People “fake” tan to achieve a desired skin tone without the harmful effects of UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds, which can cause premature aging and skin cancer. They may also use it to hide skin imperfections like scars or stretch marks, even out skin tone, or to achieve a healthier-looking appearance for special occasions. Fake tanning provides a quick and convenient way to get a “sun-kissed” glow at home.  

Benefits of fake tanning

• UV protection: It allows people to get a tanned look without the risks of sun exposure, such as sunburn, skin damage, wrinkles, and skin cancer. 
• Improved appearance: Fake tan can create an even skin tone, and some products can help hide minor skin blemishes like scars and stretch marks. It can also make a person appear to have a slimmer physique by highlighting muscle tone. 
• Convenience and accessibility: Users can apply it at home to get a desired tan, which saves time and the cost of salon visits or sun exposure. 
• Versatility: Fake tan is used for special events like parties or vacations, or simply to boost confidence year-round. 
• Skin health: Some self-tanning products contain moisturizing ingredients that can nourish the skin. 

Aesthetic and Emotional Benefits

A tan is often associated with a healthy, vibrant appearance in Western culture and can have a positive psychological impact. Reasons for this include: 

• Enhanced Confidence: Many people report feeling more attractive, happier, and confident with a tan.
• Appearance of Health and Vitality: A “sun-kissed glow” can make individuals feel and look healthier, suggesting they have been active outdoors or on vacation.
• Camouflaging Imperfections: Self-tanner can help mask minor skin imperfections such as veins, cellulite, or hyperpigmentation, and can also make teeth appear whiter.
• Body Contouring: Tanning can create the illusion of a more toned or slimmer physique, which is why bodybuilders often use it.
• Even Skin Tone: For people of all skin tones, including Black and brown individuals, self-tanner can be used to even out the overall complexion and correct undertones. 

Why use nontoxic self-tanner?

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that skin absorbs an average of 64% of contaminants. Typical self-tanners contain toxic ingredients, including mineral oil (a petroleum-based product that blocks pores and can be carcinogenic); sodium hydroxymethylglycinate which may break down into formaldehyde; isopropyl myristate which may bind to skin as nitrate (a carcinogen); amyl acetate which is sometimes used as a paint and lacquer solvent (gross); octyl stearate, an irritant that blocks pores; and other artificial fragrances and dyes made of petrochemicals. 

Since none of us wants our largest organ covered in potentially cancer-causing chemicals, not to mention the nasty smell of DHA, I’ve rounded up the best nontoxic tanning products to keep your summer glow without the toxic load.

These brands are made with natural and organic ingredients, chemical-free, and some with a luxurious feel. My personal preference is also to avoid plastic containers, so most of my recommendations will come in a glass container.

1. TYPOLOGY | Tan-Complexion Serum Botanical Blend with Buriti $40-$70

Artisan-style beauty B Corporation Made in France , made of six plant extracts of active ingredients (plant cells, plant oils, and essential oils), this serum revives the radiance of your skin, giving you an instant, subtle summer tan. Buriti oil is rich in beta-carotene, an orange-colored plant pigment found in carrots that is chock-full of antioxidants. Used in their proprietary blend, just a few drops of the serum as the final step in your skincare routine results in a sun-kissed glow. It’s suitable for all skin types (although if you tend towards oily skin, they recommend only applying the serum at night). All ingredients are certified organic, 100% naturally derived, vegan, and packaged in a recyclable glass bottle with a glass pipette.

2. TRUE BOTANICALS | Bronze Well Regenerative Glow Drops $120

Give your skin an instant golden-hour glow with these instant glowing drops, a luxurious treatment oil designed to nourish, hydrate, and illuminate all skin types and tones. Packed with potent antioxidants, carotenoid-rich oils, pro-vitamin A apricot kernel oil, and soothing calendula, these drops fight fine lines, dryness, and dullness while protecting your skin barrier from free radical damage. Use it as the final step in your routine for a luminous finish or mix a few drops into your moisturizer or foundation for a subtle, sun-kissed radiance.

3. BEAUTY BY EARTH | Tanning Drops $32 (save with code LAURABRUJ when you shop)

Ethically-made with organic ingredients, supporting skin health and environmental sustainability. Committed to transparency and safety, Beauty by Earth products are rated by the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database, ensuring you’ll feel confident and nurtured with every use. Compact design, cruelty free and vegan, this innovative formula allows you to achieve a custom, natural-looking tan without the harmful effects of the sun. Simply add the desired number of drops to your favorite moisturizer, and watch your skin transform into a beautiful, radiant bronze. Suitable for face and body. streak free and customizable tan color.

4. PAI | The Impossible Tan Hydrating Self Tan Drops $49

B corporation,Vegan, Cruelty-free, a 100% natural and certified organic self tan that’s clinically proven to hydrate as it glows – and suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

5. MAYA CHIA Water Color Super Antioxidant Hydrating Serum + Gradual Self-Tan $65

Here is a multi-correctional tinted serum that intensely hydrate the skin, delivering super antioxidants to the skin while providing the added benefit of a gradual sunless tan for a healthy radiant glow. 

The innovative formulation is powered by Super Antioxidants – Chebula and Astaxanthin – to help combat the appearance of skin aging and provide maximum hydration. 

The combination of Cosmos/Ecocert-approved DHA and Erythrulose (both derived from fermented keto-sugars) builds a natural tan gradually, with a streak-free finish, without the risk of sun damage.* The active hydrating serum blends effortlessly onto the skin, without an off-putting scent or concerns of color transfer. The innovative formulation is powered by Super Antioxidants – Chebula and Astaxanthin – to help combat the appearance of skin aging and provide maximum hydration. 

6. SORELLE Drinkable Tan $25

Probably the most innovative way to tan at the moment, the drinkable drops by Sorelle are 100% Natural & Vegan, made with clean plant-based ingredients that support healthy skin from the inside out. Dermatologist-Developed Formula by world renowned skincare expert with decades of experience in skin health and nutrition. Mixes Into Anything – Water, iced coffee, smoothies—these drops blend in with a subtle watermelon taste The results is a Natural-Looking, Progressive Tan – Results the start showing within weeks. Glow deepens gradually, so you control your color. 

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