Craving that sun-kissed tan look but worried about irritating your sensitive skin? Then you should check out our top picks for the best tanning lotions for sensitive skin!
While self-tanning may seem harmless, if your skin is sensitive, you will be prone to irritation. Redness, rashes, and burning sensations are just some of the problems you might experience. To protect your skin from irritation, you need to invest in a self-tanning lotion that is specifically designed for your sensitive skin.
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Clueless about which product is best to buy? Well we've done the work for you! Read the rest of this post and we’ll recommend some of the products that should be on your list!
Top Tanning Lotions for Sensitive Skin Reviews
Below are some of the tanning lotions that use carefully-selected and high quality ingredients to make sure that your skin will not suffer from irritation.
Skinerals Self-Tanner Sunless Bronzer Californium Natural and Organic Ingredients
Your sensitive skin is sure to be happy with the natural and organic ingredients that are used in this tanning lotion. It has minerals and not chemicals. It is free of parabens, sulfates, nuts, and oils, among other toxic ingredients that can be harsh on the skin. Unlike other self-tanners, it does not cause blotchiness and streaks. It is also an economical choice as one bottle can be enough for up to eight full body applications.
Botanic Tree Self Tanner 7.5 Oz Natural and Organic Ingredients Self Tanning Lotion
Aside from the tanning lotion, it also comes with a free pre-tan exfoliator. One thing that makes it the perfect choice for people with sensitive skin is the fact that it is 100% vegan and it uses only natural ingredients. It has shea butter, which can moisturize the skin. The lotion also contains jojoba, avocado, passionfruit, coconut, and rosemary, which are all known for being gentle on the skin.
Bahama Tan Level 2 Self-Tanner Organic & Natural, Body & Face
For a streak-free tan that is safe even for sensitive skin, this is an excellent lotion. Some of the natural and organic ingredients that you can find in this lotion include argan oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. The manufacturer claims that using this lotion will make your tan visible in four to seven days. It also non-comedogenic, so you can apply it on the face without worrying about clogging the pores.
Devoted Creations #TANLIFE Hydrating Tanning Butter
The main ingredient in this lotion is shea butter, which is safe even for sensitive skin. It does not only accelerate the results of self-tanning, but it can also provide effective moisturizing. Plus, it has RevitaFit, BodyFit, and Advanced Matrixyl Synthe 6, which will provide anti-aging benefits. Aside from providing a sun-kissed glow, it is also known for its ability to make the skin firmer.
Devoted Creations Limited Couture Hypoallergenic Paraben Free Dark Tanning Creme Oil
It is not as thick as your regular tanning lotions as it comes in the formula of a creamy oil. It is packed with multiple accelerators, which will stimulate the production of melanin. It is infused with skin-loving vitamins, which will increase the firmness and tightness of the skin. This will also be great for anti-aging as it can minimize wrinkles and fine lines.
Ed Hardy The It List Hypoallergenic and Vegan Tanning Lotion
This lotion does not contain nut, gluten, wheat, paraben, oils, and other ingredients that can trigger sensitivity of the skin. Instead of using harsh chemicals, it relies on the power of natural components, which include caffeine extracts to energize the skin while making it firmer at the same time. There are also cotton and rice extracts, which will help your skin become softer.
Hempz HYPOALLERGENIC DARK TAN Maximizer
One of the best things about this product is the fact that it is made using 100% pure natural hemp seed oil. It hydrates and nourishes the skin while making it exceptionally soft at the same time. One of the main ingredients is mango seed butter, which can provide skin hydration. With oatmeal, on the other hand, it can soothe and calm the skin. The lotion comes in a non-greasy formula.
Sun Bum Moisturizing Browning Lotion
The moisturizing ingredients used in this lotion are hypoallergenic, so you need not to worry if you have sensitive skin. This self-tanning lotion comes with aloe vera, avocado oil, coconut oil, marula oil, and green tea butter, among other natural ingredients. It is also gluten-free and has a vegan formula.
Naked Ambition Indoor Tanning Bed Lotion w/ Natural Bronzer By Designer Skin
This lotion is formulated without DHAs, which is one of the reasons why it will work even for people who have sensitive skin. It is an all-natural bronzer that will work in all skin types. After application, it does not leave streaks on the skin. The lotion is also non-sticky, so you won’t feel uncomfortable as you get a tan.
Swedish Beauty Shea You Love Me - Natural Dark Tanning
This UV-amplifying lotion has special ingredients that will allow you to achieve deeper and darker complexion without suffering from irritation. It also comes with ingredients that can deliver anti-aging benefits, making it great for wrinkles and fine lines. The moisture-rich formula is also a plus as it will make your skin hydrated, unlike others that can cause excessive dryness.
Australian Gold BEACHIN Hypoallergenic Intensifier Tanning Lotion
It has exotic fruit smoothie complex, utilizing ingredients that are hypoallergenic. The lotion contains apricot, pineapple, and other fruits that can moisturize and protect your skin. For added moisture, it also uses sweet almond, sunflower, grape seed, and macadamia nut oils. With Vitamins B5, C, and E, meanwhile, it can deliver a youthful glow and fight skin aging.
New Sunshine Swedish Beauty Bronzer, Shea You Want Me
This bronzer has an exceptional formula that can instantly moisturize the skin right after every application. It creates a deep tan that is long-lasting. It comes with the innovative A-O’Shea Moisturizing Complex, which is an excellent way to hydrate the skin while you are tanning. The lotion comes with cocoa butter, which is a great way to have softer and tanned skin.
Watch Out for DHA
If you are considering getting a self-tan and you are picking the right lotion that won’t cause an adverse reaction on your sensitive skin, there is one ingredient that you have to watch out for – dihydroxyacetone or DHA.
DHA is an active ingredient that is responsible for giving the skin a glowing complexion. Generally, users will have zero reaction to it as it is a dangerous component. For those with sensitive skin, meanwhile, it is an entirely different story. This is a coloring agent that can cause flare-ups.
How to Avoid Irritation on Sensitive Skin
If you want to use a self-tanner but you have sensitive skin, the best thing to do is to conduct a patch test. This means that you will try it out first in an inconspicuous area of the skin first. Watch out for signs of redness, rashes, inflammation, and burning sensation, among other things. If there is a negative reaction, this means that the lotion is not right for you.
It is also important to look at the list of the ingredients that are used. As mentioned earlier, DHA should be avoided. If there is DHA, it should be derived from natural sources. Look for tanning lotions with natural and organic ingredients instead of harsh chemicals. Avoid fragrances and preservatives as they can also irritate the skin. Look for lotions that are labeled as hypoallergenic.
Self-Tanning Tips for People with Sensitive Skin
To minimize the chances that your sensitive skin will end up suffering from irritation, below are some of the most important self-tanning tips to keep in mind:
- Exfoliation is one of the most important steps. Before you get a fake tan, see to it that you exfoliate to get rid of dead skin cells and prepare your skin before the application of tanning lotion.
- See to it that the lotions that you are using will also have hydrating ingredients, such as coconut or aloe. They will help to keep your sensitive skin moisturized. Otherwise, your skin can suffer from dryness and can end up being chapped.
- Make sure to read the instructions and have it followed religiously. Different products will have different formulations, so you need to do what the manufacturer recommended to lessen the likelihood of adverse effects.
- Do not overdo your tanning session. Depending on the self-tanning method, you will have to pay attention to the maximum duration.
- When you already start to notice skin problems, such as redness, inflammation, or rashes, among others, do not proceed to a self-tanning session. It is best to have it delayed until your skin is in perfect or healthy condition.
Wrap Up
In sum, even if you have sensitive skin, there is no need to worry about self-tanning. All that you need is to apply the right lotion, including those mentioned above. They are formulated with safe and gentle ingredients that won’t cause skin irritation.
