7 Best Natural Self Tanners
A natural self-tanner still uses DHA. The difference is that the DHA comes from sugar cane or beets instead of a lab, which is gentler on skin and skips the biscuit smell that regular formulas leave behind.
These seven are the naturally derived ones I reach for, and none of them turn orange on me. If your skin reacts to standard self-tan, start with a gradual formula from further down the list.
DHA Vs Natural DHA
It is quite rare to find a DHA-free self-tanner, but if you still want to avoid DHA, the next best option is to choose a self-tanner made using naturally derived DHA.
Naturally derived DHA comes from sugar cane or beets. It works just like the chemical DHA, where it reacts with the amino acids in the outer layer of your skin to produce a golden tan.
The benefit of using naturally derived DHA is that it is much gentler on the skin and will not cause the same type of irritation as regular DHA would.
Naturally derived DHA also does not leave behind the tell-tale DHA scent, making the tanning experience more enjoyable overall.
Types Of Natural Self-Tanners
There are many different types of self-tanners to choose from. You can use a lotion, mousse, spray, gel, or even self-tanning drops that you add to your own moisturiser.
These all have their pros and cons, and it would be a personal choice as to which one you would prefer to use.
For beginners, a mousse or lotion might be a better option. If you are looking for a very light, gradual tan, using tanning drops that you add to your own moisturiser might also be a good idea.
Sprays can also offer a good coverage – it just depends on what you are comfortable using.
Consider Gradual Self-Tanners
A gradual self-tanner might be a better option for your skin if you are worried about skin sensitivity.
Gradual self-tanners contain fewer tanning ingredients, as they are designed to be used over time to build up a tan, rather than giving you a dark tan immediately.
As gradual tanners contain fewer tanning ingredients or smaller concentrations, they will not be as harsh on the skin and hopefully not cause any irritation.
It also gives you better control over how dark your tan turns out to be!
The 7 Best Naturally Derived Self-Tanners
| Rank | Self-Tanner | Best Feature | Where To Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist | Natural tanning actives, a hydrating boost to facial skin, natural ingredients | Check it on Amazon |
| 2. | Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self-Tanning Mousse | 100% natural DHA, tropical scent, color guide for even coverage | Check it on Amazon |
| 3. | b.tan Darkest Self Tanner 100% Natural | 100% natural DHA, use on face and body, darkest tan | Check it on Amazon |
| 4. | Miami Gorgeous Self Tanning Mousse | Organic DHA, streak-free tan, suitable for all skin types | Check it on Amazon |
| 5. | Bahama Tan Self-Tanning Lotion Organic & Natural | Eco-cert DHA, organic and natural ingredients, no chemicals | |
| 6. | MineTan Coconut Water-Based Self-Tanner | 100% natural DHA, coconut-water based, fast-drying | |
| 7. | Skinerals Onyx Self-Tanner Mousse | Organic and natural ingredients, no orange tones, no streaks | Check it on Amazon |
1. St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
Not only will the St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Face Mist give you a natural-looking sun-kissed glow, but it will also provide your face with an instant hydration boost in just one application, while still feeling lightweight.
It is infused with a 100% natural tanning active to give your skin a darker tan without any nasty chemicals.
It is also formulated with hyaluronic acid and non-pore-clogging ingredients, ensuring your skin is cared for without breakouts.
Hibiscus extract in the formula contains antioxidants that help protect the skin against free radicals and damage, while green mandarin helps to refresh and revive the skin, promoting a natural glow.
Using this face tan mist, you will be left with an even tan, free from streaks or transfer, and without that tell-tale self-tanning smell.
It is 100% clean, vegan-friendly, and made with natural tanning actives.
2. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self-Tanning Mousse
Coco & Eve uses only the best ingredients to make their self-tanners, which means you not only get the best tanning results but also use products that are free from phthalates and parabens.
This self-tanning mousse is formulated with a green-grey base for a natural, golden glow without any unwanted orange tones.
It is made with 100% natural DHA, making it gentle and non-irritating on the skin, and packed with skincare benefits.
This special formula is crafted with a multitude of nourishing ingredients, including raw virgin coconut, papaya, Bali cocoa, mango, fig, banana, and mandarin.
Orange and lotus flowers also help to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Tropical Balinese Mango and Guava Scent leave your skin smelling absolutely incredible, and you do not have to worry about any of those self-tan odours, or fake-smelling scents that some other self-tanners have.
Colour guide technology helps with application, ensuring your tan is even all around and works perfectly with your skin tone.
3. B.tan Darkest Self-Tanner 100% Natural
Give yourself the darkest tan possible with the b.tan Darkest Self-Tanner.
Your tan will be free from orange tones and that fake tan smell, leaving you to enjoy your darkest, flawless tan possible.
The formula contains no added chemicals and is cruelty-free and vegan.
It is made with 100% naturally sourced DHA, ensuring it will not irritate or harm your skin. It is also free from parabens and sulfates, further benefiting your skin.
The 1-hour express formula means that you will notice results in a short amount of time, but also keep in mind that the longer you leave the formula on, the darker your tan will be, so it is all in your control.
This self-tanner is gentle enough to be used on both your body and face, allowing you to enjoy nourished, glowing skin all over thanks to its hydrating formula.
Use this self-tanner to achieve the darkest tan possible, and control your tan by adjusting the application time. Enjoy the gentle effect it has on your skin!
4. Miami Gorgeous Self-Tanning Mousse
Infused with argan oil and coconut oil, the Miami Gorgeous Self-Tanning Mousse is gentle on your skin, nourishing it from within and giving it an instant, natural bronze colour.
Formulated with pure vitamins and natural oils, your skin will be left smooth and streak-free, and perfectly tanned.
Organic DHA is used to alter the colour of your skin, but it does so much more gently than other self-tanning products.
Ingredients such as argan oil, coconut oil, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, olive oil, jojoba oil, and elderflower extract all contribute to a radiance that will help your skin show off its new, darker tone.
As only high-quality ingredients are used in this self-tanning mousse, it is safe for use on sensitive skin and all skin types, and can be applied to both the body and face.
Each bottle contains approximately 10-12 full-body applications, allowing you to get a lot from just one bottle.
5. Bahama Tan Self-Tanning Lotion Organic & Natural
The Bahama Tan Self-Tanning Lotion helps you develop your own personal tan colour, allowing you to go as dark as you want while remaining streak-free and free from orange tones.
This is a gradual tanner that you can use for a few days in a row to develop your preferred colour, allowing you to match it perfectly to fair or medium skin tones.
It is made with pure, natural, and organic ingredients that have been blended together to create a rich, natural-looking tan, without requiring any time in the sun.
Eco-cert DHA is included in the formula, which is naturally derived and suitable for sensitive skin.
The formula is free from parabens, mineral oils, alcohol, petrochemicals, and other toxic chemicals that might cause irritation.
Instead, the self-tanner is packed with nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, argan oil, and monoi de Tahiti, which will deeply moisturise your skin to give it a beautiful radiance while showing off its darker tan.
The lotion is extremely easy to use and apply to your skin, suitable for both the body and face.
6. MineTan Water-Based Self-Tanner
Made with real coconut water, the MineTan Water-Based Self-Tanner is a one-of-a-kind bronzing treatment packed with antioxidants to restore the skin’s hydration and revitalise it, while giving it a gorgeous tan.
The MineTan Water-Based Self-Tanner is a 1-hour express tan formula, containing 100% natural DHA fast tanning actives, with Quad Bronzing Technology, to speed up the tanning process, allowing you to enjoy your tan quicker!
Made with 100% natural DHA, your skin will not experience irritation or sensitivity, and you won’t have to deal with the fake-tan smell either.
It is also cruelty-free and vegan, ticking all of the right boxes. The self-tanner will leave your skin with an even tan, free from orange tones and streaks.
As it is water-based, it is really easy to apply, and it is fast-drying so you can carry on with your day as normal.
Gentle and beautifully effective at nourishing your skin and giving it a new tan, this is definitely a product worth trying!
7. Skinerals Onyx Self-Tanner Mousse
Achieve a natural-looking dark tan in the safest way possible with the Skinerals Onyx Self-Tanner Mousse.
It is a green-based solution that works to counteract the fake orange tan look that often comes with other self-tanning products.
You simply apply the product at night, and shower it off the next morning, to achieve a natural, bronze glow without any blotches, streaks, or orange patches.
This is a great option for light, medium, and olive skin tones, as you can build up your tan to the tone that suits you best.
It contains as many natural and organic ingredients as possible to nourish and protect your skin.
Use this product for both your face and body, as it is non-greasy and non-comedogenic, so it will not clog pores or cause breakouts. It can even be applied underneath makeup!
The bronzer contains antioxidants such as acai berry and fig extracts, which help even out skin tone and give the skin a more youthful appearance. There is also no bad odour with this self-tanner, thanks to its use of only natural ingredients.
Give yourself that ‘back-from-vacation’ look with this nourishing self-tanning mousse, containing all of the good ingredients and none of the bad ones!
What Is Naturally Derived DHA?
Naturally derived DHA comes from sugar cane or beets. It works just like chemical DHA, reacting with the amino acids in the outer layer of your skin to produce a golden color, but it is much gentler and does not cause the same irritation.
Do Natural Self-Tanners Smell Less?
Yes. Naturally derived DHA does not leave behind the tell-tale DHA scent, which makes the whole tanning experience more pleasant than a standard formula.
Which Type Of Natural Self-Tanner Is Best For Beginners?
A mousse or a lotion is usually easier to start with. If you want a very light, gradual tan, self-tanning drops that you add to your own moisturiser are another good option, and sprays give good coverage once you are comfortable applying them.
Are Gradual Self-Tanners Better For Sensitive Skin?
They can be. A gradual self-tanner builds color slowly over several applications, so there is less DHA on your skin at any one time, which suits anyone worried about sensitivity.
Related Articles
5 Best Tanning Pills (And How They Work)
11 Best Self-Tanners For Olive Skin
3 Best Sweat-Proof Self-Tanners – With Buyer’s Guide
