:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(2999x0:3001x2)/the-best-self-tanning-drops-new-badge-tout-d7034004d169401abf79669af4775554.jpg?w=1500&resize=1500,1000&ssl=1 "The Best Self-Tanning Drops We Tested That Hydrate and Plump Your Skin"){kind=icon}
We all know the importance of layering up with SPF, but you can’t deny the confidence that a bronzy glow can inspire. Thanks to self-tanning products like tanning drops, it’s now easier than ever to get sun-kissed skin without stepping foot outdoors.
We got the inside scoop on which drops professional makeup and tanning artists swear by after years of using them on celebrities. We also tapped our editors and tester database to put several top picks to work, ourselves. After much trial and error, we found the 11 best drops that gave us a golden glow no matter the season.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/st-tropez-tan-tonic-glow-drops-dcb2c84bc2ef4d3caee3455b901664f4.jpg)
St. Tropez is well known for its tanning mousse, but the Tan Tonic Glow Drops stole the hearts of our experts and editors alike. What separates these drops from the rest are their skin-loving ingredients that even the skin tone, smooth fine lines, and provide a youthful glow. You can add a drop or two straight to your skin to intensify the tan or add them to your moisturizer for a natural glow.
We loved that these drops completely developed after eight hours and didn’t need to be washed off. They kept us looking tan for days, even after showering and washing our faces multiple times. While we wish the bottle was a little bigger for the price, this is a product we would repeatedly buy (especially during the pale winter months).
Experts Say
“When I want to add the appearance of [a] natural looking sun tan to my legs or arms I add a few drops of the St. Tropez tanning drops to my favorite body oil or lotion,” celebrity makeup artist Kindra Mann, who touts Renée Zellweger and Glen Powell as clients, tells PEOPLE.
Size: 1.01 ounces | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamin E, echinacea, dual molecular weight hyaluronic acid | Drops Needed: 1–6
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bondi-sands-pure-self-tanning-drops-113215310eb1491a94a9af4c7c55a625.jpg)
This colorless and fragrance-free formula doubles as skincare and plays nicely with several skin types. It also blended seamlessly with our moisturizers during testing. You can use between four and 12 drops to evenly tan your skin, though we found that six drops gave us the perfect glow.
Our complexions were given an extra dose of hydration thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E — which made our skin feel more smooth and supple after the pigment had developed.
However, we recommend doing your typical skincare routine before adding these tanning drops into the mix, as you can’t add any other products on top of the serum until six hours have passed.
Size: 1.35 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E | Drops Needed: 4–12
Pro Tip!
“If you choose to mix with a moisturizer, try to avoid moisturizers that are true oils as they can interfere with self-tan development.”—Sophie Evans, celebrity tanning artist
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/loreal-paris-sublime-bronze-self-tanning-facial-drops-with-hyaluronic-acid-cd737eab505b4382a6e0e1462e60e96d.jpg)
-
Affordable price with high-end results
-
Color adjusts to your pH levels
-
Easy to find at most large retail stores
Real tans can be harmful and fake ones are usually pricey, so budget-friendly products like these drops are the perfect solution. This formula is customizable depending on how many drops you apply and leaves your skin feeling more hydrated than before due to its hyaluronic acid actives. Five to seven drops are enough for a slightly bronzed look, while eight to 10 are sufficient for a deeper glow — just be sure to apply them before bed so you can wake up to a beautiful bronze.
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredient: Hyaluronic acid | Drops Needed: 5–10
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sol-by-jergens-deeper-by-the-drop-face-and-body-serum-d0a04569fa5a40dbadc4043eb1089cc7.jpg)
-
Easy to find at large beauty retailers
-
Has a low price point
-
Gentle, customizable formula is great for beginners
Nobody knows faux bronze better than a makeup artist to the stars: Ariel Tejada, celebrity makeup artist to Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner, recommends these Jergens drops for an at-home bronze. We noticed a subtle, transfer-resistant tan develop within a few hours after mixing a few drops with our moisturizers and didn’t experience breakouts or irritation, either.
Pro Tip!
Be picky with your placement. “I love to tan-tour with Deeper By The Drop,” says Tejada. “I mix a few drops of the tanning serum in my moisturizer, and I apply on the places that I want to contour (i.e., nose, cheeks, jaw, etc.).” The end result: a subtly sculpted face without a stitch of makeup.
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Coconut water, winter cherry extract, acai palm fruit extract | Drops Needed: 3–15
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tanologist-face-body-drops-146d4a0110194c49accafc6c56919159.jpg)
When you break down the formula of Tanologist’s Face and Body Drops you’ll find a rich abundance of antioxidants, which are beneficial for the repair and regeneration of skin cells. Not to mention, it imparts a realistic, non-muddy color. These drops have some major staying power as well — lingering for a couple of days after just one application.
Editors Say
“In the warmer months when my body is a bit darker from sunless tanner, I like to mix a few drops of this self-tanning liquid with my moisturizer. It gives off the most natural, non-orangey bit of warmth that makes it look like I was just on a Caribbean island.”—Lindsey Metrus, director of social and video
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, pink grapefruit, goji berry, juniper | Drops Needed: 1–12
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/drunk-elephant-d-bronzi-anti-pollution-sunshine-drops-11bdd869d65a4a1eba6e3769eaa9d846.jpg)
-
Gives an instant dose of warmth that can be washed off later
-
Hydrating and plumping formula
-
Plays well with any products you add it to
These are the best temporary bronzing drops that we tested because of their versatility, hydrating formula, and ease of removal. Our tester added a few drops of this cocoa-heavy concoction to practically all of her serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, and makeup bases to craft a shade that was unique to her skin tone — a feat possible because of its pH-reactive formula that customized her color. It’s also armed with an ingredient list that keeps skincare at the forefront, nourishing the skin barrier while offering protection from environmental pollutants.
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Cocoa extract, platinum peptides, chronocyclin | Drops Needed: 1
People / Alyssa Brascia
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lux-unfiltered-n12-bronzing-face-drops-e9a47914ee3a48a2a181e8919d5c6277.jpg)
Free from parabens, sulfates, fragrance, and a slew of other unsavory ingredients, this formula works well with several skin types, and it gave our skin a non-streaky glow. It only took about 15 minutes to notice a tan developing on our skin, and you can customize the depth of color by adding more drops to your moisturizer — we thought six drops was a good amount. Even though this product is on the pricier side, you don’t need to use much product to gain a glow from this small bottle — stretching your money and your tan.
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Pomegranate extract, coconut water, passionfruit oil, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid | Drops Needed: 2–6
People / Sarah Felbin
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Isle-of-Paradise-Self-Tanning-Glow-Drops-dae06cfe940f47a0b93b6c2c2843921b.jpg)
-
Develops into a natural, non-orange tan
-
Doesn’t transfer or stain bed sheets
-
Hydrating and doesn’t stick to dry spots
The glorious (and non-muddy) glow that we achieved with these drops keeps us coming back for more. Instead of leaving us with streaky skin, this formula was able to even out our redness and didn’t cling to dry spots — an essential during pale winter tanning sessions. An extra perk: You can nab these drops in several shades, and there’s a formula that’s specifically made for your body.
Editors Say
“I’m fair and self-tanners can look harsh on me, but the fair version works well for my skin. I use about two to four drops per body part and the color lasts a long time, even after swimming in the pool or ocean.”—Dwyer Frame, senior vice president of commerce
Size: 1.01 ounces | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, avocado oil, chia seeds | Drops Needed: 2–12
People / Alyssa Brascia
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tan-luxe-the-face-illuminating-self-tan-drops--7218088c8934483ba6874314eb272d3c.jpg)
Looking for a non-comedogenic product that sinks seamlessly into the skin and delivers a year-round tan? The Tan-Luxe drops are packed with regenerative properties that even and soothe the skin, yet remain a generally pore-clogger-free product — ideal for tan-seekers with acne. But no matter your skin type, this formula works seamlessly with normal, oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin to craft a custom shade that won’t settle into fine lines or cling to dry patches.
Size: 1.01 ounces | Key Ingredients: Raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, vitamin E | Drops Needed: 2–12
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/clarins-radiance-plus-golden-glow-booster-for-face-8f4495a2dcee49c18165a64010a5401f.jpg)
-
Doesn’t transfer or stain sheets
-
Soothing formula hydrates dry and irritated skin
-
Two undertone-specific shades for universal bronzing
Let’s face it: Our skin is often not (if ever) perfect. We have days with breakouts, sunburns, dryness, and more — and Charlotte Tilbury’s tanning drops target many of these concerns. These drops work hard to calm and hydrate irritated skin while imparting a natural-looking glow with its undertone-specific formulas (fair/medium for cool red undertones and tan/deep for olive or deep skin).
One dropper-full produces a healthy-looking tan that lasts for four days without sticking to dry spots, transferring to fabric, or becoming streaky, making it well worth the higher price tag. Plus, you can apply it straight to your skin, no moisturizer necessary, without worrying that it will look too intense.
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, erythrulose (keto sugar) | Drops Needed: 2–12
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/typology-6c444e564b794c4289d7a324a55e78a9.jpg)
This formula puts skincare on center stage with tanning as the supporting act (though we achieved days-long bronzes with this serum). Its naturally-derived ingredients encourage melanogenesis, the skin’s natural tanning process, and left us with a tan that lasted the whole week. (We used this serum twice in one week and felt as if we looked too tan.)
You can use these drops by themselves, but we added them to a pump of moisturizer to get an even spread. Our complexions were smooth, non-streaky, and glowier than usual — our tester even vowed to keep buying this once their bottle ran out.
Size: 1 ounce | Key Ingredients: DHA 10%, carob pulp extract, erythrulose, buriti oil | Drops Needed: 2–6
People / Paden Reich
Other Self-Tanning Drops We Tried
- Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Face: Transfer-resistant, natural-looking, and skin-soothing, this aloe vera-boosted formula is a great option for anyone with sensitive skin. We appreciated the natural looking-tan we achieved with these drops, courtesy of its pH-reliant formula — though we had to reapply several times a week to maintain that glow.
- James Read H2O Tan Drops Body: This gentle formula includes aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, castor oil, and water so each drop packs a hydrating punch. We achieved a customizable tan that didn’t cling to dry spots with just a few drops. However, there were other products we tried that gave us similar results at a fraction of the price.
What to Know About Self-Tanning Drops
Spending a day in the sun without proper protection is all fun and games until skin damage comes into play, which is why getting your bronze out of a bottle is a safer bet (and allows you to be tan all year long). Picking the drops that are right for you can be a tough feat, but we have a few criteria to keep in mind that will help solidify your search.
Undertone
Being able to identify the undertone of your skin is a tough job, but an important step in narrowing down the shade of drops that is right for you. Many tanners have color correctors in their products as well, which an even redness and hyperpigmentation.
“When you use a self-tan with a color corrector, purple will cancel out orange tones, green will cancel out red tones, but it will also cancel out orange and yellow hues as well,” says Evans “As soon as the tan fully develops and your first shower has taken place, you are left with a color that has been derived from your own pigmentation and body chemistry, with the idea that any color correctors will block any fake, orange-looking hues,” she adds.
Ingredients
As with any beauty product, the ingredients that make up the gorgeous glow you are adding to your skin will want to be taken into consideration before you make that purchase. Many self-tanning drops include natural oils and ingredients and are powered by active ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (stars in the St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops and Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, for instance).
Often, atural (and temporary) dyes like cocoa extract and soothing agents like aloe vera are used to create a plant-derived tanning tanner. As a product that’s made to sink into the skin, you’ll want to make sure that you know what your body is absorbing.
Compatibility
The best way to self-tan with drops is by mixing a few in with a face moisturizer, serum, or oil. However, it’s important to check that the drops you are using are not only compatible with the products that you already use but that they work for your skin type.
But be warned — tanning drops will not prevent sunburn, so if you choose to wear them before going out for the day, make sure you add them to your face SPF for a bit of faux sun.
To avoid breakouts or irritation, be sure to look into the type of skin that each formula works best with to find your perfect fit that looks and feels good.
Behind the Scenes
We set out to find the best self-tanning drops on the market by consulting professionals, trying several different products in our PEOPLE Tested lab, and purchasing a few of our own. Several products, including the St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops and Sol by Jergens Face and Body Serum, were suggested by celebrity makeup artists and tanning experts who have used these products on both themselves and clients. Several others were tried in our homes for a two-week test period, whereas others that were purchased by ourselves were put to the test for several months.
- Application: To prep, we cleansed and exfoliated our skin, including our bodies if the product could be used in places other than our faces. We followed each product’s instructions and only used them as directed — diluting them with moisturizer, applying them at night or in the morning to let the products develop, and reapplying them as frequently as needed (some products required daily application, while others were only necessary twice a week).
- Development: We washed our hands after every application to prevent excess staining and waited for our tans to develop, recording how long it took to see results versus what the manufacturer claimed. Because tanning drops develop gradually and do not need to be washed off like a regular self-tanner (unlike bronzing drops, which come off with face wash), we were able to go about our days without waiting around eight hours to shower, unlike mousses and airbrush tans.
- Value: From there, we rated the products we tested based on ease of application, transfer resistance, tan longevity, and consistency, rating each from one to five (one being the lowest performance and five being the highest). We averaged the scores and compared them to one another to decide which drops were really worth investing in and which were better left on the shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How do you use self-tanning drops?
There’s no right or wrong way to use self-tanning drops, but there are some ways that are recommended by beauty experts. Most products tell you to add a few drops of the potion to your daily moisturizer, but that’s not the only way to get a glow.
“I like to add tanning drops to my face oil at night. It works great and I wake up looking like I just got back from the beach,” says Feldman. However, Evans advises you to take caution when it comes to certain types of moisturizers that you use in tandem with your drops.
If you prefer a more direct approach, you can take another page out of Evans’ book and apply it directly to your skin for a robust tan. “I apply any eye serums/creams, then I add a few tanning drops directly onto a clean makeup brush and smooth over my face, ensuring every area is covered. I even fade out at my earlobes and always apply under and over the eye area,” she says.
-
How do self-tanning drops work?
Self-tanning drops work like any other self-tanner, but the special part about this type of product is the customizable aspect of it. “How you get an area lighter or darker is all to do with how many drops you use to cover, [as] the self-tan is in a concentrated form,” Evans explains.
Depending on what the instructions on your drops’ bottle indicate, you should dispense as little or as much (as the packaging recommends) into your moisturizer or serum. Then, you simply blend it into your skin like your normal moisturizer or buff it out with a brush like Evans.
-
How long do self-tanning drops last?
Depending on the product, your tan should last between one and three days without needing reapplication. However, some are more long-wearing, like the Tanologist Face and Body Drops, as opposed to the Drunk Elephant Drops which are removed after a singular wash. Most drops are made to last for a day or two at least, though washing your face, removing your makeup, and sweating will all play a part in how long and how well your tan remains on the skin.
And as always, be sure to do a patch test before trying the product all over your body. “The only way to really tell how good a self-tan will be is to do a patch test; a good self-tan will look good on the skin from initial application,” Evans says. “I would always avoid a self-tan if it feels sticky. It should be formulated with premium ingredients that absorb effortlessly into the skin without causing any transfer.”
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Alyssa Brascia is a commerce staff writer for PEOPLE specializing in fashion and beauty. She has also written shopping stories for other Dotdash Meredith brands such as InStyle, Shape, and Southern Living. For this piece, she interviewed celebrity makeup and tanning artists to get their insights and advice on the best self-tanning drops on the market (and the ones they use on their famous clients). She also pulled from the insights collected by the PEOPLE Tested lab, where real people tested self-tanning drops and came back with their real, unfiltered thoughts about each.
Our Expert Panel
- Ariel Tejada is a Los Angeles-based celebrity makeup artist who boasts a client list that includes Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and Rosalía.
- Kindra Mann is a celebrity makeup artist based between New York City and Los Angeles. Mann is called on by movie stars such as Renée Zellweger and Glen Powell, to name a few.
- Tarryn Feldman is a celebrity makeup artist and hairstylist with clients in Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York City. Her decorated roster includes Reese Witherspoon, The Bachelorette alum Hannah Brown, and Chrissy Metz.
- Sophie Evans is a New York City-based celebrity tanning artist for model Ashley Graham and the original ambassador for self-tanning products brand St. Tropez.
- Dwyer Frame is the Senior Vice President of Commerce at Dotdash Meredith.
- Lindsey Metrus is the former Director of Commerce at PEOPLE.com and now is the Commerce Director of Social and Video.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.