Fortunately not! There are many cruelty-free options to choose from. I've pointed out some budget-friendly options below, and I've picked a wide range of product types. You'll find drops, towelettes, sprays, lotions, and even some wash-off bronzers if you're not looking for a permanent self-tanner.
offers a lot of nice options such as Isle of Paradise, Coola, and Josie Maran which you can find below. I also included an option with SPF from Supergoop. In drugstores, look for Alba Botanica, which you might find in the "natural beauty" section, or Australian Gold.
Before we get into the cruelty-free products, I'd like to emphasize some popular self-tanning products that are NOT cruelty-free.
Self-Tanners That Are Not Cruelty-Free
- Jergens
- Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs
- L'Oreal Sublime Bronze
- Banana Boat
- Clarins
- Lancome
- Sephora Collection
- Clinique
- Sisley
- NARS
- Tom Ford
Now for the cruelty-free products to support.
1. BEST: Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops ($29)
Add these drops to your moisturizer for a controlled, gradual tan. They're simple to use and come in Light, Medium, and Dark. You can use these drops on your face or your body, and the product is also vegan-friendly. Isle of Paradise also offers a wide array of cruelty-free self-tanning products if you don't want to be limited to drops.
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2. BUDGET-FRIENDLY: Australian Gold Instant Sunless Lotion ($9.97)
Australian Gold is an affordable options you might be able to find in drugstores, and it's available online. It's a great alternative to products like Jergens, and it provides a medium "rich bronze" tan.
Buy from: Amazon
3. WITH SUNSCREEN: Supergoop Healthy Glow Sunless Tan SPF 40 ($38)
Perfect for those who want to enjoy the sun and be protected while already having a tan, this sunless tanner is scent-free and non-streaky. You simply spray it onto the skin and it doesn't require a mitt. SPF 40.
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4. BUDGET-FRIENDLY: Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner ($8.64)
Another great alternative to a product like a Jergens, this one from Alba Botanica is affordable, are free from parabens, phtalates, and synthetic fragrance. You can find it in many drugstores, and it's non-streaky.
Buy from: iHerb
5. CERTIFIED ORGANIC: COOLA Sunless Tan Dry Body Oil Mist ($46)
Even though this self-tanner is on the pricier side, it's certified organic which makes it an eco-friendly option. It's a spray, so it's easy to use, as well as being streak-free, fast-drying, transfer-free, and antioxidant-rich.
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6. Tarte Brazilliance PLUS+ Self-Tanner + Mitt ($51)
You might be surprised to learn that Tarte also makes self-tanner. This product is vegan, comes with a mitt, and contains Tarte's Maracuja oil. The scent doesn't linger on the skin. Please note that Tarte's parent company is not cruelty-free.
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7. Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil ($39)
If you love oil products, Josie Maran makes a great tanning oil which contains coconut water, aloe, and argan oil. It comes with a mitt for easy application, and the result is a medium tan in 4 to 8 hours. This product is vegan.
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8. Kora Organics Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion ($63)
The brand Kora Organics also offers a self-tanner, and the product is vegan and contains ingredients that are certified organic, which is better for the environment. The tan is buildable and the lotion is moisturizing.
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9. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad For Body With Active Vitamin D ($45)
Looking for easy to apply, cruelty-free self-tanning towelettes? Dr. Dennis Gross offers some both for face and body. Each pack comes with 8 towelettes which will tan your entire body without streaks.
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10. Trish McEvoy Instant Solutions Tanning Drops ($48)
Luxury brand Trish McEvoy offers tanning drops that are simply to use, paraben-free, and free from synthetic fragrance. You can mix these drugs with your moisturizer or serum to create a custom self-tanner.
Buy from: Amazon
11. WASH-OFF OPTION: Sol De Janeiro Glowmotions Glow Body Oil ($35)
If you're looking for a product that won't be permanent, Sol De Janeiro makes this bronze body oil that can be completely washed off in the shower. It's a shimmery product that will not only add bronze, but also glow to your skin.
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12. WASH-OFF OPTION FOR FACE: Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops ($36)
This product can be mixed in with your foundation, moisturizer, or any serum, to add a bronzy glow to the face. It's essentially a bronzer for the whole face, and can be washed off completely once you take your makeup off. Please note that Drunk Elephant's parent company is not cruelty-free.
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I hope this guide helped you find your perfect cruelty-free self-tanner. If you're also looking for cruelty-free sunscreen, check out our reef-safe sunscreen guide here.
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Hi there do you have any recommendations for Tans sold in the UK please?
Many thanks
Sue Campbell
Hi, can you tell me please if St Tropez self tanner is cruelty free? They say they are, but I’m not sure about their parent company?
Thank you,
Miri
Woow Nice list! Thanks for the tips. We are gonna to try them out!
Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner I am able to get an even color with this product and have no issues with it streaking. It applies easily to the skin. Thank you very much for sharing this.
Thank you so much for this, Suzana, self-tanners are a minefield when it comes to cruelty-free choices. I normally avoid them completely, but given the circumstances, and my white-as-a-sheet, late-July complexion I caved. So this article came just at the right time for me!
Fantastic list! Thoughts on TanLuxe products? Also available at Sephora. I researched and from what I could find, they are cruelty free and most products are vegan. They have a spray on product called The Water, and drops called The Face.