I Tested The Best Cruelty-Free Self-Tanners: Streak-Free No-Orange
Are you on the hunt for the best cruelty-free self-tanners? By now, we all know it’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. But we still want sunkissed tanned skin!
Achieving a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV rays is easier than ever with the rise of self-tanners.
As a translucently pale girly of Scottish and Icelandic descent, I’ve been chasing a sunless, natural-looking faux glow since middle school, and I’m now a faux-tan connoisseur! 😄
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Plus, I’m an advocate for cruelty-free beauty, so I made sure that the products below are all from cruelty-free brands that do not test on animals.
Want to know my top picks right away? It’s this one for your body and this one for your face!
Below, I’ve compiled a list of the 16 best cruelty-free self-tanning products, based on user reviews, expert opinions, and my own experience using them for years.
It’s no surprise that everyone wants bronzed and glowing skin in the summertime!
But, it’s not always safe for your skin to lay in the sun for hours (even with sunscreen).
Self-tanning lotions, mousses, waters and oils are great alternatives to achieving that sunkissed, summer skin.
16 Best Cruelty-Free Self-Tanners
Whether you’re looking to avoid sunburn, skin cancer, or premature aging caused by sun exposure or tanning beds, self-tanners provide a safer alternative.
But which ones provide a streak-free tan that isn’t a shade of orange or yellow?
Have no fear! I’ve gathered a list of my top cruelty-free self-tanners. Protecting your skin and looking tan has never been so easy!
Related: The Best Cruelty-Free Sunscreens.
1. MineTan
I started using MineTan Self Tan Foam 2 years ago and have continuously re-purchased it.
This self-tan foam is perfect for those who want a deep, rich tan without the harmful effects of sun exposure.
“Caramel” is my go-to. It’s a foam that offers a beautiful, natural-looking tan with a unique caramel undertone that doesn’t look fake.
Plus, it develops within an hour! So it’s perfect for when you need a quick glow and don’t have time to wait overnight for it to develop, as many others require.
Here’s a closer look at why this product has garnered positive reviews and become a favorite among myself and others.
The MineTan Self Tan Foam in Caramel is an excellent choice for anyone looking to achieve a natural, healthy-looking tan without any streaks, fast.
2. Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops (Best For Face)
Most self-tanning products should never be used on your face.
You’ll need a product that is specifically for the face and Tan-Luxe is the one I’ve used for years and swear by.
Perfect for facial use, the drops blend well with skincare routines and offer a deep, natural-looking glow that lasts.
While the Gradual lotion is perfect for a slow and steady radiance that washes away after a few days. Both are streak-free!
3. Bondi Sands
This is no doubt one of the most popular self-tanning companies and for a good reason!
The Liquid Gold line is famous!
Known for its lightweight formula and even application, Bondi Sands tanning products provides a rich tan while being gentle on sensitive skin.
Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Oil
Bondi Sands Tanning Foam
The Bondi Sands Liquid Gold Self Tanning Oil is a standout product for achieving a sun-kissed glow without the sun’s harmful effects. This self-tanning oil offers a unique dry oil formula that absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.
Another great aspect of the Bondi Sands Liquid Gold is that it doesn’t require rinsing off. This means you can apply it and go about your day without worrying about it transferring to your clothes or sheets.
The color is buildable, so you can achieve the depth of tan you desire by reapplying as needed. This self-tanner is suitable for most skin tones and is perfect for those who want a quick, no-fuss tanning solution.
4. Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse
Loving Tan uses green undertones in its highly concentrated mousse products to guarantee an olive tan in just one application!
This product dries in 30 seconds and develops for 8 hours, to give you the perfect glow.
Cruelty-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free.
5. Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
These drops offer a bronze glow that’s safe to use on your face.
6. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
This foam boasts a green-gray base, preventing any orange tones. It’s popular for its even application and pleasant scent. 100% vegan.
7. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water
I LOVE Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water! Their products are formulated for all skin types and skin tones and are so so easy to use.
Choose from three shades all with different undertones to make your tan look as natural as possible. If you’re looking to get a truly natural-looking tan, use Isle of Paradise.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops: These drops can be mixed with your favorite moisturizer for a customizable tan. They come in shades like Light, Medium, and Dark, offering a gradual and natural-looking tan.
Cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, no GMO.
8. Skinerals Californium Self Tanner Mousse
If you have sensitive skin, but still want a sunless, bronzy glow? this is the product for you!
Skinerals is enriched with lavender & orange peel oil, vanilla bean extract, shea butter and lots of other minerals to promote healthier, happier, bronzier skin.
Another bonus, color lasts anywhere from 4-7 days! Try this product out if you’re a first-time self-tan user.
Cruelty-free, vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, aerosol-free.
9. Green People Self Tan Lotion
Green People Self Tan Lotion is great if you’re trying to even out skin tone and cover up any blue veins. This is also a good option for those who battle dermatitis and eczema.
This lotion applies like any regular moisturizer does, and develops within the next few hours of application!
Cruelty-free, vegan, and recyclable.
10. Beauty By Earth’s Self Tanner
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner is a staple in the cruelty-free beauty community!
This product leaves your skin looking golden and bronzed, smells like coconut & vanilla, and has a dense consistency so you can see where you apply.
Added bonus, it won’t stain your clothes or sheets after it dries!
Cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, reef safe.
11. Australian Gold Instant Sunless Lotion
A wallet-friendly choice that delivers a rich bronze tan without the high cost.
12. Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil
This tanning oil is enriched with coconut water and argan oil, providing hydration along with a natural tan.
13. St Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
A well-loved product for its streak-free application and natural tan. It dries quickly and is ideal for beginners and pros alike.
This product has a deep green undertone to prevent that orange, fake tan look. It’s also vegan-friendly and the bottle is 100% recyclable!
Cruelty-free, vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free.
14. Alba Botanicals
Alba Botanicals Sunless Tanner Lotion leaves your skin feeling hydrated, nourished, and bronzed in just less than three hours after application!
This product applies like a normal lotion and develops gradually, so no worries about streakiness or spotting. The tan lasts 3-5 days, and for noticeable and lasting results I suggest using every 2-3 days.
An affordable, non-streaky option that is free from parabens and synthetic fragrances, ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Cruelty-free, paraben-free, vegetarian, gluten-free, no synthetic fragrances.
15. Pacifica Pacifica Beauty Sunny Glow Bronzing Drops with Vitamin C
These tanning drops leave you with a subtle bronzed, dewy glow.
If you’re looking for long-lasting I suggest you try another brand, but that doesn’t take away from how awesome this product is!
16. Tarte Brazilliance & Better Bronze Self Tanner
What’s better than a beautiful, sunless tan in just 2 hours?
Tarte gives you so many great options to choose from all for different, flawless results.
Choose between tanning foams and body contours, with different shades, and don’t forget to pick up the glove while you’re at it!
Cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free.
Why Choose Self-Tanners?
Self-tanning is a safer option compared to UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds, which can lead to skin cancer and accelerate skin aging.
Cruelty-free self-tanners not only protect your skin but also support ethical beauty practices by not testing on animals. These products allow for a sun-kissed look year-round without the harmful side effects of UV rays.
16 Best Cruelty-Free Self-Tanners – Conclusion
By choosing cruelty-free self-tanners, you’re making a choice that’s better for both your skin and the planet. Whether you’re looking for a gradual tan or an instant glow, there’s a cruelty-free option out there for everyone.
I hope this helps you with your self-tanning journey!
Always remember to exfoliate, moisturize, and be careful around your ankles, knees, and elbows!
Let us know in the comments below if you try out any of our recommendations.
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