13 Self Tanners Dermatologists Swear By

St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops ($42)

Bloomfield Hills, MI dermatologist Linda C. Honet, MD says these drops are “the perfect customizable and elegant self-tanner.” They can be added to any body moisturizer. For a deeper tan, add more drops.

Hampton Sun Sunless Tanning Mist ($38)

Delray Beach, FL dermatologist Janet Allenby, MD says she’s a “huge fan of self tanners since we work so hard in trying to reverse the effects of sun damage.” Her favorite is this Sunless Tanning Mist. It “develops to a great color, more on the reddish side, along with being really easy to use at home, it sprays upside down, doesn’t streak, and doesn’t have that awful smell.” A pro tip from Dr. Allenby: use a hairdryer after spraying it to help it dry and set faster.

Tan-Luxe The Face Self-Tan Drops ($50) 

These drops are formulated to be added to your favorite skin care to give you the perfect sun-kissed glow, explains Dr. Honet. “Not only can you adjust the amount of glow, but it is also compatible with all skin types and is non-comedogenic. This one is especially ideal for those susceptible to breakouts,” she adds.

TanTowel Face Tan Towelettes ($30)

In addition to giving you a great tan, this pick from Dr. Papantoniou is packed with ingredients that are great for your skin. “The Towelettes have aloe vera, anti-aging properties, and they boost hydration of the skin (due to the humectant, vitamin B5), says Dr. Papantoniou.

Dr. Honet also recommends these towelettes, noting that they’ve been around a long time and are especially great for self tanning on the go. “These towelettes are drenched with self-tanner that’s easy to apply for even application and great for travel.”

Bali Body Face Tan Water ($30)

“Bali Body Face Water is great,” says Dr. Peredo. “It doesn’t smell at all like self tanner. You apply it to your face using a pad or blend in with moisturizer for an even, gradual tan.”

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Mousse ($14)

This double-duty product gives instant color, which makes it ideal for day-of self tanning, but it also deepens the skin overnight, says Dr. Honet. She warns that it’s quick-drying, so you should apply with a mitt to promote a more even application.

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops ($14)

Dr. Papantoniou suggests choosing a product that has additional benefits like anti-aging or moisturizing. This product has “the added benefits of not only being able to be mixed in with a serum or moisturizer to boost the hydration, but it also has hyaluronic acid and is fragrance-free,” says Dr. Papantoniou.

FakeBake Airbrush Instant Self-Tan ($20)

“FakeBake is always a popular choice by my patients who want to look like they just returned from the Bahamas or other tropical locations,” says Dr. Hopkins. The brand has plenty of formulas to choose from, including spray, mousse and lotion.

Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer Medium/Tan ($10)

As the name implies, apply this product right after the shower on wet skin. “It moisturizes the skin, doesn’t stain clothes, and spreads on evenly since your skin is wet,” says Dr. Peredo.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs ($12)

Dr. Honet calls this one a “cult classic to give instant color for winter-blah skin and washes off in the shower. Think of it as makeup for the legs.” It comes in a spray and lotion version with a variety of color depths. She notes that there is also a glow version called Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Illuminator ($9), “which adds the effect of a light-reflecting highlighter for the legs and other parts of the body.”