Are you looking to tan your skin? The quickest, easiest, and most cost-effective solution is a self-tanner. But the market is flooded with these products. And many of them can have side effects on your skin. So, which one should you go for?

Well, you do not have to worry about looking through all of them. This list will provide you with the 5 best self-tanners for acne-prone skin. Without any further ado, let’s get into it!

How We Choose The Best Self Tanner For Acne Prone Skin?

We have gathered the top picks from Amazon. All of these self-tanners are suitable for sensitive skin. These tanners are ideal options if you face acne or other symptoms after using skin products.

Every product on this list is suitable for different skin types and has unique benefits. Hence, you can easily identify the right pick for you out of the 5 self-tanners.

Best to Get Light Sun-Kissed Glow for Face

L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tan Drops For Face

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Why We Love It

L’Oreal is easily one of the most popular brands in its category. But this self-tanner is one of its finest offerings. The product offers smoothening effects like no other. If you have dry skin, it is one of the best cures you can have.

But that’s not all. The biggest strength of L’Oreal Paris self-tan drops is its versatility. It works on all skin types, from normal and dry to oily. This product is specially designed for the face as it provides essential moisturizing.

What You Should Know

The L’Oreal Paris self-tanner is free of all harmful elements. That includes added dyes, fragrances, and sticky ingredients. What you get as a result is a lightweight hydrating self-tanner. It can be applied to all skin types as it quickly absorbs.

You can also customize the type of tan you want with this tanner. For a light sun-kissed glow, 5-7 drops are enough. However, you can increase the amount up to 10 drops for a darker tan. As the name suggests, it offers an unparalleled bronze glow. Its fragrance-free formula and freshening texture make it a MUST-have for tan lovers.

It is also one of the products that you can incorporate into your daily skincare. That’s mainly because it is developed for the face. You can apply a calculated number of drops daily to darken your tan. This way, you will see even longer-lasting results.

Best for Fair to Medium Skin Tone

Skinerals Self Tanner Sunless Bronzer

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Why We Love It

Although not as widely known as others, Skinerals still makes the list. The product provides a very beautiful tan shade. It does not look fake like many other tanners in the market. Moreover, it does not offer an orange-like tan. Instead, it has a dark brown shade, thanks to its original and organic ingredients. It is made of If you are tired of low-quality products, opt for this one!

What You Should Know

Want to feel confident in your tanned body? Then, you need a beautiful glow first. That is exactly what Skinerals self-tanner provides. This sunless tanner is suitable for lighter skin tones. It offers a glow that lasts up to 7 days.

Another thing to notice is its easy application. The tan does not feel greasy on the skin, making it perfectly safe for acne-prone skin. It is also free of elements that can harm one’s skin, like parabens, aerosols, and sulfates. You can also feel good as this product is 100% vegan and is not tested on animals.

What’s more, is that it works for the whole body. This self-tanner is not limited to facial use only. You can apply it anywhere you want and notice its effects. The brand recommends using this product at night and taking a shower in the morning for the best results. It works alike for men, women, and children. Hence, it is an all-in-one self-tanner that offers value for money.

Best to Get Even Toning 

St.Tropez St Tropez Self Tan

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Why We Love It

The St.Tropez self-tanner gives the ideal golden glow to one’s skin. It is made from Hibiscus extract. If you do not know about this ingredient, let us explain. Hibiscus extract is an antioxidant. It contains green mandarin, which is very beneficial for the skin. It refreshes your skin, strengthening it against acne and other symptoms.

In short, this tanner is good for people with sensitive skin as it does not contain artificial ingredients and provides a light to medium sun-kissed glow.

What You Should Know

The only thing you need to know about this self-tanner is its ability to hydrate skin. This property makes the product good for dry skin. It also has a very distinguished scent. The tanner’s formula contains a blend of tropical elements.

The tanner comes in two different options. You can either buy the Purity bottle or the dark one. Another benefit of this tanner is its lightweight. It does not feel heavy or out of place on your skin.

Not only is it good for acne-prone skin, but it works on all skin types. The self-tanner automatically absorbs into the skin. You do not have to wash it off. And the tanning effect lasts for days, so you do not have to worry about applying it soon.

Best for All Skin Tones

SOL by Jergens Deeper by the Drop Self Tanning Drops

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Why We Love It

This self-tanner comes with the ability to be customized. You can order it depending on your skin tone. How to do that? Adding more drops darkens the color of the tanner.

This way, you can identify which shade matches your skin tone. This customization is not available in any other self-tanner on this list.

What You Should Know

Having a self-tanner that matches your skin tone can be difficult. It becomes even more challenging if your skin is acne-prone or sensitive. If so, this tanner is the right solution for you. You can adjust it to match your skin tone by deepening its color.

Additionally, it comes in a travel-friendly bottle. You can take it with you outdoors anywhere you go. The self-tanner works flawlessly on dry skin. That’s because it has a moisturizing and hydrating formula.


Why is it good for acne-prone skin? The tanner does not contain oil in its formula. It is also dermatologist-tested. So you do not have to worry about the product harming your skin in any way.

As for the ingredients, the SOL self-tanning drops are made from natural sugars. Having no artificial elements make a product good for the skin. That means no side effects on the skin, which is much needed for people with sensitive one. You can use it on your face and other parts of the body as well.

Best to Get the Darkest Tone

b.tan Dark Self Tanner Mousse

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Why We Love It

The B.tan self-tanner works depending on how long you want its effects. If you want a longer tan, you can leave the tan on for more than 4 hours. Running short on time? Well, this tanner can also be applied for 1 hour only.

It does not get better than this self-tanner if you are looking for convenience. You can integrate it into your daily life. Plus, you do not have to clear your schedule for tanning next time.

What You Should Know

Are you looking to avoid orange tan? Then, this self-tanner might be the right option for you. It is for people looking for a darker tan. Additionally, it works on all skin types. It is one of the few self-tanners on this list that works the same for oily and dry skin.

You can also use it on your normal skin. Rest assured, the self-tanner does not have any side effects on different skin types.


Other than convenience, the tanner is also quite effective. It stays for a long time and has a warm texture to it. All the ingredients are natural in it. It provides a hydrating effect with no added fragrance.

The formula does not include parabens, making it an efficient self-tanner. Along with that, the tanner works for the face and body alike. It is good for people who have not used a self-tanner before.

It comes in different styles, including Violet-based dark brown, dark chocolate, 3x dark brown, darkest tan possible; it just acts natural and is too tan to give a damn.

Best Self Tanner For Acne Prone Skin - FAQs

You want to get a nice, even tan, but you have acne-prone skin.

It can be hard to find the perfect self-tanner for acne-prone skin. With so many brands and types out there, it can be tough to know which ones are best for your skin type.

We've compiled a list of the 5 best self tanners for acne-prone skin so you can get the perfect tan without worrying about breakouts.

What fake tan is best for acne prone skin?

For acne prone skin, it's best to look for a fake tan that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Look for products that are free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, and that contain natural ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E. These ingredients can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Additionally, it's important to look for a product that is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores. Finally, make sure to exfoliate your skin before applying the tanner, to ensure even coverage and a natural-looking glow.

Can you use self-tanner on your face if you have acne?

Yes, you can use self-tanner on your face if you have acne. However, you should take extra care to ensure that you are using a product specifically designed for use on the face. Self tanning products designed for the body may contain ingredients that are too harsh for the more delicate skin on the face. Additionally, it is important to take extra care when applying self tanner to acne-prone skin. Make sure to exfoliate the skin beforehand, and apply the self tanner with a light hand to avoid clogging pores and exacerbating acne.

Does St Tropez self tanner cause acne?

No, St Tropez self tanner does not cause acne. It is formulated with ingredients that are non-comedogenic and non-irritating to the skin, so it should not clog pores or cause breakouts. Additionally, it is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, which are common skin irritants. If you have sensitive skin, it is recommended to do a patch test prior to use to make sure the product does not cause any reactions.

How can I tan without getting acne worse?

The best way to tan without worsening your acne is to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will help protect your skin from the sun's UV rays, which can cause inflammation and worsen acne. Also, make sure to use a non-comedogenic sunscreen, which means it won't clog your pores. Additionally, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and avoid products that contain harsh ingredients that can irritate your skin. Finally, try to limit your time in the sun and wear protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses to further protect your skin from the sun's rays.

How do you keep self tanner from clogging your pores?

The best way to keep self-tanner from clogging your pores is to use a gentle cleanser to remove the product from your skin before applying the self-tanner. Make sure to rinse off the cleanser thoroughly before applying the self-tanner. Additionally, you should exfoliate your skin before applying the self-tanner to remove any dead skin cells that could clog your pores. Finally, be sure to moisturize your skin after applying the self-tanner to keep your skin hydrated and prevent clogged pores.

How do you keep the fake tan from sticking to acne scars?

The best way to prevent the fake tan from sticking to acne scars is to exfoliate your skin before you apply the tanning product. Exfoliating will help to remove any dead skin cells and help to even out the texture of your skin. Before applying the tanning product, make sure to use a moisturizer and apply a barrier cream over any acne scars. This will help to create a barrier between the tanning product and the scar so that the tanning product won't stick to it. Additionally, you may want to choose a tanning product with a lower concentration of DHA, as this will help to reduce the chances of the tan sticking to the scar.

Should you shave before or after self-tanning?

It's best to shave before self-tanning to ensure an even application. Shaving after self-tanning can cause the tan to look patchy and uneven. When shaving before self-tanning, make sure to exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells and create a smooth canvas for the tan to adhere to.

Why did my self-tanner sink into my pores?

The most likely cause is that your skin wasn't properly prepped before you applied the self-tanner. Self-tanner can sink into pores if the skin isn't properly exfoliated, moisturized, and cleansed before use. If the skin is too dry, the self-tanner can settle into the pores and create an uneven, blotchy look. To avoid this, make sure to exfoliate before applying self-tanner and use a moisturizer afterward to help the product absorb evenly and prevent it from settling into your pores.

Best Self Tanner For Acne Prone Skin

While all the self-tanners on this list are excellent and top-rated on Amazon, our top pick is L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Self Tan Drops For Face. It is one of the best options in the tanning category. The product is lightweight, high-quality, versatile, and safe for acne-prone skin.

However, it is also recommended to go through all the other products on this list. You might find another self-tanner to your liking more than our top pick. Once you have found your option, simply click on it to purchase it.

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Manal Z.
Author Manal Z.

Immersed in the world of fashion, beauty, and wellness. Her writing reflects her passion exploring trends, endorsing sustainable products, and healthy lifestyle.

Immersed in the world of fashion, beauty, and wellness. Her writing reflects her passion exploring trends, endorsing sustainable products, and healthy lifestyle.