As Nicole Polizzi, aka Snooki, once said, "People go tanning because they like to feel tan." If I may, I'd like to make a slight adjustment to that statement: people self-tan because they like to feel tan...and minimize their risk of skin cancer. If this is true, what better reason to discover the best self-tanners for pale skin?
"There is no excuse to get tan from the sun. It’s too dangerous," says celebrity makeup artist Sarah Egan. In case you haven't heard—and I really hope you have!—tanning outdoors or in a tanning bed exposes your skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which increases your risk of developing skin cancer. "Tanning also accelerates the rate at which your skin ages, which means an earlier onset of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Tanning can lead to sunburns, and indoor tanning beds can put skin at risk of infections," adds Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist from MDCS Dermatology.
Instead of risking all of these serious side effects, you can opt for any of the intriguing, and downright innovative self-tanning formulas currently on the market. Seriously, there's something for everyone—even the most ghostly among us (a category I absolutely fit into and am reminded of every time I pick out a new foundation).
"Self-tanners rely on dihydroxyacetone, a pigmenting agent, to form a tan. Unlike UV tanning booths or UV and visible light radiation from the sun, self-tanners do not increase your risk of developing skin cancer," shares Dr. Karan Lal, D.O., F.A.A.D., a double board-certified dermatologist and pediatric dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology
Other pros? Unlike UV radiation, self-tanners don't break down collagen in the skin or lead to discoloration or skin growths or spots.
As nurse Tara Adashev so simply puts it, "there are so many amazing spray tan and self-tanning products in the market right now that give you that natural glow without the cancer."
Ahead, Marie Claire consults skincare and tanning professionals for in-depth (light-to-medium, if we're talking shade specifics) information on the best self-tanners for pale skin.
What to Look For in a Pale Skin Self-Tanner
- Formula: Today's self-tanners come in a variety of formats, including sprays, tanning drops and serums (which you mix in with your favorite moisturizer), creams and lotions (which offer gradual results and a bit of extra moisture), and mousses/foams (which work quickly, but can result in a streaky tan if you're inexperienced with application).
- Shade: "Applying a color too dark for your skin tone won’t look natural," shares Egan. If you're naturally pale, it's best to start with a light or medium tan color—read the label! The best part about self-tanner is that many of them are gradual; you can always add more if you want to go a little bronzier. (P.S.—We also have a guide to the best bronzers for fair skin.)
- Confidence: Besides the skin-safety benefits, self-tanner can give you an easy boost of self-confidence. Dolce Glow founder and celebrity tan artist Isabel Alysa can attest to this. "My very first experience of trying self tanner, I was absolutely blown away by the instant confidence boost I endured," she says. "I really wanted everyone to experience the incredible feeling of radiance and glow that self-tanner brought me. I don’t think anyone is against a little confidence boost!"
The Best Self-Tanners for Pale Skin
- The Best Self-Tanner Mist for Pale Skin: Dolce Glow Self-Tanning Mist
- The Best Face Self-Tanner for Pale Skin: Dior Solar The Self-Tanning Gel
- The Best Bronzer for Pale Skin: Hi Beautiful You Body Perfecting Bronzer
- The Best Self-Tanner Kit for Pale Skin: St. Tropez Self Tan Golden Getaway Kit
- The Best Self-Tanner Water for Pale Skin: Tan-Luxe The Water Hydrating Self-Tan Water
Dolce Glow is Adashev's first choice for a professional spray tan. "The spray tan doesn’t rub off or get on clothes and looks super natural," she says. The brand also makes the products Miley Cyrus wore at the 2024 Grammys and while promoting her Endless Summer Vacation album. While all of Dolce Glow's at-home products are buildable, and thus fine for pale skin, the mist is a great place to start. "There is a reason that the Dolce Self-Tanning Mist is our best seller," shares Alysa. "The formula is unbeatable and the spray of the mist is perfection, making it easy to not have a splotchy or streaky tan."
Pros: Easy to apply; Sensitive skin-approved
Cons: Over $40
Customer Review: "This is by far my favorite self-tanner I've ever tried. You literally just spray it on like you would spray on the sunscreen and it gives you the most gorgeous tan. Definitely the most real 'I just came back from vacation tan' i have ever gotten from a self-tan. Obsessed and it doesn't dry my skin out either." — Ulta
If you're looking for a subtle facial glow, Marie Claire beauty editor Samantha Holender previously recommended Dior's lovely Self-Tanning Gel as the best gradual face self-tanner. "It's subtle in the best way possible and completely customizable," she shared while discussing her 2024 self-tanner picks. "One layer of product will give you a little radiance, two layers a sunkissed glow, three layers a definite tint, so on and so forth. It goes on silky smooth and there's no risk of streakiness—it gets my full stamp of approval."
Pros: Silky smooth; No streaks; Customizable
Cons: Over $40
Customer Review: "I purchased this item because I wanted to try a different self-tan product. I’m a fake tan connoisseur, and can tell you, this product is fantastic. Smells lovely and feels absolutely amazing on the skin. Gel-like consistency, easy absorbed, not sticky, makes skin feels soft somehow? while giving a lovely color. I use it for a few days and then have a break. You don’t need much so can see it lasting same like my cheaper self tan product. Will buy again when I run out." — Dior
If you don't want to go the full self-tanner route, may I suggest a body bronzer? This one is transfer-resistant and multi-functional, it won't rub off on clothes but will wash off easily when you're done with your tan. "The formula is packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic microspheres, ceramides, and shea butter, which helps reduce the appearance of flaky or dry skin," shares Egan. "It works better than self-tanner with a strong color payoff without streaks or transfer, can be used anywhere on the body, and matches all skin tones."
Pros: Hydrating; Easy to apply; One shade fits all; No chemical smell; No exfoliation required; Can be used on the body and face
Cons: Customers wish the formula contained SPF; Over $40
Customer Review: "I have been buying this product (formerly under a different name) for 10 years now. I literally can’t live without it. I can’t stand the smell of self tanner and this has solved that problem. It looks natural and works immediately. While it really is intended to wash off I think it actually slowly fades, does not instantly disappear. I recommend this to anyone who needs a tan and plan to buy it for years to come! — Hi Beautiful You
There's nothing sadder than getting your new self-tanner in the mail and realizing it doesn't come with a mitt...and you can't use it on your face...or bring it on vacation. But this kit has everything you need for a complete routine on-the-go. Customize your tan with St. Tropez's Express Bronzing Mousse (this is Marie Claire's all-time favorite self-tanner—keep it on one hour for a light tan) before hitting your face and feet with the Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist.
Pros: TSA-approved set; Buildable color; Suitable for all skin tones
Cons: Pump is prone to breaking; Over $40
Customer Review: "This kit has been amazing for me! I am really pale so sometimes I want to look a little bit more bronzy, For my face the mist feels so refreshing as well!! My favorite part is that I can do this on the go without taking a shower immediately!" — Sephora
Tan-Luxe is an absolute wonderland when it comes to tanning products and formulas. While Dr. Camp likes the brand's Hydrating Self-Tan Mousse, I'm partial to the water. Completely color-free and infused with vitamins B, C, and E, raspberry seed oil, aloe vera, and organic tanning actives, a few spritzes and a quick buff will leave you with a natural-looking glow.
Pros: Easy to apply; Works for both the body and face
Cons: Clear formula can make application tricky; Over $40
Customer Review: "I am incredibly bad at applying self tanner but I can use this! I am very very fair skinned so I usually end up looking either very streaky or very orange but this gives me a gradual tan that’s easy to blend with no streaks (I spray it on a mitt then buff on). This is perfect for people who are very pale and are looking for a gradual, NATURAL LOOKING tan." — Sephora
Also Recommended
Bondi Sands is a favorite company among those who, as one reviewer self-described, are "vampiric" in tone (see: me in the winter). The Technocolor shade "Sapphire" was specially formulated for pale skin tones, featuring low-tanning active ingredients and a blue-gray color guide to counteract the development of orange-iness.
Pros: Shade is specially formulated for pale skin
Cons: Still too light for some
Customer Review: "One of the best self-tanners I have tried. Applying it is a breeze thanks to the lightweight foam, and it dries super quick. I used a mitt to apply and it left me with an even and natural looking tan." — Amazon
Vacation makes, hands down, the most fun SPF products. With their vintage branding and innovative formulas (hi, whipped cream!), every launch from the brand is more exciting than the last. Unlike browning lotions that exist solely to make the damaging tanning process worse, Instant Vacation features SPF 30 and a touch of self-tanning technology so you can achieve, according to the brand, "the glow you desire with the protection you need."
Pros: Contains SPF; Great smell
Cons: Bottle could be larger
Customer Review: "I was so excited when I saw this release from Vacation! As the name implies, this product gives you a nice top of color. It looks stunning over a self-tan and helps even out the complexion. PLUS it contains SPF?! New summer staple." — Ulta
Isle of Paradise's catalogue is chock-full of iconic self-tanning products (Dr. Camp recommends their Tanning Drops, which contain vitamin C for antioxidant protection). However, the brand's newest launch might just take the cake. With a universal shade that adapts to all skin tones, the Express Self-Tanning Mousse is hydrating and features a wearable bronze guide color so you can keep streaks at bay. And the best part? You can go from pale to post-vacation in around 30 minutes.
Pros: Fast-acting; Hydrating; One shade fits all
Cons: A bit sticky
Customer Review: "I really love self-tanners, I have tried them all, recently I’ve become super impatient and rinse them off before ideal time. Enter the Express tan. This is legit! I have very fair skin, this self-tanner gave me the perfect sunkissed glow after about 45 mins. It is a bit sticky but what self-tanner isn’t? The smell is sort of a pleasant floral scent- my skin feels very hydrated. I will leave on longer next time and share my results again!" — Sephora
I trust French skincare with every fiber of my being, and Typology is no exception. Made with 10 percent DHA and carob pulp extract, this serum can be used on the face and body and, according to the brand, is "particularly suitable those with dull or pale skin types who would like get a natural tanned complexion quickly and without UV rays."
Pros: Made with 99 percent naturally derived ingredients; Customizable
Cons: Over $40; Often sold out
Customer Review: "I regularly apply self-tanner (body, face) and this one is a favorite: it doesn't have the unpleasant smell of classic self-tanners. On the other hand, I apply two pipettes in the evening without diluting my cream for a natural look. This product is very light but perfect for maintaining a healthy glow." — Typology
Jergens has long been known as the affordable star of the self-tanning world—Dr. Lal includes both their Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse and SOL by Jergens Tanning Water Mousse on his list of favorite self-tanners for pale skin. With that being said, their new launch was a must-try. Natural Glow Instant Sun 'Sun Drops' can be used on your face and your body, with a golden formula that allows for a guided application and the right dosage when mixed with your favorite moisturizer.
Pros: Customizable; Affordable; Contains moisturizing Vitamin E
Cons: None found
Customer Review: None available
Soleil Toujour's Daily Sunless Tanning Serum can be found on Dr. Lal's list of favorite self-tanners. The big sell here? It's from a brand known for their suncare expertise. Made with plant-based DHA, antioxidants, and vitamins to streamline your skincare routine and the life of your tan, you can mix this lovely serum in with your daily moisturizer, serum, or SPF.
Pros: Derm-approved, Skin-loving ingredients
Cons: Over $40
Customer Review: None available
Miley Cyrus wore Dolce Glow tanner to perform at the 2024 Grammys.
How to Apply Self-Tanner
As the self-tanning expert, Alysa tells her pale clients to apply a lighter layer of product first and then build their tan until they're comfortable with the shade.
"It’s important to make sure you’re using a tanner that offers buildable coverage that allows this process to happen," she shares. Another tip? "Invest in a great application tool when applying the tanner! Everyone has different preferences when it comes to using a brush or mitt for the application process, so I would say, find what tool makes you comfortable and helps make the application the easiest." (My good friend Miley and I both love Dolce Glow's Kabuki Brush.)
Egan also recommends that you ensure your skin is clean and dry before applying tanner.
"Work in sections. I tend to start at the top of my body and work my way down. Apply a small amount to your skin, smaller than a pea. Pat and smooth the self-tanner on your neck, décolletage, arms, and then downward to the rest of your body," she explains.
Next, smooth the product in with your fingertips or tool of choice," she says. "Look in a mirror before putting clothes on to ensure you didn’t miss a spot. If you did, simply apply to the spots missed and gently smooth in."
And while many new formulas don't require you to exfoliate beforehand, it's never a bad idea.
Self-Tanning Risks
Although they're about a million times better for you than a tanning bed, you must remember that most self-tanners do not provide any UV protection. Please, please continue to use sunscreen while using, even if you're bronzed.
Dr. Camp says that other self-tanning risks include uneven application (which can cause a blotchy tan!), staining of the palms or clothing, application site irritation or allergic contact dermatitis, and odor, as some products may have a chemical-like smell. Again, all are better options than skin cancer—but it is important to be aware of nonetheless.
Meet the Experts
Originally from New York City, Dr. Karan Lal grew up in Queens and attended Hunter Science High School in Manhattan. He graduated summa cum laude from the New York Institute of Technology, where he completed a rigorous seven-year accelerated combined medical program. He was selected to be an academic medical scholar, during which he received a Master of Science in neuroscience and a scholarship for three years of medical school and graduate training. He was elected to the Sigma Sigma Phi and Psi Sigma Alpha medical honor societies. He completed his internal medicine internship at the University of Connecticut Medical Center where he was elected intern of the year. He completed a three-year dermatology residency at the University of Massachusetts, where he was elected chief resident. He continued at the University of Massachusetts to complete a pediatric dermatology fellowship, where he gained an interest in vascular anomalies, pediatric laser, and dermatologic surgery of pediatric patients. Dr. Lal specializes in pediatric and adult dermatology, laser surgery, soft tissue filler augmentation, body sculpting, melanocyte keratinocyte transplant surgery for vitiligo and hypopigmentation, pigmentary abnormalities of the skin and enjoys treating patients from birth onwards. He is an expert in atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, melasma, psoriasis, and hidradenitis and has worked in specialty clinics among experts.
Brendan Camp, MD, is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and sees patients at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. Patients have been coming to him for his expertise managing medical conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, warts, psoriasis, moles, and skin cancer, as well as cosmetic concerns and treatments with Botox, fillers, lasers, and other skin rejuvenation devices.
Dr. Camp graduated with honors from Cornell University, earning a degree in biochemistry. As a medical student at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, he participated in a one-year epidemiology fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, where he participated in viral outbreak investigations. He completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Chicago and later completed additional residency training in dermatology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in dermatopathology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in 2012.
He has previously served as an assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and worked in private practice just outside Washington DC in Northern Virginia.
Dr. Camp is the author of several scientific articles that have been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology. He has also presented at meetings of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatopathology, and the Society for Investigative Dermatology.
Nurse Tara has been working alongside the prestigious surgeons at Neinstein plastic surgery for over five years and has become an integral part of Neinstein Plastic Surgery’s fabric and ongoing legacy. Nurse Tara grew up in the tri-state area, graduating from Moravian College and following graduation pursued her first job as an operating room nurse at St. Luke’s University Hospital. Nurse Tara thrives in the fast-paced environment that is Neinstein Plastic Surgery, and her critical thinking skills combined with her calm demeanor and strong nursing skills have allowed her to create long lasting bonds with each surgical and injectables patients she sees.
Working in Plastic Surgery and as a seasoned injector has been a lifelong dream for Nurse Tara. Initially Joining the Neinstein Plastic Surgery Team as Dr. Neinstein’s head nurse, Nurse Tara started by assisting Dr. Neinstein closely in complex surgical procedures in the OR. Starting from the ground up, Nurse Tara truly learned and understands the depths, nuances, and intricacies of body contouring and mommy makeover surgery.
As the mastermind behind the renowned self-tanning brand, Dolce Glow, Isabel's expertise has garnered her a reputation as the go-to celebrity spray tan artist for A-listers like Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, and Sophia Richie Grainge, to name a few. Feeling immensely empowered by her first spray tan experience, Isabel made it her mission to spread this profound sense of self-love by creating her own brand & business. Her mission has ultimately led to her esteemed reputation as a top-notch celebrity spray tan artist in the sunless tanning industry. She made her "Isabel Signature Glow" available nationwide through Dolce Glow, making her sunless tan more accessible by creating a range of clean and anti-aging formulations.
Sarah Egan is a celebrity makeup artist. She is the makeup department head for Late Night with Seth Meyers, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, The Amber Ruffin Show and a 4 time EMMY winner for SNL.
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