Did you know having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for skin cancer? “The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an affiliate of the World Health Organization, includes ultraviolet (UV) tanning devices in its Group 1, a list of agents that are cancer-causing to humans. Group 1 also includes agents such as plutonium, cigarettes and solar UV radiation,” notes the Skin Cancer Foundation. Those are just some of the statistics indicated on the organization’s website. That’s enough information to inspire me to lather up with sunscreen, wear protective clothing in the sun, and to steer clear of tanning beds. The good news is there are many options if you still want to achieve a more bronze complexion, and tanning drops seem to be one of the preferred methods. Many of the choices we came across even utilize natural ingredients. Essentially, tanning drops can be added by the drop into your regular moisturizer so that you can customize the depth of your “tan.“ Just be sure to take your time and mix well while applying evenly. We chose our top picks for the best tanning drops by thoroughly sifting through reviews and ratings.
Good to know
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4.6 star rating
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Vegan and cruelty-free
Some skin products are designed just for beauty, but this is one of the many options intended to enhance skin health. Various ingredients, such as cocoa extract, wrinkle-reducing platinum peptides, and Chronocyclin, which mimic vitamin D’s benefits, all come together to enhance the overall result. While providing a flattering glow, these drops enhance the skin barrier while being free of essential oils, silicones, chemical sunscreens, fragrances and alcohols. With a pH of 4.8, the formula is also described to be skin friendly. Recyclable packaging is also kinder to the environment.
What People Are Saying
“Highly highly recommend! I mix this in with a sunscreen, moisturizer or primer and it adds a healthy, luminous glow to the skin. You don’t need much, maybe a pea size or even less, and I take it all the way down to my neck and chest. “
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4.7 star rating
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Dermatologist approved
Being someone with sensitive skin, I’m often prevented from venturing out and trying new or innovative products. But since this product is dermatologically tested, it is also deemed noncomedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin. The fact that this is made from 97% natural ingredients is an alluring aspect for someone who reacts badly to various chemicals. Described to be suitable for all skin tones, this one’s not supposed to leave streaks behind. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
What People Are Saying
“The self tanner I normally use is no longer for sale. I really wanted to find something for my face so I tried the St. Tropez Glow Drops. I was very pleased with the results. This will now be my go to!”
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4.7 star rating
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Dermatologist approved
These drops are noncomedogenic, meaning they aren’t supposed to clog up your pores. Dermatologists have also given this product a thumbs up. What’s intriguing about this option is that it’s dye-free, and self-described to provide the “cleanest” glow to the face and body.
What People Are Saying
“I love these tanning drops so much. I put them on with my lotion at night before bed and the next day I have a beautiful tan. I also use a gradual tan lotion with them. It doesn’t wash off too much in the shower and there is no stinky after smell like with using the mousse.”
Good to Know
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4.6 star rating
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Vegan
We are impressed that besides providing a summer glow, this product also helps protect against environmental stressors while boosting hydration with hyaluronic acid. If you have skin redness, this may be reduced over time. But always seek a dermatologist’s advice if you’re not sure the root of your skin woes. The pigment washes off if you’re not a fan of the look or want to change.
What People Are Saying
“What an incredible product for glow that is literally feather light and dewy on the skin. No breakouts. I feel it is slightly moisturizing.”
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4.5 star rating
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Dermatologist tested
Perhaps one of your biggest concerns with using any tanning product is the dreaded staining of your beloved sheets or favorite shirt. Since this serum is “no tint,“ it is described as not transferring onto fabrics but should stay on your skin. Being fragrance-free and nonabrasive, the description mentions that the formula suits delicate skin. They have both the beauty and the health side covered, as this has been both salon and dermatologically tested while being made in England.
What People Are Saying
“My face is resistant to tanning. I used this with my own serum and got immediate results. Natural-looking tan that lasts at least a week. A more budget-friendly option than the St. Tropez Self Tan Tonic Glow Drops.”
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4.1 star rating
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Plant-based
Naturally derived DHA and erythrulose are the key components behind this plant-based tanning formula. Other ingredients include moisture-binding aloe vera and dehydration-defying glycerin. Impressive 99% natural origin ingredients have been used to develop these particular drops.
What People Are Saying
“I wasn’t expecting much. I’ve always bought the clarins self tan gel but I believe this replaced that product. I thought I’d give it a go and so glad I did. I like this even better!”
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5 star rating
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Antioxidants
Various ingredients, such as DHA, vitamin C and apple extracts, provide a combination of hydration and anti-aging benefits. Troxerutin is a plant-derived antioxidant that can potentially help fight free radicals on the skin. So if you’re looking for something to help with the effects of too much natural tanning, this might be an option.
What People Are Saying
“ I used in my body moisturizer, water based one because i was not sure if oils would change the color or repel absorption. And it worked perfectly and even … you pick your shade based on drops, easy as that!”
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4.3 star rating
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Fragrance-free
A major pro to this formula is that it’s not supposed to be sticky. However, it still provides plenty of moisture and hydration with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. Not only is this designed to give that summer bronze hue, but it should also leave your skin feeling smooth and fresh. While described as streak-free, reviews still mention taking caution in ensuring it is evenly and thoroughly applied to prevent inconsistencies. Use the fragrance-free drops on your face and neck.
What People Are Saying
“Lightweight oil, easy to pour and mix into moisturizer. A little will go a long way, start off with 2-3 drops to make sure no streaks or missing spots. Amazed at how quickly it worked overnight. “
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4.5 star rating
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Cruelty-free
As you’re probably noticing, hyaluronic acid is a popular ingredient in self-tanning drops. The ingredient helps attract and hold moisture for plumper and more hydrated skin. Chamomile, calendula, and green tea have also been used to enhance skin benefits. Dermatologists have also tested the formula, which is paraben and cruelty-free. The result is described to be natural, without putting off that dreaded self-tanner smell.
What People Are Saying
“I am fair, so I started by adding 2 drops to my usual pump of lotion. I saw a very vague difference, so next time I tried 4 drops, and I liked that result better. As with any self tanner, you must be careful and thorough while applying.”
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4.6 star rating
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Vegan and cruelty-free
Color correction technology is used not only to provide a gorgeous glow, but it’s also designed to correct any inconsistencies across an existing skin tone. Described as natural, the ingredients in the vegan and cruelty-free drops are detailed to help provide a uniform tan. Fruit extracts, hyaluronic acid and hibiscus flower extract are a few of the premium and tested ingredients. Being skin friendly, it can be used on the face and body.
What People Are Saying
“I’m super happy with these. I’ve never used self tanner drops so I was hesitant but I get pale in the winter and this seemed easier/better than laying in a tanning bed. I started with 3-4 drops then went up to 5-6 drops.”
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4.4 star rating
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Vegan and cruelty-free
Coconut water is at the heart of the formula, detailed to hydrate and improve skin elasticity. A variation of botanicals, different types of hyaluronic acid, dragon fruit and banana come together to combat signs of aging while enriching the skin with vitamins and nutrients. You can add color to the skin, but ingredients that help boost your skin’s health will only enhance that glow. The clean formula is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
What People Are Saying
“Excellent product, easy to apply 2 drips with your moisturizer & blend. Two hours or less your face is tanned, no streaks or orange color. Love it!”
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4.3 star rating
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Organic
Words such as “organic” and “natural” always catch my eye when looking for any type of beauty product. So, of course, this vegan formula jumped out with its clean composition, using ingredients like aloe vera and coconut water. Beauty by Earth touts itself as the leading clean self-tanning brand, offering mists, serums and mousse.
What People Are Saying
“This stuff is the absolute best! I have tried many self tanning products and this one by far is my favorite AND its ingredients are clean, so that’s a bonus! It’s easy to use and doesn’t give an orange tone. I’m definitely a big fan and will be buying more!”
Good to Know
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4.3 star rating
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Cruelty-free
Concentrated DHA is used to stimulate darker or more golden skin. Color-correcting additives are described to tan skin in two to four hours. You can apply this in the morning and watch your tan develop throughout the day, right before date night. Natural enzymes also go to work to help repair skin, boosting hydration. While this is crafted not to have an intense smell, some folks note it goes on a little sticky. To round off this winner of a product, it’s also cruelty-free.
What People Are Saying
“I used this for the first time the other day, and I must say, I’m pretty impressed. I got a nice, bronzed tan after just 1 application. However, like the other reviews stated, this does go on a little sticky”
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4.4 star rating
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Vegan and cruelty-free
Use this on both your face and body, to achieve a “medium“ color that is made to be lightweight, so that application is seamless. The premium ingredients have been tested, so the product is also classified as skin friendly. Some of the noteworthy vegan and cruelty-free ingredients include hyaluronic acid, hibiscus flower extract and other fruit extracts.
What People Are Saying
“I was very pleased. It did not leave me with an orange tint. Easy to use. Overall very pleased.”
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4.2 star rating
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Good ingredients
Farmhouse Fresh stands out because of the consistent quality that is put into all of its products. Self-described as having “epicurean flair,” their skin care products are delicately crafted. If the ingredients aren’t certified organic, they are primarily natural. The same principles have been incorporated into their tanning drops, which provide color and are also mentioned to revitalize and replenish the skin, particularly the moisture barrier.
What People Are Saying
“Love this. Natural color. No weird orange streaks and easy to apply. I just mix a couple pumps in with my body lotion.”
