Lotion - Fair to Medium Self Tanning Lotion

FACE-TANN-PAR
Fair to Medium
3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Face Self Tanner Tanning Lotion - Fair to Medium Self Tanning Lotion Cover
USA Made with Natural & Organic Ingredients Face Tanner - Face Self Tanning Lotion, Non Toxic Self Tanner for Face, Gradual Tanning Lotion, Sunless Tanning Lotion for Fake Tan for Women & Men

Beauty by Earth's face self tanner lotion offers two color options and quick results, delivering a natural bronze color in just a few hours. It is dye-free and toxin-free, made in the USA with clean vegan ingredients, and available in many formats. The product also comes with a satisfaction guarantee.

What We Like
Natural-looking tan
Moisturizing formula
No orange tone
Easy application
Good for sensitive skin
What We Don't Like
Long processing time
May require multiple applications
#TOP 9

TAN-LUXE The Face Mini Drops

779265
Light/Medium
1 Count (Pack of 1)
TAN-LUXE The Face Mini Drops Cover
TAN-LUXE The Face Mini - Illuminating Self-Tan Drops to Create Your Own Self Tanner, 10ml - Cruelty & Toxin Free - Light/Medium

The TAN-LUXE Self-Tan Drops offer a unique way to achieve a natural-looking tan for your face. This 10ml concentrate allows you to blend it easily with your favorite moisturizer, serum, or face oil, giving you the flexibility to customize your tanning experience. Thanks to its Triple Tan Technology, the drops use a blend of organic tanning agents that adapt to your skin tone, ensuring a radiant finish. Additionally, enriched with raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E, these drops nourish your skin, helping to maintain a soft and streak-free appearance.

What We Like
Natural-looking tan
Easy to mix with moisturizer
No streaks
Long-lasting results
Small business support
What We Don't Like
Slight chemical smell
May clog pores
#TOP 10

Jergens Natural Glow Face Tanner Lotion

27872
Medium to Deep
2 Fl Oz (Pack of 2)
Jergens Natural Glow Face Tanner Lotion Cover
Jergens Natural Glow Face Self Tanner Lotion, SPF 20 Sunless Tanning, Medium to Deep Skin Tone Moisturizer, Daily Facial Sunscreen, Oil Free, Broad Spectrum Protection, 2-2 oz

The Jergens Face Tanner is designed to give you a sun-kissed glow while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. This lightweight moisturizer not only hydrates your skin but also provides broad-spectrum sun protection. You can achieve a beautiful, natural-looking tan in just a week, making it easier for you to feel confident without makeup. Plus, its fresh scent ensures you feel pleasant throughout the day. Simply apply it as your daily face lotion for long-lasting moisture and a radiant complexion.

What We Like
Natural healthy color
Great for sensitive skin
Easy to apply
Subtle, non-staining formula
Moisturizes while adding color
What We Don't Like
May not provide full sun protection
Buying Guide Image

The Complete Guide to Buying Facial Self Tanners

When it comes to achieving a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of the sun, a facial self-tanner can be a game-changer. It provides a safe and convenient way to achieve a bronzed complexion all year round. However, with so many options available, finding the best facial self-tanner can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the perfect one for you.

Types of Self-Tanners

  • Gradual Self-Tanner

Ideal for beginners, gradual self-tanners allow you to build up your tan gradually. They contain a lower concentration of tanning agents, giving you more control over the intensity of your tan. These are great for those who prefer a subtle and natural-looking glow.

  • Instant Self-Tanner

If you're looking for immediate results, instant self-tanners are the way to go. They provide an instant tan that develops within a few hours. These are perfect for special occasions or when you need a quick tan boost.

  • Tanning Serum or Drops

Tanning serums or drops offer a customizable option for tanning your face. You can mix them with your regular moisturizer or serum to create a personalized self-tanner. This allows you to control the color intensity and tailor it to your desired shade.

Considerations for Choosing the Best Facial Self-Tanner

  • Skin Type

Consider your skin type when choosing a facial self-tanner. If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a formula that is hydrating and gentle. For oily or acne-prone skin, look for oil-free and non-comedogenic options to avoid clogging pores.

  • Application Method

Consider the application method that suits your preferences. Some self-tanners come in creams or lotions, while others are available as sprays or mists. Choose a method that you find easy to use and provides an even application.

  • Ingredients

Check the ingredients list and avoid self-tanners that contain harsh chemicals, such as parabens or sulfates. Look for natural and nourishing ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid, which can help hydrate and soothe the skin.

  • Shade Range

Consider the shade range available to ensure you can find a self-tanner that matches your desired color. Look for options that offer a range of shades from light to dark, allowing you to find the perfect match for your skin tone.

By considering these factors, you can find the best facial self-tanner that suits your preferences and helps you achieve a beautiful, sun-kissed complexion safely and conveniently. Remember to always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is self tanner OK for your face?

Using a self-tanner specifically designed for the face is generally safe. Look for non-comedogenic options to prevent pore blockage, especially if you are prone to breakouts. Self-tanners formulated for the face are typically better suited for facial application than those meant for the body.

2. How do you fake tan your face without it going patchy?

To avoid patchiness, exfoliate your face before applying self-tanner. This removes dead skin cells and dry spots, ensuring a smooth canvas for an even tan. It is recommended to exfoliate your face 24 hours before tanning to achieve the best results.

3. How often should you use self-tanner on your face?

Applying self-tanner every other day is sufficient to maintain your tan. It is not necessary to apply it daily. This frequency allows for the tan to stay intact while avoiding excessive buildup.

4. Does fake tan on face make you look older?

Regular use of self-tanner on the face can potentially increase oxidation on the skin's surface, leading to more blackheads on acne-prone skin and oxidative stress that may contribute to visible signs of aging. It is important to use self-tanners in moderation and take proper care of your skin to minimize any potential negative effects.

Editor's Notes

During our facial self tanner research, we found 48 facial self tanner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 278,201 customer reviews through our big data system to write the facial self tanners list. We found that most customers choose facial self tanners with an average price of $22.27.

The facial self tanners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of facial self tanners, including Beauty by Earth, St.Tropez, Isle of Paradise, Jergens, Tanologist. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,127 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Facial Self Tanners Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP10
Brand Beauty by Earth St.Tropez L’Oréal Paris Isle of Paradise Jergens Tanologist Coco & Eve Beauty by Earth TAN-LUXE Jergens
Item Form Drop Aerosol Serum Drop Lotion Drop Serum Lotion Drop Lotion
Skin Type Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal Dry All Normal All All All All, light, Sensitive, fair, medium All All
Material Type Free Fragrance Free, Sulfate Free, Artificial Color Free, Non Toxic, Paraben Free Streak Free Alcohol Free Paraben Free Paraben Free Sulfate Free Vegan, Silicone Free, Cruelty Free, Toxin-free, Gluten Free, Ethically Sourced, Paraben Free, Cruelty Free Paraben Free Paraben Free Paraben Free
Product Benefits Easy Application, Natural Color, Streak-Free, Radiant Tan, Moisturizing Even Toning, Hydrating Sun-kissed, Natural Tan, Glowing, Hydrating, Moisturizing, Smoothing Infused with natural, skin-loving ingredients like grapefruit, chia seed, and avovado oils for hydration and an even, long-lasting tan. Hydrating, Soothing, Moisturizing Hydrating,Stress Relief,Freshening,Pores,Brighten,Makeup Antioxidant,Antioxidants,Hydrating,Smoothening Color is buildable and correct color selection will deliver a natural bronze color in just a few hours. The customizable glow acts like semi-permanent makeup, minimizing imperfections, cancelling redness & evening skin tone all while leaving you with flawlessly radiant results. Hydrating, Soothing, Moisturizing
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
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