14 Best Self-Tanners for Pale Skin That Won’t Turn You Orange, Tested and Reviewed in 2024
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Though I may have fried my skin in pursuit of a golden tan on my fair skin in my younger years, my total disregard for sunscreen and my skin's health quickly changed as soon as I became a beauty editor. These days? I'm sitting in the shade with a sun hat on—SPF on deck—while yelling at my friends to apply (and reapply) their sunscreen ritually. But just because I'm fair-skinned doesn't mean I can't ever be tan. In fact, I've tested every single self-tanner for pale skin under the sun, and after a fair amount of tanning mishaps (i.e., my notorious oompa loompa days), I've found the formulas that won't turn you orange.
With so many new tanning formulations and brands, there are a ton of self-tanners that work well for fair skin. After personally testing and reviewing most options on the market and mastering the art of application, I now consider myself a self-proclaimed self-tanner expert. But to help you out even further, I also consulted the real experts: Tanning pros Sophie Evans, Jordan Cook, and Liz Agresta, and board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, for everything you need to know about self-tanning application, how to maintain an even, streak-free tan, and which formulas are the best on the market for fair skin, below:
Our top picks for the best self-tanners for pale skin in 2024:
Now, keep reading for the full breakdown of the best self-tanners for fair skin, according to product reviewers, my personal testing, and tips from a dermatologist and tanning experts on how to choose the best self-tanner for pale skin, how to properly apply and maintain your tan, and what to look for before you buy.
Dolce Glow Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion
Pros
- Jam-packed with a bunch of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients so your skin looks healthy and your tan applies/fades evenly
Cons
- It's the most expensive self-tanner on this list
Dolce Glow is one of my newest favorite self-tanning brands on the market. Not only is the Italian-inspired brand created by a celebrity spray tan artist (hi, Isabel Alysa) and backed by celebs (hi, Miley Cyrus), but it's a clean beauty pick and also puts skincare at the forefront of all its tanning products. This gradual self-tanning formula in light-medium dries super fast, gives me the most natural glow, is filled with a ton of moisturizing and hydrating ingredients (see: macadamia oil, jojoba oil, aloe, and glycerin), and for the kicker—it doesn't stain my sheets. *Drops mic, adds to cart*
- Key ingredients: DHA, vitamin E, sodium hyaluronate, macadamia oil, jojoba oil, aloe, glycerin
- Formula: Lotion
- Applies clear? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I am very pale and often turn orange with self-tanner. Not with Dolce Glow! I have the darker color tanning lotion and foam and they leave me looking nice and bronzy! No orange. And the Mia Instant Body Glow is a must; it leaves a light tint with a natural shine!"
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse
Pros
- Express formula so you can achieve color results in as little as one hour
Cons
- Bronze color guide can transfer onto your clothes and sheets
If you're super fair, it's a smart idea to purchase a self-tanner that allows you to customize how tan you're going to get. That's why tanning expert Sophie Evans recommends this one by St. Tropez. "The best part is that you can customize the color of your tan by how long you leave it on your skin to develop," she says. To achieve a lighter tan, shower after one hour, two hours for a medium tan, or leave it on up for three hours for the deepest color, she explains.
- Key ingredients: DHA, glycerin, aloe vera
- Formula: Mousse
- Applies clear? No, has a bronze color guide
Glowing Customer Review: "Always a favorite! The deep olive tan is just perfect, even for fair skin tones," one reviewer notes. "The color it gives my fair skin is so incredibly natural and beautiful."
Beauty by Earth Self Tanner
Pros
- Great clean beauty pick that works on reactive prone and sensitive skin types
Cons
- Testers note that the thick consistency takes some effort to rub in
S/o to all the clean beauty lovers out there, this next pick is for you. Free of potentially icky ingredients (hi, additives, and dyes), this natural self-tanner has the hearts of over 21,000 Amazon reviewers. "It's lightweight, buildable, and spiked with hydrating ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera," says former Cosmo beauty editor Ruby Buddemeyer, adding that it leaves your skin with a warm glow, unlike some of the harsh, orange-looking self-tanners.
- Key ingredients: DHA, aloe vera, shea butter, botanical extracts
- Formula: Lotion
- Applies clear? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I brought this on a beach vacation to maintain a tan while avoiding UV damage. I used it nightly after showering and I am shocked by how brown I got and how real my tan looks! It leaves the least offensive smell of any self-tanner I've ever used, dries in 10 minutes, doesn't stain your clothes or sheets, and can be reapplied daily without looking weird or streaky."
Dolce Glow Contour Self-Tanning Sculpt + Glow
Pros
- Contains a ton of hydrating ingredients so it will absorb into your skin smoother and nicer
Cons
- Should only be used to contour, won't bronze your whole face
Ah, Dolce Glow—so good, it gets two spots on the list (hi, I'm available for all your taglines, pls and thanks). Face tan can double as face contour—yes, rlly. Tantouring is, IMO, the best tanning hack, and it's exactly what it sounds like—contouring with tanner. Dolce Glow combined the two with this self-tanning contour sponge that my girl Hailey Bieber has been sculpting and bronzing herself with as of late. (My favorite lil hack? If I really want to amp it up, I use the fake tanner around my lips for a semi-permanent lip liner.) I swear this little makeup hack has revolutionized my freakin' face.
- Key ingredients: DHA, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, vitamin E
- Formula: Serum
- Applies clear? No* (*glowy, bronze color)
Glowing Customer Review: "I bought this because I saw Hailey Bieber use it and I am so happy I did! It actually works and is my new favorite product! It has a beautiful bronzey glow and then when you wash it off at night you are left with a gorgeous natural-looking contour on the face. Obsessed!!"
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Firming Body Drops
Pros
- Contains caffeine, which will temporarily firm your skin
Cons
- Takes a few tries to figure out how many drops works for you
Reasons why I love Isle of Paradise: (1) Founder and pro spray tanner Jules Von Hep is all about body confidence and that self-tanning is for everyone, and (2) they're the OG tanning drops, and they do it right. Filled with antioxidants that protect your skin, a slew of moisturizing oils, hydrating glycerin, and caffeine which temporarily firms your skin, these drops give me the most healthy-looking, bronzed glow ever. I simply add a few drops to my favorite body moisturizer, rub it all over my skin, and give my hands a good wash.
- Key ingredients: DHA, vitamin C, vitamin E, avocado oil, glycerin, aloe vera, caffeine
- Formula: Serum
- Applies clear? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I love this stuff," writes one reviewer with fair skin and red hair. "This gives me a beautiful glowing tan—I mix it in with the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, and once you figure out the lotion-to-tan ratio, you’re set!"
Vacation Instant Vacation Browning Lotion SPF30
Pros
- Layerable, so you can get a deeper color depending on your preference
Cons
- Contains added fragrance, which may be irritating for sensitive skin types
So, the point of self-tanning is to give your skin a bronzed glow without all of the sun damage, right? Right. That's why this sunless tan by Vacation with SPF 30 checks all of the boxes. The formula is reef-safe/vegan/made with recycled materials, instantly adds a layer of bronze to your skin, and even has a nice sheen to it, so you'll have glowy skin whenever you apply (which should be ~every two hours). The nostalgic brand infuses the browning lotion with a gourmand, cocoa-hazelnut scent that smells like a dang treat.
- Key ingredients: DHA, SPF, shea butter, coconut butter, vitamin E
- Formula: Lotion
- Applies clear? No* (*instant bronzing)
Glowing Customer Review: "So, I recently got my hands on this amazing vacation instant browning lotion, and let me tell you, it's a game-changer! With its long-lasting color and SPF 30 sunscreen, it's the perfect companion for those sunny beach days. First things first, the instant browning effect is seriously impressive. As soon as you apply it, you get a beautiful, natural-looking glow that instantly makes you feel like you've been soaking up the sun for days. It's like a tropical vacation in a bottle."
Tan-Luxe The Water Hydrating Self-Tan Water
Pros
- Super quick application and gives you the look of an airbrushed spray tan when blended in
Cons
- When spraying, it tends to fall to your feet and if you don't blend it out, it may look splotchy, reviewers note
Who needs to spend major moola on a spray tan when you can do it yourself? Let me introduce you to my favorite self-tanning spray that's foolproof for an even, airbrushed-looking tan you can DIY at home. I start with clean, dry skin, spray the fake tan on one area of my body at a time, and using large circular motions, blend it in with a tanning mitt. Thanks to the aloe vera and glycerin, my skin looks immediately hydrated and, two to four hours later, naturally tan.
- Key ingredients: DHA, glycerin, aloe vera, raspberry seed oil, vitamins B, C, and E
- Formula: Liquid
- Applies clear? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I've tried several different self-tanners over the years, from lotions to foams, this mist is my all-time favorite. It’s seamless and develops so nicely."
Pros
- Will totally wash off in the shower at the end of the day
Cons
- Can transfer to clothes if you don't give it the proper amount of time to dry
Trust me when I say you absolutely need this body glow. Not only does it leave your skin looking like it's been airbrushed from head to toe, but it's also rich in shea butter and sunflower seed oil (to moisturize), squalane (to hydrate), and vitamin C (to brighten). Just like makeup for your skin, it adds the slightest bit of bronzed tint and all the luminizer.
- Key ingredients: Shea butter, sunflower seed oil, squalane, vitamin C
- Formula: Lotion
- Applies clear? No* (*tinted)
Glowing Customer Review: "I went to a pool party with this on and I was told by everybody how great I looked. I was in and out of the pool all day, and it was still on! I had to wash it off with soap and water."
Jergens Natural Glow Sunless Tanning Lotion
Pros
- It's a great option for beginners because you can ease into the color your comfortable with
Cons
- It won't give you super quick results, it takes a few days for a deeper coloring to appear
Ahhh, the OG gradual tanner on the market. This bb has stuck around for so long because it's that freakin' good—especially if you have fair or pale skin. The great part about this Jergens tanner is that it develops over time, and each day you apply it, the darker you get, meaning your level of tan is totally up to you. (Self-tanning beginners, this is a great start.) Plus, it's filled with superstar humectant, glycerin, and a ton of antioxidants to protect your skin against environmental aggressors.
- Key ingredients: DHA, glycerin, antioxidants
- Formula: Lotion
- Applies clear? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I love the fact that it is slow action. You can definitely see results after two days of application. You are also in control of how dark you want to be and how fast by the amount of applications. The fact that you reapply this item is so forgiving if you miss a spot. It looks so natural."
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops
Pros
- Lightweight, washable color that can give you a bronzed glow in a matter of seconds
Cons
- It works like makeup, so it won't give you a long-lasting tan
Sometimes, there's not enough damn time in the day to go through the entire self-tanning process. And hey, that's okay, and why products like the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops are such cult favorites. Forgot to tan? No prob, just apply this to your face after your skincare routine/before your makeup or mix it in with your foundation, face lotion, or tinted moisturizer for a subtle, natural, glowy tan in seconds.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin E, green tea extract, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin
- Formula: Serum
- Applies clear? No* (*bronzer)
Glowing Customer Review: "This product is just gorgeous because it leaves your skin with an alive, glowy look. I love it as an alternative to self-tanning, which is too much of a commitment for me—I am extremely fair, and find it buildable, and not overwhelming for my skin."
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad Intense Glow
Pros
- Contains chemical exfoliants for smooth, prepped skin during the tanning process
Cons
- Tanner may dye light eyebrows, reviewers have noted
Calling everyone on a time crunch—this pick is for you. These self-tanning towelettes are basically the easiest, quickest solution for getting tan and prepping your skin in one. They're packed with AHAs and BHAs (i.e., chemical exfoliants) that eliminate blackheads and clogged pores, so not only will your skin look super bronzed, but it'll also be super smooth. All I do is apply the towelette to my clean, dry face in circular motions—and give my hands a good wash.
- Key ingredients: DHA, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, glycerin, vitamin E
- Formula: Towelettes
- Applies clear? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "The application is amazing—especially for lazy girls—there are no greasy, gross hands, you just swipe it on and you're done!"
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
Pros
- There's an added bronzer, so you can see exactly where you're applying it and don't miss any spots
Cons
- Testers note that it looks super green upon application and it's a bit of a jump scare before washing it off
So you want to look like you just came back from a tropical, sun-filled vacation, huh? That means you need a bronzing formula that gives you a deep color sans the dreaded orange undertones. Enter: This bronzing foam from clean and sustainable brand Coco and Eve. The fast-developing formula comes in three shades (medium, dark, and ultra-dark) and is packed with antioxidants for some skin repairing and protecting benefits.
- Key ingredients: DHA, antioxidants, cocoa seed extract, glycerin
- Formula: Mousse
- Applies clear? No, has a color guide
Glowing Customer Review: "I've been asked repeatedly if I went on vacation or laid out in the sun. The color is the most natural I've ever seen and lasts for a good four to five days."
Tanologist Express Tan Water
Pros
- Won't transfer to your clothing or bed sheets due to the clear coloring
Cons
- Goes on clear so it's hard to tell where it was applied
Got somewhere to be soon but forgot to tan? Trust me when I say that's me almost every single weekend. That's why you need to get yourself an express tanner that develops in one to four hours, like this one from Tanologist, so you're ready to go no matter how last minute you pushed it. The formula comes with a spray nozzle for easy application and is filled with aloe vera for soothing, hydration, and a ton of brightening antioxidants.
- Key ingredients: DHA, aloe vera, vitamin E, grapefruit extract
- Formula: Liquid
- Applies clear? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "LOVE this stuff! It leaves a natural, non-orange glow, is easy to apply, and is without the typical self-tanner smell."
Tower 28 Beauty Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer
Pros
- Super blendable formula sinks into your skin and provides a natural-looking sheen
Cons
- Some testers with oily skin say it can get greasy looking throughout the day
Let's be real, those with super-duper fair skin may not be able to find a self-tanner they're comfortable in. That's why sometimes it's a smart idea to instead opt for a luminizing cream bronzer, like this one from Tower 28 Beauty that's filled with moisturizing castor seed oil and mango seed butter. Add it to your face where the sun would naturally hit, and follow it with a shimmery blush (try: Nars Orgasm Blush) for extra warmth.
- Key ingredients: Green tea extract, castor seed oil, mango seed butter
- Formula: Cream
- Applies clear? No* (*bronzer)
Glowing Customer Review: "If you REALLY like to glow, this is the product for you. This makes you look very glowy and tan."
Which fake tan is best for pale skin?
There's not necessarily a specific color or type of fake tan that's best for pale or fair skin. "It's a bit of a myth in the tanning world that if you have a certain skin tone, you should use a certain type of product," says tanning expert Liz Agresta. If you are fair and want a tan that mimics a post-vacay glow, reach for a darker formulation, Agresta explains. However, according to tanning expert Jordan Cook, if you want a softer, natural glow to the skin, stick to the gradual developers and lighter self-tanners. "Self-tanning is like makeup—there is so much room to be creative and switch up your tan to suit the event, time of year, your mood, or really anything," says Agresta.
How do you make sure your self-tanner fades evenly?
The key to ensuring your self-tanner fades evenly is to prep your skin and commit to aftercare properly. To do this, spray tanning expert Sophie Evans emphasizes that you should exfoliate thoroughly before application and make sure any waxing or hair removal is completed 24 hours prior to tanning in order to prevent a patchy or spotty look.
For aftercare, keep your skin super moisturized with your favorite body butter or body lotion. You can also add a few drops of tanning drops into your regular body moisturizer to maintain your body glow and revive the depth of your tan, which will fade very lightly every few days, says Evans.
Does self-tanner work on pale skin?
Self-tanners work on all skin colors, tones, and types. That said, a darker tanner shade will show up more on a lighter skin tone. "Self-tanners are made with dihydroxyacetone—i.e., DHA—which reacts with amino acids in dead skin cells to produce pigment," says board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. In fact, an uneven, patchy, streaky tan isn't caused by using too much self-tanner, it's actually caused by using too little, surprise! The level of the DHA in the self-tanner is what makes you tan, not the amount you put on.
For an even tan on every skin tone, preparation is key. "Exfoliating the skin is essential before applying a self-tanner because our skin continuously sheds in different areas—exfoliating ensures the area to be treated is on a level playing field so the self-tanner goes on evenly and produces an even color," says Dr. Lal. More on this and the process below.
How to choose the best self-tanner for pale skin:
Evaluate the formula
"Don't get too overwhelmed with the choice of products on the market," says Agresta, recommending to consider what you want from your self-tan and what best suits your lifestyle. If you're on the go and don't have a ton of time, a multi-use product can be a lifesaver. Some options include a gradual tanner that doubles as a moisturizer, a serum with a bronze tint, or even an easy spray solution that develops throughout the day. "If you love to sleep overnight in your tan, a clear tanner without a color guide is your best friend—waking up in the morning with a deep tan and crisp white sheets and no transfer of color? What a great start to the day!" says Agresta.
Know how to apply the self-tanner
Choosing the best self-tanner is only the first step, applying it correctly is what makes all the difference. Here is my tried-and-true process with tips from Cook:
- Exfoliate and remove any existing fake tan beforehand, explains Cook, adding that you want a completely fresh canvas to work from. Massage your skin from the neck down with an exfoliating body scrub or loofah in the shower. This will help remove any old tanner and dead skin.
- Protect and moisturize key areas of the skin—knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, and any other spots that seem to be drier, explains Cook. Even if the tanner you are applying is a moisturizing one, it will still stick to areas you don't want it to if you miss this step. So use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer beforehand.
- Apply a liberal amount of self-tanner to a tanning mitt. Fun fact: If you don't use enough self-tan, you can end up looking streaky because there won't be enough DHA (the chemical that reacts with the skin to create the tan) to cover the skin fully. Cook warns against using regular plastic gloves as they are an "old-school" technique, and a mitt works much better.
- Work on one area of the body at a time, and apply with long strokes. "To get those hard-to-reach areas of your back, my favorite tip is to slide a hairbrush inside your mitt and secure it with a hair tie," she explains. "Then, holding it by the brush handle, you can use it as an arm extender to reach those spots!"
- Wash your hands one to two hours after application. This is a personal hack of mine, and I have found that it keeps my hands from over-developing.
- Allow the tan to develop, and shower after the proper amount of time. For the tan to come out as intended, follow the directions on the individual tanner, and don't shower until at least the minimum suggested time.
- Moisturize daily and often. Dry skin can wreak havoc on a fake tan. To avoid it fading splotchy, wear SPF and moisturize with your favorite hydrating body lotion.
Meet the experts:
- Sophie Evans is the St. Tropez skin finishing expert and a celebrity spray tanner based in New York, NY.
- Jordan Cook is a global tanning expert and an SFX (special effects) makeup artist. Cook has worked with brands such as St. Moriz, Mac, and Urban Decay.
- Liz Agresta is the founder, and director of Australian Glow, a natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and organic tanning line made with sustainable packaging.
- Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan who writes beauty, and has four years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the best face tanners and the best drugstore self-tanners, and feels especially knowledgable in self-tanners for pale skin, thanks to being, well, pale, and always sporting a fake tan. She regularly tests and analyzes self-tanners on her own skin for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top cosmetic chemists and tanning experts to assess new formulas and products.
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
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