Get the Glow, Ditch the Damage
We all want that sun-kissed look, but not the sun damage, premature aging, or weird chemicals that come with it. A great natural sunless tanner gives you a believable bronze without the risks. It’s about finding a formula with skin-loving ingredients that delivers a streak-free, non-orange finish you can trust.
Your skin absorbs an average of 64% of what you put on it, so ingredients matter. Conventional self-tanners often contain mineral oil (a pore-clogging petroleum product), formaldehyde-releasers, and synthetic fragrances made from petrochemicals. Natural options work differently—they use plant-derived DHA (typically from sugar beets) that reacts with amino acids in your skin's top layer to create a temporary, safe tan.
When looking for a natural formula, here are some key ingredients to seek out:
- Plant-derived DHA (often from sugar beets)
- Hydrating oils (argan, coconut, rosehip)
- Antioxidant extracts (cucumber, caffeine, guarana)
- Cruelty-free and vegan certifications
The best natural sunless tanners combine that clean DHA with nourishing oils and antioxidant-rich extracts. They skip the parabens, phthalates, and sulfates, and many come from woman-owned or BIPOC-owned brands committed to eco-friendly packaging.
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 clean, inclusive formulas—including our Life Proof Tan tinted tanning water and customizable Tanning Drops. I built 3VERYBODY after watching my mom and grandma battle skin cancer, realizing safer tanning options just didn't exist for everyone.
Natural sunless tanner helpful reading:
Why Your Skin Deserves a Natural Sunless Tanner
We all crave that healthy, radiant glow, especially when the sun isn't cooperating. But chasing a tan through UV exposure comes with serious risks, from premature aging to skin cancer. This is where natural sunless tanners step in as our skin's best friend. They offer a safe, effective way to achieve a beautiful bronze without any of the sun's damaging effects.
Beyond avoiding UV radiation, choosing a natural option means you're being kind to your skin. Did you know your skin is your largest organ? It's highly absorbent, too. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that skin absorbs an average of 64% of contaminants it comes into contact with. That's a huge number, and it underscores why the ingredients in your self-tanner truly matter.
So, how do these amazing products work their magic? The secret lies in Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient in most self-tanners. In natural sunless tanners, this DHA is typically plant-derived, often sourced from sugar beets. When applied, DHA reacts with the amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin (the stratum corneum). This reaction creates melanoidins, which are brown pigments that temporarily darken your skin, giving you that coveted tanned look. It's a completely safe process that only affects the very surface of your skin, unlike UV tanning which damages living skin cells.
The beauty of natural formulas is that they don't just tan; they also nourish. Many are infused with hydrating oils and antioxidant-rich extracts that leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and healthy. It's a holistic approach to beauty where you don't have to compromise skin health for a gorgeous glow. This makes them a smart, skin-loving alternative to traditional tanning, delivering natural-looking color while actively caring for your skin. If you're still wondering whether this method is for you, learn more about is self-tanning safe.
Ingredients to Ditch
Unfortunately, not all self-tanners are created equal. Many conventional options are packed with ingredients that can be harmful or irritating. We believe what you put on your skin is just as important as what you put in your body, so it’s crucial to know what to avoid.
Here are some common culprits found in traditional self-tanners and why we recommend steering clear:
- Mineral Oil: This is a petroleum-based product that can block pores, potentially leading to breakouts. Some studies have linked petroleum-derived ingredients to carcinogenic risks, especially if not highly refined.
- Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate: This ingredient is a formaldehyde-releaser, meaning it can break down over time to release formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen and common allergen.
- Isopropyl Myristate: While often used as an emollient, this ingredient can bind to the skin as nitrate, which may also be carcinogenic. It can also be irritating and block pores.
- Amyl Acetate: Sometimes used as a paint and lacquer solvent, this is definitely not something we want on our skin.
- Octyl Stearate: Another irritant that can block pores and contribute to skin issues.
- Artificial Fragrances and Petrochemical Dyes: These are often derived from petroleum and can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and may contain phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors. That "self-tanner smell" you sometimes encounter? It's often due to these synthetic additives trying to mask the DHA odor. We believe your tan should smell good, or ideally, not at all!
Avoiding these ingredients means you're reducing your exposure to potential toxins and allergens, making your tanning routine a healthier, happier experience for your skin.
What to Look for in a Natural Sunless Tanner
Choosing a truly "clean" or "nontoxic" self-tanner can feel like a detective mission with all the marketing claims out there. But don't worry, we've got your cheat sheet. Here’s what we prioritize when selecting a natural sunless tanner:
- Plant-Derived DHA: This is non-negotiable. Look for DHA sourced from natural origins, like sugar beets. This ensures the tanning effect comes from a gentle, skin-friendly reaction.
- Hydrating Oils: Healthy skin is happy skin. Natural tanners should be infused with nourishing oils like argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, or rosehip oil. These ingredients keep your skin moisturized, which helps your tan develop evenly and fade beautifully, not patchily.
- Antioxidant Extracts: Think of these as superfoods for your skin. Ingredients like cucumber extract, green tea extract, pomegranate, and caffeine not only condition your skin but also offer protective antioxidant benefits, helping to combat environmental stressors.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: A brand's commitment to the planet often reflects its commitment to clean ingredients. Look for brands that use recycled materials, refillable options, or minimize plastic. For example, some brands are certified plastic-neutral, meaning they remove as much plastic from the environment as they produce.
- Cruelty-Free and Vegan Certifications: We believe no animal should suffer for our beauty. Look for certifications like Leaping Bunny or PETA's Beauty Without Bunnies. Vegan formulas ensure no animal-derived ingredients are used. This aligns with a truly ethical and clean beauty standard. You can learn more about The Benefits of Using Vegan and Cruelty-Free Self-Tanning Products.
- Transparency and Certifications: Brands that are open about their sourcing and manufacturing processes are a good sign. Look for third-party seals like USDA Organic, Made Safe, or B Corp certifications. These indicate a higher standard of ingredient quality and ethical practices.
Our Solution: The 3VERYBODY Life Proof Tan
After testing countless tanners, we knew we had to create something better. We wanted a flawless, natural-looking glow without the stickiness, streaks, or questionable ingredients. That's why we made the 3VERYBODY Life Proof Tan.
Our tinted tanning water is a game-changer. It’s water-light, dries in minutes, and is totally sweat and transfer-resistant. That means no orange sheets and no sticky feeling—just a beautiful bronze that looks and feels like your own skin. We packed the formula with skin-loving ingredients like argan oil, cucumber oil, caffeine, and guarana extract to hydrate, firm, and leave your skin glowing.
As a woman-owned, inclusivity-first brand, we designed 3VERYBODY for every skin tone and type, and it’s creator-approved—HopeScope herself loved it! We chose a water-light spray over thicker, stickier formulas because a thinner layer blends cleaner, dries faster, and looks more natural on everyone, from very fair to deep skin tones.
For a custom tan on your face, our Tanning Drops are enriched with rosehip oil and cucumber extract. Just mix them with your favorite moisturizer or serum for a buildable, natural glow. Our formulas are always vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and sulfates.
For the full salon-quality experience at home, the 3VERYBODY Kit includes everything you need: our Life Proof Tan, Tanning Drops, and the double-sided, washable Tanning Mitt for a perfect, streak-free application every time.
How to Get a Flawless, Streak-Free Glow at Home
Getting a salon-quality tan at home is all about prep and technique. A non-streaky self-tanner needs the right canvas. Trust us, a little extra effort beforehand goes a long way in achieving that perfect, even bronze.
Step 1: Prep Your Skin
Preparation is the key to a flawless, long-lasting tan. Think of it like painting a wall—you wouldn't skip sanding and priming, right? Your skin needs the same care.
- Exfoliate! This is the most crucial step. Exfoliate your entire body 24 hours before you plan to tan to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth surface. This prevents patchiness and ensures an even fade. For an in-depth guide, read about The Importance of Exfoliation in Self-Tanning Routines.
- Hair Removal: If you shave or wax, do it at least 24 hours before applying your tanner. This gives your pores time to close and prevents the tanner from creating dots.
- Moisturize Strategically: Right before tanning, apply a light, oil-free moisturizer to your driest spots—elbows, knees, ankles, and hands. This acts as a barrier to prevent these areas from getting too dark. Learn more about if you should you moisturize before self-tanning.
Step 2: Apply Your Tanner
Now for the fun part! With the right tools and technique, a natural-looking glow is totally achievable.
- Use a Tanning Mitt: This is non-negotiable for a streak-free finish and orange-free palms. Our double-sided, washable tanning mitt applicator gives you perfect control.
- Spritz onto the Mitt: For our Life Proof Tan, spritz the tinted tanning water directly onto the soft side of your mitt, not your skin.
- Apply in Sections: Work in long, sweeping strokes, blending with gentle circles. Start with your legs, then move to your torso and arms.
- Handle Hands and Feet Last: These tricky spots come last. Use the clean side of your mitt to lightly blend the leftover product from your arms onto your hands and from your legs onto your feet. Blend carefully over wrists and ankles for a natural transition. If you make a mistake, we have tips on how to get fake tan off hands.
- Dry and Dress: Let your tan dry for a few minutes. Our water-light formula is quick-dry and transfer-resistant, but it's still a good idea to wear loose, dark clothing.
Step 3: Make It Last
You've put in the work, now let's make that beautiful tan last!
- Wait to Rinse: Give your tan at least 6-8 hours to fully develop before your first lukewarm rinse.
- Pat, Don't Rub: After showering, gently pat your skin dry with a towel. Rubbing can scrub your tan away.
- Moisturize Daily: Hydration is your tan's best friend! Moisturizing daily keeps your skin supple and helps your tan fade evenly. Find out does moisturising help fake tan last longer.
- Avoid Harsh Exfoliants: Steer clear of scrubs and chemical exfoliants (like AHAs or BHAs) until you're ready to reapply.
- Reapply as Needed: To maintain your glow, which should last about 5-7 days, simply reapply when you notice it starting to fade. Learn more about how long does self-tanner last.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions about natural sunless tanners, and we love answering them! Here are some of the most common inquiries we hear, along with our straightforward answers.
Will a natural self-tanner turn me orange?
Absolutely not! The dreaded "orange tan" is usually a relic of older, lower-quality self-tanner formulas or applying too much product for your natural skin tone. Modern natural sunless tanners are formulated with high-quality, often sugar beet-derived DHA that reacts seamlessly with your skin's natural amino acids. This creates a genuine brown pigment, not an artificial orange hue.
If you're worried about turning orange, look for brands that explicitly state their formulas are non-orange and focus on a natural looking bronzer finish. Our 3VERYBODY formulas, for instance, are carefully crafted to ensure a beautiful, believable bronze on every skin tone, from very fair to deep, without any orange undertones. It’s all about working with your skin, not against it.
Is a natural self-tanner safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Many natural sunless tanners are excellent choices for sensitive or acne-prone skin! This is one of their biggest advantages over conventional formulas. Natural options often skip common irritants like synthetic fragrances, harsh alcohols, parabens, and petrochemical dyes, which are frequent triggers for sensitivity and breakouts.
Ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber extract, jojoba oil, and argan oil, commonly found in natural self-tanners, are known for their soothing, hydrating, and non-comedogenic properties. However, everyone's skin is unique. We always recommend performing a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of skin 24-48 hours before full application, especially if you have highly sensitive or reactive skin. For those with acne-prone skin, look for formulas that are labeled non-comedogenic, meaning they won't clog pores.
What’s the difference between tanning drops and tanning water?
It's all about control and your desired routine! Both give you a beautiful, natural-looking tan, but they work a bit differently:
Tanning Drops: These are concentrated DHA serums designed to be mixed into your favorite moisturizer, serum, or face oil. They offer the ultimate customization—you control the depth of your tan by adjusting the number of drops you add. They're fantastic for building a gradual glow, especially on your face. Our Tanning Drops are perfect for this, enriched with skin-loving rosehip oil and cucumber extract.
Tanning Water: This is our personal favorite for an all-over body tan! Tanning waters, like our 3VERYBODY Life Proof Tan, are water-light, quick-drying formulas that feel incredibly clean on the skin. You apply it with a mitt for a fast, even, and non-sticky tan that doesn't transfer. The water-light consistency means no heavy feeling and no transfer onto clothes or sheets, making it super beginner-friendly.
For the best of both worlds, we love using the Tanning Water for the body and the Tanning Drops for a custom facial tan.
Ready for Your Healthiest Tan Ever?
Choosing a natural sunless tanner means you get a beautiful, believable glow without compromising on ingredients or your health. You can feel good about the bronze you’re in, knowing it’s free from harsh chemicals and packed with skin-loving botanicals. It’s the smartest way to get that sun kissed look year-round.
We've poured our hearts into creating products that meet the highest standards of clean beauty and efficacy. Our goal is to provide you with a flawless, natural-looking tan that's easy to achieve at home, without the unpleasant smells or stickiness often associated with self-tanning. We believe everyone deserves a healthy, radiant glow, regardless of their skin tone or type.
Ready to try our favorite water-light, streak-free formula? Check out the 3VERYBODY Kit for everything you need to get started on your journey to a radiant, earth-friendly bronze. It’s time to glow with confidence!
