Do you dream of sun-kissed skin without the sun’s harsh rays? Many of us want that healthy summer glow, but finding the perfect drugstore fake tanner can feel like a treasure hunt in a crowded aisle. You see bottles promising perfection, but which ones actually deliver a natural-looking bronze, and which ones leave you looking streaky or orange?
Choosing a fake tanner at the drugstore is tough. You worry about bad smells, messy application, and colors that just don’t match your skin tone. We all want affordable options that work well, but sorting through endless brands takes time and money you’d rather spend enjoying your new tan. It’s frustrating when a product doesn’t live up to its label!
This post cuts through the confusion. We have tested the top drugstore fake tanners to bring you the best budget-friendly buys. You will learn exactly which lotions, mousses, and sprays give you a flawless, streak-free finish every single time. Get ready to ditch the guesswork and find your new holy-grail glow!
Top Fake Tanner Drugstore Recommendations
- DARKEST RESULTS. i'm perfect for anyone looking for a deep, dark tan
- EASY TANNING. no gimmicks, no fake tan smell just the most awesome, darkest tan on the planet
- 1 HOUR CURE TIME. 1 hour development time, leave on for 4+ hours for darker results
- PRO TIP: apply a moisturizer to elbows, knees + ankles before application. apply evenly (but not too thick) + blend thoroughly for the perfect bronzed glow. use with a mitt for ultra smooth results.
- VEGAN FRIENDLY. i love animals so im cruelty free, vegan friendly, and free of nasties like parabens
- GET YOUR TAN ON TODAY - Non-sticky tropical scented paradise, dries quickly for a beautiful glowing tan that develops in about 4-6 hours.
- FLAWLESSLY TANNED WITHOUT THE SUN - Built-in color guide so you can see where it's going from back to legs, ensuring solid application; includes mitt and gloves to assist with your bronzing.
- NATURALLY WORKS WITH EVERY TONE - Our products work for everyone, whether your tone is fair, medium or dark our ingredients work to enhance your skin’s unique pigment.
- WHOLE BODY GLOW ON YOUR TIME - There is no best time to tan, whether you need to apply on the go in the morning, or you like to apply before bed, the color stays completely natural leaving your bod a luxe bronze.
- CLEAN BEAUTY SOLUTION - Our tanners are formulated with natural skin loving ingredients that are paraben free, vegan friendly and made with naturally derived DHA; never tested on animals.
- GET YOUR TAN ON TODAY - Non-sticky tropical scented paradise, dries quickly for a beautiful glowing tan that develops in about 4-6 hours.
- FLAWLESSLY TANNED WITHOUT THE SUN - Built-in color guide so you can see where it's going from back to legs, ensuring solid application; includes mitt and gloves to assist with your bronzing.
- NATURALLY WORKS WITH EVERY TONE - Our products work for everyone, whether your tone is fair, medium or dark our ingredients work to enhance your skin’s unique pigment.
- WHOLE BODY GLOW ON YOUR TIME - There is no best time to tan, whether you need to apply on the go in the morning, or you like to apply before bed, the color stays completely natural leaving your bod a luxe bronze.
- CLEAN BEAUTY SOLUTION - Our tanners are formulated with natural skin loving ingredients that are paraben free, vegan friendly and made with naturally derived DHA; never tested on animals.
- DARK RESULTS. i'm perfect for you when all you want is a natural dark tan
- EASY TANNING. no gimmicks, no fake tan smell just the most awesome dark tan on the planet
- 1 HOUR CURE TIME. 1 hour development time, leave on for 4+ hours for darker results
- PRO TIP: apply a moisturizer to elbows, knees + ankles before application. apply evenly (but not too thick) + blend thoroughly for the perfect bronzed glow. use with a mitt for ultra smooth results.
- VEGAN FRIENDLY. i love animals so im cruelty free, vegan friendly, and free of nasties like parabens
- A NATURAL, SUN-KISSED GLOW: Goodbye to orange hues and hello to a natural-looking tan. Our bronzing tanning lotion comes in fair to medium & medium to dark shades for all skin types.
- CLEAN BEAUTY: Trust Beauty by Earth for a natural self tanner organic made with organic aloe vera, shea butter, and botanical extracts without any harmful additives or dyes.
- SUITABLE FOR FACE & BODY: Our organic tanning lotion can be used on both face and body for a seamless, all-over tan. For acne-prone skin, use our tanner lotion for glowing skin.
- OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE: We offer a variety of USA-made best self tanning lotions and formats, including mousse, spray tan, tanning drops, tanning mist, and more. Find your perfect match!
- EASY APPLICATION, NO STREAKS: Our best self tanner for body is easy to apply & goes on clear, without leaving any streaks or patches. You'll have a beautiful, even tan in no time. And no staining your sheets or clothes!
- DARKEST RESULTS. i'm perfect for anyone looking for a deep, dark tan
- TANNING MITT INCLUDED. i come with our best selling mitt so you can create the most awesome, dark tan on the planet
- 1 HOUR CURE TIME. 1 hour development time, leave on for 4+ hours for darker results
- PRO TIP: apply a moisturizer to elbows, knees + ankles before application. apply evenly (but not too thick) + blend thoroughly for the perfect bronzed glow. use with a mitt for ultra smooth results.
- VEGAN FRIENDLY. i love animals so im cruelty free, vegan friendly, and free of nasties like parabens
- GET YOUR TAN ON TODAY - Non-sticky tropical scented paradise, dries quickly for a beautiful glowing tan that develops in about 4-6 hours.
- FLAWLESSLY TANNED WITHOUT THE SUN - Built-in color guide so you can see where it's going from back to legs, ensuring solid application; includes mitt and gloves to assist with your bronzing.
- NATURALLY WORKS WITH EVERY TONE - Our products work for everyone, whether your tone is fair, medium or dark our ingredients work to enhance your skin’s unique pigment.
- WHOLE BODY GLOW ON YOUR TIME - There is no best time to tan, whether you need to apply on the go in the morning, or you like to apply before bed, the color stays completely natural leaving your bod a luxe bronze.
- CLEAN BEAUTY SOLUTION - Our tanners are formulated with natural skin loving ingredients that are paraben free, vegan friendly and made with naturally derived DHA; never tested on animals.
- SUN FREE TANNING ANTI-AGER - Achieve perfectly tanned skin with benefits; hydrates and smooths thirsty skin with the power of anti-aging coconut oil to boost moisture which nourishes, firms and helps improve skin tone.
- WHOLE BODY GLOW ON YOUR TIME - There is no best time to tan, apply on the go in the morning, or before bed; fast-drying, refreshing melting effect on contact with skin, so you don't have to wait long to get that luxe bronze color from head to toe.
- SUBLIME BRONZING HYDRATION - Hyaluronic acid known as as the ‘fountain of youth’ for its ability to plump and hydrate skin; silk amino acids and glycerin help to prevent dehydration and wrinkles, leaving skin with a silky soft shine.
- NATURALLY WORKS WITH EVERY TONE - Our products work for everyone, whether your tone is fair, medium or dark our ingredients work to enhance your skin’s unique pigment for a long-lasting, streak-free tan and fades out evenly; includes applicator gloves.
- CLEAN BEAUTY SOLUTION - Our tanners are formulated with natural skin loving ingredients that are paraben free, vegan friendly and made with naturally derived DHA; never tested on animals.
Your Guide to Finding the Best Drugstore Fake Tanner
Want a sun-kissed glow without the sun damage? Drugstore fake tanners are your answer! Finding the right one can feel tricky with so many bottles on the shelf. This guide helps you pick the perfect self-tanner for your skin.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a drugstore fake tanner, look for these important features:
- Color Guide/Guide Color: This is a tinted lotion or mousse that shows you where you put the product. It helps you avoid streaks. It washes off later.
- Development Time: How long does it take for the tan to show up? Some work in one hour (fast), others take eight hours (gradual). Pick what fits your schedule.
- Application Type: Do you want a mousse, lotion, spray, or wipes? Mousse is popular because it dries fast and spreads easily.
- Scent: Many tanners smell like chemicals. Look for products labeled “odorless” or those with light, pleasant scents like coconut or vanilla.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The magic behind fake tanner comes from a few key ingredients. Understanding these helps you choose a good product.
The Browning Agent
The main ingredient that makes your skin look tan is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA reacts with the dead skin cells on the top layer of your skin. This reaction creates a temporary brown color. Most good drugstore tanners use plant-derived DHA.
Skin-Loving Additions
Quality tanners often include helpful extras:
- Moisturizers (like Shea Butter or Aloe Vera): These keep your skin soft. Dry skin makes a tan fade unevenly.
- Antioxidants (like Vitamin E): These help protect your skin.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all drugstore tanners act the same. Quality depends on a few things.
What Makes a Tan Better?
- Gradual Formulas: These build color slowly over several days. They are harder to mess up and look more natural.
- Even Application Tools: Using a tanning mitt (a special glove) greatly improves the final look. Mitts prevent orange palms.
- Oil-Free Formulas: Tanners work best on clean, dry skin. Products without heavy oils let the DHA work more evenly.
What Makes a Tan Worse?
- Too Much DHA: If the DHA percentage is too high for your skin tone, your tan might look orange or too dark.
- Poor Blending: If you skip moisturizing dry spots (like elbows and knees) before applying, those areas absorb more color and look patchy.
- Skipping the Rinse: If you do not rinse off excess product after the development time, the color transfer can be messy.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the tanner changes what experience you have.
For Beginners:
If you are new to self-tanning, start with a gradual tanning lotion. These lotions add a little color each day. You control how deep the tan gets. Use a guide color if you choose a quick-developing foam.
For Special Events:
If you need a deep color fast for a party or vacation, choose a bronzing mousse with a fast 2-4 hour development time. Always do a test patch 24 hours before the big event!
Maintenance:
To make your glow last longer, use a tanning extender lotion (which has a tiny bit of DHA) daily. This keeps the color fresh between full applications.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Drugstore Fake Tanners
Q: Are drugstore fake tanners safe?
A: Yes, they are safe when used as directed. The main ingredient, DHA, is approved by the FDA for external use. It does not tan the deeper layers of your skin like the sun does.
Q: How long does a drugstore fake tan usually last?
A: Most self-tanners last between 5 to 10 days. The color fades as your top skin cells naturally shed.
Q: Can I use self-tanner if I have sensitive skin?
A: Many drugstore brands are made for sensitive skin. Always check the label for added fragrances or harsh alcohols. Try a small spot first.
Q: What is the difference between a mousse and a lotion?
A: Mousse is light and airy. It dries very quickly, which is great for fast tanners. Lotions feel like regular body cream and offer more moisture.
Q: Why did my hands turn orange after tanning?
A: This usually happens because too much product was left on the skin. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap immediately after application, or use a mitt and wash between your fingers.
Q: Do I need to exfoliate before using fake tanner?
A: Yes, absolutely! You must exfoliate (scrub off dead skin) the day before. This creates a smooth surface for the tanner to stick to evenly.
Q: How do I stop the tanner from smelling?
A: The smell happens as the DHA processes. Apply a light layer of unscented lotion over the top after the initial color develops to help mask it.
Q: Can I use fake tanner before and after shaving?
A: Shave at least 12 to 24 hours *before* you apply the tanner. Shaving right after removes the fresh color. Wait a few hours after tanning before shaving again.
Q: Which type of tanner is best for fair skin?
A: Fair skin looks best with gradual tanning lotions or a very light-colored mousse. This prevents an overly dark or unnatural look.
Q: Can I swim or exercise after applying tanner?
A: Wait the full development time (usually 6-8 hours) before getting wet or sweating heavily. Water and sweat will cause the tan to streak as it washes off.