Top 5 Best Self Tanning Lotion For Face of 2025 (2025)

Best Choice

Beauty by Earth

Face Tanner - USA Made with Natural & Organic Ingredients, Face Self Tanning Lotion, Non Toxic Self Tanner for Face, Gradual Tanning Lotion, Sunless Tanning Lotion for Fake Tan for Women & Men

9.9

Exceptional

View on Amazon

Best Value

Beauty by Earth

Tanning Lotion Self Tanner - With Natural and Organic Ingredients Non Toxic Sunless Browning Lotion - Best Gradual Tan Lotion for Men and Women, Fair to Medium

9.8

Exceptional

View on Amazon

Beauty by Earth

Self Tanner Drops for Face Tanner, Sunless Tan, Body & Face Self Tanner Drops, Face Tanning Drops to Make Self Tanner Face Self Tanning Lotion, Tan Drops for Face Tan

9.7

Exceptional

View on Amazon

Beauty by Earth

Self Tanner Face & Body - With Organic Aloe Vera & Shea Butter, Sunless Tanning Lotion, Bronzer Buildable Fair to Medium Tan, Fake Tan Self Tanners Best Sellers, 7.5oz (body) 3oz (face)

9.6

Exceptional

View on Amazon

Beauty by Earth

Tanning Lotion Self Tanner - With Natural & Organic Ingredients, Travel Size Self Tanning Lotion, Non Toxic Gradual Tanning Lotion, Sunless Tanning Lotion for Fake Tan for Women & Men, Medium to Dark

9.5

Excellent

View on Amazon

Beauty by Earth

Face Tanner Serum - Medium to Dark Sunless Tanner for Face Sunless Tanner with Hyaluronic Acid - Self Tanner for Face Self Tan - Natural Face Tanner for Face Self Tanner

9.4

Excellent

View on Amazon

Beauty by Earth

Beauty by Earth Self Tanning Face Mist - Medium to Dark Fake Tan Face Tanning Spray - Sunless Tanning Spray Facial Tanner - Face Tan Spray - Tanning Water Spray - Face Tanner Mist

9.3

Excellent

View on Amazon

Beauty by Earth

Self Tanner Tanning Mousse Kit - USA Made with Natural & Organic Ingredients, Self Tanner Mousse and Mitt, Self Tan Kit, Fake Tan Tanning Foam, Medium to Dark Sunless Tanner, Self Tanners Best Sellers

9.2

Excellent

View on Amazon

Beauty by Earth

Self Tanner Tanning Mitt Set - Complete Tanning Mitts Kit with Exfoliating Gloves, Face and Body Tanner Glove for the Perfect Fake Self Tan Mit - Self Tanner Glove Mitt Tanning Lotion Applicator

9.1

Excellent

View on Amazon

Beauty by Earth

Tanning Lotion Self Tanner Kit - USA Made with Organic & Natural Ingredients, Self Tanning Lotion & Application Kit, Non Toxic Gradual Tan Lotion, Sunless Tanning Lotion for Fake Tan for Women & Men

9.0

Excellent

View on Amazon

Beauty by Earth

Self Tanner Mousse - USA Made with Natural & Organic Ingredients, Self Tanning Mousse for Fake Tan, Sunless Tanner for Pale Skin, Clear & Non Toxic Tanning Foam for Streak Free Finish, No Orange Color

8.9

Very Good

View on Amazon

B.TAN

b.tan Clear Face Tan Mist | Gimme The Glow Down - Best Facial Tanner Spray, Gradual Bronzing Sunless Tanning Water, Infused with Rosewater, Vegan, Cruelty Free, 6.7 Fl Oz

8.7

Very Good

View on Amazon

B.TAN

b.tan Violet Self Tan & Face Mist Kit | Lovers Bundle - Self Tanning Mousse with You Glow Girl Gradual Face + Body Mist w Self Tanning Mitt Applicator, 1 Hour Sunless Tanner, Fast, 6.7 Fl Oz

8.6

Very Good

View on Amazon

B.TAN

b.tan Face & Body Clear Self Tan Gel | Glow Your Own Way Hydrated - Ultra Hydrating, Transfer-Resistant, Gradual Sunless Tanning Gel for Face and Body, Vegan, Cruelty Free Self Tanner, 8 Fl Oz

8.5

Good

View on Amazon

B.TAN

b.tan Ultra Dark Self Tanner | I Want The Darkest Tan Possible - Fast, 1 Hour Sunless Tanner Mousse, No Fake Tan Smell, No Added Nasties, Vegan, Cruelty Free, 6.7 Fl Oz

8.4

Good

View on Amazon

B.TAN

b.tan Face + Body Self Tanning Mitt Kit | Face & Body Mitt Bundle - Streak-Free, Velvety Soft, Reusable & Washable Self Tanner Mitt for Sunless Tan, Body Lotion, Tanning Lotion, Sprays, & Gels

8.3

Good

View on Amazon

Jergens

Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Face Moisturizer, SPF 20 Facial Sunscreen, Fair to Medium Skin Tone, Sunless Tanning, Oil Free, Broad Spectrum Protection UVA and UVB, 2 oz (Packaging May Vary)

8.8

Very Good

View on Amazon

L'Oréal Paris

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Facial Drops with Hyaluronic Acid, Gradual Tan, Fragrance-Free, 1 fl. Oz

8.2

Good

View on Amazon

Jergens

Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner, Sunless Tanning Lotion for Fair to Medium Skin Tone, Anti Cellulite Firming Body Lotion for Natural-Looking Tan, 7.5 Ounce

8.1

Good

View on Amazon

Bondi Sands

Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Face Lotion | Enriched with Shea Butter, Develops to a Gradual Tan for Nourished, Glowing Skin | 150 mL, 5.07 Fl. Oz.

8.0

Good

View on Amazon

Neutrogena

Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion, Lightweight Fast-Drying Indoor Self-Tanning Body Lotion for a Healthy Glow or Deep Tan, Sheer Natural Color, 6.7 fl. oz (Pack of 3)

7.9

Good

View on Amazon

JOAH

JOAH Beauty Golden Daze Sunless Tanning Body Butter, Glow Self Tanner Lotion For Face & Body, Bronzing Moisturizer for Gradual Sunless Natural Looking Streak No Tan with Hydrating Jojoba Oil, 4.1 Oz

7.8

Good

View on Amazon

Devoted Creations

Devoted Creations Famous Faces Skin Perfecting Hypoallergenic Facial Tanning Lotion, 3.4 Fl. Oz.

7.7

Good

View on Amazon

Jergens

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Self Tanner Lotion + Bronzer, Sunless Tanning Deep Bronze for a Natural-Looking Tan, 6 Ounce

7.6

Good

View on Amazon

Alba Botanica

Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner, Self-Tanning Lotion for Face and Body, Golden Tanning without the Sun, Non-Streaking and Natural Looking Self-Tanner, 4 oz. Tube

7.5

Good

View on Amazon

The Ultimate Guide to Self-Tanning Lotion for Face

Self-tanning lotion for the face has become a popular choice for achieving a sun-kissed glow without the risks associated with sun exposure or tanning beds. However, with various options available, understanding how to choose and apply these products effectively can be a game-changer in your beauty routine. This guide will walk you through what you need to know to get a flawless faux tan.

What is Self-Tanning Lotion?

Self-tanning lotions are topical products designed to provide a bronzed appearance to the skin. They typically contain a key ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with the amino acids in the skin's surface to produce a tan. Unlike bronzers, which provide a temporary color, self-tanners develop over several hours and can last for a few days, depending on the formula and skin care routine.

Choosing the Right Self-Tanning Lotion for Your Face

Here are some factors to consider when selecting a self-tanning lotion for your face:

Skin Type

Understanding your skin type is crucial:

Oily Skin: Look for lightweight, oil-free formulas that won't clog pores.
Dry Skin: Opt for moisturizing lotions that contain hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.
Sensitive Skin: Choose products formulated for sensitive skin, often free of added fragrances and dyes.

Desired Tan Level

Assess how deep of a tan you want:

Light Glow: Look for light formulations or gradual tanners that build color over time.
Medium Tan: A standard self-tanner should suffice. Apply evenly for a natural finish.
Deep Tan: Products that are dark or intense can provide a more profound, bronzed effect.

Ingredients

Check the ingredient list:

DHA: This is the active ingredient responsible for the tanning effect.
Moisturizers: Creams with additional hydrators can leave your skin feeling soft.
Natural Ingredients: Products with botanical extracts can nourish the skin.

Preparing Your Skin

To achieve the best results from your self-tanning lotion, proper preparation is essential:

Exfoliation: Gently exfoliate your face one day before application to remove dead skin cells. This helps ensure an even application and prevents patchiness.
Cleansing: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove any makeup, oils, or impurities.
Moisturizing: Hydrate your skin using a light moisturizer. Pay attention to drier areas like around the nose, eyebrows, and chin, as they can absorb more product.

Application Tips

Achieving the perfect tan requires a few steps:

Patch Test: If you are trying the product for the first time, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for any allergic reactions.
Use Gloves or a Tanning Mitt: To prevent staining your hands and ensure an even application, consider using gloves or a tanning mitt.
Start with a Small Amount: Apply a small amount of lotion to one section of your face (such as your forehead) and blend it in circular motions.
Even Application: Work your way down, applying more product as needed and ensuring an even layer. Don’t forget the areas near the ears and hairline for a seamless finish.
Timing: Follow the product guidelines for how long to leave the lotion before rinsing (if applicable). Typically, most formulas require several hours to fully develop.
Avoid Certain Areas: Be cautious around areas like the eyebrows and hairline, as these tend to absorb more product and can appear darker.

Aftercare

To prolong the life of your tan, follow these aftercare tips:

Avoid Water: Try to refrain from swimming or excessive sweating for at least 8 hours after application to allow the tan to develop fully.
Moisturize Regularly: Keep your skin hydrated to maintain the evenness of your tan.
Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild cleanser instead of exfoliating products to preserve the color.

Removing Self-Tanner

When your tan starts to fade or if you want to remove it:

Exfoliate: Gently scrub your face with an exfoliating body wash or scrub to help remove the color.
Use Lemon Juice or Baking Soda: For stubborn areas, mix a little baking soda with water or use lemon juice to help lift the tan.

Conclusion

Self-tanning lotion for the face is a fantastic way to achieve a warm, sun-kissed glow year-round. By understanding your skin type, preparing your skin adequately, and applying the product properly, you can enjoy a beautiful tan with minimal effort. Don't forget to practice aftercare to extend the life of your tan and ensure a natural look. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a self-tanning pro!