Best Facial Tanner for Acne Prone Skin: 7 Safest Options

How perfect is that golden glow without the risk of exposing your skin to harmful UV rays?

In times like this, self-tanning is the key!

But what if you had another dilemma? That is, having acne-prone skin.

In this case, we will answer your call!

This list features a variety of the best face self-tanners fit for your skin type, especially for acne-prone skin.

7 Best Face Self Tanners That Won’t Break You Out!

Achieving a natural-looking tan while caring for your sensitive skin is always possible!

You just have to diligently look for the best self-tanners for acne-prone skin to avoid further damage and to ensure that you can achieve healthy and glowing skin.

Do not settle for less. Choose one from our curated list!

1. Bondi Sands Pure Sleep Tanning Sleep Mask- Best Overall

Features

• Non-comedogenic sunless tanner
• Packed with a powerful formulation
• Vegan-free and fragrance-free

This self-tanner for acne-prone skin from Bondi sands is the best overall on this list.

Its non-comedogenic feature is a WIN-WIN solution, as it won’t clog pores that prevent the occurrence of whiteheads, blackheads, and acne.

It has a balanced mix of ingredients that will not only meet your aim of having a natural-looking sunless tan, but it also cares for healthy skin.

It has hyaluronic acid for hydration, Vitamin C that gives glow, and Vitamin E for skin regeneration.

Apply it like a night cream and wake up with a sun-kissed glow!

2. Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Face Serum- Best Value

Features

• It has non-comedogenic property
• It is infused with argan oil, hyaluronic acid, and plant stem cell cultures.
• Anti-aging formulation

This is one of the best face self-tanners in this list that you often see in several acne-prone skin reviews.

You can get a combination of sunless tan and anti-aging serum in one bottle. This is for you if you want a youthful, smooth, and bronze tan look!

It’s a powerful blend of ingredients that work together to give you a golden glow while giving you that smooth and healthy skin.

It helps address skin problems such as dullness, uneven skin tone, and loss of firmness.

One thing to note about this product is that it is more expensive than others.

3. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tan Face Drops- Best Budget Pick

Features

• Lightweight Water Consistency
• Infused with hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance and dye-free

These unique face tanning drops have hyaluronic acid, a potent hydration-attracting molecule that boosts a streak-free glow and smooth skin.

You can get that NATURAL-LOOKING color that goes well with your favorite moisturizer.

If you want a sun-kissed glow, add 5-7 drops into your moisturizer or have that bronze look by adding 8-10 drops.

Plus! This tanning drop is non-sticky at all!

The best thing? It is SUPER AFFORDABLE!

4. Tan Luxe the Face Illuminating Self Tan Drops

Features

• Customizable
• Contains natural ingredients
• Cruelty and paraben free

You can now have a self-tanner that gives that best natural-looking tan effect.

It has Raspberry seed oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera that provide hydration and moisture. Formulated with pH 4.5 so you won’t have to worry about that self-tan smell.

Tan Luxe is suitable for ALL skin types, including dry skin, oily skin, and combination skin.

You can be your own boss as you can personalize your look by adding just a few drops for a radiant glow to a sun-kissed and bronze look.

It can serve as your semi-permanent make-up, which also helps to reduce redness, dullness, and uneven skin tones.

5. St. Tropez Self-Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

Features

• Lightweight and transparent
• Infused with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants
• Vegan and cruelty-free

This self-tanning is a water spray that has an active ingredient; hyaluronic acid, which provides hydration added with green mandarin water that instantly makes the skin FRESH!

It has 100% tanning ingredients and non-pore-blocking skincare properties, which makes it perfect for acne-prone skin.

It also quickly dries when applied to the skin and lasts for DAYS! This is appropriate for all skin tones and goes well, even with make-up.

6. St. Moriz Radiant Glow Face Tanning Mist

Features

• Vegan and cruelty-free
• It contains vitamin e and aloe vera.
• Long-lasting

Another Saint from the list that will not make you faint!

St. Moriz is self-tanning water that gives you a beautifully bronzed face and glowing skin. For normal skin, it develops for 8 hours that can last up to days!

It is packed with natural ingredients that lock in water that hydrates and moisturizes skin from within.

It is gentle on the skin and does its job by protecting your skin from pollution and preventing sun damage.

7. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Intense Glow Pad

Features

• It contains AHA/BHAs and Vitamin D.
• Exfoliate and anti-aging benefits
• Vegan and paraben-free

Last on the list is a self-tanning towel that fits all skin types and will give you that lustrous natural glow!

It has Vitamin D, a topical supplement that can give you a natural tan without worrying about getting soaked under the sun.

It is infused with lactic acid that decreases the trans-epidermal water loss and regenerates the skin’s moisture barrier.

It can exfoliate the skin because of its AHA/BHAs component that can remove dead skin cells and lessen the first signs of aging!

How to Choose the Right Self-Tanner for Face?

Before you get excited and try these sunless tanning products for your acne-prone skin, you must know how to pick the appropriate self-tanning products for your skin type.

If you have oily skin, choose scientifically-tested facial tanners not to block pores.

If you are not acne prone, you can opt for a tanning lotion or tanning foam, but it should be diluted and not oil-based.

What to Look For in a Sunless Tanner

Always check for a NON-COMEDOGENIC sunless tanner, as this is the best face self-tanner that can lessen the possibility of clogged pores.

With the right ingredients, you can avoid the formation of whiteheads/blackheads, acne, and eczema.

Pick the face self-tanners that have skin-friendly ingredients.

Such ingredients include hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, shea butter, and vanilla fruit extract, as these ingredients boost hydration and moisturize the skin.

Also, look for face self-tanners that have glycolic acid or lactic acid as these will help you exfoliate and clean your skin.

Use cream-based and oil-free when combining your self-tanner with your moisturizers and other skincare products.

Otherwise, this will tend to block the self-tanner from permeating onto the skin.

How to Apply Face Self-Tanner on Acne-Prone Skin

To apply self-tanners for acne-prone skin, you should follow these steps to achieve naturally glowing skin.

1. Clean your face first and do an initial patch test.
2. After that, moisturize your skin before applying a self-tanner.
3. Exfoliating and priming your skin is essential because this will help in removing dead skin cells and makes the tan last longer.
4. Apply your face self-tanning using your hands and even out the tanning product all over your eyes, neck, and ears.
5. Spritz 3-5 times onto the skin for tanning mist, and move the bottle clockwise around your face.

PRO TIP: Apply your self-tanner at night, so it can develop while you sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a suitable self-tanner for acne is a bit tricky. So, here is additional information to answer your queries.

Is Sunless Tanning Safe for Acne-Prone Skin?

Yes, self-tanners are SAFE for acne-prone skin.

However, you should always check the formulation because some products contain harsh ingredients that clog pores, such as coconut oil.

Make sure you have your acne under control before you apply self-tanner because topical products, such as self-tanners, may irritate your skin if you currently have breakouts.

Can I Put Self-Tanner on My Face if I Have Acne?

Yes, you can still apply a self-tanner even if you have acne. You can even use self-tanners to conceal acne scars.

But you have to take extra precautions to protect and prepare your skin.

Follow the steps in exfoliating and cleansing your face first to wash away dirt and oils, which is one of the causes of breakouts.

What Are the Ingredients That Can Cause Acne?

There are ingredients in self-tanners that can cause acne and irritation. Here are the most common components that you can find in self-tanning products:

• Alcohol (ethanol) can dry out the skin as it takes away water from the skin. Leading to chapping and flaking of the skin.
• Coconut oil, as well as mineral oil that is obtained from petroleum, can clog pores, and in turn, it can lead to breakouts.
• Fragrance consists of harsh chemicals that, if absorbed onto the skin, may cause allergic reactions.

A Recap of the Best Picks

There you have it, the best face self-tanners for acne-prone skin. To help you choose, we’ve narrowed it down to the best three picks for you!

1. Bondi Sands Pure Sleep Tanning Sleep Mask- Best Overall

If you are looking for a self-tanning product that can help you have that bronze tan and one that stays away from possible breakouts.

Bondi Sands is the overall self-tanner that does BOTH! Its best feature is designed to stay on the skin and develop while you sleep.

It ensures that your skin is cared for with all the hydration and vitamins.

Voilà! Wake up with glowing skin!

2. Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-aging Face Serum- Best Value

You can never go wrong with this one-of-a-kind organic facial self-tanner. This is in the form of an anti-aging serum infused with vitamins for skin protection.

It gives you a healthy glow that can last for days without smudges everywhere!

Pump it up with just a few tanning drops onto your moisturizer, and expect a gradual tan!

Yes, you can have the magic of a sunless tanning product with skin protection and anti-aging formulation.

3. L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Face Drops- Best Budget Pick

Ready to have a healthy glow with skin feeling fresh in just ONE application?

Go for this sunless tanning that can ILLUMINATE the skin at a very affordable price without compromising that natural tan!

You can customize the application for a gradual tan! It also goes perfectly well with your favorite moisturizer and serum.

Conclusion

Choosing the best face self-tanner to work with your sensitive skin while achieving a natural-looking glow is daunting.

Well, not anymore.

As we give you this diverse list of face self-tanners ranging from sleep masks, tanning drops, tanning water spray, and glow pads.

Self-tanner is applicable even if you are prone to acne. Just take extra steps to prep your skin.

Clean and exfoliate your skin, moisturize for hydration, and pick from the abovementioned ones suited for your needs.And you are good to go! Wear a natural glow like there’s no tomorrow!