You Can Use These Self-Tanners on All Skin Tones, and We Have Pics to Prove It (2025)

Ask any dermatologist for their number one skincare tip, and we bet they'll say that applying a broad-spectrum SPF daily is the best thing you can do for your complexion. If you're still yearning for a slight bronzy glow, a self-tanner is your best bet. Whether you have fair skin and are looking for a tan or already have a deeper tone and want to have a more glowing and even complexion, everyone can use self-tanner.

"These products are an excellent alternative to traditional harmful tanning methods," says Nadia Kihiczak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. When applied to the skin, the active ingredient—DHA—triggers what's called a “Maillard reaction” when it contacts the dead cells in the skin's outermost layer, explains Kihiczak. This reaction generates pigments that temporarily darken the skin and simulate a tan, usually within a few hours of application, but sometimes almost instantaneously. Then, as the dead "browned" skin cells naturally shed over the course of three to seven days, color fades accordingly.

These days, there's a formula to suit every desire, from body lotions that offer quick and easy results to foaming mousses that give you professional-looking tans at home. Ahead, shop self-tanners that will give you that summertime glow in no time.

The experts:

• Nadia Kihiczak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City
• Michele Silva of Holy Tans

In addition to giving your skin a bit of glowing color, the formula infuses caffeine and pea extract to help improve circulation, firmness, and elasticity. “The best thing about this tanner is there was absolutely no weird cookie smell on my skin after application," says Rosie Hopegood, former Oprah Daily deputy health editor. "It went on smoothly and easily, too. The effect was pretty light but did give me a nice hint of tan and a bit of a glow. Overall, it’s a nice natural, gradual tanner for your body, but it definitely isn’t going to make you look like you’ve just come back from the Bahamas.”

Former Oprah Daily deputy health editor Rosie Hopegood shows the before and after photos of her arm after using the Coola Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion.

"I’ll be honest: As a Black woman with cocoa-colored skin, I’ve never really thought about using self-tanner. Yes, I have friends with my complexion who have tried it, and I do love a safely procured sun-kissed glow, but using self-tanner hasn’t topped my beauty to-do list, so this was a fun experiment in uncharted territory," explains Holly Carter, Oprah Daily contributing lifestyle editor. "The mousse consistency made it easy to slather on in sweeping motions with the glove that’s included, as the instructions suggested. I left it on for about an hour and focused on my legs and arms. While I didn’t notice a big color difference, the tan lines from my bathing suit are now nicely evened out. I hopped in my car that has beige seats and the color didn’t transfer, thank the Lord. And I feel pretty sun-kissed—sans the sun!"

Oprah Daily contributing lifestyle editor Holly Carter shows off the application process of the Tanologist Express Tan 1 Hour Self Tan Extra Dark Mousse.

If you're a newbie to the self-tanner world or simply hate the process of waiting for the tan to develop, you'll love this instant formula. It comes in seven shades, ranging from fair to deep, and gives your skin a light coat of color that evens out your skin tone and adds a little bit of color. “This is by far the quickest, mess-free ‘tan’ I’ve found," says Kate Sandoval Box, Oprah Daily beauty director. "I swear you can’t mess up—I’ve sprayed my legs as I’m walking out the door. I like that it’s subtle—enough to even me out but not so much to make my legs an entirely different shade.”

Oprah Daily beauty director Kate Sandoval Box applied the AllEven Colour Shield on one of her legs in the office to show how quick and easy it is to use.

A few spritzes of this vegan, cruelty-free self-tanning mist give you a soft and subtle glow. "I'm someone who tans very easily, but I noticed that the one place that tans least is my face. I love that this one is simple to use and refreshing," says Mandie Montes, Oprah Daily social media editor. "I spritz the product a couple of times on my face in the evening as my last step in my skincare routine. The results are subtle, but I think it has rejuvenated my skin and given me the natural summer glow I've been looking for! I'll definitely continue to use it, as it's low-lift and user-friendly."

Oprah Daily social media editor Mandie Montes shows her before and after photos after using the Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Face Mist.

This innovative formula gets its glow from sugar beets and lasts a few days, according to Oprah Daily fashion editor Sara Klausing. “Whenever I use the Suntegrity self-tanner at night, I receive continuous compliments throughout the following day," says Klausing. "If you’re looking for noticeable results after just one use, the Suntegrity glow is for you. The product itself feels like a luxurious moisturizing lotion. There’s also a nice, light fruity scent that’s a delightful alternative to the faux-sun aroma that you might expect from other self-tanners. It’s worth noting that I have combination skin, and with each use, I awoke to a gorgeous and even glow."

Before and after photos of Sara Klausing, Oprah Daily fashion editor, using the Suntegrity Moisturizing Lotion.

A self-tanner that gives quick, mess-free results and nourishes skin all in one, this luxurious serum contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, niacinamide to even skin tone, vitamin B5 to soothe, and a collagen-enhancing complex. It delivers an island-kissed look in just four to eight hours and requires no rinsing. For the best results, remember to exfoliate and moisturize before using with a mitt.

Get transported to an Australian beach with this sweet coconut-scented formula. It also contains aloe vera to soothe and hydrate skin. The lightweight foam is available in light/medium, dark, and ultra-dark shades, and it develops in six to eight hours. It's a great option for those looking for a super bronzey glow.

If you're a beginner looking to dip your toe into self-tanning formulas, this is perfect for you. It's a noncommittal formula that gives you a matte tan that washes away in the shower. It also hydrates the skin, thanks to hyaluronic microspheres, ceramides, shea butter, and aloe leaf extracts. It's the perfect option for those who are looking to even out their skin tone from dark spots, varicose veins, stretch marks, or red, bumpy skin.

You don't need to spend a fortune on a quality formula. This daily moisturizer is readily available at drugstores and is formulated with hydrating coconut water, collagen, and elastin to leave skin firmer, hydrated, and delicately tanned. You need to apply it on like body lotion every day, and within a few days, you'll notice a subtle and radiant glow. If you prefer more drastic results, it's recommended to use it more frequently.

To build a natural-looking glow on your face, add three to four drops of this fragrance-free formula to your moisturizer. It's easy to apply and offers healthy and radiant results. The formula also has aloe vera and glycerin to hydrate and soothe skin. It gives your complexion a light and glowing boost. To maintain your results, apply it to your moisturizer three to four times a week.

Technically, this is just a body oil, but it gives this delicious chocolate sheen that perfectly evens out medium and dark skin tones and makes you look radiant. Nourishing oils, such as coconut and sunflower seed, are great for moisturizing dry skin types and softening your complexion. Note: It's a short-term solution to glowing, bronzed skin, so the results only last up until your next shower.

This drugstore mainstay is popular for a reason: The droplets are nonsticky, fragrance-free, and supremely buildable. Plus, they work on all skin types, are infused with skin-loving hyaluronic acid, and can be added to nearly any moisturizer or serum. It immediately gives you a glow, but it also gradually sets into the skin for a deeper finish. You can also customize your finish, depending on how many drops you add to your moisturizer.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with experts to learn about self-tanners and how they work. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.