Best Lotion Body Self-Tanners of 2025

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If you're looking for a way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays, then lotion body self-tanners might just be the solution for you. These products are designed to give your skin a natural-looking tan without the need for sun exposure. They come in a variety of formulas and shades, so you can choose the one that best suits your skin type and desired level of colour. With regular use, lotion body self-tanners can help you maintain a healthy-looking glow all year round.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Lotion Body Self-Tanners
Dove Summer Revived Gradual Tanning Lotion
Dove Gradual Tanning Lotion offers a medium-to-dark tan that builds gradually, ensuring you achieve a natural-looking, radiant glow. This lotion is perfect for all skin types, allowing you to control your desired level of tan over time. It features 72-hour active moisturisation, keeping your skin hydrated and soft while you develop that sun-kissed look. Its easy application means you won't have to worry about streaks or mess, plus it has a delightful fragrance reminiscent of sun-ripened fruits.
St Moriz Gradual Tanning Lotion 200ml
The St Moriz Tanning Lotion is ideal for achieving a sun-kissed glow that builds over three days. You can enjoy a light tan on day one, a medium tan on day two, and a beautiful dark bronze by day three. Its fast-drying formula ensures easy application, giving you an even and streak-free finish. Simply apply the hydrating lotion in circular motions to see the gradual transformation. For the best results, follow the recommended preparation steps for a flawless tan that lasts.
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze Tanner
Palmer's Natural Bronze Tanner is an excellent choice for those seeking a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow. This body lotion is suitable for all skin tones and features a moisturising formula that gradually builds a subtle tan over a few days. As you apply it, you'll also experience deep hydration, leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished. The product comes securely packaged in a Bighart transparent poly bag, ensuring protection against leakage, making it convenient for everyday use.
St Moriz Daily Tanning Moisturiser with Aloe Vera
The St Moriz Tanning Moisturiser is perfect for achieving a gradual golden glow while also hydrating your skin. With its nourishing formula, featuring Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, it soothes and moisturises, making your skin feel silky soft. Ideal for beginners, this lightweight lotion dries quickly and can be used daily without the worry of guide colours, ensuring a mess-free tanning experience. Simply apply in circular motions and watch your tan develop within 4-6 hours.
St.Tropez Gradual Tan Firming Lotion - Medium/Dark
The St.Tropez Firming Tan Lotion is designed to help you achieve a natural, sun-kissed glow while offering multiple skincare benefits. With its lightweight and hydrating formula, you can gradually build your tan without any sticky residue. This self-tanner not only hydrates for up to 72 hours but also protects and smoothes your skin, thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants from blueberry and raspberry oils. Simply apply it with or without a tanning mitt, and enjoy a streak-free result that doesn’t require rinsing off.
Dove Summer Revived Gradual Tanning Lotion Duo
The Dove Gradual Tanning Lotion is designed for all skin types, providing a light to medium tan with ease. The 200 ml lotion and 75 ml face and body option make it convenient for various tanning needs. This self-tanner allows you to achieve a natural-looking glow without the harshness of sun exposure. Its gradual formula means you can control the depth of your tan, giving you a sun-kissed appearance that develops over time. You’ll enjoy the confidence of a beautiful tan, effortlessly.
Skinny Tan Gradual Tan Moisturiser with Coconut Aroma
The Skinny Tan Gradual Tan is an excellent choice for those seeking a natural-looking tan. This moisturiser allows you to build your perfect depth of tan with daily application, ensuring a streak-free finish. It also doubles as a hydrating body lotion, nourishing your skin with a delightful coconut scent while eliminating any self-tan odour. Additionally, it contains aloe vera and firming guarana, helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite, making it a convenient choice for effective skincare.
St.Tropez Gradual Tan Watermelon Lotion
The St.Tropez Watermelon Lotion is a versatile product that offers five key skincare benefits. You can hydrate your skin while building a gradual sunkissed glow, perfect for those who want a subtle tan. The lotion locks in moisture for up to 72 hours, ensuring your skin remains soft and supple. Its lightweight formula is ideal for daily use, and it is suitable for sensitive skin, giving you peace of mind as you enjoy its refreshing watermelon scent.
Dove Nourishing Self Tanning Lotion for Fair to Medium Skin
Dove Self Tanning Lotion is perfect for those with fair to medium skin tones. This subtle self-tanning lotion provides an even tan, allowing you to achieve a natural-looking glow without the harsh effects of the sun. With a content of 250ml, it offers ample product for multiple applications. You can enjoy the convenience of a gradual tan that enhances your skin's appearance while keeping it nourished and moisturised.
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Foam
The Coco & Eve Bronzing Foam offers a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without the sun damage or harsh chemicals. This innovative self-tanner develops in just two hours, providing a fast and long-lasting tan while hydrating your skin with organic ingredients. Enjoy the delightful tropical fragrance that eliminates unpleasant tanning smells. Its lightweight formula allows for easy application, ensuring a streak-free finish even in tricky areas. You can even leave it on overnight for deeper colour without worrying about transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do self tanning lotions work?
Fortunately, sunless tanners deliver a perfectly safe tan. The part of the sun is played by dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with amino acids on the outermost top layer of the skin to produce a tan color.
2. Which gradual self-tanner is best?
10 best gradual fake tans for 2020. Best gradual tan: Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion.Best for quick results: Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Tan Lotion.Best for fair skin: ESPA Gradual Tan Body Moisturiser.Best value for money: Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion.
3. Is self tanning mousse or lotion better?
“A lotion or tanning oil is the most hydrating to the skin, a mousse is the quickest to dry and in my opinion, the easiest to apply, and a spray is the closest thing you'll get to a spray tan.
During our lotion body self-tanner research, we found 143 lotion body self-tanner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 189,027 customer reviews through our big data system to write the lotion body self-tanners list. We found that most customers choose lotion body self-tanners with an average price of £6.85.
The lotion body self-tanners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of lotion body self-tanners, including Dove, ST. MORIZ, Bighart, St.Tropez, Skinny Tan.

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.