Best At-Home Self Tanners for Sensitive Skin — Starting at Just $9

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A self-tanner is a great way to achieve beautiful, sun-kissed skin without the risk of UV rays. According to the FDA, baking in the sun can pose a lot of risks. These include skin cancer, premature aging, sunburns, and skin cancer. Luckily, you can eliminate those concerns by reaching for a high SPF sunscreen when you’re outside in the summer — while also using a self tanner to fake your bake!

Self-tanners have their own challenges. As with all skincare products, you must decide which one is best for you. They may not be suitable for sensitive skin because self-tanners can change your skin’s color with specific ingredients. However, there are products you may be able use that won’t cause any skin issues.

What Types Of Self Tanners Should You Look For if Your Skin Is Sensitive?

To be honest, the jury’s still out on this question. Dihydroxyacetone (also known as DHA) is a common ingredient found in self-tanners. Dr. Adam Friedman, a dermatologist, spoke to Time, “our bodies make a form” of DHA, so using it topically may be “the only safe way to have a tan appearance.” However, you may want to look for products that have naturally-derived DHA if you’re at all concerned.

At the end of the day, you won’t know which self tanners are the best for you until you test them out for yourself. Everyone’s skin is completely different, so a great self tanner is subjective! We recommend doing a quick test on your skin before applying the full-on application. It can be hard to know which products are safe and which ones to avoid. So we created a list that includes self-tanners with soothing properties, great reviews, and safe ingredients. Continue reading to see our top picks.

Jergens Natural Glam In-Shower Lotion

It’s easy to apply this self-tanning cream in the shower. The process is easy and leaves you with glowing skin in just a few days, according to shoppers. Because it’s a lotion that’s infused with shea butter, this product also hydrates and soothes the skin as your tan progresses.

Pros 

• Super affordable price
• Buildable tan
• Seriously moisturizing

Cons

• The smell of something may be distracting
• Shoppers admit that results can be unpredictable.

It’s amazing!

Amazon: Get the Jergens Nature Glow In-Shower Cream for $9 Only!

Australian Glow One Hour Express Tan Mousse

If you want to achieve a glowing glow in record time, this self-tanner is the best! It takes about an hour to apply, though you can leave it on for a longer time if the tan lasts. The formula is infused with organic cocoa & kakadu plum to get you the bronzed skin of your dreams, and shoppers report no issues post-application!

Pros 

• Ultra-dark formula
• Fast developing time
• Gorgeous natural color

Cons

• You have less control over the intensity of your tan

See it!

Ulta offers the Australian Glow One Hour Express Tan Mousse for $25

Drunk Elephant D.Bronzi Sunshine Drops Anti-Pollution

This may not be your typical self tanner, but it’s a perfect product to use for glowing, bronzed skin that’s not permanent! These drops can be mixed with sunscreen and applied to your skin for a sun-kissed glow. Plus, the formula contains ingredients that protect your skin from environmental stresses.

Pros 

• Can be washed off
• Good-for-your-skin ingredients

Cons

• Some customers feel the texture is a bit too watery
• Packaging is not perfect

It’s amazing!

Ulta offers the Drunk elephant D-Bronzi Anti Pollution Sunshine Drops at $36

MineTan Self Tanner

This self-tanner is unique because it uses 100% natural DHA. This may be safer for sensitive skin. It also has the added benefit of a fast developing time, which is just one hour — and the formula is totally vegan! According to shoppers, the unique blend of pigments may be best for those with cool undertones.

Pros 

• Fast developing time
• Vegan and cruelty free formula

Cons

• Depending on your preference, color may be too dark.

It’s amazing!

Amazon has the MineTan Self Tanner (originally $35) for $30 on sale!

Bondi Sands PURE Self-Tanning Foaming Water

This self-tanner is definitely unique! This foaming water is colorless and specially formulated for sensitive skin. The product contains hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin, plus a blend of vitamins that are designed to boost radiance — all while giving you a dose of sun-kissed color.

Pros 

• No transfer on to the bed sheets
• No wash-off required

Cons

• Reviewers say there are hit-or-miss results

See it!

Amazon has the Bondi Sands Pure Self-Tanning Foaming water (originally $27) on sale at $24

Isle of Paradise self-tanner drops

You can use a lot of self-tanners on the face. But if your skin is very sensitive, you may want a product that is specifically designed to be used on your facial areas. That’s what these tanning drops are for! They’re safe to infuse with your favorite moisturizers so that you can build up a glow over time.

Pros 

• Vegan and cruelty free formula
• Mixable with other products
• Good for the skin and body

Cons

• May be easier to wash off than the other self tanners

It’s amazing!

Amazon has the Isle of Paradise self-tanner drops for only $32 

COOLA Organic Sunless Tanning Serum

We love the anti-aging properties of this self-tanner! That means that you can use less product on your face if you don’t want an extra long skincare routine, or just as easily incorporate it into your everyday product lineup.

Pros 

• Anti-aging benefits
• Buildable tan

Cons

• They may not last as long than other self-tanners

It’s amazing!

Amazon offers the COOLA Organic Sunless Tanner’s Serum at $54 

TAN-LUXE The Face Mini – Illuminating Self-Tan Drops

Here’s another bestselling self tanner that you can blend with other moisturizers you already use! It only takes a couple of drops — add it to another product and you’re good to go. Reviewers say that the process couldn’t be easier!

Pros 

• Shoppers report a gradual fading process
• Mixable with other products

Cons

It’s amazing!

Get the TAN-LUXE The Face Mini – Illuminating Self-Tan Drops for $25 at Amazon! 

Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse

This fake tanner is probably the most sought-after! It’s become as popular as it is thanks to the gorgeous results you may get after the tan fully develops. Some shoppers claim that it’s the best product they have ever tried — they’re never going back to anything else!

Pros 

• Massive bestseller
• Anti-cellulite formula
• Beautiful natural-looking colors

Cons

• It is possible to stain clothing and sheets.

It’s amazing!

Get the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse for $35 at Amazon! 

Neutrogena Micromist Sunless Tanning Spray

This is the self-tanner for you if you prefer a spray tan to the one you get at the salon. It comes in an aerosol spray can that you spray onto your skin. This can make it feel like a professional. It gives a glowing glow and makes skin feel amazing, according to customers.

Pros 

• Mist formula
• Affordable price tag

Cons

• When it comes to the application process, practice makes perfect

See it!

Amazon: Neutrogena’s Micromist Airbrush Sunless Tan Spray, $9 

VITA LIBERATA Advanced Organics Fabulous Gradual Lotion for Self-Tanning

This self-tanner has won numerous awards. The lotion is particularly moisturizing and doesn’t leave your skin feeling flaky, according to shoppers. You can customize your base color and get the bronze shade you desire!

Pros 

• Natural fading
• Colors that last a lifetime

Cons

• May not be suitable for darker skin tones

It’s amazing!

Amazon has the VITA LIBERATA Advanced Organics Fabulous Skin-Tanning Gradual lotion (originally $30) for $20

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