13 Best Cruelty-Free Self-Tanners To Get The Golden Glow – 2024
Cherish the perfect shade of the sun-kissed glow from the comfort of your home.
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.
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Experience: 3 yearsSrijani is an associate commerce editor with a master's degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal. She is certified in makeup techniques and is also a certified style and image consultant.
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Experience: 2 yearsSrijita De is a makeup and fashion enthusiast with a passion for empowering readers through practical tips and tricks to present their best selves with confidence. Armed with a postgraduate degree in English and Literature from the University of Calcutta, she has honed her writing skills and developed an in-depth understanding of the beauty and fashion world.
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Self-tanning products are available in various formulas like sprays, oils, or lotions. However, the best cruelty-free self-tanner ensures that you get the smoothest golden glow without the guilt of adversely affecting the animal kingdom.
You no longer have to visit the tanning parlor or sit out in the sun for hours to get the perfect shade. You can now do that in the comfort of your home! Remember, you should read the instructions panel on the product for the perfect streak-free application and avoid staining your clothes or bathtubs. Keep scrolling for our top picks!
In This Article
13 Best Cruelty-Free Self-Tanners
1. Best Lightweight:Bondi Sands Dark Self Tanning Foam
The Bondi Sands Dark Self Tanning Foam is suitable for those who have olive skin tones and prefer a dark glow. The lightweight foam is enriched with aloe vera and coconut to give you an even, flawless finish. The salon-quality formula settles into a bronze shade in just six hours. This celebrity-favorite tan is used by Kylie Jenner as seen on her Instagram handle.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera and Coconut
Skin Tone: Dark
- Lightweight
- Streak-free
- No orange tint
- Easy to use
- Pleasant scent
- Vegan
- Dries fast
- Transfers easily
Pro Tip2. Best Nourishing:Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Lotion
The Beauty By Earth Self Tanner is made with nourishing ingredients that are carefully chosen from around the world. It includes organic shea butter, coconut oil, and green tea extract to provide hydration and nourishment to your skin. You can use this tanner in layers to achieve the desired shade. The long-lasting, fast-drying formula hugs your skin seamlessly without any orange tint, streaks, blotches, or dark spots. Enjoy guilt-free exceptional results as this product is not tested on animals.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Coconut oil, and Green tea
Skin Tone: Medium
- Easy to apply
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Chemical-free
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan
- May feel greasy
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 7,869 rave reviews on Amazon.
3. Best Fast-Drying:Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Light Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse
The Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Light Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse has a gentle formula that works with the natural tone of your skin. The light bronze shade is best suited for fair or medium skin tones. It is also available in the deep bronze shade for those who want more intensity in their tan. This cruelty-free self-tanner has a tropical, fruity fragrance that transports you to mystic islands. After application, it takes only 60 seconds to dry. Moreover, numerous positive reviews on Amazon indicate that people experience exceptional results with this product.
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Dihydroxyacetone, and Decyl glucoside
Skin Tone: Fair to Medium
- Fast-drying
- Dermatologist-tested
- Easy to apply
- Weightless
- Long-lasting
- May be sticky
- Contains parabens
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 3,405 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
Bondi Sands Dark Self Tanning Foam Best Lightweight | Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Lotion Best Nourishing | Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Light Bronze Sunless Tanning Mousse Best Fast-Drying | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.77 x 1.77 x 8.54 inches | 2 x 2 x 7 inches | 2.11 x 2.11 x 7.13 inches |
| Weight | 9.88 Ounces | 8 Ounces | 2.47 Ounces |
| Skin Type | - | All, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | Normal |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 27,775 | 7,869 | 3,405 |
| Price | $23.52 | $34.99 | $13.47 |
4. Best Vegan:Sun Bum Browning Lotion
Flaunt the enhanced beauty of your sun-kissed skin with the Sun Bum Browning Lotion. It is formulated with organic ingredients like coconut oil, avocado oil, argan oil, aloe vera, and green tea. These ingredients help in balancing the toning process by providing nourishment and moisture to your skin. Apply a little sunscreen before slathering on this browning lotion to keep your skin protected from UV rays. This cruelty-free self-tanner gives you a fast, deep tan without having to spend hours under the sun.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Avocado oil, Argan oil, Aloe vera, and Green tea
Skin Tone: All
- Hypoallergenic
- Smells good
- Vegan
- Octinoxate-free
- Oxybenzone-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Not waterproof
- Tends to transfer
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 625 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
5. Best Anti-Aging:Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
The Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam is developed with a green-gray base to deliver a natural golden glow without giving a touch of orange tone. It uses color-guide technology and delivers a shade that is backed by skin care benefits. The self-tanner is infused with coconut, amino acids, and mandarin oil that provide hydration and firmness to your skin.
The combination of banana, cocoa, and papaya helps to even out skin imperfections and reduce pigmentation. The product also includes the antioxidant-rich mango and fig that help repair the signs of aging. The orange and lotus flowers in the tanner act as catalysts to reduce cellulite.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Mandarin oil, Banana, Cocoa, Papaya, Mango, Fig, Orange, and Lotus flower
Skin Tone: All
- Fast-drying
- Gradual tanning
- Non-sticky
- Streak-free
- Lightweight
- Transfer-proof
- Anti-aging properties
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- May not last long
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 8,308 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
6. Best For Face And Body:Skinerals Natural Skin Science Californium Sunless Tanning Mousse
This tanning mouse from Skinerals gives you a natural, healthy glow and stays on for up to seven days. It gives a warm bronze glow that is perfect for people with pale skin. The non-greasy formula is safe for use on the face and the body.
This cruelty-free self-tanner contains aloe vera and glycerin to heal and moisturize your skin. This odor-neutralizing product also contains natural antioxidants like fig and acai berry that help reduce blemishes and stretch marks. Each bottle can last for up to four to eight applications. Numerous positive reviews on Amazon indicate that people experience even and easy coverage with this product.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Acai berry, Indian gooseberry, Glycerin, Fig extract, Goji berry extract, Green tea, and White tea extracts
Skin Tone: Fair
- Non-greasy
- Non-acnegenic
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Aerosol-free
- Odor-free
- Takes time to dry
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 4,152 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
7. Best Fragrant:Existing Beauty Bronze Tan Dark Self Tanning Mousse & Moisturizer
The Existing Beauty Bronze Tan Dark Self Tanning Mousse & Moisturizer has an expertly crafted formula made with the highest-quality ingredients. It includes aloe vera, glycerin, and jojoba oil that ensure an even and smooth application. The cutting-edge formula is made with color-guide technology that blends seamlessly and without any streaks. The true tanned shade develops after 24 hours of application and lasts up to 5-7 days. This salon-quality formula has a pleasing vanilla scent.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, Glycerin, and Jojoba oil
Skin Tone: All
- Natural ingredients
- Salon-quality
- Safe for all ages
- Long-lasting
- Quick-drying
- Not easy to apply
8. Best Non-Staining:Botanic Tree Organic Cosmetic Self Tanner Lotion
The Botanic Tree Organic Cosmetic Self Tanner Lotion is powered by natural ingredients to give you a gorgeous and natural-looking tan. It is formulated with shea butter, jojoba oil, apricot, and avocado that help in enhancing the hydration of your skin. It also contains rosemary, passion fruit, and moringa to help nourish and enrich your skin. The non-staining lotion gives a perfect bronze shade and has a gorgeous vanilla scent.
Key Ingredients: Apricot, Grapeseed, Passion fruit, Moringa, Linseed, Coconut, Avocado, Vanilla, Rosemary, Arnica flower, Avocado, and Jojoba oil
Skin Tone: All
- Vegan
- Stain-free
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Oil-free
- Chemical-free
- Suits sensitive skin
- Uneven tanning
Pro Tip9. Best Hydrating:Naturena Organic Skincare Ultra Premium Self Tanning Mousse
The Naturena Organic Skincare Ultra Premium Self Tanning Mousse uses an advanced color complex with the goodness of nourishing oils, such as jojoba, grapeseed, coconut, avocado, and argan, to give you a flawless, sun-kissed tan. The color is visible instantly, but it also deepens for a few hours. This bronzing mousse contains coconut water that boosts the hydration of your skin. It can be used for all skin tones and for any age group.
Key Ingredients: Argan oil, Jojoba oil, Grapeseed oil, Coconut oil, and Avocado oil
Skin Tone: All
- Streak-free
- Hydrating formula
- No orange tone
- Nice fragrance
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- GMP certified
- Faint color
- Takes time to dry
10. Best Non-Streaky:Tanologist Express Tan Self Tan Water
This unique spray gives you a quick, mess-free tan and a natural glow. The quick application formula allows you to attain a deeper shade as you spray more layers on your skin. The cruelty-free self-tanner is infused with three nourishing fruits – pink grapefruit, goji berry, and juniper – that make your skin soft and supple. The non-clogging formula gives you a streak-free finish without causing any dryness. This tan maintainer is available in dark, medium, and light shades.
Key Ingredients: Pink grapefruit, Goji berry, and Juniper
Skin Tone: All
- Toxin-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Easy to apply
- No streaks
- No smell
- Vegan
- Fast-drying
- Dermatologist-tested
- May be sticky
11. Best For Quick Results:Bondi Sands Pure Self-Tan Foaming Water
The Bondi Sands Pure Self-Tan Foaming gives you an iconic golden tan. It contains hyaluronic acid that hydrates your skin and vitamin C that helps in enhancing its radiance. It also contains vitamin E that helps rejuvenate your skin and enhances the beauty of the bronzing effect. The formula dries quickly on your skin and gives effective results in just 6 hours. It is a dermatologist-tested product, hence safe for the skin, and can be reapplied after an hour of application to get a deeper shade.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E
Skin Tone: Light and Medium
- Fast-drying
- Fragrance-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Vegan
- May dry your skin
12. Best Hypoallergenic:Caribbean Sol Beach Colours Natural Self Tanner
This self-tanner from Caribbean Sol is packed with moisturizing ingredients and natural DHA that help produce a natural-looking tan. It contains shea butter, aloe vera, cucumber, vitamin E, and mandarin oil that moisturize your skin. The squalene in the formula helps reduce the signs of aging.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, DHA, Shea butter, Squalene oil, Cucumber, Mandarin oil, and Vitamin E
Skin Tone: Fair to Dark
- Oil-free
- DHA-based formula
- Fast-absorbing
- Hypoallergenic
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
None
13. Best Long-Lasting:Tanceuticals Color Correct Self Tanning Body Mousse
The Tanceuticals Color Correct Self Tanning Body Mousse gives you a natural tan that blends easily and dries quickly. Once applied, it can last up to seven days. It is formulated with body-loving ingredients like pomegranate, açai berry, and argan oil that help in improving the quality of your skin. The product is infused with a fresh coconut scent.
Key Ingredients: Açai berry, Pomegranate extract, and Argan oil
Skin Tone: All
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
- Pleasant scent
- Propylene glycol-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Vegan
- Expensive
"This tanning mousse imparts a natural glow to my skin. It applies smoothly to my skin, providing full coverage. It blends nicely on my skin without leaving any unflattering streaks. I love its delicious coconut scent."
A self-tanning formula can give you a sun-kissed glow without ever have to step out in the sun, preventing damage by the UV rays. However, to get the best benefits, you have to choose the best formula. The following are certain factors to consider before buying a self-tanner.
How To Choose The Best Cruelty-Free Self-Tanner
- Type: Self-tanners may come in different forms – sprays, lotions, mousses, serums, gels, etc. Depending on your skin type, choose the formula that will complement its needs. For example, lotions and oils are best for people with dry skin. Oil-free mists are good for oily skin. For fast action and to cover the hard-to-reach areas, go for a spray formula.
- Ingredients: Tanning formulae can often contain toxic elements. Hence, it is essential to take a careful look at the ingredients list to make sure that there are no elements that are drying or pro-aging or may potentially cause allergic reactions, sensitivity, etc. The ones with organic ingredients and moisturizing properties are your best bet. For sensitive skin go for dermatologist-tested ingredients and make sure to do a patch test.
- Shade: Depending on your skin tone and the shade you desire to achieve, make sure that you pick the right shade of tanner. You can also get buildable shades if you choose to experiment a little.
- Cruelty-Free: Always look for the logo of Leaping Bunny or PETA before you buy a cruelty-free product. A product that merely claims to be cruelty-free but does not have any logo is likely to not have met all the conditions required to attain the seal of approval.
The Bottom Line
Are you a skin care enthusiast and love experimenting with various products while being kind to the planet and animal kind? Then these cruelty-free self-tanners are for you! These products are available in various forms like oils, sprays, or lotions. They often contain vitamin E that rejuvenates and deeply moisturizes your skin, and gives you the smoothest golden glow. The Bondi Sands Dark Self Tanning Foam offers streak-free application and a bronze shade in 6 hours, while the Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Lotion nourishes the skin without blotching or tinting it. If you want a formula that hides pigmentation and is skin-firming, the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam would be the ideal choice. Most of the products on our list are vegan, paraben-free, and non-greasy. However, a few of them might feel greasy and sticky. So, make sure that you read the reviews above thoroughly so that you can find the best formula for yourself.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Baishali Bhattacharya is certified in makeup techniques and loves reviewing makeup products. She has carefully selected these cruelty-free self-tanners, which have been closely reviewed based on user reviews and feedback available on multiple forums and brand websites. These cruelty-free self-tanners are available in different fragrances and provide nourishment and moisture to your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tan cruelty-free?
No. All tanning lotions are not cruelty-free. Brands like Bondi Sands and Naturena Organic Skincare do not test on animals.
Are self-tanners safe?
Yes. Self-tanners contain harmless and colorless sugar called dihydroxyacetone that interacts with your skin and develops a temporary tan. They are free of toxins and safe for the skin.
Can I shave after self-tanning?
Yes. You may shave after 24 hours of self-tanning. But if you shave immediately, your skin may develop dark brown spots.
What happens if you leave the self-tanner on too long?
Leaving self-tanners on for too long helps you achieve a seamless tan. But if you leave the tanning lotion on your skin more than what is instructed, you may find it difficult to remove.
What do you sleep in after self-tanning?
Sleep wearing a loose-fitting, long sleeve shirt and full pants after self-tanning to prevent the color from smudging and developing an uneven texture.
How often should you self-tan?
Apply sun-tan once a week to maintain the color. But always exfoliate your skin before using the self-tanning lotion.
Read full bio of Baishali Bhattacharya
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