Tanning Lotion for Sensitive Skin
When you have sensitive skin, you’re always extra careful about skincare. To be on the safe side, you limit the products you use on your skin for fear of having a bad reaction. Thankfully, you don’t need to let that keep you from getting a beautiful, sun-kissed glow because there are plenty of self-tanning lotions that don’t irritate sensitive skin. All you need to do is find the tanner that suits you best.
| Image | Name | Top Choices | Latest Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Skinerals - Californium Sunless Bronzer | Our Favorite | Amazon |
 | 2. Sun Bum - Natural Browning Lotion | Premium Pick | Amazon |
 | 3 .Bahama Tan - Sunless Tanner | Great Value | Amazon |
 | 4. Hempz - Dark Tan Maximizer | Amazon | |
 | 5. Botanic Tree - Self Tanner | Amazon |
How to Find a Good Self-Tanner for Sensitive Skin
Finding a fake tan product that’s compatible with your skin really depends on what exactly you’re sensitive to. But, here are a few tips that would make it easier for you to find the best tanning lotion for you:
Find the “Hypoallergenic” Label
The term “hypoallergenic” just means that the product is not likely to trigger any allergic reactions. Although having this on the label isn’t a guarantee that the product will be compatible with your sensitive skin, it’s definitely a good place to start.
Steer Clear of DHA
DHA or dihydroxyacetone is one of the most common ingredients in tanning lotions. Its function is to produce a reaction at the top layer of the skin, which leads to a temporarily darker appearance. Most people tolerate this ingredient well. But if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid it or, at the very least, choose sunless tanning products that use natural rather than synthetic DHA.
Look for Moisturizing Ingredients
Sunless tanning can cause severe skin dryness, especially for people who suffer from skin sensitivities. So, find a product that contains some moisturizing ingredients, preferably in the form of natural oils and butters. Among the most beneficial ingredients to look out for are shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba.
Check Fragrance Source
Artificial fragrance can be too harsh on skin. While it’s always better to opt for fragrance-free products when you have sensitive skin, that will leave you with very few choices. If you can’t find a fragrance-free tanning lotion that you like, try those that derive scents from natural sources.
Avoid Harsh Preservatives
Many skin products contain chemical preservatives that can harm the skin. Always be on the lookout for ingredients like parabens and formaldehyde. Even ingredients listed as natural preservatives might be too harsh. That includes sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, which is a natural preservative but has been proven to irritate the eyes and skin.
Top 5 Tanning Lotions for Sensitive Skin
When you have sensitive skin, you can’t really afford to go through a lot of trial and error. Otherwise your skin will suffer. For better chances at finding a suitable product right away, try these brands that have long been considered as the best tanning lotions for sensitive skin:
1) Skinerals – Californium Sunless Bronzer
Latest Pricing
The Californium Sunless Bronzer by Skinerals is a self-tanning product that comes in a luxurious mousse form. To get a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow, all you need to do is apply the mousse all over your body, wait for it to dry, and then get your beauty sleep. As you wash it off in the morning, you’ll have already developed a beautiful tan.
This bronzer can be used on both the face and body. It boasts a vegan formulation that’s not only gluten free but also sulfate and paraben-free. Plus, it contains natural extracts from Goji berries, figs, acai berries, and Indian gooseberries, which work together to nourish the skin as it darkens.
2) Sun Bum – Natural Browning Lotion
Latest Pricing
Rather than a completely fake tan, the Natural Browning Lotion by Sun Bum is meant to amplify the effects of sun-bathing. So, you need not risk burning or increase your chances of getting cancer because you can achieve a deep tan even after just a few minutes under the sun.
As with any other Sun Bum product, the Natural Browning Lotion is reef-safe since it doesn’t contain chemicals like octinoxate and oxybenzone. Its formula is also hypoallergenic and paraben-free. Additionally, it contains nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and oils from coconut, avocado, argan, and marula. It also harnesses the antioxidant properties of Kona coffee, which also gives this lotion a divine scent.
3) Bahama Tan – Sunless Tanner
Latest Pricing
The Sunless Tanner by Bahama Tan is a premium tanning lotion that boasts a natural and organic formulation. The #2 Medium shade is its most popular variant, although the #1 Light and #3 Dark have also received rave reviews. The best way to use it is to apply a single layer of the product each day until you’ve achieved your desired shade.
The Bahama Tan Sunless Tanner is gentle enough to use on the entire body, including the face. Those who use it often love the fact that it doesn’t develop an unsightly orange color and the tan you get looks natural and healthy. That’s because it contains natural and organic ingredients specifically chosen for their skin-nourishing abilities. Those ingredients include monoi de tahiti oil, shea butter, jojoba, and calendula extract.
4) Hempz – Dark Tan Maximizer
Latest Pricing
The Dark Tan Maximizer by Hempz Tanning was specifically developed for people with sensitive skin who long to achieve a deep tan without having to soak under the sun. Among its most crucial ingredients is pure hemp seed oil, which doesn’t just nourish the skin but also helps you keep your tan looking more vibrant for longer.
Apart from hemp seed oil, Hempz’s Dark Tan Maximizer contains several natural ingredients that soothe, hydrate, and condition the skin and give you a more beautiful glow. That includes mango seed butter and oatmeal. Additionally, this tanning lotion gives you a stunning golden color without the use of any artificial fragrances and parabens. Its formula is also nut-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
5) Botanic Tree – Self Tanner
Latest Pricing
The Self Tanner by Botanic Tree is a luxury tanning lotion formulated with natural and 100% organic ingredients. In fact, its top-listed ingredient is aloe vera, which is followed by shea butter. Despite that, it is incredibly effective in giving you a rich bronze color. It does so through the use of a gentle type of DHA that’s derived from sugar cane.
Although this self-tanner is admittedly more expensive than its alternatives, it is incomparable because of its completely natural formulation. As such, you need not worry about harsh chemicals irritating your sensitive skin. Plus, nourishing oils from coconuts, moringa, and apricot kernel boost skin health and helps you achieve a beautiful golden glow.
Tips for Tanning Sensitive Skin
Finding a good tanning lotion that doesn’t irritate your skin or cause you to break out is only the first step in getting a stunning glow. Follow these tips to get natural-looking, perfectly tanned skin every time:
- Do a patch test. Having skin sensitivities, you should know by now that it’s never a good idea to use a product without testing it on a small area first. Apply the product on your inner-wrist and leave it on for 24 hours. Use the product only if the patch test didn’t cause any irritation.
- Prep your skin. It’s essential to apply fake tan only on clean skin. Otherwise, it could trigger a breakout or inflammation. If you want to play it even safer, exfoliate gently before applying your tanning lotion.
- Follow instructions. Not all self-tanners work the same way, so take the time to read through the instructions of every new product you use. Always follow instructions to the letter and never be tempted to keep the fake tan on for longer than the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Use a gentle cleanser. Once the time is up, wash the tanning lotion off with a gentle body wash. Harsh soaps can cause a reaction on your skin. If possible, use a sulfate and fragrance-free cleanser.
- Moisturize. When self-tanning, it’s essential to keep your skin moist at all times. That will not only give you a nice, healthy glow but will also keep your tan from fading. As with other skincare products, make sure you use a lotion that’s formulated for sensitive skin.
Just because you have sensitive skin, it doesn’t mean you can’t give yourself a tan. All you need is the best tanning lotion for sensitive skin along with knowledge of the best ways to self-tan. Then, you can feel beautiful with the skin tone you’ve always wanted without fear of irritating or even burning your skin.
