18 Best Self-Tanners For Dark Skin (2024): According To An Esthetician
Get some beach tan from the comfort of your home with these effective self-tanners.
Blade Tiessen is a certified esthetician and the owner of a renowned anti-aging clinic in Orillia, Canada. He has over 34 years of experience in the esthetics industry and has worked in several premier spas across Toronto, including the prestigious Yorkville area.
Read full bio of Blade Tiessen
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.
Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Your skin will look enviously sun-kissed with the right sun tanner! However, finding the best self-tanner for dark skin can be tricky. You can achieve an even skin tone, hide imperfections, boost your skin’s hydration levels, and protect yourself from sun damage with self-tanners for dark skin. The market lacks good products, or so it seems. We have reviewed a lot of these products and have listed below the 18 best self-tanning products for dark skin that can leave you with a golden glow. Take a look!
In This Article
18 Best Self-Tanners For Dark Skin
1. Best Non-Sticky Formula:St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse
The St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse is a lightweight and tinted mousse that leaves the skin with a natural-looking deep tan in just one application. The gradual tanning lotion has won the Elle Beauty Award, BoB Allure Award, and the Cosmopolitan Beauty Award. It has a mood-boosting fragrance and does not have a tanning smell or cause streaks. This tanning mousse works well on darker skin tones and is transfer-resistant, non-sticky, dries quickly, and makes the skin smooth. It contains 100% naturally derived, active ingredients like DHA and hydrates the skin, even as it fades. Conduct a patch test 24 hours prior to use to ensure safety. With 2,141 global ratings on Amazon, this product is loved by many because of its natural finish.
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
"This self-tanner blends well on my skin tone. It offers a natural-looking tan without risking sun damage. The tan is pretty even and long-lasting."
Quick Tip2. Best Streak-Free Option:Sun Laboratories Dark Sunsation
The Dark Sunsation from Sun Laboratories is formulated with a natural blend of ingredients. It imparts a natural-looking tan to the skin while hydrating and replenishing it. The streak-free formula improves skin’s elasticity and adds a nice glow. It does not leave any streaks or blotches with its easy to use nozzle. This tanner is great for those who have a deep complexion. It has received more than 1000 ratings on Amazon, and users are praising the product’s smooth texture and silky consistency.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Affordable
- Pleasant smell
- Long-lasting
- Streak-free
- Adds a radiant glow
Cons
- Contains dimethicone, alcohol, and sulfates
Pro Tip3. Best Sun-Kissed Natural Color:JustNutritive Sunless Tanning Lotion – Dark Tones
The JustNutitive Self-Tanning Lotion is formulated with sweet almond, coconut, rapeseed, rice bran, and other organic ingredients. It gives the skin a dark, long-lasting tan using vitamin-rich natural oils and butter. Sweet almond removes skin impurities and smoothens it. Coconut oil moisturizes the skin and creates an antibacterial shield to protect it from irritation and inflammation. Grapeseed oil helps tighten the skin, and rice bran oil boosts skin health. The sun-kissed natural color keeps developing as the tan builds up. This vegan sunless tanner also helps conceal stretch marks, cellulite, and other imperfections. This self-tanning lotion is very popular due to its long-lasting and buildable formula. It has received over 2,000 global ratings on Amazon.
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
"This tanning lotion is perfect for maintaining an even tan year-round. It applies smoothly like lotion. It avoids any streaks when used on damp skin. Its scent is pleasing too."
| St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse Best Non-Sticky Formula | Sun Laboratories Dark Sunsation Best Streak-Free Option | JustNutritive Sunless Tanning Lotion - Dark Tones Best Sun-Kissed Natural Color | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | All | All |
| Dimensions | 1.75 x 3 x 1 inches | 3.5 x 3.5 x 10 inches | - |
| Weight | 3.5 Ounces | 10.08 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,147 | 1,225 | 2,130 |
| Price | $44.0 | $18.0 | $34.99 |
4. Best For Dry Skin:Bronze Tan Dark Self Tanning Mousse & Moisturizer
The Bronze Tan Dark Self Tanning Mousse & Moisturizer gives your skin an exotic, bronzed glow without wrinkles, sunspots, and sun damage. It is made from naturally-derived ingredients and infused with vanilla extract, which has a warm and sweet fragrance. This exclusive cutting-edge formula imparts a lovely tan while hydrating the skin. This hydrating self-tanner is easy to apply; just start applying in circular motions with your hand to distribute the product evenly. This way you’ll see visible results in just an hour. The fragrance-free and easy-to-use formula has received more than 4,000 Amazon ratings.
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
The Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse employs a professional-strength formula containing salon-level concentrations. It leaves the skin with a natural olive color and can be applied easily with an instant bronzer. Aromaguard technology gives it a heavenly fragrance. It dries quickly and uses color-guide technology for streak-free tanning. This bronzing mousse has over 1,500 Amazon reviews making it a popular tanning product. It is transfer-proof, so most users find it easy to apply without spilling it on their clothes. Patch testing is essential if you have sensitive skin.
Pros
- Aroma guard technology
- Color-guide technology
- Smooth application
- Non-sticky
- Pleasant scent
- Streak-free
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Might cause allergic reactions
"I have been using this Loving Tan for so many years now. For every situation, it has truly has stuck with me. It has a natural, red-tinged bronze hue that offers excellent tan. It does not feel sticky or have unpleasant odors."
6. Best For Mild Fragrance:Jergens Natural Glow Sun Mousse
The Jergens Natural Glow Sun Mousse is all you need for a flawless, glowing tan. It has a pleasant tropical-fruity fragrance like pomegranate and raspberry with an airy texture. It dries within 60 seconds and develops instantly. The color continues to deepen over the next 24 hours for a natural-looking result. It is also long-lasting, and can be used again after 24 hours for the desired tan. This dermatologically tested mousse improves skin’s hydration levels and is available in three stunning shades — light, deep, and ultra-deep bronze. Patch testing is essential if you have acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Dries quickly
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May feel sticky
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 3,405 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
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 expert-recommended 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.
"I love using this self-tanner. It applies smoothly and does not leave my dry skin patchy or overly sticky. It's great for achieving a natural-looking tan, even on pale skin."
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
"This has become my go-to self-tanner. It delivers a natural olive-toned hue without the dreaded orange cast. It has a coconut scent that is very pleasant. I use a mitt and it applies very smoothly."
9. Best Non-Sticky Option:Coco & Eve Sunny Honey
Give your skin a natural tone with the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey mousse. It contains the world’s first 100% naturally-derived DHA, an active tanning ingredient that comes with skin care benefits that prevent skin damage from the sun or chemicals with proven efficacy. 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 scientifically formulated 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
"This self-tanner has a mousse-like consistency that makes application easy. It blends smoothly and is great to use on tricky areas like the chest. It offers an olive-golden hue that gives that perfect natural-looking tan."
10. Best Antioxidant-Rich Formula:Dolce Vita Sicilian 200X Black Bronzer
The Dolce Vita Sicilian 200X Black Bronzer is a must-have product to get the tan of your dreams. It contains nourishing ingredients like CoQ10, and walnut and macadamia oils. These smoothen your skin, provide a healthy, youthful glow, and help you achieve that perfect skin you always desired. The gradual tanning bronzer also contains high DHA levels that impart a natural-looking tan. It also has odor-blocking properties that help you get rid of any unpleasant after-tan odor.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nourishing ingredients
- Long-lasting
- Streak-free
- Easy to use
Cons
- None
"This bronzing lotion offers my skin a deeper color that I love. It is perfect to use for events. It leaves a very pleasant scent that shines even when mixed with other products. It absorbs well and avoids that unwanted greasy feel."
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
"The MineTan self-tanning foam offers a healthy, golden glow to the skin. I love that the formula is subtle and does not veer into orange territory. The color payoff is spot-on for various skin tones. It offers even application."
12. Best For Teenagers:Beauty by Earth Self Tanner
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 dermatologically tested self tanner does not cause sunburns. It helps prevent the signs of premature aging caused due to the sun’s rays. This clinically-proven 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
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Might leave an orange tint
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 7,869 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
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 skin tint with proven efficacy. 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
"This self-tanner just ticks all the boxes for me. It gives my skin a natural-looking bronze without the orange tint. It has an excellent lasting power of about a week, and it fades evenly."
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 is great for those with deeper complexions and contains vitamin E that hydrates the skin, revealing smoother and softer skin. It gives you a 100% natural-looking glow and sunless tan with instant shimmering effect within 2-4 hours of application. The 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
"If you're aiming to maintain a year-round tan without skin damage, get this self-tanner! It applies easily and dries quickly. I love how it doesn't create that dreaded orange hue. The added shimmer is very subtle and adds a touch of glow to the skin."
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 dull skin appear bright and gorgeous. The results-driven 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
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 4,312 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
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
"This self-tanner offers my skin a natural-looking color. It is quite moisturizing as well. It applies easily and evenly. It doesn't leave a strong odor."
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. The reviewer’s experience suggests that 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 Nourishing Formula:Miami Gorgeous LaPlaya Glow Self Tanning Mousse
The Miami Gorgeous LaPlaya Glow Self Tanning Mousse is all you need for a natural-looking tan that does not appear orange. It is enriched with skin-friendly ingredients like coconut, argan, olive, and jojoba oils that deeply nourish the skin. The self-tanning product also contains skin-nourishing properties like vitamins A, D, and C, and elderflower extract that helps fight free radicals. As the reviewers have pointed out, the radiant bronzing complex provides your desired tan and gives your skin a youthful glow.
Pros
- Dries quickly
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Easy to apply
- Streak-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Runny consistency
- May not suit sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,784 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
Infographic: What To Look For Before Buying Self-Tanners For Dark Skin
Self-tanners are typically thought to give your skin a tan with an extra glow. But the truth is that they can also aid in skin toning and mask skin issues like stretch marks and hyperpigmentation. You can find a self-tanner to give yourself a lovely tan irrespective of your skin type or tone.
Check out the infographic below to know what you should look for while buying a self-tanner for dark skin. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Self-tanners are fun, but finding a proper one that suits dark skin tones can be slightly difficult. Using these tested self-tanners, you can get that sun-kissed look in just minutes. These products help you get glowy skin, hide all the imperfections, those uneven skin tones and, the best part, do not require you to expose yourself to damaging sun rays. Try the St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse for a long-lasting tan with a moodlifting fragrance. Or try the Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse that develops quickly for streak-free tanning, or pick the Coco & Eve Sunny Honey as it’s also moisturizing and nourishing. These self-tanners are easy to use, dry out fast, and suitable for all skin types. However, some products have an unpleasant smell and may leave patches on your skin. So, read the reviews above well before purchasing, and remember to wear gloves before you start tanning.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Read full bio of Blade Tiessen
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