Frequently asked questions
Do tanning drops really work?
Tanning drops do work, says Erika Vasco, founder of the Tan Edit, but they require intention. Consistency, combined with the percentage of DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and the amount of drops you use, will give you a longer-lasting, deeper tan. “This is what makes tanning drops the most customizable self-tanner formats out there,” says Vasco.
What should you look for when shopping for tanning drops?
The experts we spoke with say to start with your skin type when shopping for the best tanning drops for glowing skin. “If you’re oily or acne-prone, avoid oil-based formulas as they can clog pores and trigger breakouts,” says Vasco. In this case, you’ll want a water-based, non-comedogenic formula, meaning it won’t seep into pores and cause blockage. (Editor’s note: all of the tanning drops we tested were water-based formulas).
If you have a dry or mature skin, go with a richer, more nourishing base with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or plant oils that can add color and moisturize simultaneously. “Always check the DHA percentage: lower means gradual and subtle, higher means faster and deeper color. Neither is wrong — it just depends on what you want,” says Vasco.
How are tanning drops different from other self-tanners?
“Unlike mousses, lotions, or sprays that are applied directly to the skin at full strength, tanning drops are typically mixed into your existing moisturizer or serum,” says Dr. Engelman. This allows users to adjust the intensity based on the number of drops used and often creates a more gradual, natural-looking result.
When should you apply tanning drops?
Sophie Evans, St. Tropez tanning expert, recommends applying tanning drops before bed to allow the product to fully absorb. The beauty with tanning drops, though, is that you can also just mix them into your morning moisturizer and let them develop throughout the day. If you don’t like sleeping coated in self-tanner or need a quicker tan fix, Evans suggests an express formula that develops between two to four hours, so that you can go about your day.
Our team has been testing self-tanners for years, so tanning drops have easily become one of the formats we rely on. When testing, we look at the ingredients, the ease of application, and how long the tan lasts. The ones we chose include ingredients that go beyond DHA—they feature hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and other antioxidants to support and nourish the skin barrier. The ones we landed on were easy to apply—we could either apply them directly or mix them into our body lotions and moisturizers—and never pilled or left behind residue. The ones on this list gave us a golden glow overnight, which lasted for at least a week. These formulas were so good, we didn’t need to reach for any bronzers!
