Discomfort and body heat are a few struggles of pregnancy that restrict women from basking in the sun for tanning. However, you could opt for the best self-tanner for pregnancy during this important phase of your life.
Self-tanners provide you with a gradual, safe, beautiful, and natural tan and don’t require exposing yourself to harsh sunlight. So, go ahead and explore our list of self-tanners and read through the buying guide to make an informed choice and pick the best and safest product out there.
Are Self-Tanners Safe During Pregnancy?
Yes, self-tanners are safe for pregnant women as they usually do not contain any harmful chemicals. You can use self-tanning lotions, foams, creams, or mousse without causing any issues during pregnancy. However, it is recommended to avoid spray tans if you are pregnant.
Check for DHA, an active ingredient in some self-tanners, as it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin.
Our Top Picks
15 Best Self Tanners For Pregnancy
1. Best overall: Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam
The pregnancy-safe self-tanner offers a streak-free, natural bronze glow to the skin. Its lightweight foam is infused with the goodness of coconut and aloe vera to keep the skin moisturized and protected. The foaming formula is simple to apply and falls evenly on the skin with a smooth, flawless finish.
Pros
- Non-streaky
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
- May have a strong fragrance
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2. Best moisturizing: Beauty By Earth Self Tanner
The buildable bronzing lotion goes from light to medium, and a dark tan, providing a natural appearance. The formula is enriched with DHA, shea butter, and organic aloe vera, moisturizing the skin and protecting it. This nourishing formula protects you from sunburns and aging signs caused by harsh sunlight. Learn more about this product by watching this video.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Streak-free
- Non-toxic
Cons
- May have an unpleasant smell
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3. Best lightweight: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse
For a smooth, quick, sunless tan, the Jergens natural glow instant body mousse can help. This self-tanning formula offers a light bronze color for a gradual, natural look. Lightweight and airy, the mousse is infused with Advanced Color Complex to intensify the original skin tone. Take a look at this review video to know more about the product and make an informed buying decision.
Pros
- Quickly absorption
- Blends well
- Easy to apply
- Streak-free
Cons
- May fade quickly
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4. Best non-greasy: St. Tropez Self-Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse
The three-in-one St.Tropez self-tanning formula provides a golden hue to the skin within an hour. It is a lightweight, smooth mousse that is easy to apply, dries quickly, and lasts for a week while fading evenly.
Pros
- Streak-free
- Vegan
- 100% naturally derived dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
- Hydrating
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Color may be light
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5. Best for anti-aging: Sun Laboratories Body & Face Self-Tanning Lotion
Sun Laboratories’ all-natural self-tanner works on the body and the face and sets within three hours. It offers an instant golden tint, and the tan grows dark gradually. The formula is enriched with vitamins E, C, and aloe vera to protect the skin from early aging signs. Protect yourself from sunburns with this streak-free tanning lotion without odors and fake orange tint.
Pros
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Free of harmful chemicals
- Even application
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May have a thin consistency
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6. Best for even skintone: Skinerals Californium Sunless Tanning Mousse
For a sun-kissed natural glow, you may use the Skinerals Californium sunless tanning mousse. It is blended with organic ingredients and keeps you protected from harsh sun damages. The bronzing self-tanner includes antioxidants, such as fig extracts and acai berry, to minimize the appearance of blemishes and gives the skin an even texture. This vegan formula has a pleasant fragrance and leaves the skin looking young and streak-free.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Aerosol-free
- Fast-absorbing
- Non-greasy formula
- Lasts four to seven days
Cons
- May cause blotches
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7. Best streak-free: Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette Classic
The classic, self-tanning tan towelettes come in a pack of ten. Each premium-grade fiber towel is infused with the tanning formula, which blends with the skin’s amino acids and proteins for a natural, sun-free tan. It takes a few hours for the skin to tan. The towel exfoliates, tans, and moisturizes the skin in a single step. Reapply the towel for a darker tan.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Dye-free
- Mess-free
- Streak-free
- Lasts for seven days
Cons
- May leave orange blotches
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8. Best long-lasting: Vita Liberata Advanced Organics Fabulous Self-Tanning Lotion
Vita Liberata’s self-tanning lotion provides a long-lasting tan with skincare benefits. Infused with marula oil, this hydrating formula offers a golden tan with a natural finish. It is a transfer-free, buildable lotion that begins with a subtle sheen and develops with time. The shea butter and aloe vera in the formula keep the skin moisturized.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Alcohol-free
- Non-toxic
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May leave an orange tinge after reapplication
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9. Best gluten-free: Miami Gorgeous LaPlaya Self-Tanning Mousse
The instant tanning mousse offers a streak-free, natural bronze tint to the skin. It is enriched with organic ingredients, such as coconut oil, argan oil, elderflower extract, jojoba oil, olive oil, and vitamins. They nourish and moisturize the skin while gradually darkening it. The quick-absorbing mousse has a velvety feel and keeps the skin soft.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Eco-certified DHA
- Safe for all skin types
Cons
- May have an unpleasant smell
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10. Best cruelty-free: Botanic Tree Self Tanner
An all-natural sunless tanner, its herbal formula offers a smooth, tanned appearance. It offers a bronze skin tone without harsh sun exposure. The lotion is made without harmful chemicals and is enriched with shea butter and ten organic fruit extracts, making the skin soft, hydrated, fresh, and revitalized.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- SLS-free
- Fast absorbing
- Non-transfer
Cons
- May cause dryness
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11. Best non-sticky: Golden Star Beauty Self-Tanner Lotion
Golden Star Beauty self-tanning lotion is safe for sensitive skin. It is infused with organic hyaluronic acid, natural oils, aloe vera, and sugarcane extract, which aids in slowly darkening the skin tone. It keeps the skin supple and hydrated while providing nourishment and protection against early aging signs. The lotion offers a smooth, streak-free application without a fake orange hue.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- 100% vegan
- Certified organic formula
- Transfer-resistant
- Easy to use
Cons
- May have an unpleasant smell
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12. Best for smooth application: L’Oreal Paris Skincare Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion
L’Oreal Paris offers a sublime bronze tanner offering a smooth application and a natural tint within two to four hours. Enriched with gentle AHAs and vitamin E, the self-tanner moisturizes and smoothens the skin.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Non-greasy
- Streak-free
- Easy to use
Cons
- Tan might be light
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13. Best reef-friendly: Coola Organic Sunless Tanning Lotion
The pina colada-scented tanner is blended with caffeine and moisturizes the skin for a supple, soft texture. It has baobab oil which provides nourishing vitamins to the skin.
Pros
- Transfer-free
- Streak-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Reef-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Chemical-free
Cons
- May not be easy to apply
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14. Best blendable: Famous Dave’s Self Tanner
Famous Dave’s organic self-tanner offers a medium to dark tan without sunlight exposure. It is a blend of sesame, argan oil, jojoba oil, coenzyme Q10, hyaluronan, and aloe gel. The quick-drying formula absorbs into the skin and keeps it moisturized, offering a realistic, long-lasting tan.
Pros
- Suits all skin types
- Streak-free
- Anti-aging formula
- Blends easily
- Easy to use
Cons
- Might take some time to tan
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15. Best non-comedogenic: Norvell Sunless Self-Tanner Mousse With Bronzer
The instant self-tanning mousse has a natural color complex that offers a glowing tan to the skin while keeping it hydrated with natural ingredients. It contains green tea extracts, tomato seed extracts, vitamin C, and antioxidants which absorb oxygen, soothe and protect the skin from early aging signs, and promote collagen synthesis.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Raspberry-almond fragrance
- Streak-free
- Gradual darkening
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May cause dryness
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How To Choose The Right Self-Tanners For Pregnancy?
Here are some tips for choosing the right self-tanner during pregnancy.
- Ingredients: Choose natural or organic ingredients and avoid chemicals, including parabens, SLS, sulfates, and other toxins. Also, avoid strong fragrances and synthetic additives as your skin is sensitive during pregnancy.
- Formula: Pick a DHA formula as it gets absorbed by the skin’s outer layer, reducing the chances of internal changes or damage.
- Hydration: Ensure the tanner is hydrating and moisturizing as your skin is stretched during pregnancy, and a drying formula may cause stretch marks.
- Non-comedogenic: Pick a self-tanner that is non-comedogenic and will not clog the pores to prevent breakouts and irritations.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Pregnancy also brings lots of uncertainties over various fashion and beauty products with all the joys and happiness. Therefore, Poulami Nag, the author of this post, with her expertise in writing product articles on skincare, haircare, beauty, and fashion, has done extensive research and reviewed user comments of various products. She compiled a list of the best pregnancy-safe self-tanners for you to flaunt your skin without exposing yourself to harsh sunlight. She also addressed your worries about using self-tanners during pregnancy and provided a shopping guide to help you choose the right tanner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the best time to use a self tanner?
Use a self-tanner at least ten to 15 minutes before you put your clothes on. For better results, exfoliate the skin a few days before applying the tanner.
2. Is DHA in spray tan safe during pregnancy?
Although DHA is safe and has been used in cosmetics for decades, experts recommend not using a spray tanner with DHA until the end of the first trimester (1).
So, no need to go out in the scorching heat. Natural self-tanners can help you achieve a warm, realistic tan at home. Explore our list of the best self-tanners for pregnancy to choose the right one.
References:
- Pregnancy And Tanning
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/tanning-during-pregnancy/
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- Best Self-Tanners For Sensitive Skin
- Best Serums For Oily Skin
- Best Exfoliators For Oily Skin
- Best BB Creams For Oily Skin
