Get your summer glow on!
Looking for clean self-tanners but don’t know where to start? That was us not too long ago. Sam and I were on the hunt for the best clean self-tanners out there that were easy to use, left us streak-free, and gave us that healthy summer glow. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy! Luckily, after a few trials and errors, we found what we consider to be the best of the best.
Make sure you check out the before and after photos!
But first, what is a clean self-tanner?
When looking for a clean alternative to your favorite self-tanning lotion, look for the following:
- Naturally derived forms of DHA (the key ingredient in most self-tanners)
- No artificial fragrances
- Vegan
- Cruelty free
- Paraben free
- Silicone free
Natural vs. Chemical DHA
The most important thing to note is whether the DHA is naturally derived or not. If the DHA comes from natural ingredients, like sugar beets, it is made to only react to the amino acids on the top layers of your skin. Chemical DHAs can penetrate much deeper into your skin (and even bloodstream), which results in a faster-developing tan but also means these chemicals are seeping into your skin for longer periods of time. In other words, faster is not always better!
Check out this post for a quick rundown of how DHA works!
Best Overall:
![best clean self tanners Beauty by Earth review](http://uncovertheglow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Beauty-By-Earth-Self-Tanner-Review.jpg)
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner
The Beauty by Earth body and face lotions are by far the best of the best! They both give you a truly natural, streak-free glow. They are super easy to apply because you don’t need to use a mitt (just wash your hands right after!), and they leave a bit of a white cast which forces you to reallyyy rub it in. Hence why you end up with a seriously even tan! I also didn’t feel the need to apply a second layer because the tan was perfectly golden after one application.
Beauty by Earth Before and After:
Before After
Best for newbies:
![best clean self tanners Chocolate Sun review](http://uncovertheglow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Chocolate-Sun-Self-Tanner-Review.jpg)
Chocolate Sun Medium Tanning Cream
This is a great cream for self-tanning newbies and mamas-to-be because the ingredients are ultra clean. The Chocolate Sun Medium Tanning Cream is very easy to apply and gives you a great gradual tan, so you don’t have to worry about waking up with a darker skin tone than you hoped. Another perk is you can use the same product on your face and body!
![best clean self tanners Absolutely Natural](http://uncovertheglow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Absolutely-Natural-Self-Tanner-Review.jpg)
Absolutely Natural Bronzing Formula
This Absolutely Natural lotion is another great option for newbies! It is very easy to apply and gives you a very light glow, which you can then build up by applying a second or third time. I did notice some slight patchiness around my ankles and arms, but that was definitely user error! Just make sure you apply slowly and take your time rubbing it in.
Best for experts:
![best clean self tanners Coco & Eve review](http://uncovertheglow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Coco-and-Even-Self-Tanner-Review.jpg)
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Foam
If you’re a self-tanning pro, I highly recommend you give this Coco & Eve foam a try! I love the fact that it has an olive base, which gives you a more natural tan than some others with a more orange base. I say this is best for experts because you can’t be afraid to apply a good amount of product. You really have to lather this on and be very conscious of applying evenly to avoid streaking! (You can see in the pics below I didn’t apply enough.)
Coco & Eve Before and After:
Before After
Best for travel:
![best clean self tanners Isle of Paradise review](http://uncovertheglow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/isle-of-paradise-drops-review.jpg)
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
These are great to bring with you when you travel because all you have to do is mix a few drops into your favorite lotion and apply! These tanning drops are also great for customizing the level of tan you want. You can use less drops for a light glow and build up a gradual tan throughout the week.
Best for face:
![best clean self tanners Lux Unfiltered review](http://uncovertheglow.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Lux-Unfiltered-Self-Tanner-Review.jpg)
Lux Unfiltered Bronzing Face Drops
While Sam and I didn’t love the Lux Unfiltered tanning cream (left us very streaky!), we do really like the face drops. They are easy to mix in with our everyday moisturizers and give us a very healthy glow. These drops also don’t break us out, which is a huge win! While I do still prefer the Beauty by Earth face lotion for a more visible tan, these drops are great for a gradual glow.
Lux Unfiltered Before and After:
Before After
Did you favorite clean self-tanner make the cut?
If not, comment below so we can keep experimenting! Or connect with us on Instagram (@uncovertheglow) to chat one-on-one. We love to hear from you! I hope this list was helpful for any of you looking to dive into the world of clean self-tanners. We wish you a glowy, streak-free journey ahead!
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