18 Best Self Tanners For Dark Skin

18 Best Self-Tanners For Dark Skin

1. Best Non-Sticky Formula:St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse

Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Phthalate-free Lightweight Cruelty-free Vegan Streak-free Non-sticky Transfer-resistant Dries quickly Smoothens the skin Hydrates the skin

Cons

Contains glycol, added fragrance, and color Might be difficult to blend

2. Best Streak-Free Option:Sun Laboratories Dark Sunsation

Pros

Paraben-free Affordable Pleasant smell Long-lasting Streak-free Adds glow

Cons

Contains dimethicone, alcohol, and sulfates

3. Best Sun-Kissed Natural Color:JustNutritive Sunless Tanning Lotion – Dark Tones

Pros

No artificial fragrances No artificial colors Cruelty-free Vegan No fillers Suitable for all skin types Suitable for men and women

Cons

Might get splotchy Might leave an orangish hue Contains alcohol and glycol

4. Best For Dry Skin:Bronze Tan Dark Self Tanning Mousse & Moisturizer

Pros

Cruelty-free Vegan Paraben-free Alcohol-free Suitable for dry skin

Cons

Contains glycol and phenoxyethanol Might feel sticky Might transfer

5. Best Color-Guide Technology:Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse

Pros

Aroma guard technology Color-guide technology Smooth application Non-sticky Pleasant scent Streak-free Dries quickly

Cons

Might cause allergic reactions

6. Best Non-Streaky Option:Body Drench QuickTan Bronzing Spray

The Body Drench QuickTan Bronzing Spray comes with a 360 degree nozzle for an easy and complete application. It imparts a deep natural tan in three to five hours. It has a cocoa vanilla fragrance and gives the skin a salonesque tan, without the sun damage. This tinted and fast-drying formula is easy to apply. It is made with naturally-derived botanicals that hydrate the skin and make it supple with a sparkly sun-kissed hue. The golden tan develops with applications. Pros

Cocoa vanilla fragrance Made of naturally-derived botanicals Non-streaky Affordable Dries quickly Easy to apply Hydrates the skin

Cons

Contains butylene glycol, added fragrance, and color Might feel sticky Not long-lasting

7. Best Unisex Option:Famous Dave’s Dark Self Tanning Lotion

The Famous Dave’s Self Tanning Lotion is formulated with natural skin care ingredients like aloe vera, sesame, and jojoba. These ingredients soften and moisturize the skin. It can be applied easily and distributed evenly. This unisex self-tanner offers a dark sun-kissed tan without skin damage. Pros

Phenoxyethanol-free SLS-free Triethanolamine-free Stearic acid-free Mineral oil-free Cruelty-free Paraben-free Fragrance-free Suitable for men and women

Cons

Might settle at the elbows, knees, and ankles.

8. Best Protection From Aging:SugarBaby Sun Believable

The SugarBaby Sun Believable is a self-tanning mousse that imparts a vacation deep-tan to the skin. It applies evenly without being patchy or streaky. It is formulated with SugarBaby’s exclusive Acti-Tan-3, which has a sweet summer-signature fragrance. The natural ingredients like coconut oil, mauritia flexuosa fruit oil, and goji berry extract smoothens, moisturizes, and protects the skin from early aging. Pros

Vegan Cruelty-free Paraben-free Smoothens the skin Streak-free

Cons

Contains dimethicone, phenoxyethanol, alcohol, glycol, added fragrance, and color

9. Best Non-Sticky Option:Coco & Eve Sunny Honey

Give your skin a natural-looking deep tan with the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey mousse. It contains the world’s first 100% naturally-derived DHA with skincare benefits that prevent skin damage from the sun or chemicals. This lightweight formula is non-sticky, quick-drying, and does not stain the skin orange. It is infused with raw virgin coconuts, organic botanicals, and amino acids, which conceal discolorations and stretch marks. This tanning mousse with cell shape technology contains natural antioxidants like papaya, banana, and cocoa that moisturize the skin and prevent aging. Pros

Made of 100% naturally-derived DHA Vegan Toxin-free Cruelty-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Sulfate-free

Cons

Contains glycol, alcohol, and fragrance Might get patchy

10. Best Lightweight Formula:MSK Self Tanning Mousse

The MSK Self-Tanning Mousse is a caramel-infused formula that imparts the skin with an ultra-dark tan. It is formulated with natural ingredients like vitamin E and argan. Vitamin E hydrates and conditions the skin. Argan is enriched with fatty acids that keep the skin plump and prevent acne. This salon-quality tanner is streak-free, delivers a long-lasting tan (up to 10 days), and dries quickly. It also comes with an applicator mitt. Pros

Vegan Cruelty-free Includes an applicator mitt Caramel-infused formula Lightweight Suitable for all skin types

Cons

Contains propylene glycol and added fragrance Might get sticky and streaky Might cause itchiness

11. Best PETA-Certified Product:MineTan Double Dark Self Tan Mousse

The MineTan Double Dark Self Tan Mousse is developed with a triple-action formula. It contains three tan actives – erythrulose, DHA, and bronzers that deliver a long-lasting and streak-free tan. These actives deeply hydrate the skin. The quad bronzing technology with fast tanning actives speeds up the tanning process. This lightweight formula also contains natural, powerful antioxidants and hydrating oils that absorb into the skin quickly. It has a tropical coconut scent and creates a natural-looking tan. Pros

Vegan Cruelty-free PETA-certified Tropical scent Lightweight Streak-free Long-lasting

Cons

Contains glycol, added fragrance, and color Might get splotchy, patchy, and dry

12. Best For Teenagers:Beauty by Earth Self Tanner

4.2 Image: Beauty By Earth BUY ON AMAZON | $32.91
The Beauty by Earth Self Tanner transforms the pale color of your skin into a natural glow. It does not cause any blotches or dark spots and gives you a very natural and sunkissed glow. This self tanner does not cause sunburns. It helps prevent the signs of premature aging caused due to the sun’s rays. This tanner is enriched with natural ingredients like organic aloe vera, shea butter, and DHA. This vegan formula is cruelty-free. It is suitable for men, women, and teenagers. Pros

Vegan Cruelty-free Non-toxic No artificial ingredients No added colorants

Cons

Might leave an orange tint

13. Best For Stretch Marks:Tampa Bay Tan Dark Self Tanning Mousse

Achieve an extra dark tan with the Tampa Bay Tan Self-Tanning Mousse. It is formulated with naturally-derived organic ingredients and has a mild fruit orchard fragrance. This non-drying formula enriched with antioxidant superfoods imparts a rich brown tint to the skin. It enhances the look of the abs, blends cellulite, and conceals stretch marks. This self-tanning mousse is lightweight, does not streak, and fades evenly. It also moisturizes and smoothens the skin. Pros

Vegan Paraben-free Gluten-free Oil-free Nut-free Dries quickly Sulfate-free Fruit orchard fragrance Non-sticky Lightweight

Cons

Might stain the skin

14. Best Quick-Drying Formula:L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self Tanning Lotion

The L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self Tanning Lotion imparts a streak-free tan with a sun-kissed glow filled with subtle shimmer. This quick-drying formula contains vitamin E that hydrates the skin, revealing smoother and softer skin. It gives you a 100% natural-looking tan with instant shimmer within 2-4 hours of application. This easy-to-apply formula gives you a bronze-colored tan and is suitable for all skin types. Pros

Easy to use Quick-drying Instant shimmer Streak-free tan Suitable for all skin types

Cons

Some people will find it to be way too shimmery

15. Best For Instant Glow:Sun Laboratories Ultra Dark Self Tanning Lotion

The Sun Laboratories Ultra Dark Self Tanning Lotion is an all-natural formula that gives you smoother-looking skin with a natural, streak-free tan. This sunless tanning formula imparts flawless dark tan to your skin within 3 hours of application. It doesn’t leave a patch or streak but adds a healthy sun-kissed glow that lasts long, making your skin appear bright and gorgeous. The lotion also hydrates your skin gently and soothes collagen growth. Pros

Sunless tanning All-natural ingredients Paraben-free No harsh ingredients Cruelty-free Instant glow Quick dry Lasts long Eco-friendly

Cons

Expensive Salty scent

16. Best Shiny Finish:Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion

The Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion is oil-free and formulated with nutrient-rich ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E. Aloe vera soothes, softens, and hydrates the skin, keeping it supple and healthy. Vitamin E contains antioxidants that protect the skin from premature aging. This lotion uses self-adjusting color technology and delivers a streak-free and deep, dark tan that dries quickly. Pros

Buildable Sulfate-free Shiny finish Non-streaky Dries quickly

Cons

Unpleasant smell Contains parabens, propylene glycol, dimethicone, and alcohol

17. Best Organic Formula:TAN-LUXE The Face Illuminating Self Tan Drops

The tan drops from TAN-LUXE are formulated without sulfates or mineral oils to give you a flawless tanned look. You can apply these non-toxic and odorless drops to your skin to get a range of tan. So, whether you want to get a light, medium, or dark tanned look, this product can help you achieve it, as the more you drop, the more you glow! Pros

Toxin-free and cruelty-free Organic certified Filled with natural tanning agents Suitable for luxury skincare

Cons

May leave patches on your skin

18. Best Buildable Formula:NKD SKN Natural Gradual Tan Lotion

The NKD SKN Natural Gradual Tan Lotion is a 100% natural self-tanning lotion. It is made with a caramel tint that gives your face and body a gorgeous tan without having to bask in the Sun. The presence of aloe vera, pomegranate, and raspberry hydrate the skin, revealing smoother, healthier-looking skin. It also prevents hyperpigmentation and slows down aging. It is a buildable formula that gets darker and deeper in 2-3 days. It is absolutely free from smell and doesn’t transfer. Pros

Paraben-free Fragrance-free Alcohol-free Cruelty-free Vegan Buildable Easy to use

Cons None

Why Trust Stylecraze

Shiboli Chakraborti, our certified skin care coach, has a flair for identifying good skincare products. She has curated this list of the best self-tanners for dark skin based on numerous user reviews and product listings. She has also included a buying guide and mentioned the pros and cons of each product to help you choose the ideal one that suits your requirements and skin tone. Check out the infographic below to know what you should look for while buying a self-tanner for dark skin. Can self tan cover hyperpigmentation? Yes. Self-tanning darkens the appearance of hyperpigmentation. How long should I wait to put clothes on after self-tanning? Wait 30-60 minutes before putting on your clothes after a self-tanning session. Should I moisturize before self-tanning? It is not necessary to moisturize before self-tanning, but it helps the application and results more even and is advised by experts. How long does self-tanner last? Self-tanners last up to 10 days. This is due to the natural turnover rate of our skin cells. How do I remove self-tanner on dark skin? Exfoliating with coconut or olive oils helps remove self-tanner from dark skin. You can also use baby oil for the same.