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7 Best Tanning Drops for Glowy Skin, Without the UV Damage
If they’re in stock, this product features hyaluronic acid and coconut water to deeply hydrate. The formula is clear and can be applied directly to the face or mixed with moisturiser for a soft, bouncy, and even-toned finish. We like that the drops are fragrance-free (no bad tanner smell) and can be easily incorporated into your skin care routine without pilling. We just recommend using them up quickly, as the formula oxidises in the bottle after about a month.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“You simply can’t beat the value compared to other facial tanners on the market. They’re so effortless to use — I use two to three drops into my facial moisturiser and apply it all over my face. By the next day, my skin looks golden, fresh, and bronzy, as if I just spent a few days on the beach.” — A.M.K.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, coconut water
- Shades: One
- Development time: 6–8 hours
Your tanning drop FAQs, answered:
Do tanning drops really work?
Tanning drops do work, says Erika Vasco, founder of the Tan Edit, but they require intention. Consistency, combined with the percentage of DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and the amount of drops you use, will give you a longer-lasting, deeper tan. “This is what makes tanning drops the most customisable self-tanner formats out there,” says Vasco.
What should you look for when shopping for tanning drops?
The experts we spoke with say to start with your skin type when shopping for the best tanning drops for glowing skin. “If you’re oily or acne-prone, avoid oil-based formulas, as they can clog pores and trigger breakouts,” says Vasco. In this case, you’ll want a water-based, noncomedogenic formula, meaning it won’t seep into pores and cause blockage. (Editor’s note: all of the tanning drops we tested were water-based formulas).
If you have a dry or mature skin, go with a richer, more nourishing base with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or plant oils that can add colour and moisturise simultaneously. “Always check the DHA percentage. Lower means gradual and subtle, higher means faster and deeper colour. Neither is wrong – it just depends on what you want,” says Vasco.
How are tanning drops different from other self-tanners?
“Unlike mousses, lotions, or sprays that are applied directly to the skin at full strength, tanning drops are typically mixed into your existing moisturiser or serum,” says Dr. Engelman. This allows users to adjust the intensity based on the number of drops used and often creates a more gradual, natural-looking result.
When should you apply tanning drops?
Sophie Evans, St. Tropez tanning expert, recommends applying tanning drops before bed to allow the product to fully absorb. The beauty with tanning drops, though, is that you can also just mix them into your morning moisturiser and let them develop throughout the day. If you don’t like sleeping coated in self-tanner or need a quicker tan fix, Evans suggests an express tan that develops in two to four hours, so that you can go about your day.
READ MORE: How to apply fake tan like a pro.