Best Face Self-Tanner Creams of 2026

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 2 Feb 2026

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Face self-tanner creams are a popular choice for those looking to achieve a sun-kissed glow without harmful UV exposure. These creams contain DHA, a sugar-derived substance that reacts with the amino acids in the skin's surface to produce a tan-like appearance. They come in a variety of formulas, including gradual tanners and instant bronzers, and can be used to enhance or maintain an existing tan. With so many options available, it's important to choose a product that suits your skin type and desired level of colour.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

St.Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Youth Boosting Cream 50ml. Gradual Tan. Face Tan. Moisturizer Lotion I Self Tanner Cover #TOP 1
St.Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Youth Boosting Cream 50ml. Gradual Tan. Face Tan. Moisturizer Lotion I Self Tanner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Skin & Tan Face Glow Cover #TOP 2
Skin & Tan Face Glow
ftb score rating icon 9.7
St Moriz Miracle Glow Hydrating Face Tanner Serum Cover #TOP 3
St Moriz Miracle Glow Hydrating Face Tanner Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Face Self-Tanner Creams

#TOP 1

St.Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Youth Boosting Cream 50ml. Gradual Tan. Face Tan. Moisturizer Lotion I Self Tanner

100110156
Off White
50 ml (Pack of 1)
St.Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Youth Boosting Cream 50ml. Gradual Tan. Face Tan. Moisturizer Lotion I Self Tanner Cover
St.Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Youth Boosting Cream 50ml. Gradual Tan. Face Tan. Moisturizer Lotion I Self Tanner

Features
Gradually Build A Natural, Sunkissed Glow With This Easy To Apply, Subtly Tinted Daily Youth Boosting Moisturizer With Up To 72hrs Hydration.
Anti-Aging Daily Youth Boosting Gradual Tan Face Moisturizer.
Vegan-Friendly,100% Natural Tanning Active & Cruelty Free.
Skincare With A Touch Of Sun, Protecting Antioxidants, Hydrating Dual Molecular Hyaluronic Acid To Hydrate, Brighten, And Improve Skin's Texture.
Dermatologically Approved And Non Comedogenic.
#TOP 2

Skin & Tan Face Glow

75 ml (Pack of 1)
Skin & Tan Face Glow Cover
Skin & Tan Face Glow – Overnight Self Tan Mask for Face, Deep Hydration Sleep Mask with Gradual Tanner, Wake Up Glowing & Bronzed, Streak-Free Tanning Cream, 75ml

Features
CLINICALLY PROVEN OXYGESKIN FORMULA - Derived From The Nasturtium Flower, Oxygeskin Optimizes Skin Oxygenation, Improving Radiance And Strengthening The Skin Barrier.
OVERNIGHT HYDRATION AND GLOW - Intensely Hydrating Self-Tan Treatment Designed To Work While You Sleep, Delivering Sun-Kissed Skin By Morning.
REJUVENATES AND SMOOTHS SKIN - Enhances Skin Smoothness And Radiance For A Refreshed, Glowing Appearance.
PERFECT FOR ALL SKIN TYPES - A Gentle, Effective Solution For Hydrated, Glowing Skin, Ideal For A Radiant, Natural-Looking Tan.
LUXURIOUS CASHMERE TEXTURE - Cocoon Your Complexion With The Soft, Indulgent Texture That Promotes A Restful, Transformative Skincare Experience.
#TOP 3

St Moriz Miracle Glow Hydrating Face Tanner Serum

9UST4210101
Cream
30 ml (Pack of 1)
St Moriz Miracle Glow Hydrating Face Tanner Serum Cover
St Moriz Advanced Face Tanner Serum - Miracle Glow Hydrating Self Tan Face Serum with Q10 & Hyaluronic Acid - Natural Sunless Radiant Glow & Gradual Face Self Tanner (1.01 fl oz)

The St Moriz Face Tan Serum combines skincare with tanning, allowing you to enjoy a radiant glow while hydrating your skin. Its age-defying formula contains Q10 and Hyaluronic Acid, which help to lock in moisture and reduce fine lines, keeping your skin healthy and youthful. You can easily apply this serum directly to your face without mixing it with moisturiser, making it convenient for daily use to build a natural, gradual tan. Plus, it is dermatologically tested and kind to your skin, being vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens and sulphates.

What We Like
Hydrates and reduces fine lines
Buildable natural-looking tan
Easy direct application
Dermatologically tested
Vegan and cruelty-free

TAN-LUXE THE FACE Self Tanning Drops for Custom Tan

779265
Light/Medium
10 ml (Pack of 1)
TAN-LUXE THE FACE Self Tanning Drops for Custom Tan Cover
Tan-Luxe THE FACE Self Tanning Drops, Light/Medium (10 ml) Add Tanning Drops to Skin Care for Custom Face Tan, Cruelty Free & Vegan

TAN-LUXE Self Tanning Drops offer an effortless way to achieve a natural-looking tan. These innovative drops allow you to transform your moisturiser, serum, or oil into a custom self-tanner. You can easily adjust the level of colour by adding more drops, making it a convenient addition to your skincare routine. With skin-loving ingredients like Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, your skin will remain hydrated and luminous. Plus, the gentle formula ensures no streaks or unpleasant smells, giving you a flawless glow without any fuss.

What We Like
Customisable tanning options
Hydrating skin-friendly ingredients
No streaks or strong smells
Quick-drying, develops in hours

TAN-LUXE THE FACE Self Tan Drops for Custom Tan

779266
Medium/Dark
10 ml (Pack of 1)
TAN-LUXE THE FACE Self Tan Drops for Custom Tan Cover
Tan-Luxe THE FACE Self Tan Drops, Medium/Dark (10 ml) Add Tanning Drops to Skin Care for Custom Face Tan, Cruelty Free & Vegan

TAN-LUXE Self Tan Drops offer a unique way to achieve a natural-looking tan by simply mixing the drops with your moisturiser, serum, or oil. This innovative product allows you to customise your glow, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your skincare routine. With ingredients like Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, your skin remains hydrated and luminous without any unpleasant smells or streaks. The easy-to-use dropper system means you can achieve a radiant complexion in just 2-4 hours, making it a convenient choice for busy individuals.

What We Like
Customisable tanning options
Hydrating skincare ingredients
No streaks or strong smells
Easy application with dropper
Quick development time
#TOP 6

Self-Tanning Lotion for Face & Body

LMDGDS
120 ml (Pack of 1)
Self-Tanning Lotion for Face & Body Cover
Self-Tanning Lotion for Face & Body, 2 x 120 ml, Quick Tanning Express Formula, Easy to Apply Tanning Cream in Economy Pack

Features
Organic Care Complex With Shea Butter And Aloe: Organic Shea Butter + Organic Aloe In Tanning Lotion Moisturises And Soothes. Note: "Organic" Refers To Ingredients According To Packaging.
NATURAL MEDIUM TO DEEP TAN FOR FACE & BODY - Tanning Cream Develops Sun-Like Tan For Medium To Dark Skin Tones. Extra Tip: Even Application With Glove Avoids Stains.
Universal For All Skin Types: From Dry Elbows To Oily T-Zone - The Tanning Cream Adapts To Different Skin Areas. Also Suitable For Sensitive Skin.
Streak-Free, Natural Pigmentation: Thanks To The Optimised DHA Formula, No Orange Stain. Before And After Photos Show Realistic Results.
Safe To Use With Protection Note: Apply Evenly In Front Of The Sun. Important: Reapply After Swimming/sweating. Not For Children
#TOP 7

Skinny Tan Self-Tanning Face Drops

30 ml (Pack of 1)
Skinny Tan Self-Tanning Face Drops Cover
Skinny Tan Self-Tanning Face Drops – Customisable Self Tanner – Natural-Looking Fake Tan for Face – Gradual Face Self Tan Serum with Vegan Collagen 30ml Plus Miracle Brush Bundle.

Features
GRADUAL TANNING WITH VEGAN COLLAGEN – Infused With Vegan Collagen To Hydrate And Plump The Skin While Your Face Tan Develops Gradually And Evenly.
CUSTOMISABLE GLOW FOR YOUR FACE – Mix These Self-Tanning Drops With Your Daily Moisturiser Or Serum To Gradually Build A Natural-Looking, Sun-Kissed Glow.
STREAK-FREE, LIGHTWEIGHT FORMULA – Designed For All Skin Types, This Lightweight Fake Tan For Face Absorbs Easily With No Greasy Residue Or Patchiness.
INCLUDES MIRACLE BRUSH FOR FLAWLESS BLEND – Comes With The Skinny Tan Miracle Brush For Precise, Even Application And A Seamless, Streak-Free Finish Every Time.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Self Tan Drops

143751
Self-Tan Face Drops
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Garnier Ambre Solaire Self Tan Drops Cover
Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self Tan Drops for Face, with Hyaluronic Acid & Coconut Water, Gradual & Natural Looking Tan, Vegan Formula 30ml

The Garnier Self Tan Drops provide immediate hydration for your skin, leaving it feeling softer right away. With continued use, you can enjoy a natural sun-kissed glow that enhances your complexion while deeply moisturising your skin. The inclusion of coconut water and hyaluronic acid ensures a tailor-made tanning experience that is suitable for your unique skin type. Mix these drops with your moisturiser for a personalised glow that suits your needs.

What We Like
Natural sun-kissed glow
Hydrates and softens skin
Vegan and cruelty-free
Customisable tanning experience
Enriched with plant-based ingredients

Tan-Luxe THE FACE Self Tan Drops, Light/Medium

779279
Light/Medium
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Tan-Luxe THE FACE Self Tan Drops, Light/Medium Cover
Tan-Luxe THE FACE Self Tan Drops, Light/Medium (30 ml) Add Tanning Drops to Skin Care for Custom Face Tan, Cruelty Free & Vegan

Tan-Luxe Self Tan Drops offer a simple way to achieve a natural-looking tan. By adding these drops to your moisturiser, serum, or oil, you can easily customise your self-tanning experience without altering your skincare routine. Enriched with skin-loving ingredients like Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, these drops hydrate your skin while providing a luminous glow. The innovative dropper system ensures effortless application, and you can expect a radiant result in just 2-4 hours, making it perfect for your busy lifestyle.

What We Like
Customisable tanning results
Hydrates and nourishes skin
Easy application with dropper
No streaks or unpleasant smells
Quick development time
#TOP 10

The Fox Tan Rapid Face Tanner

RFT90
Yellow
90 ml (Pack of 1)
The Fox Tan Rapid Face Tanner Cover
The Fox Tan Rapid Face Tanner, Tanning Accelerators For Deeper & Faster Tans, Contains Hyaluronic Acid & Jojoba Oil, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, 90ml

Features
HELPS DELIVER DARKER TANS: Powered By FoxComplex, This Formula Enhances Melanin Production For A Deeper Tan. Achieve Dark, Glowing Results Faster With Less Sun Exposure Or Time In The Sunbed
SPEEDS UP YOUR TAN: Rapid Face Tanner Speeds Up Your Tanning Process With FoxComplex, Which Boosts Melanin Production, Helping You Achieve A Deeper Tan In Less Time Under The Sun Or Sunbed
THE FOX TAN: Founded To Give Babes Their Darkest And Fastest Tan Without Spending Hours In The Sun, The Fox Tan Was Created. Real Tan Or Fake Tan, We've Revolutionised The Way You Choose To Glow. Australian-Made, Vegan & Cruelty-Free
MOISTURISING & HYDRATING INGREDIENTS: Packed With Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, And Cocoa Butter, This Tanner Hydrates And Nourishes Your Skin, Leaving It Smooth And Soft While You Tan
HOW TO USE: Apply Daily For 3-5 Days Before UV Exposure And Reapply When In The Sun Or Sunbed. Follow With Skincare, SPF, And Makeup For Best Results
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which fake tan is best for face?

Our top picks for the best face tan in 2022: Best lotion: Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Face Moisturizer. Best instant: Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops. Best drops: Tan Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops. Best serum: Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum.

2. Can you use self tanners on your face?

Using a self-tanner that's specifically designed for your face will typically be better suited for facial application than a tanner formulated for the body. Self-tanners can come in shades or be transparent (like some self-tanning mousse) while still offering the benefits of self-tanning.

Editor's Notes

During our face self-tanner cream research, we found 18 face self-tanner cream products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 82,241 customer reviews through our big data system to write the face self-tanner creams list. We found that most customers choose face self-tanner creams with an average price of £16.96.

The face self-tanner creams are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of face self-tanner creams, including St.Tropez, Skinny Tan, ST. MORIZ, TAN-LUXE, LMDGDS.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

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.