The best Natural and Organic Self Tanners

Last Updated on 4 November 2024 by Alisea Mae

Fake tan can help us gain confidence and enjoy our bodies all year round.  Fake tan doesn’t have to mean a deep colour sprayed all over in a salon. There are lots of ways to top up the colour of our skin whenever we need to. This diversity of options is important because we often turn to self-tanning for different reasons. There can be pressure sometimes to have glowing skin and a dark colour in the summer, especially if you didn’t get a holiday in a tropical location like your friends or colleagues. A natural lotion or tanning solution at home could offer that illusion. Or, perhaps you don’t like the way that your skin looks in the winter when you can’t get out to catch the sun. The right natural tanning product could help to top up that colour for a year-round glow. We also can’t forget that a tanner or bronzing tool can act as a form of concealer for those that are self-conscious about their skin tone or any uneven patches or blemishes.

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Whatever the reason,  the important thing is that you find a product that meets your needs and that you can stay safe at the same time. Choose a natural self-tanning product that won’t irritate your skin and remember to apply sunscreen when you are able to go out in the sun. The combination of natural colour and effective SPF gives you the best of both worlds. Below are some of the best options in natural tanning products to choose from, some providing a very different approach to a more sun-kissed look.  There are the familiar lotions and mousses, a more intense oil,  a bronzer,  a tanning water spray,  face serum and a subtle toner. All ten promise a natural approach with great ingredients and ease of use. All ten have their pros and cons.

1) NYK1 TanForce self tanning mousse

One of the selling points of this NYK1 mousse is that unlike the tinted lotion further down, this one actually comes with a “MegaMitt”  or you can buy just the mousse on its own. Furthermore, there are lots of great sales promises with this option. Again, this is a natural approach with a “kind and gentle” formula. It is paraben free for no side effects and should be odour free, fast drying and great to look at. They call it the 1st boyfriend friendly tan, and it seems that many users would agree.  This natural self-tanning mousse came Highly Commended in the Natural Health 2019 Beauty Awards.

Pros:
There are reports from users that see this as a great top-up tanner to keep their skin looking great, with just the right tone. This natural fake tan solution dries pretty quickly, so users can make this part of a typical skincare routine. The aim is that users should be able to enjoy a full face and body application in 10 minutes. Few seem to contest this idea. This method may be speedy, but the agents within the mousse remain hard at work so that the tan develops over the course of the day. Those expecting instant golden brown tans need a little more patience as this takes a couple of coats.

Cons:
There are some mixed reviews out there with strikingly different experiences. This suggests that there may be some fake products hanging around on the web. There are a couple of key examples here. Firstly, some agree with the claim about it drying quickly, while others say it comes off on towels after they take a shower. Also, while some agree that there is barely any scent to the mousse, others talk about a smell reminiscent of chip fat. The moral of the story here is to buy direct from the brand or reputable seller for the best product.

The three links below are my affiliate links and will take you directly to the products on the Amazon website:

The award-winning NYK1 Self-tanning mousse can be bought from Amazon with free delivery.

If you require the mitt then you can buy the fake tan together with the mitt.

NYK1 also have their own branded exfoliating glove which is available in 2 colours – pink and black.

2) Vita liberata phenomenal 2-3 week tan mousse

This Mousse can call itself a natural fake tan product because of the 100% natural formula. All the extracts within this product are organic and safe to use. There are also zero toxins, so users shouldn’t have any worries about repeated use. There are lots of great claims about this product – some that are met with ease and others less so. It should be reasonably easy to apply with no scent and no streaks. It won in the Natural Health Magazine 2014 Beauty Awards, but is it still appealing today?

Pros:
Those that experience a good result with this product have high praise for the look of the tan and the quality of the mousse. The colour is natural for a more golden look and there isn’t too much of a smell either. There are some mixed responses to the time frame between applications. Some are perfectly happy with how long this lasts, while others question the promise of 2-3 weeks of great colour. The problem here is that the company set themselves up for a fall. They talk about the longest tan result on the market, which immediately sounds exaggerated. Take this claim away and buyers probably wouldn’t complain too much.

Cons:
The biggest problem here is the number of user reviews about patchy results. There are a few users that say that the product took far longer to dry than they expected and that this didn’t result in the even tan they were expecting. There are a few precautions to this product to adhere to before application. For example, users must apply the mousse to exfoliated skin and must refrain from using moisturisers for 24 hours prior to use. This might account for the problems. There are also plenty of comments about even results and a great result. This suggests that the issue really does come down to preparation, not the product.

The link below is my affiliate link and will take you directly to the product on the Amazon website:

The vita liberata phenomenal self-tan mousse can be bought from Amazon and is available in three shades – fair, medium and dark.

3) Vita liberata fabulous self tanning gradual lotion

This lotion is one designed for a gradual tan through a series of layers. This is a product that ticks plenty of boxes when it comes to key words in the description. It promises to offer a “sun-kissed glow” and has a “moisture locking system”. There is also the promise that it is both natural and vegan. The latter is great for those worried about the source of the ingredients. This natural formula means that it is free from parabens, perfumes and toxins. Instead, it contains aloe vera, lychee, liquorice and raspberry.

Pros:
Let’s start with a pro that might go under the radar at first. Many of the best organic fake tan products are a little more pricey, and you don’t always get much in the bottle. Here users can enjoy a larger tube of lotion at a decent price. As for the results, the majority of users are pretty happy with the natural colour and the feel of their skin. Just as with the product below, the use of a little aloe vera goes a long way. Most get an even result, especially if they use a glove.

Cons:
As with many of these natural tanning solutions, there are some warnings about preparing yourself for the application process. Here users are warned to exfoliate before using the lotion, but not to moisturise. The idea here is that this should allow for an even look that will last longer. Users also can’t shower up to 8 hours afterwards to allow the lotion to sink in properly. The other important downside here is the smell. Apparently, liquorice and lychee don’t combine as well as other botanical extracts.

The two links below are my affiliate links and will take you directly to the products on the Amazon website:

The Vita Liberata gradual tan lotion can be bought from Amazon with free delivery.

The Vita Liberata branded tanning glove is available separately.

4) TanOrganic certified organic self tan oil

There are lots of interesting elements to the sale pitch of this bottle of natural tanning oil. It claims to be the world’s first self-tanning oil, and the winner of the Social & Personal Best Beauty Buys 2014.  Other brands have now caught up with them and there is more competition. Yet, this option is still appealing because of the promise of great colour, hydrated skin and the natural formula. This has Aloe Vera, plant oils and citrus peel.

Pros:
There are some great comments from users about the results. Those that take the time to apply this product correctly can enjoy an even colour and nice look. There are some who say that the colour isn’t quite right for Asian skin tones, but most say there is a natural glow. The use of citrus oils is also a great idea because it provides a great scent. The aloe vera is also helpful because some say that it helps to soften the skin after use.

Cons:
Unfortunately, there are some users that struggle with the application process. This isn’t a simple lotion or mousse that goes on in an instant. Users have to be careful not to use too much of the greasy liquid and to apply it evenly. Those that don’t will see streaks appear. There is also the chance that this will create a bit of a mess. The best advice is to dedicate an hour in the bathroom where nothing can go wrong. Users that are a little more patient with this product will see the benefits. Gloves don’t seem to be necessary, but they might help.

The TanOrganic Self-Tan Oil can currently be bought from Amazon with free delivery.

The above oil can be used on the body and face but if you prefer you can buy the specially formulated facial tan oil in a 50ml bottle.

TanOrganic also does their own brand self-tan application glove which has extra thumb support.

5) Eco by Sonya Driver hempitan body tan water

This next option is the first of a pair from Eco by Sonya Driver. Here we have tanning water that is completely organic and natural. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about any nasty chemicals or additives getting on your skin whenever you need to top up your tan. The company promises that you will get a “super dark” tan here thanks to the use of organic hemp and cacao. At the same time, hemp seed extract should help to keep your skin moisturised.

Pros:
Most buyers seem to be impressed with the tone of the tan achieved and the ease of use. There are also some impressive before and after pictures out there that show the difference and quality of their new skin tone. There are lots of claims surrounding this product that stands out to those wanting the most eco-friendly option. It is certified organic and vegan with cruelty-free production. It does come all the way from Australia, so air miles are involved, but the benefits balance that out. There is also the promise here that this dries instantly and smells amazing. The former could be a pro or a con depending on your confidence in applying the spray. You don’t want to end up with a patchy look, especially with this darker tone. As for the smell, that is always a matter of opinion. The addition of the coconut water and orange oil should help.

Cons:
Another consideration here is that it is best to use this with a mitt. You need to work evenly and rub the water in as you go. That dark tone could be pretty messy on your hands. So, while there are lots of buyers that appreciate the simple application process, there will be others that struggle a little. Finally, be aware of the price tag. You get 125ml of tanning water for around £36. Prices may vary depending on your source.

The three links below are my affiliate links and will take you directly to the products on the Amazon website:

Eco by Sonya Driver tanning water is available to buy from Amazon.

They also have their own brand applicator mitt which is double-sided for use with all Eco Tan products.

Lastly, there is also an extreme exfoliant glove by the same brand.

6) Eco by Sonya Driver winter skin

This next option comes from the same brand. This time, you get a lotion instead of one of those water sprays. The premise here is that you can apply this lotion as needed over the winter to add a little colour in a safe and convenient manner. As with the water above, they aren’t shy with their sales claims. They promise that even users with “snow white” skin in winter can get results. All you need to do is rub it in to top up your colour and build up a winter tan.

Pros:
One of the added benefits of this product is the fact that it acts as a moisturiser as well as a tanning lotion. This is ideal in the winter months when our skin can get a little dry and flaky with the cold. The aloe vera and cacao combine with the grape seed extract to ensure that you get the best results, feel and scent. Again, there are the same advantages for the environment with the vegan and cruelty-free approach and you can be sure of a natural and organic formula. There are no artificial dyes so you don’t have to worry about chemicals or weird synthetic tones to your skin. There are also users getting sense memories of summer and lollies on the beach because of the fragrance. This might enhance your self-care regime over the winter.

Cons:
One potential drawback here is that you do need to apply this regularly to get the best results. This isn’t a one-off treatment to magically transform your skin for the season. Regular daily applications are the best option for a better tone. So, this will only work for those that are strict with their daily skincare regimes. Some buyers have complained about the price, as this is another expensive option for a daily treatment. But, others say that it is worthwhile.

This popular product is currently unavailable but do check back for updates to this.

7) Bellamianta self tanning tinted lotion

The bellamianta tinted lotion qualifies as an organic alternative thanks to its complex formula of botanical extracts and vitamins. There is a lot packed into a small 150ml bottle and the company are quick to highlight their “revolutionary” system. They promise a light solution that dries in 60 seconds, with no risk of streaks. This effect comes from the addition of pentavitin, which naturally hydrates the skin for a better look. It sounds like it should tick all the right boxes. But, there are some downsides.

Pros:
The main benefit of this lotion over other natural tanning products is the extent of the natural formula. The company has gone all out to pack this product full of great ingredients. This includes lots of fruit extracts, such as mango, papaya, buckthorn and goji berry, and moisturising agents like vitamin E.  This careful selection has two advantages.  First of all, the fruits react with the melanin in the skin for a natural bronze/olive colour. Buyers love how natural it looks compared to other orange looking products. The essential oils also provide a nice smell. This makes a nice change to some of the chemical smells experienced with typical self-tanners.

Cons:
One of the problems with this tanning tinted lotion is the lack of a mitt. In fact, many online consumers frequently purchase a mitt to go with the product and make life a little easier. This does increase the overall cost slightly but would be worthwhile. There are also some rare reports about it rubbing off a little too easily. But, as you will see with other products, this is a common risk. In a bigger bottle, with a free mitt, this solution would surely earn a lot more 5 star reviews from buyers.

The three links below are my affiliate links and will take you directly to the products on the Amazon website:

The bellamianta self-tanning tinted lotion in a medium shade is available to buy from Amazon in a 150ml bottle.

The darker shade of tanning lotion comes in a 200ml bottle.

Bellamianta also does their own exfoliator glove with thumb support.

8) Vita liberata self tanning anti age serum

This next product is something a little different as there is a more specific function. This one is a face serum that should allow you to top up a healthy glow in this area with no ill effects. This is important because there are other lotions and tanners that might not be suitable for use on the more sensitive skin on your face. The colour is designed to be natural and gentle. Meanwhile, there are plumping agents within the serum to give it that anti-ageing property. Therefore, this could be a helpful tool for older women that don’t want to sacrifice their tan or their ageing solution.

Pros:
There are some nice natural ingredients here that should lead to an effective solution. The marula oil should help to nourish the skin while the cucumber deals with ease of elasticity. This is another product that is certified organic with natural ingredients. Once you get past the sales talk like “odour remove technology”, “flash dry” system and the “HyH20”, you should find a product that locks in the moisture and works quickly without any nasty smell.

Cons:
There are comments from users that a little goes a long way when applying this serum. First of all, this could mean that it is easy to overdo things and not get the subtle tone you are looking for. Also, this quantity is important considering the amount you get and the price paid. You can pay as much as £30 for just 15ml of this product. Happy users would say it is worth it for the combination of benefits but it will be too much for some.

The link below is my affiliate link and will take you directly to the product on the Amazon website:

The vita liberata natural face tanning serum comes in a 15ml bottle.

9) RMS beauty buriti bronzer

Next, we have a bronzer. These tools can be a great hassle-free way to add a little bit of a glow and richer tone to key areas of the body. This one is a cream bronzer with an ultra-sheer look. This means that it should go on with ease without creating any thick, unnatural layers of colour. There is a deliberate attempt to steer away from the shine and orange tones of some other products so that you don’t look as though you have applied anything at all. Buyers agree that there is no unnecessary sparkle in the product to give themselves away.

Pros:
With the right brush, you should be able to sweep it over your face and shoulder to create the illusion of a day in the sun, rather than a full-on fake tan. There is also the promise that it can be used as makeup to add some natural colour to your lips and eyes, but just be careful when testing this out. Still, many agree that it is easy to apply and some even do so every day. Again, there are some nice natural ingredients here to create that authentic glow. The cacao seed butter, jojoba oil and coconut oil should allow for a nourishing formula.

Cons:
Not all users are impressed with the colour, with one claiming that the red tones made them look bruised. So, the appeal could depend on your skin tone. Try and test it out before committing to buying it. There is also the fact that this product contains beeswax. Therefore, some vegans or others concerned about animal by-products might not feel that this is right for them. There are also some comments about the longevity of the product on combination skin. However, others with dry or oily skin don’t seem to have a problem. Again, test it out and be aware that it might not be perfect for your skin type.

The link below is my affiliate link and will take you directly to the product on the Amazon website:

The RMS beauty bronzer is available with free delivery.

10) This works perfect legs

This final option is something a little different for a natural fake tan. The products above are both great options for natural tanning and strong colour. Here we have a toner that gently adds colour to the skin and evens out tone. This means that this is just as good as a top-up product when a tan fades as a gentle toner for covering blemishes. Again, this is a natural product with plenty of botanical elements. It includes shea butter, patchouli, orange, geranium, coconut, vanilla and more.

Pros:
When your product reads as “this works perfect”, there are high expectations of its potential. There are some great comments here about the quality of the product and its effect on users’ skin. Some say that it is a great way to even out their skin tone without looking as though they have had a fake tan. This makes it ideal for fair-skinned women that want a more natural look and aren’t keen on the “fake” approach. There are also positive comments about the scent and ease of application. Comments do vary, and some are happier with the results than others.

Cons:
There are two downsides here. The first is the fact that the product doesn’t seem to last as long as some would like. Once applied, there is a nice colour, but it washes off with the next shower, or with any vigorous rubs with a tissue. Then there is the cost. There are some that feel that this option is a bit expensive for what it is. There is a sense that the brand jacked up the price for this small bottle purely because of the ingredients.

The link below is my affiliate link and will take you directly to the product on the Amazon website:

This works ‘perfect legs skin miracle’ hydrating formula was a previous winner in the Natural Health Beauty Awards and is available from Amazon.

Choosing the right organic fake tan products for you

There really is a lot more choice in products than some people may assume when it comes to tanners. There are some that are quite intense and labour intensive, such as the oil, but then there are the more subtle options like the toner. There are pros and cons to each approach. Choose wisely and make sure that you get the colour, feel, smell and long-lasting effect that you are after. For more on self-tanning methods and tips for getting the best results from your tanning session, see my separate article.