While a sun-kissed glow is appealing, many self-tanners come with unpleasant scents and sticky textures. As someone with fair skin, I prefer to celebrate my natural tone instead of baking under the sun (and the health risks are significant). However, I appreciate a little faux glow to brighten my complexion.
Although I've discovered several body tanners that I love, finding ones suitable for my face has been a challenge. Body tanners can lead to breakouts, clogged pores, and overly dark results. With summer approaching, I decided to find the best non-toxic face self-tanners, testing several products and gathering input from a trusted team. Here are our top picks.
Feature image from our interview with Mary Ralph Bradley by Michelle Nash.
Essential Tips for Your Ideal Faux Face Tan:
- Each product has its own application method. Ensure your skin is clean, freshly washed, and exfoliated before use.
- For a subtle and smooth tan, apply moisturizer at least an hour prior to self-tanning.
- Blend the product down your jawline, around your ears, and into your hairline for a seamless look. If you're blonde like me, gently buffing the hairline with a towel post-application can help avoid discoloration.
- Don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the tanner!
Saltyface Tanning Water
Created by a Canadian mom passionate about tanning, Saltyface offers a line that includes a freckle stain, daily moisturizer, bronzer, and body foam. Its user-friendly formula allows you to mix it with a moisturizer or use the mist for precise application. The tan develops gradually, is easily buildable, and has no unpleasant tanning scent, feeling weightless on the skin.
$44 at Goop $48 at Saltyface $22 at SaltyfaceNuda Face Tan Water
This lightweight, buildable self-tanner is designed for sensitive skin. With clean, non-comedogenic ingredients and no synthetic fragrances, it creates a natural golden glow without stickiness or odor. Camille adores this product; just a few spritzes after your morning moisturizer lead to a beautiful, streak-free tan by lunchtime.
Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Drops
For a customizable tan using clean, skin-friendly ingredients without DHA, consider Beauty by Earth's Self Tanning Drops. These drops mix seamlessly with your favorite tinted moisturizer or serum to create a gradual, natural-looking tan. Ideal for sensitive skin, they offer a sun-kissed glow without sun exposure.
Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Drops
$32 at Beauty by EarthIsle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
Vegan and cruelty-free, Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops are notable for their color-correcting properties. Featuring green for neutralizing redness, peach for brightening, and violet for balancing yellow tones, they promote an even, natural tan. Enriched with grapefruit, chia seed, and avocado oils, your skin remains hydrated while achieving a long-lasting glow.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
$29 at AmazonCoco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops
With a focus on skincare, Coco & Eve's Bronzing Face Drops contain hyaluronic acid, coconut water, and antioxidants like dragon fruit extract to hydrate your skin while giving you a natural, streak-free tan. These fragrance-free drops won't clog pores and can be easily mixed into your moisturizer or serum for daily use. Plus, use code CAMSTYLES15 for a 15% discount!
Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops
$28 at Coco & EveThis post was last updated on May 18, 2025 to include new insights.
