The 5 Best Self-Tanners for the Face

I love a good sparkle, but most self-tanner smells easily pull me apart. It has a sticky texture and suspicious ingredients. I have a pretty complexion so I learned to accept my skin rather than spending time baking in the sun (plus, Health risks are real). That said, when I want to get more vibrant, I’m all looking for a little fake glow.

I found some non-toxic Tanners that I swear, but they rarely cast the same spell on my face. And there’s a reason for that. Self-tanners intended for body use can cause breakouts, clog pores, and create too-damaged (aka unrealistic). So, in preparation for summer skin, I also tried to find the best facial self-tanner that is non-toxic. This is what we came up with.

Featured Images from an Interview with Mary Ralph Bradley by Michelle Nash.

But first, the perfect fake fastan tips:

• Each of the following products has different application methods: In general, make sure your skin is clean, clean and peeled.
• For the most subtle and smooth tan, moisturize your face at least an hour in advance.
• Spread your tan on your chin, neck, and ears, and hairline. (If you’re blonde like me, avoid putting it in your hair. I found out I’m gently buffing my hairline with a towel.
• Don’t wash your hands after finishing the application!

Bethany Menzel, who started out as a Canadian mom who was obsessed with tongues, couldn’t find anything suitable to tan her face in the market. Enter your Saltyface. The line contains freckled stains (very fun), daily moisturizers, bronzers and body foam. It’s very easy to use. You can add a few drops to the moisturizer or use a brushed mist attachment for more control. Sunburn slowly appears and can be easily constructed. Plus, it has zero sunburn scent (or actually that scent). Also, it is ultra lightweight so you won’t feel it on your skin.

Lightweight, buildable and face-specific design, this self-tanner is perfect for people with sensitive or breakout-prone skin. Made with clean, non-comedgenic ingredients and zero synthetic scents, it gives a subtle, golden glow without sticky or teal scents. Kamille love This one. Spray applications are not easy. After moisturizing in the morning, spritz is applied and somehow it turns into a natural, streakless glow at lunch.

For customizable glow with clean skin-friendly materials (and no DHA), try the beauty with Earth’s Self-Tan Drop. Mix 1-2 drops into your favorite colored moisturizer or go-to serum to gradually give a natural look over time. This formula is also perfect for sensitive skin. The appearance of kissing the sun without stepping into the sun.

Vegan, non-abuse, no parabens, sulfates or phthalates. The sunburn drops of old Paradise stand out for the benefit of color correction additives. Brighten green, peach, dullness to reduce redness and balance violet yellow tones, which can help create a more uniform, natural coloured tan, especially if the skin tends to be uneven or overreact. Plus, add grapefruit, chia seeds and avocado oil to help ensure a hydrated, uniform, long lasting shine.

For a skincare-first approach, Coco & Eve’s bronze face drops are concentrated with antioxidants such as hyaluronic acid, coconut water and dragon fruit extract to create a natural streak-free tan color while hydrating the skin. It has no scent and does not clog pores. They are extremely lightweight and are designed to be seamlessly mixed with moisturizers and serum for daily application. Plus, you can use the code camstyles15 at 15% off!

This post was last updated on May 18, 2025 to include new insights.