Sunless Tanners

Felipe Russell
14 min readJun 18, 2024

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Looking for a flawless glow that doesn’t require a trip to the beach or hours in the sun? Then look no further, as you’ve landed on the right page! In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the best sunless tanners out there that will give you the perfect golden hue all year round. We’ve got everything from mousses to sprays, so you’re sure to find one that suits your skin type and preference. Get ready to glow without any UV rays in sight!

The Top 9 Best Sunless Tanners

  1. Jergens Instant Sun Mousse — Unscented Sunless Tanner — Jergens Instant Sun Mousse Unscented — A lightweight, scent-free, and travel-friendly tanning mousse that provides a natural-looking tan and seamless application with no residue or skin drying issues.
  2. Jergens Natural Glow Sunless Tanning Lotion — Get that instant sun-kissed glow with Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer + Bronzer, a self-tanning lotion infused with coconut oil, vitamin E, and tinted bronzers for a natural, lasting tan without the mess.
  3. Jergens Medium Sunless Tanning Lotion — 5 oz Self-Tanning Mousse Kit — Sol by Jergens Sunless Self-Tanning Water Mousse Medium Kit with Mitt — 5 fl oz provides a natural, sunless tan with an even application and tropical scent, but may cause skin dryness and requires careful consideration of ingredient quality.
  4. Tanologist Drops: Dark Self-Tanning Treatment — 1.01 fl oz — Transform your skincare with Tanologist Drops, a versatile and reliable self-tanning solution that boasts a multi-purpose formula, hassle-free odorless feature, and a transparent formula offering stain-free application for impeccable results.
  5. RemeVerse Glow Self-Tanning Drops: Achieve a Sun-kissed Glow with Customizable Control — RemeVerse Glow Self-Tanning Drops provide a sunless glow while moisturizing and hydrating the skin with naturally-sourced ingredients, resulting in a gentle, even tan that’s easy to apply and suits any skin type.
  6. Tanologist Express Tan: Easy, Light, Sunless Tanning Treatment — Get your perfect, mess-free tan with Tanologist Express Tan Self Tan Water Light Sunless Tanning Treatments — the easy-to-apply, soothing, and vitamin-rich self-tanner solution.
  7. Tanologist Sunless Tanning Water: Golden Hour Glow in an Effortless Spray — Effortlessly achieve a golden glow with Tanologist’s Self-Tanning Water, a quick-drying, mess-free formula available in 3 adaptable shades for a flawless and hydrated tan.
  8. Jergens Natural Glow Skin Tanner for Fair to Medium Skin — Get a flawless, natural-looking glow with Jergens Natural Glow +Firming Self Tanner, boasting a lightweight, easy-to-apply formula that nourishes and improves skin texture without any harsh residue or unpleasant odors.
  9. Botanic Tree Perfect Organic Sunless Tanner for Flawless Bronzer Skin — Bronze your skin effortlessly and naturally with the organic and scented Botanic Tree Self Tanner, a streak-free solution to achieving a flawless tan.

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Reviews

Jergens Instant Sun Mousse — Unscented Sunless Tanner

The Jergens Instant Sun Mousse Unscented is a game-changer in the world of self-tanners. As someone who has long struggled to achieve a natural-looking tan, I can honestly say that this product has been a game-changer. The mousse form makes application a breeze — the lightweight product glides on effortlessly without leaving streaks or a greasy residue.

One of the standout features of this product is its quick-drying formula. Within seconds of application, the product starts to set, eliminating the wait time and mess that often accompanies self-tanning. The scent is unscented, which is a definite plus for those who have trouble tolerating strong fragrances.

While the Jergens Instant Sun Mousse Unscented has been a welcome addition to my self-tanning routine, there have been a few minor drawbacks. I’ve noticed that the product can sometimes leave a slightly patchy finish, which requires a little extra blending to achieve the ultimate sun-kissed look. Additionally, it’s important to moisturize and exfoliate regularly to maintain a seamless, even tan.

Overall, though, I’d highly recommend this product to anyone in search of a convenient, natural-looking alternative to traditional tanning methods. It may not be perfect, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.

Jergens Natural Glow Sunless Tanning Lotion

Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer + Bronzer offers a sunless tanning experience without the need for sun exposure or the hassle of mess. With a combination of instant and deep, even color, this lotion provides a flawless tan suitable for before or after a day at the beach. Infused with coconut oil, vitamin E, and tinted bronzers, the Jergens self-tanner leaves skin feeling smooth and moisturized while spreading a sun-kissed glow.

One of the highlights of this product is the ease of application, combined with a pleasant scent. Users appreciate that the lotion spreads evenly and dries quickly, reducing the risk of unwanted stains on clothing or furniture. However, some users find the consistency tacky and may experience residue after application. Despite these minor drawbacks, Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer + Bronzer provides a natural-looking tan while nourishing the skin.

Jergens Medium Sunless Tanning Lotion — 5 oz Self-Tanning Mousse Kit

For those days when the sun is nowhere in sight but you still want that sun-kissed glow, the SOL by Jergens self-tanning water mousse is your tropical escape in a bottle. Formulated with natural sugars, this medium-toned mousse promises a long-lasting, authentic suntan.

Infused with coconut water and passion fruit essence, its translucent foam provides a smooth and even application. While some users found the tan to be too orange and inconsistent, others raved about the product’s easy, scent-free application.

Just be sure to wash your hands after use to avoid staining your mitt.

Tanologist Drops: Dark Self-Tanning Treatment — 1.01 fl oz

Transform your skincare routine into a personalized self-tanning experience with these transparent, concentrated drops. Easily blend them with your favorite moisturizer for a customized, multi-purpose formula. Depending on your desired level of depth, mix 1–12 drops into your moisturizer and gently apply it to your skin for a quick, refreshing tan.

Its scentless feature offers an invigorating, odorless experience, keeping you feeling fresh and clean. The transparent formula also prevents stains on your clothes, making it a practical and hassle-free choice. These self-tanning drops are versatile, allowing you to customize your tan by adjusting the number of drops added to your moisturizer — more drops provide a deeper tan, while fewer provide a lighter shade.

A user-friendly, lightweight product that doesn’t leave any residue, it offers a gentle and consistent application. Suitable for all adult skin types, its vegan ingredients are gentle on the skin, ensuring a high-quality finish. These self-tanning drops are a perfect blend of ease, efficiency, and consistency, ensuring a flawless, natural-looking tan.

RemeVerse Glow Self-Tanning Drops: Achieve a Sun-kissed Glow with Customizable Control

As a self-tanning enthusiast, I recently tried the RemeVerse Glow Self-Tanning Drops. Not only did it provide me with a natural, sun-kissed glow, but it also felt incredibly hydrating thanks to its enriched formula featuring chamomile extract and glycerin.

These self-tanning drops easily blended into my existing moisturizer, allowing me to create a customized depth of color that suited my preference. The formula’s gentleness made it perfect for those prone to skin irritation, and it kept my skin moisturized throughout the day.

However, a downside was that the product packaging could be slightly smaller and more convenient for everyday use. Overall, the RemeVerse Glow Self-Tanning Drops delivered a lovely, natural-looking tan while nourishing my skin, making it worth adding to my skincare routine.

Tanologist Express Tan: Easy, Light, Sunless Tanning Treatment

After using Tanologist Express Tan, I was impressed by how easily it blended onto my skin. The clear formula made application smooth and effortless, with no need for gloves or other tools. The light scent was pleasant and didn’t cause any irritation or allergic reactions. The end result was a natural-looking tan that I could control based on the amount of time I let it sit on my skin. While it did take some experimenting to find the perfect shade, once I found it, I was able to achieve a flawless, even tan.

One downside I encountered was the occasional transfer to clothing or surfaces, which was a bit inconvenient. However, this was easily remedied by simply wiping it off. The occasional stickiness was also something I had to get used to, but overall, these minor issues didn’t significantly affect my experience with the product.

Overall, Tanologist Express Tan delivered a natural-looking, self-tanning experience that was easy to use and provided versatility in color selection. Its gentle formula made it suitable even for those with sensitive skin or allergies, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to achieve a sunless glow.

Tanologist Sunless Tanning Water: Golden Hour Glow in an Effortless Spray

Tanologist Mist n Glow is a multi-use, clear self-tan mist for face and body, promising an effortless Golden Hour Glow. While it comes with a warning of being an eye irritant, the product itself is lightweight and non-comedogenic, ensuring it won’t clog pores.

Its scent is comparable to most self-tanners, with a hint being milder. However, despite its adaptable shades that range from a light glow to a dark bronze, the product can lean towards the orange side of undertones.

A significant drawback is the mess factor — while application is quick and easy, it’s harder to gauge where the clear mist has covered. Furthermore, it can transfer onto clothes and bedding, though this can generally be washed out.

User ratings have been average at a 3.3, with the pros including the product’s forgiveness and lack of any harsh scent. However, there’s also consensus that it’s not the most orangey or streaky, which can be seen as a con. In general, Tanologist Mist n Glow seems to perform best on those with a neutral undertone or tan skin looking for a subtle golden hue.

Overall, the product fits in well with its sustainability claim of being cruelty-free, but it may not be the best option for those looking for a deep tan or perfect color without the orange touch.

Jergens Natural Glow Skin Tanner for Fair to Medium Skin

Jergens Natural Glow is a versatile self-tanner with a natural glow and firming benefits. It’s great for achieving a gradual, natural-looking tan before or after going to the beach. It’s infused with collagen, elastin, and polymers to improve the look of cellulite and leaves your skin feeling nourished and moisturized.

One of the best things about this self-tanner is that it doesn’t have that unpleasant sunless tanning scent. Instead, it has a light, fresh scent that people appreciate. It also applies easily without leaving a mess and is non-sticky which makes it a great choice for daily use. However, some customers reported that the product could stain their clothing, so it’s recommended to be careful while applying it.

A major downside to this product is that it doesn’t leave a consistent tan. It requires multiple applications to achieve the desired color, which can be time-consuming for some people. Additionally, the dispenser may be a bit tricky to use, especially if you’re not used to dealing with it. Despite these limitations, Jergens Natural Glow is still a popular choice among many for its natural, streak-free look and the fact that it doesn’t leave a strong, unpleasant odor.

Botanic Tree Perfect Organic Sunless Tanner for Flawless Bronzer Skin

Give yourself a radiant glow without the harsh UV rays with Botanic Tree’s Self Tanner. This natural and organic lotion provides a flawless bronzed look, allowing you to achieve a golden tan effortlessly. Its plant-based formula is free from synthetic fragrances and toxic chemicals, making it a cruelty-free and gentle choice for your skin.

Made with organic botanical extracts, nourishing oils, and vitamins, this tanner is enriched with shea butter and 10 fruit extracts that hydrate, refresh, and rejuvenate your skin. The lotion has a light tropical fragrance that leaves a pleasant scent on your skin and around you.

Botanic Tree’s Self Tanner is easy to apply for a streak-free finish, and the tint develops gradually, giving you ultimate control over your desired shade. Its gentle formula suits all skin types and can be used on both your body and face for a natural and healthy-looking tan.

Maintain your radiant glow effortlessly by reapplying every 4–5 days. Stay flawless and confident with Botanic Tree’s Self Tanner — the perfect addition to your self-care routine.

Buyer’s Guide

Are you looking to achieve a beautiful bronze glow without spending time under the sun? Sunless tanners could be the perfect solution for you. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll go over the essential features, considerations, and advice to help you choose the best sunless tanner for your skin type and preferences.

Important Features of Sunless Tanners

When shopping for a sunless tanner, there are a few key features you should consider to ensure a natural-looking and long-lasting tan. These include the following:

  1. Ingredients: Look for formulas that contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone) or Erythulose, both of which are FDA-approved ingredients responsible for creating a temporary tan. 2. Application method: Sunless tanners come in various forms such as mousses, lotions, gels, sprays, and self-tanning wipes. Choose the one that best suits your preferences and skill level. 3. Guide color: Many sunless tanners have a guide color that helps you see where you’ve applied the product more easily. This feature can be particularly helpful for beginners. 4. Skin type compatibility: Make sure to choose a sunless tanner that suits your skin type, whether it’s oily, dry, sensitive, or acne-prone. 5. Fragrance-free or scented: If you’re sensitive to fragrances, look for unscented or fragrance-free sunless tanners.

Considerations Before Purchasing a Sunless Tanner

Before buying a sunless tanner, consider the following factors:

  1. Skin Tone: Different sunless tanners come in various shades which are suitable for different skin tones. Determine your natural complexion and choose a shade that complements it. 2. Price: Sunless tanners can range from budget-friendly to luxury options. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and whether the product’s features justify the cost. 3. Availability: Make sure to purchase your sunless tanner from a trusted retailer or website. This will help you avoid potential issues with counterfeit products.

General Advice for Using Sunless Tanners

To help you get the best results from your sunless tanner, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Exfoliate: Remove dead skin cells before applying the tanner to ensure a smooth application and an even tan. 2. Moisturize: Keep your skin well-moisturized, especially in dry areas such as elbows and knees. This will help prevent the tanner from settling into those areas, reducing the risk of orange-tinged patches. 3. Apply the tanner in sections: To prevent any streaks or unnatural-looking tanner lines, apply the tanner in small sections, using long, even strokes. 4. Allow it to dry before dressing up or heading out: Ensure the tanner is completely dry before getting dressed or leaving the house. Allowing it to set will help prevent transferring it onto clothes or furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a sunless tan last? What are the common mistakes when using a sunless tanner? These are some of the frequently asked questions that can help you make an informed decision when choosing a sunless tanner. Researching these topics will enable you to familiarize yourself with the product and its application.

FAQ

What is a Sunless Tanner?

A sunless tanner is a self-tanning product that allows you to achieve a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without having to expose your skin to the sun. It works by mimicking the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the body’s natural tan, using ingredients like dihydroxyacetone (DHA) or erythrulose.

There are various types of sunless tanners available, including lotions, creams, sprays, gels, and mousses. They can be applied to your skin using different methods such as a mitt, a tanning brush, or even your hands. Sunless tanners are available in a range of shades, allowing you to customize your desired level of tan.

What should I consider before buying a Sunless Tanner?

When purchasing a sunless tanner, it’s essential to consider factors such as your skin type, the desired shade of tan, the formula (e. g. , lotion, cream, spray), and the application method. People with different skin types may react differently to certain products, so it’s vital to choose a sunless tanner suitable for your skin. Additionally, if you have sensitive skin or experience irritation when using tanning products, opt for a hypoallergenic or fragrance-free formula.

Also, consider the shade you want to achieve. Light, medium, and dark bronzers will give you varying degrees of tan, so choose the one that best suits your skin tone and desired result. Finally, read reviews to learn from others’ experiences with the product, as this can help you make an informed decision before purchasing.

How long does a Sunless Tanner last?

Sunless tanners typically last between 3 to 7 days, depending on the individual’s skin type and how well the product is applied and maintained. To maximize the duration of the tan, exfoliate regularly, moisturize your skin, and avoid sweaty or wet environments to prevent the product from washing away prematurely.

It’s also important to note that sunless tanners are not a permanent solution for achieving a tan. As the skin cells naturally slough off, the tan will fade, which is why reapplication is often necessary to maintain the desired shade. Some sunless tanners may also claim to be long-lasting or to contain ingredients that promote a more prolonged tan, but these results can vary greatly from person to person.

What are the benefits of using a Sunless Tanner?

There are several benefits to using a sunless tanner, including the ability to achieve a natural-looking tan without exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful rays. This helps reduce the risk of skin damage, sunburn, and skin cancer associated with excessive sun exposure. Sunless tanners can also be a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional tanning methods, such as visiting a tanning salon or spending time in a UV tanning bed.

Additionally, sunless tanners are available in various shades, allowing you to choose the perfect level of tan to suit your personal style and preferences. They can be a great option for those looking to achieve a glow in the winter months when it’s more challenging to get a natural tan. Finally, using a sunless tanner instead of exposing yourself to UV rays is better for the environment, as it eliminates the need for fossil fuel-based tanning beds and their associated emissions.

What are the potential drawbacks of using a Sunless Tanner?

Despite its benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to using a sunless tanner. Some people may experience skin irritation, allergic reactions, or discoloration after applying the product. It’s crucial to patch test new sunless tanners on a small area of your skin before applying a full layer to avoid any negative reactions.

Additionally, applying sunless tanners incorrectly can result in an unnatural or orange-looking tan. Some factors that can contribute to an uneven application include not exfoliating or moisturizing your skin beforehand, using a tanning mitt, and not blending the product thoroughly. It’s essential to follow the application instructions and tips provided by the manufacturer to achieve the best results.

Are there any risks associated with using a Sunless Tanner?

Sunless tanners are generally considered safe, but there are some potential risks associated with their use. Ingesting or inhaling the product may lead to health concerns, so it’s essential to always apply sunless tanners using the recommended method and avoid ingesting them accidentally. Some sunless tanners contain ingredients that may not be suitable for all skin types, so it’s crucial to choose a product that is suitable for your skin.

Additionally, people who have recently shaved or waxed their skin should be cautious when using sunless tanners, as the product can temporarily darken hair follicles, making them appear thicker or more prominent. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that while sunless tanners do not expose your skin to UV rays, they should still not be applied excessively, as overuse can lead to skin irritation or other issues.

As an Amazon Associate, I receive compensation from qualifying purchases!

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Felipe Russell
Felipe Russell

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