The Best Pregnancy-Safe Self Tanner: Lotion, Spray, and Gel

Are you searching for a way to look gorgeously bronzed and glowy for the summer, but you can’t sunbathe? We feel your pain!

Pregnancy is a delicate experience, and too much sun exposure is a no-no. Fake tanning at home is the only solution to that problem. 

But what self-tanner will it take to get the radiant golden glow? 

Read more to find what’s best for you!

15 Best Self Tanners For Pregnancy

We tested 15 of the best pregnancy-safe self-tanners for you!

These self-tanners are equipped with naturally derived dihydroxyacetone (DHA) that helps mimic artificial tan in the comfort of your home!

It’s time to say goodbye to tanning bed sessions, as well as UVA and UVB exposure, and hello to a beautiful sunless glow.

1. Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam – Best Overall

The Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam is a refreshing self-tanner that can give you a sun-kissed glow while at home.

Once you apply the foam, it will take effect in an hour and give you a light to medium complexion that can last up to six hours!

It’s lightweight, non-streaky, and easy to apply.

Equipped with a foaming formula, this tanning solution will leave an even and flawless coverage on your skin.

It’s got aloe vera and coconut oil to keep you refreshed and moisturized throughout the day!

Considering its price, benefits, and quality of tan, it’s safe to say that this product is the best self-tanner on the market.

2. Beauty by Earth Self Tanner – Best Value

Beauty by Earth is for you if you’re looking for a buildable tanning lotion that gives you a dark natural tan look! You can build the tan from light to medium to dark complexion.

It’s made with all-natural ingredients such as shea butter, organic aloe vera, Japanese green tea extract, and cranberry fruit extract.

Beauty by Earth tanning lotion is GREAT for pregnant women! The DHA content in this tanner is pregnancy-safe and is completely non-toxic.

On top of that, this tanner works best both in moisturizing and protecting the skin.

3. Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse – Best Budget Pick

The Jergens Instant Sun Body Mousse is a pregnancy-safe self-tanner that is perfect when you’re trying to avoid UV rays.

What we love about this tanning mousse is its thin consistency that easily absorbs into the skin’s layers. The product is buildable and easy to use.

The tan develops quickly with a light complexion at first; after a few hours, you’ll see a rich deep dark tan!

It also has a light, fresh scent for your enjoyment!

We DEFINITELY recommend this to beginners and those who don’t want to be under the sun!

4. Sun Laboratories Ultra Dark Self-Tanning Lotion

Made with a sugar-based formula, Sun Laboratories will give you a rich dark tan that lasts for several hours.

It is made with naturally derived ingredients such as safflower seed oil and glycerin. All these are great for revitalizing, restoring, and enhancing your skin for that glow inside and out.

Once applied, it quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving a soft and refreshed feeling.

It’s formulated to be suitable for all skin types.

This self-tanner is a MUST-WANT for pregnant women looking for something safe to use all-around.

5. Miami Gorgeous LaPlaya Glow Self-Tanning Mousse

The Miami Gorgeous LaPlaya Tanning Mousse is a lightweight, fast-absorbing tanner that quickly seeps into the skin.

It gives off a natural glow and is made of organic and natural ingredients that help boost the skin’s elasticity, such as argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil.

It’s also infused with elderflower extracts and vitamins A, C, and D! The organic DHA in this mousse makes the skin soft and velvety!

All of the ingredients work to help rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. For all of its natural components, we think that this product is a STEAL!

6. St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse

The St. Tropez Self-Tan Express is quite a name for many self-tanners because of its benefits. Its formula allows it to be streak-free, non-sticky, and quick drying.

It is also made with natural ingredients like glycerin and organic aloe vera leaf extract. Hence, its formula is 100% vegan-friendly.

It gives off an olive complexion that lasts for about 2-3 hours, leaving you with hydrated skin and a natural tan!

Surprisingly, St. Tropez has a mood-boosting ability, and it received lots of love from many pregnant women.

7. L’Oreal Paris Skincare Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion

As the name suggests, L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze gives a sublime and even color that provides a glowing tan that lasts for 2-4 hours.

It is a mess-free formula infused with Vitamin E and gentle alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) that leaves the skin moisturized and smooth!

The lotion is very easy to use, and it easily blends with your natural skin tone! It’s a very affordable product, but it delivers a great tanning effect.

8. Coola Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion

There’s so much to love about Coola Sunless Tan. It’s vegan, rich in antioxidants, and hydrating!

Made with 100% organic ingredients, Coola Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion lives up to its name because of its revitalizing and firming properties.

It’s made with shea butter and brown algae to improve the skin’s elasticity for a youthful glow. It also has a pleasant and light pina colada scent that lingers for a while.

What we really love about this self-tanning product is the fact that it’s not filled with harsh chemicals that can cause skin issues.

While nourishing the skin, it also develops a gradual tan over several days.

9. Skinerals Californium Self-Tanner Mousse

Skinerals Californium is a great self-tanner, especially for dull and pale skin tone, as it gently transforms it into vibrant, gorgeous skin.

It has everything you need, from antioxidants to anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also infused with anti-aging fruits such as acai berry, fig extract, goji berry, and green tea extracts!

These ingredients help protect the skin from UVA and UVB damage to avoid skin cancer.

It’s got a nice, pleasant smell and gives off a natural-looking tan that will last you 4-7 days in one application.

10. Vita Liberata Advanced Organics Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion

Vita Liberata is one of the best self-tanning lotions on the market because of its nourishing properties that help the skin revitalize and stay youthful.

The pregnancy-safe self-tanner is equipped with Odor Remove Technology to ensure a no-scent, no-tint, and transfer-proof sunless tanner.

It is formulated with the best ingredients, such as lychee extract, aloe vera, and licorice. These ingredients contain antioxidants to protect the skin from harmful aggressors.

Dabbing the right amount will help maintain youthful, bouncy skin!

11. Golden Star Beauty Self-Tanning Lotion

Golden Star Beauty Self-Tanner is easily one of the best self-tanner lotions out there.

It is formulated to be non-sticky and transfer-proof to avoid the ickiness that comes with sticky self-tanning lotions. After applying, you’ll instantly see a beautiful tan.

It is highly moisturizing and nourishing because of its certified organic oils like olive oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, organic coconut oil, and almond oil, and it is also equipped with hyaluronic acid!

These oils help PROTECT THE SKIN from sun damage, prevent premature aging, and cover up blemishes and wrinkles.

12. Famous Dave’s Self Tanner

Famous Dave’s Self-Tanner is made with organic ingredients that blend incredibly to the skin, giving it a medium to dark tan!

This product is infused with sesame, argan oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera gel, and hyaluronan.

These are great for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and keeping the skin nourished and hydrated for long hours.

It has a creamy consistency and a realistic-looking tan that spreads evenly. Additionally, it works for those who are just starting with self-tanners at home.

It is easily one of the best pregnancy-safe self-tanners available.

13. Norvell Sunless Self-Tanner Mousse with Bronzer

The Norvell Sunless Self-Tanner Mousse with Bronzer is a lightweight, easy-to-apply, creamy mousse that gives an INSTANT golden bronze glow once applied to the skin!

It’s made with organic botanical ingredients that work to hydrate, rejuvenate, and prevent early signs of aging.

It also has Vitamin C and premium grade DHA that develops a deep, dark tan that lasts 24 hours.

Many sunless tanners have a couple of downsides, like their strong scent and comedogenic properties, but this tanning lotion is free of scent and is non-comedogenic!

However, it can be drying for some skin types and is a little bit on the pricey end.

14. Eco Tan Winter Skin Self-Tanner

Next is the Eco Tan Winter Skin Self-Tanner, which is made of certified, natural ingredients that blend smoothly with medium to dark skin tones.

It has a creamy consistency that delivers a beautiful honey complexion for 8 hours after a single application.

It is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free of harmful chemicals to let your skin breathe.

Made with the best ingredients such as avocado, aloe vera, macadamia oil, and chamomile extract, Eco Tan works best in hydrating the skin.

It also has a mild rose geranium fragrance to eliminate the fake tan smell.

However, the tan doesn’t develop quickly, and you would have to wait some time to achieve a nice tan.

15. Botanic Tree Self-Tanner

The Botanic Tree Self-Tanner is easily one of the best pregnancy-safe self-tanners available because of its all-natural ingredients.

It’s easily one of the best pregnancy-safe self-tanners because it doesn’t contain any paraben, sulfate, phthalates, BHT, or BHA.

It’s a buildable product that gives a medium golden glow to the skin. It’s also a streak-free formula. But, you have to make sure to exfoliate your skin before applying.

Botanic Tree Self-Tanner can also be applied to both body and face.

The bronzing self-tanner is made of shea butter and ten organic fruit extracts to make the skin soft and revitalized.

Tips on How to Self-Tan During Pregnancy

Although self-tanning at home is very different from outdoors and under the sun, you still need to follow a few guidelines for an effective and safe tanning experience:

1. Shower and exfoliate your skin, including the thick parts like ankles, knees, and elbows. This will ensure a streak-free application.
2. Apply the cream throughout your body in a circular motion. Massage it on your entire body except for the stomach.
3. Let the lotion dry naturally and layer as pleased to achieve a darker tan.

FAQs

Have more questions in mind about self-tanners while pregnant? You might find them below:

How to Pick the Right Self-Tanners for Pregnancy?

There are 3 things you can look at to help you pick the right self-tanner product for you:

• Hydration – pick creamy self-tanners, like spray tans, that contain butters and oils to eliminate dryness
• Ingredients – choose self-tanners that are free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, BHA
• Formula – look for self-tanning products with DHA as an active ingredient

What Ingredients Should You Look for in Self-Tanners?

Look for self-tanners with certain oils like olive, coconut, jojoba, argan, and many more.

These oils are great for nourishing the skin and also protecting it from harmful aggressors, and they are also natural tanners. 

In addition, check if the product contains DHA that is derived naturally to ensure that it’s safe.

Are Self-Tanners Safe During Pregnancy?

Self-tanning products contain an active ingredient called DHA, a color additive that binds with amino acids, producing the tanning effect. 

Concentrations between 1-15% should not concern pregnant women (learn more about DHA here).

Generally, AVOID tanning beds to keep yourself safe from skin cancer. 

Tanning pills are also a BIG NO because they aren’t FDA-approved. That’s why it’s also unsafe for your unborn baby.

Spray tans aren’t recommended either because they can contain toxic ingredients such as aerosol. In general, AVOID using a spray tan.

Summary of Top Picks

After careful consideration and tests, here are our thoughts on the three best pregnancy-safe self-tanners on the market:

Best Overall – Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam

Bondi Sands is a refreshing sight to see because of its many great qualities, ingredients-wise and budget-wise.

We think that being lightweight, streak-free and 100% non-toxic makes this product the best self-tanner for pregnant women.

Best Value – Beauty by Earth Self Tanner

This organic Self-Tanner has the most promising elements. It’s cruelty-free, vegan, non-toxic, and made with natural ingredients that are best for pregnant women.

Although it’s a bit on the pricey end of things, it’s a promising product, unlike many sunless tanners. It’s surely one of the best self-tanners you’ll find.

Best Budget Pick – Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse

Jergens Sun Body Mousse is definitely a budget-friendly product, but not just because it’s affordable – what makes this best-budget product is its incredible versatility.

We believe that pregnant women prefer to be at ease in their experience, and this product provides that because it’s mess-free, has a thin consistency, and quickly absorbs into the skin.

And while we’re at it, Jergens Sun Body Mousse delivers well in terms of the tanning quality. 

Conclusion

Overall, different self-tanners work very differently for each person, and it’s totally up to you which one to pick as long as you feel comfortable with it.

But, you have to remember to choose products that are safe for pregnant women. Aside from the tan’s quality, you have to look at the overall formula, specifically its INGREDIENTS.

There are many options you can choose from, and the products we reviewed are only a few of them.

It’s amazing to know that self-tanners are also available for pregnant women looking for an easy and safe way to do tanning!