5 Best DHA-Free Self-Tanners Of 2025
Self-tanners help you achieve a rich, sun-kissed tan without spending time in the sun or a tanning bed. One of the main ingredients in self-tanner that achieves this is dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
DHA reacts with your skin cells and the oxygen in the air to develop a darker tone and give you a tan, but it can also cause allergies, sensitivity, and irritation. To cater to sensitive skin, there are DHA-free self-tanners!
Which are the best DHA-free self-tanners?
The best DHA-free self-tanners are suitable for sensitive skin, as they still work to give your skin a beautiful sun-kissed tan, just without the harsh chemicals. DHA can cause sensitivity and irritation, so selecting a good DHA-free self-tanner can significantly benefit your skin.
As most self-tanners contain DHA, it can be difficult to find one that is not only gentle on your skin but also effectively gives you a gorgeous tan.
To help you out, we’ve found the best DHA-free self-tanners for you to choose from, along with some helpful tips on how to select the best one for your skin.
Self-Tan Without Dihydroxyacetone
The one ingredient in self-tanner that helps to darken your skin is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. DHA is a sugar molecule that goes through a chemical reaction with your skin’s amino acids to darken the color of your skin, forming a tan.
DHA can also be naturally sourced from plants, such as sugar beets, but it can also be chemically derived.
The FDA approves it for external use on human skin, but it is not recommended for use on sensitive areas, such as the face, as it may cause adverse reactions.
Those with sensitive skin or allergies may experience skin irritation or sensitivity when using DHA, so finding a self-tanner without this ingredient can be beneficial in giving you a tan without the added problems.
Another bonus of using a DHA-free self-tanner is that it will not have the typical DHA scent, which can be unpleasant and give away that you have just used a self-tanner.
How To Choose DHA-Free Self-Tanner
There are several considerations to keep in mind when selecting a suitable DHA-free self-tanner for your skin.
Here are some of the things to look for in a good DHA-free self-tanner, and what to consider to make sure you choose the best self-tanner for your skin:
DHA-Free/Natural DHA
There are hardly any completely DHA-free self-tanners on the market, and the few that do exist might not be the right option for you. In this case, you can choose a naturally derived DHA self-tanner instead.
These are still gentle on the skin and should not cause sensitivity and irritation, and they would still give you a gorgeous tan over time.
If your skin is sensitive or prone to allergies, then naturally derived DHA might be a great option if you cannot find a good DHA-free self-tanner.
Ingredients
You would choose a DHA-free self-tanner or one made with naturally derived DHA because you do not want to irritate your skin or cause sensitivity.
You should also examine the other ingredients included in the self-tanner.
Ensure that the self-tanner contains no added dyes or fragrances that may irritate your skin, and that it is formulated with caring, natural ingredients that will nourish your skin.
Included Bronzer
Some self-tanners include a bronzer, which gives you an instant tan while the rest of the ingredients work to develop the proper tan over a few hours.
A bronzer can help serve as a guide to see where you have applied the self-tanner and any spots you may have missed, thereby avoiding streaks and patches.
You may not want the fake-tan look that bronzers create, and you can opt for a self-tanner without bronzer if that’s the case.
The 5 Best DHA-Free Self-Tanners
There are not many DHA-free self-tanners on the market, so we have listed a few good options above, as well as some naturally derived DHA tanners that are just as gentle on the skin, while still giving you the most gorgeous, natural-looking tan possible.
Choose a DHA-free self-tanner or a naturally derived DHA self-tanner if you want to avoid irritation and sensitivity, and prevent your skin from drying out while developing a beautiful tan.
Below are the best DHA-free self-tanners on the market, as well as self-tanners made with naturally derived DHA, which are gentle on your skin while still giving it a beautiful glow.
1. Isle Of Paradise Instant Wash-Off Body Bronzer
The Isle of Paradise Instant Wash-Off Body Bronzer is one of my favorite wash-off self-tanners. It is formulated with light-reflecting particles and gives you a radiant, subtle, sparkly glow.
It’s very easy to remove. All you need to do is rinse off with warm water, and voilà!
The formula is designed to be color-adaptive to different skin tones, so it’s a perfect choice for all skin types.
As long as it’s fully dry, it doesn’t transfer to clothing, so you can dance the night away as a bronzed disco goddess.
The temporary tan lasts for up to 24 hours, and if you apply it with circular, sweeping motions, then you won’t have any streaks.
2. Terry Bronzing Tea To Tan Spray
This is a unique bronzing spray infused with tea. You achieve two effects when using this bronzing spray: a beautiful tan and a radiant shimmer.
While the Terry Bronzing Spray isn’t as shimmery as the Isle Of Paradise Disco Tan, it still offers a lovely, light-reflecting effect that many people are sure to love.
You can use the spray on your face and body, and it is easily blendable, so you can add it to your regular makeup routine.
One of the most notable active ingredients is cherry essence, which helps protect your skin from free radicals.
It’s suited to all skin types and is buildable, so you can keep applying until you get the level of tan that you want.
3. St. Tropez One Night Only Bronzing Gloss
This finishing gloss gives you a high-shine glow for any occasion.
It’s terrific in the evening when the light is dim and you want your skin to glow like it would in the sun.
The gloss can be layered and is formulated to be paraben-free and sulfate-free. It is quick-drying, but the stickiness can linger for a bit after application, so apply it very lightly.
A little goes a long way. The best approach is to layer the gloss after a thin layer has already dried. If you glob on the gloss all at once, it will have a hard time drying (much like nail polish).
Don’t let this deter you from this excellent bronzing gloss. I love this bronzer for a subtle glow with a lot of shine but no sparkle.
4. Glimmer Goddess Organic DHA Free Self-Tanner
The Glimmer Goddess Organic DHA Free Self-Tanner will give you a healthy golden glow, without using any chemicals!
It is an all-natural, vegan, organic tanning cream that gradually builds up your tan over 24 hours, free from toxins and irritation.
Your skin will love the caring ingredients in the self-tanner, such as hydrating almond milk and almond oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E.
These will all nourish your skin as it develops a darker tan.
Natural erythrulose, which is from fermented raspberries, helps to develop a darker tan on your skin in a much kinder and gentler way. The tan developed with this self-tanner will be dark.
Enjoy the anti-aging properties that the self-tanner brings too, thanks to the organic shea butter, which restores elasticity and moisture, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles while boosting collagen production.
Your skin will not only look tanned and glowing, but it will be nourished and cared for, more youthful-looking, and free from irritation caused by DHA!
5. Ed Hardy Butter Me Brown DHA-Free Bronzing Lotion
Ed Hardy has this Butter Me Brown DHA-Free Bronzing Lotion on offer for those who want a delectable brown skin tone, but without the harmful chemicals that often accompany it.
Made with macadamia nut and almond oil, your skin will be left nourished and protected from drying out, receiving all the nutrients it needs to glow and radiate.
Along with these two oils, caffeine and green tea extracts help to firm and tighten the skin, giving it a more youthful appearance and showcasing your new tan more effectively.
To achieve a darker tone, MelanoBronze stimulates melanin activity, resulting in a more profound tanning effect that helps build a tan over time.
The tan achieved with this bronzer is very dark, making it suitable for those with already darker skin tones.
Your tan will be streak-free, and your clothes will be stain-free, thanks to the special formula, which also features a delicious, sweet brown sugar scent.
Related Questions
Can DHA age your skin?
DHA can lead to aging of the skin over time, as it can cause drying, which may result in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
It is best to use DHA-free self-tanners or those that are made from natural DHA sources to avoid this.
Can you be allergic to DHA?
While the chances are low, you can develop an allergy to DHA.
It could cause rashes, sensitivity, and irritation to your skin. If you experience any of these symptoms when using a self-tanner, it is best to wash it off immediately and contact your healthcare provider for further advice.
There are other products you can use as an alternative, allowing you to achieve a darker tan still.
Related Articles
Best Self-Tanners For Olive Skin
