Professional-Grade Sunless Tanning: Our Top Picks

Why the Best Sunless Tanning Has Never Been More Essential

Best sunless tanning products have revolutionized how we achieve that coveted golden glow without harmful UV exposure. With the global sunless tanning market projected to reach $2.1 billion by 2030, it's clear that more people are choosing safer alternatives to traditional tanning methods.

Quick Answer: Top Sunless Tanning Picks by Category

• Best Overall: Tinted tanning water (spray/mist) — water-light, quick-dry, non-orange, non-sticky, sheet-safe, streak-free; vegan, cruelty-free; thinner layer = cleaner blend across all skin tones.
• Best for Fair Skin: Clear or lightly tinted tanning water for a subtle, buildable glow — self tanner spray no transfer and easy to control.
• Best Fast-Developing: Quick-dry self tanner spray that sets in minutes and deepens in a few hours — sweat/transfer-resistant for last‑minute plans.
• Best for Customization: Tanning drops mixed with your moisturizer for a personalized shade (great for face and topping up a water-based tan).
• Best for Hydration: Gradual tanning lotion with skin-loving hydrators to maintain softness and extend your spray/mist tan between applications.

The shift away from tanning beds and sun exposure has created demand for products that deliver natural-looking results without streaks, orange tones, or that telltale self-tanner smell. Modern formulas now include skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, making sunless tanning a skincare win too.

Finding your perfect match depends on several factors:

• Your skin tone and undertone
• Desired depth of color
• Application preference (mousse, water, drops, or lotion)
• Development time needed
• Experience level with self-tanning

I'm Emmybre, founder of 3VERYBODY, and after a decade of testing nearly every self-tanner on the market and developing my own formulas, I've learned what separates the best sunless tanning products from the disappointing ones. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to achieve a flawless, natural-looking glow at home.

Your Guide to a Flawless Tan: Prep, Application, and Maintenance

Getting that perfect best sunless tanning result isn't just about buying the right bottle – it's about mastering the entire process. After years of testing formulas and helping thousands achieve their dream glow, I've learned that success comes down to three simple phases: prep, apply, and maintain. Let's walk through each step together.

The Foundation: How to Prep Your Skin

Your skin is like a canvas, and just like any masterpiece, it needs proper preparation. Skip this step, and even the most expensive self-tanner will let you down with streaks and patches.

Start by exfoliating 24 hours before you plan to tan. This timing matters – your skin needs time to settle after scrubbing, but you want all those dead skin cells gone before application. Focus extra attention on rough spots like your knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists. These areas love to grab onto product and turn darker than the rest of your body.

Shave during this same 24-hour window. Any hair removal after tanning will strip away your beautiful color, leaving you with faded patches and uneven results. Trust me on this one – I learned it the hard way during my early tanning days.

Right before you apply your tanner, lightly moisturize those dry spots we talked about. Just a tiny dab on knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists creates a barrier that prevents these areas from drinking up too much product. You want a clean, dry canvas that's smooth and ready for even application.

For a complete breakdown of this crucial step, check out our detailed guide on Best Practices for Prepping Your Skin Before Applying Self-Tanner.

The Secret to a Streak-Free Finish: Application Techniques

Here's where the magic happens – and where most people get nervous. Don't worry, with the right approach, you'll get professional results every single time.

First rule: use a tanning mitt. This isn't optional. A good mitt spreads product evenly, protects your palms from staining, and gives you so much more control. I've seen too many orange palms to count, and they're completely avoidable with this simple tool.

Work in sections and apply in circular motions. Start with your legs and work your way up, blending as you go. This technique ensures smooth, seamless coverage without harsh lines or missed spots.

Go light on hands and feet – these areas have thinner skin that absorbs color quickly. Use just the residual product left on your mitt and blend gently. For precision around knuckles and between toes, a small makeup brush works wonders.

Don't forget about blending your hairline if you're using a face tanner. Nothing screams "fake tan" like a harsh line where your forehead meets your hair.

The final step? Let it dry completely. I know you're excited to get dressed, but patience pays off here. Even quick-drying formulas need extra time to fully set. Rushing this step leads to transfer onto clothes and uneven development.

Need more detailed application tips? Our guide on How Can I Avoid Streaks or Patchiness When Applying Self-Tanner? has you covered.

Making it Last: Tan Maintenance and Removal

You've achieved that perfect glow – now let's keep it looking fresh for as long as possible.

Moisturize daily with a tan-safe lotion. Self-tanners work on your skin's outer layer, which naturally sheds. Keeping your skin hydrated slows this process and helps your tan fade evenly instead of in patches.

After showering, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing with your towel. Aggressive rubbing speeds up exfoliation and can create uneven fading. Similarly, avoid harsh soaps and super hot water that can strip your tan prematurely.

When it's time for removal or touch-ups, you have options. Tan remover products can lighten overly dark areas or help reset for a fresh application. An exfoliating glove works great for buffing away old, patchy tan before your next session.

Most quality self-tanners last 5-10 days with proper care. For everything you need to know about extending and removing your glow, check out How Long Does a Self-Tan Last?

Decoding the Bottle: Ingredients and Formulations

Understanding what's actually in your self-tanner can feel like decoding a science textbook, but it doesn't have to be complicated! When you know what each ingredient does, you can make smarter choices and get better results. Think of it this way: you wouldn't buy a car without knowing what's under the hood, right?

What's Really Giving You That Glow?

The magic behind every best sunless tanning product comes down to one key ingredient: DHA, or dihydroxyacetone. This sugar-based compound is what transforms your skin from pale to bronze, and it's been doing this job safely for decades.

Here's how DHA works its magic. When you apply it to your skin, it reacts with amino acids in your outermost skin layer through something called the Maillard reaction. If you've ever watched sugar caramelize in a pan, you've seen this same process! The reaction creates brown pigments called melanoidins that temporarily stain your skin, giving you that gorgeous tan color. According to the FDA, DHA is safe for external use, which is why it's been the gold standard in self-tanning for years.

Many modern formulas also include erythrulose, another natural sugar that works alongside DHA. This ingredient is like DHA's steady, reliable partner. While DHA works fast, erythrulose develops more slowly and helps your tan fade evenly. It also reduces those dreaded orange undertones that can make a tan look fake.

But the best sunless tanning products don't stop there. Hyaluronic acid is a game-changer for keeping your skin hydrated during the tanning process. When your skin is properly moisturized, your tan develops more evenly and lasts longer. We always include hydrating ingredients in our formulas because dry skin and beautiful tans just don't mix.

You'll also find antioxidants like vitamin C and E in quality self-tanners. These protect your skin from environmental damage while you're building your glow. Many brands also add moisturizing ingredients and special technology to eliminate that telltale self-tanner smell. Nobody wants to smell like they just rolled around in a cookie factory! For a deeper dive into the science, check out How Do Self-Tanners Work?.

Finding Your Perfect Match: Mousse, Water, Drops, or Lotion?

Walking down the self-tanning aisle can feel overwhelming with all the different formulations. But here's the thing: each type serves a specific purpose, and finding your perfect match depends on your experience level, lifestyle, and what kind of tan you're after.

Mousse is often the best starting point if you're new to self-tanning. The lightweight foam usually comes with a guide color - that temporary tint that shows you exactly where you've applied the product. It's like having training wheels for your tan! The guide color prevents those "did I get that spot?" moments and helps you avoid streaks. Plus, mousse dries quickly, so you're not standing around naked waiting to get dressed.

Tanning waters are perfect for the no-fuss crowd. These clear, lightweight formulas won't stain your clothes or sheets because there's no guide color. They're ideal if you're already comfortable with self-tanning and want something mess-free. What is a Self-Tanning Water? explains exactly why these have become so popular.

Tanning drops are the ultimate customization tool. You mix a few drops with your regular moisturizer or serum, which means you control exactly how deep your tan gets. Want a subtle glow? Use fewer drops. Going for that vacation bronze? Add more. They're fantastic for your face too, since you can mix them with your favorite facial moisturizer. Our guide on How to Apply Self-Tanning Drops walks you through the whole process.

Gradual tanning lotions are like the gentle introduction to self-tanning. They build color slowly over several days of daily use, so there's less risk of going too dark too fast. These are incredibly forgiving and often packed with hydrating ingredients, making them perfect for dry skin types or anyone who wants a very natural, subtle glow.

The truth is, there's no single "best" formulation - it's all about what works for your lifestyle and comfort level. Some people swear by mousse for their body and drops for their face. Others stick with one formula they love. The key is experimenting until you find what makes you feel confident and glowing!

Our Top Picks for the Best Sunless Tanning in 2024

After testing hundreds of self-tanners over the years and developing our own formula at 3VERYBODY, I can tell you that finding the best sunless tanning products isn't just about hype or fancy packaging. It's about consistent results, natural color, and formulas that actually work for real people. I'm sharing my top picks based on formulation and results to help you find your perfect match.

Best Overall: 3VERYBODY Life-Proof Tan

As the founder of 3VERYBODY, I poured a decade of research into creating the ultimate self-tanner, and I can confidently say our Life-Proof Tan is the best overall choice for a flawless glow. We solved the biggest problems in self-tanning: the smell, the stickiness, and the dreaded orange fade.

Our formula is packed with hydrating ingredients that make it glide on smoothly, and it dries in minutes so you can get dressed and go on with your day. Most importantly, we perfected the color-correcting undertones to deliver a stunningly natural, brown tan on every skin tone. It's vegan, cruelty-free, and designed to last through workouts and busy schedules without getting patchy. It's the tan I always wished existed, and now it does.

For more on why clean ingredients matter, check out our guide on The Benefits of Using Vegan and Cruelty-Free Self-Tanning Products.

Best for a Subtle Glow: Gradual Tanning Lotions

If you're new to self-tanning or just want a hint of color, a gradual tanning lotion is your best friend. These formulas combine daily moisturizer with a small amount of tanning agent, allowing you to build your color slowly over several days. This approach is incredibly forgiving, making it almost impossible to go too dark or get streaks. They are also fantastic for maintaining your glow and keeping skin hydrated, which helps any tan fade more evenly. They're a foolproof way to ease into sunless tanning.

Best for a Custom Shade: Self-Tanning Drops

For the ultimate control over your color, nothing beats self-tanning drops. These concentrated serums are designed to be mixed with your favorite moisturizer or face cream. You are in the driver's seat: add two drops for a subtle radiance or six for a deep bronze. This makes them perfect for matching the tan on your face to your body. Since you're using your own trusted moisturizer, you don't have to worry about breakouts or irritation. It's the most personalized way to get your glow. Learn more in our guide on How to Apply Self-Tanning Drops.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sunless Tanning

After helping thousands of people achieve their perfect glow, I've heard pretty much every question about sunless tanning! These three come up most often, and I totally get why. Let's explore the answers with the honest truth about what works and what doesn't.

Is sunless tanning safe for your skin?

This is probably the most important question, and I'm happy to share that sunless tanning is absolutely a safer choice than UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds.

The main ingredient doing all the magic is DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which the FDA has approved for external use on your skin. Here's what's actually happening: DHA only reacts with the dead skin cells on your surface layer - it doesn't get absorbed into your bloodstream or mess with your body chemistry. A 2022 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that DHA is "unlikely to be harmful in current quantities" when you apply it topically, though it might irritate really sensitive skin.

The one thing to watch out for is inhalation during spray applications. While putting DHA on your skin is totally fine, breathing it in isn't recommended. If you're using a spray self-tanner at home, make sure you're in a well-ventilated room. Even better? Spray it onto a tanning mitt first, then apply it to your skin. This gives you all the benefits without any of the airborne concerns.

When I think about the proven risks of UV rays - skin cancer, premature aging, dark spots - self-tanning wins every time. We get to have our glow and keep our skin healthy too! For the full scientific breakdown, check out this research: In search of the perfect tan: Chemical activity, biological effects, business considerations, and consumer implications of dihydroxyacetone sunless tanning products. And if you want more details, our guide Is Self-Tanning Safe? covers everything.

How do I choose a tanner that won't turn me orange?

Oh, the dreaded orange situation! I've been there, and it's exactly why I became obsessed with finding (and eventually creating) formulas that give you a natural brown instead of that carrot-colored disaster.

The secret is all about color-correcting undertones. The best sunless tanning products now use green or violet bases to neutralize unwanted tones. Green cancels out red, while violet neutralizes yellow - which is usually what creates that orange look. When I developed our formula, I made sure to include these undertones because I'd seen too many people get burned by products that ignored this science.

Starting with a lighter shade is another game-changer, especially if you have fair skin. Look for tanners with 1-3% DHA if you're pale. You can always build up the color over a few applications, but trust me, it's way easier than trying to lighten a too-dark, orange mess.

Here's my non-negotiable rule: always do a patch test first. Apply a small amount to your inner arm and wait 24 hours to see how the color develops on your unique skin. I learned this the hard way years ago when I showed up to a wedding looking like a traffic cone! Every skin tone reacts differently, so this little test can save you from a major beauty disaster.

For more specific tips on avoiding the orange zone, check out our guide: What Self-Tanner Won't Turn Me Orange?

Can I use a body self-tanner on my face?

I get asked this all the time, and my answer is always the same: please don't! Your face deserves its own special treatment.

Facial skin is way more sensitive than the skin on your body. It's thinner, more delicate, and reacts differently to ingredients. Body self-tanners are formulated for thicker skin and often contain heavier oils and ingredients that can wreak havoc on your face.

The biggest concern is clogged pores and breakouts. Dr. David Kim, a board-certified dermatologist, warns that body tanners can be "more comedogenic and oily, potentially causing breakouts." After working so hard to get a gorgeous glow, the last thing you want is a face full of pimples!

Tanning drops are your best friend for facial tanning. You can mix them right into your regular moisturizer or serum, which means you're using products your skin already loves while getting that perfect glow. These are fantastic options that give you complete control over your color intensity.

Facial mists are also great - they're light, refreshing, and specifically designed for delicate facial skin. Your face works hard for you every day, so treat it with products made just for it!

Want more details? Our complete guide is here: Can I Use Self-Tanner on My Face?

Your Perfect, Sun-Free Glow Awaits

You've made it through the complete guide to best sunless tanning, and I couldn't be more excited for your tanning journey ahead! From understanding why prep is absolutely non-negotiable to mastering those streak-free application techniques, you now have everything you need to achieve that gorgeous, natural-looking glow.

Here's what we've learned together: preparation and product choice are your two best friends. That 24-hour exfoliation window isn't just a suggestion—it's the difference between a patchy mess and a flawless finish. The right tanning mitt will save your palms from looking like you've been eating Cheetos all day. And choosing a formula with those color-correcting undertones? That's your ticket to avoiding the dreaded orange situation entirely.

The confidence that comes with a healthy-looking tan is something special. I've watched thousands of customers transform not just their skin tone, but their entire energy. There's something magical about catching yourself in the mirror and thinking, "Wow, I look like I just got back from vacation!"

Modern best sunless tanning has come so far from those early orange disasters. Today's formulas work with your skin, not against it, delivering results that look like you were blessed by the sun gods themselves—minus any of the damage.

For a truly flawless, non-sticky, and beautiful tan designed for every body, 3VERYBODY delivers a life-proof formula that won't let you down. We've eliminated that telltale self-tanner smell, created a formula that works beautifully on every skin tone, and made sure it actually stays put through your real life—workouts, busy days, and everything in between.

Your radiant, sun-safe glow is waiting for you.

Get Your Life-Proof Tan Now