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While I love a good glow, the smell of most self-tanners easily puts me off—along with their sticky texture and questionable ingredients. Having a fair complexion, I’ve learned to embrace my skin rather than spending hours baking in the sun (plus, the health risks are real). That said, I’m all for a little faux glow when I want to amp up the vibrancy.
Even though I’ve found a few non-toxic body tanners I swear by, they rarely work the same magic on my face. And there’s a reason for that. Self-tanners intended for body use can cause breakouts, clog pores, and create too deep (aka, unrealistic) of a tan. So in prep for summer skin, I set out to find the best face self-tanner that’s also non-toxic—trying several myself and also polling the Camille Styles team. Here’s what we came up with.
Feature image from our interview with Mary Ralph Bradley by Michelle Nash.
But First, Tips for the Perfect Faux Face Tan:
- Each of the products below have different application methods. In general, make sure skin is clean, freshly washed, and exfoliated.
- For the most subtle and smooth tan, moisturize your face at least one hour before applying,
- Be sure to spread the tan down your jaw into your neck, over to your ears and up into the hairline for the most natural-looking results. (Avoid getting it in your hair if you’re blond like me. I’ve found buffing the hairline gently with a towel after applying helps).
- Don’t skip washing your hands after finishing your application!
Saltyface Tanning Water
Started by a tan-obsessed Canadian mama, Bethany Menzel couldn’t find anything quite right for tanning her face on the market. Enter Saltyface. The line includes a freckle stain (so fun), daily moisturizer, bronzer, and body foam. It’s very easy to use—you can add a few drops to a moisturizer, or use the mist attachment with brush to give you even more control. The tan appears gradually and is easily buildable, plus there’s zero tanning scent (or really any scent for that matter). It’s also ultralight so you won’t feel it on your skin.
Nuda Face Tan Water
Lightweight, buildable, and designed specifically for the face, this self tanner is perfect for those with sensitive or breakout-prone skin. Made with clean, non-comedogenic ingredients and zero synthetic fragrance, it delivers a subtle, golden glow without the sticky feel or telltale scent. Camille loves this one. The spray application couldn’t be easier—just spritz it on after moisturizing in the morning and it somehow always turns into a natural, streak-free glow by lunch.
Beauty by Earth Self-Tanning Drops
For a customizable glow with clean skin-friendly ingredients (and no DHA), try Beauty by Earth’s Self Tanning Drops, which earned raved reviews from our team. Just mix 1-2 drops into your favorite tinted moisturizer or go-to serum for a gradual, natural-looking tan that builds over time. This formula is also ideal for sensitive skin. A sun-kissed look—without stepping into the sun.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
Vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates—Isle of Paradise Tanning Drops stand out for its benefit of color-correcting additives. With green to reduce redness, peach to brighten dullness, and violet to balance yellow tones, this one helps create a more even, natural-looking tan, especially if your skin tends to be uneven or overreact easily. Plus, added grapefruit, chia seed, and avocado oils help ensure a hydrated, even, long-lasting glow.
Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops
For a skincare-first approach, Coco & Eve’s Bronzing Face Drops are enriched with hyaluronic acid, coconut water, and antioxidants like dragon fruit extract to keep the skin hydrated while creating a natural, streak-less tan. Fragrance-free and won’t clog pores, these are also super lightweight and designed to mix seamlessly into your moisturizer or serum for daily application. Plus, you can use code CAMSTYLES15 for 15% off!
This post was last updated on May 18, 2025 to include new insights.
