We Tested the Best Self-Tanners So You Don't Have To

Why Finding the Best Body Self Tanner Matters (And How We Made It Simple)

The best body self tanner delivers a natural, streak-free glow without the orange tint, sticky residue, or transfer that older formulas are known for. After testing dozens of products and formulas over the past decade—and launching 3VERYBODY to solve the problems I couldn't find answers to—I can tell you the difference comes down to three things: a water-light formula that dries fast, clean ingredients that won't irritate your skin, and a simple application method that works on every skin tone.

Quick Answer: Top Body Self-Tanners for 2025

Here's what the research shows: none of the self-tanners tested by Consumer Reports turned testers orange, and modern formulas now include skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and argan oil. The key is choosing a water-light base over heavy, old-fashioned formulas—it blends cleaner, dries faster, and looks natural on fair to deep skin tones.

The biggest mistakes people make? Skipping exfoliation, applying too much product at once, and using formulas that aren't designed for their skin tone. We'll walk you through exactly how to avoid all three.

I'm Emmy Bre, founder of 3VERYBODY, and I've spent over a decade testing nearly every self-tanner on the market before creating our own line of non-orange, sweat-resistant formulas. My mission started after watching my mom and grandma battle skin cancer—I knew there had to be a safer way to glow, and I built the best body self tanner system to prove it.

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Your Foolproof Prep Routine for a Perfect Tan

Here's the truth: the best body self tanner in the world won't save you if your skin isn't ready for it. I learned this the hard way during my early testing days—streaky knees, patchy elbows, and a tan that faded in weird spots by day three. The fix? A simple prep routine that takes maybe ten minutes but makes all the difference between "Did you just get back from vacation?" and "Why are your ankles darker than your legs?"

Think of prep like priming a wall before you paint. Skip it, and every rough patch, dry spot, and uneven texture shows through.

Exfoliate 24 hours before you tan. This is the step you absolutely cannot skip. Dead skin cells pile up naturally, and when self-tanner hits them, it clings unevenly—which is why you get those tell-tale dark patches on rough areas. Use an oil-free body scrub or a glycolic acid cleanser to buff away the buildup, then rinse thoroughly. The 24-hour window gives your skin time to calm down and fully dry before you apply your tanner.

It's also smart to get any other beauty treatments—like waxing, manicures, or even touching up your hair color—done before you tan. All of those treatments can strip or remove self-tanner, so get your to-do list done first, then glow.

The Importance of Exfoliation in Self Tanning Routines

Shave or wax at least 24 hours ahead, too. Hair removal is another form of exfoliation—it sloughs off dead skin while clearing the canvas. If you shave after tanning, you're literally shaving off layers of your fresh glow. Give your pores time to close and your skin time to settle before you apply anything.

Spot-moisturize your driest zones right before you tan. Your knees, elbows, ankles, and the tops of your feet are naturally drier and more porous—which means they soak up way more pigment than the rest of your body. To keep them from turning into dark spots, apply a thin layer of oil-free moisturizer to these areas only, just before you start tanning. This creates a subtle barrier that helps the color blend evenly without over-saturating.

Don't moisturize your whole body—just these trouble spots. The rest of your skin should be clean and dry for the tanner to work its magic.

Should you moisturize before self tanning

Start with completely clean, dry skin. After all your prep, make sure there's no lingering moisture, lotion, or product on your body. Pat yourself dry with a towel and wait a few minutes—any dampness left on your skin will dilute the tanner and cause streaks. When your skin feels totally dry to the touch, you're ready to glow.

This routine might sound like a lot, but once you do it a couple of times, it becomes second nature. And the payoff—a smooth, even, natural-looking tan that lasts a full week—is absolutely worth those few extra minutes of prep.

The Best Body Self Tanner Formulas We Vetted

After a decade of testing nearly every formula on the market—and creating our own when nothing else measured up—I can tell you that the best body self tanner comes down to one thing: a water-light formula that dries fast, blends clean, and never turns orange. Heavy, sticky formulas belong in the past. Today's formulas should work with your real life, not against it.

We built 3VERYBODY around two core products that solve different tanning needs, both designed to give you that natural, sun-kissed glow without the mess, transfer, or regret.

Best for a Quick-Dry, No-Mess Glow: Tinted Tanning Water (Life Proof Tan)

Our Tinted Tanning Water—we call it Life Proof Tan—changed the game for me, and I think it will for you too. Here's why a water-light formula wins every time: it blends cleaner than traditional tanners, dries faster (we're talking minutes, not hours), and looks natural on every skin tone from fair to deep.

Life Proof Tan is sweat and transfer-resistant, which means you can actually live your life after applying it. Go to the gym, wear your favorite white sheets, hug your kids—it's not going anywhere. And because it's quick-dry, you're not standing around naked waiting for it to set. Just spritz, blend, and get dressed.

The color? Never orange. We formulated it with color-correcting undertones that develop into a beautiful, natural bronze that looks like you spent the weekend at the beach, not in your bathroom. We've packed it with skin-loving ingredients like argan oil, cucumber oil, caffeine, and guarana extract, so you're actually nourishing your skin while you tan.

It's also vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and sulfates—because what you put on your body matters. And yes, it's truly sheet-safe and streak-free for real life, which is honestly the whole point.

What is a self tanning water

Best for a Totally Custom Tan: Tanning Drops

If you love control over your exact shade, our Tanning Drops are your new best friend. Mix them with your favorite moisturizer, serum, or body oil, and you're in charge—from a subtle hint of color to a deep, vacation-ready bronze.

This is the formula I use when I want my face and body to match perfectly, or when I'm building up color gradually over a few days. Want more glow? Add more drops. Want to keep it light? Use just a few. The flexibility is best, and you're working it right into your existing skincare routine, which means no extra steps.

We've enriched our Tanning Drops with rosehip oil and cucumber extract for added skin benefits while you tan. They're vegan and free from parabens, palm oil, and sulfates—clean ingredients that work beautifully without compromise.

The customization is what makes drops special. You can adjust the intensity every single time based on your mood, the season, or how much color you already have. It's tanning on your terms.

What are self tanning drops and how do you use them

How many tanning drops should i use for my face versus my body

The Best Body Self Tanner for Beginners & Dry Skin: Buildable, Hydrating Tans

If you're new to self-tanning or have dry skin that makes you nervous about streaks, both our Tinted Tanning Water and Tanning Drops are designed to be mistake-proof. You can build your color gradually—start light, layer as you go, and never worry about waking up too dark or patchy.

This buildable approach is perfect for fair skin tones, where a gradual tan looks more natural than an overnight change. And for dry skin? Hydration is everything. Our formulas are packed with argan oil, cucumber oil, rosehip oil, caffeine, and guarana extract—ingredients that keep your skin soft, supple, and moisturized while you tan.

Here's the thing: traditional self-tanners can be drying, which leads to flaking and uneven fading. We formulated ours to do the opposite. Well-hydrated skin holds a tan better and fades more evenly, which means your glow lasts longer and looks better the entire time.

Both formulas deliver even, natural results with zero orange tones and zero streaks. They're gentle enough for beginners and forgiving enough that you can apply with confidence, knowing you're going to love the result.

Does moisturising help fake tan last longer

How to Apply Self-Tanner for a Streak-Free, Natural Finish

Even the best body self tanner needs the right application technique to truly shine. The good news? We've simplified the process so anyone can achieve a streak-free, natural finish at home. The secret weapon is our dedicated Tanning Mitt—it's the difference between a professional-looking glow and a patchy disaster.

The Mitt Makes All the Difference

You might think you can skip the mitt and use your bare hands, but trust me on this one: a mitt is absolutely non-negotiable for an even, flawless application. Not only does it give you better control, but it also protects your palms from staining (because orange palms are a dead giveaway). Our double-sided, washable Tanning Mitt is designed specifically for smooth, even blending, and it's reusable, so you're not constantly buying disposables.

I always recommend working your way up, starting from the legs and finishing with your hands. This approach makes perfect sense—you're less likely to accidentally touch already-tanned areas and create smudges.

Here's exactly how to apply our Tinted Tanning Water for that coveted, streak-free finish: Start by spritzing the product directly onto the soft surface of your Tanning Mitt. This ensures even distribution of the formula without oversaturating any one spot. Then, smooth the product onto your skin using long, sweeping strokes. As you go, add gentle circular motions to blend seamlessly. Don't press too hard—a light, even touch is all you need to avoid harsh lines or missed spots.

When you reach tricky areas like elbows and knees, use whatever product is left over on your mitt and apply it lightly. These areas tend to absorb more color because the skin is naturally drier, so a lighter application prevents those tell-tale dark patches.

For hands and feet, always save them for last. Use the clean side of your mitt to gently sweep any residual product down onto these areas. Pay special attention to knuckles, wrists, and ankles, blending towards your fingers and toes for a natural transition. This technique prevents the dreaded "orange hands" look that screams "fake tan."

After application, let the self-tanner dry for a few minutes. Our water-light formulas are quick-dry by design, but giving them a moment to set ensures minimal transfer to your clothes or sheets. Once dry, wear loose, dark clothing while your tan develops. This prevents friction that could cause streaks and protects your lighter fabrics from any potential staining.

Finally, after the recommended development time (usually a few hours), take a quick lukewarm rinse. Avoid harsh scrubbing or very hot water during this initial shower—you're just rinsing off the bronzer guide, not the actual tan. Afterwards, gently pat your skin dry and moisturize daily to maintain your beautiful glow. This simple routine, paired with our water-light formulas, will give you that coveted, natural-looking tan every single time.

How can I avoid streaks or patchiness when applying self tanner

Do I need to use a tanning mitt to apply self tanner

Self tanner application tips

Your Top Self-Tanning Questions, Answered

Let's tackle the questions we hear most often—because if you're wondering about it, thousands of others are too. We've been in the self-tanning world for over a decade, and these are the answers we wish someone had given us when we started.

Is self-tanner safe, and will it turn me orange?

Here's the truth: self-tanner is widely considered a safer alternative to sun exposure or tanning beds, and modern formulas have completely solved the orange problem that plagued earlier products.

The active ingredient doing all the work is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar-based compound that reacts with amino acids in your skin's top layer to create that tanned appearance. The FDA has approved DHA for topical use, so you can feel confident applying it to your skin. The only real concern arises if DHA is inhaled or ingested—which is why we recommend applying our Tinted Tanning Water with a mitt rather than spraying it directly into the air.

Now, about that orange fear. I completely understand it—we've all seen those unfortunate mishaps. But those days are behind us. Our formulas use carefully balanced color-correcting undertones to ensure a natural, brown tan—never orange. Consumer Reports tested several popular self-tanners and confirmed that "none of these self-tanners turned us orange—hurray for modern formulations." We've spent years perfecting our formulas to work beautifully on every skin tone, from the fairest to the deepest, delivering that sun-kissed glow you're actually after.

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How long does a self-tan last and how can I make it fade evenly?

A good self-tan typically lasts 5 to 7 days, though you might stretch it to 10 days with excellent maintenance. The longevity depends on your skin's natural exfoliation cycle, how well you prep, and most importantly, how you care for it afterward.

Here's the thing: your tan fades as your skin naturally sheds its outermost layer. This is completely normal and expected. The key to making it fade evenly—without those telltale patches—is daily moisturizing. This is genuinely the most important step for extending your glow. Well-hydrated skin holds onto your tan longer and releases it more uniformly as it exfoliates.

You'll also want to avoid anything that speeds up the fading process or causes unevenness. That means no harsh scrubbing, skip the very hot showers, and be gentle when toweling off. While our Life Proof Tan is sweat-resistant, prolonged exposure to chlorine or saltwater can still impact how long it lasts. Treat your tanned skin with care, and it will reward you with a consistently beautiful, even glow that gracefully fades rather than patches away.

How long does fake tan last on skin
How can I make my self tan last longer

Does the best body self tanner also protect you from the sun?

I need to be crystal clear about this: no, a self-tan provides zero UV protection. None. Not even a little bit.

Think of your self-tan as makeup for your body. It creates a beautiful appearance, but it doesn't defend your skin against the sun's harmful rays. Self-tanners work by coloring the superficial layer of your skin—they don't trigger melanin production or create any kind of protective barrier against UV radiation.

This is personal for me. After watching my mom and grandma battle skin cancer, I created 3VERYBODY specifically to offer a safer way to glow. But that safety only works if you're protecting your skin properly. Even with a gorgeous, deep tan from our products, you must always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply it regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. Your sun-kissed glow will look even better when it's healthy and protected for years to come.

Do I need to wear sunscreen if I have a self tan

The Founder's Pick: The Ultimate At-Home Tanning Solution

My journey to create the best body self tanner started with watching my mom and grandma battle skin cancer. I knew there had to be a safer way to glow, and after a decade of testing nearly every formula on the market—dealing with orange streaks, sticky residue, and that unmistakable smell—I built 3VERYBODY to solve the problems I couldn't find answers to anywhere else.

As a woman-owned, inclusivity-first brand, we've designed our system around one core belief: everyone deserves a flawless, natural-looking tan that actually works on their skin tone and fits into their real life. No more sheet-staining, no more orange undertones, and absolutely no more sticky formulas that make you feel like you can't move for hours.

The 3VERYBODY Kit brings together everything we've perfected over years of testing. Life Proof Tan, our Tinted Tanning Water, is the heart of the system—it's quick-dry, sweat and transfer-resistant, and never orange. The water-light formula blends cleaner than heavy, traditional tanners, dries in minutes instead of hours, and looks natural whether you're very fair or have deep skin. We've enriched it with argan oil, cucumber oil, caffeine, and guarana extract, so it nourishes your skin while it tans. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and sulfates, making it truly sheet-safe and streak-free for real life.

For complete control over your shade, our Tanning Drops let you customize your glow by mixing them with your favorite moisturizer, serum, or oil. They feature rosehip oil and cucumber extract, and like everything we make, they're vegan and free from parabens, palm oil, and sulfates. Use them on your face to match your body, or adjust the intensity anywhere you want.

The final piece is our double-sided, washable Tanning Mitt—your essential tool for flawless, even application. It protects your hands from staining and ensures smooth, streak-free blending every single time.

Why does this system work so well? It's the combination of water-light formulas that actually dry fast, clean ingredients that won't irritate your skin, and a simple application method that's genuinely mistake-proof. We're creator-approved (yes, even HopeScope loved us), and we've built every detail around solving the real frustrations people face with self-tanning.

With the 3VERYBODY Kit, you're getting more than a tan—you're getting confidence, a safer alternative to sun exposure, and a product line built by someone who's tested everything so you don't have to. Get your salon-quality results at home with the 3VERYBODY Kit.