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For many of us, summer presents an opportunity to soak in as much sunshine as possible. But if you’re pregnant, doctors say you should try to stay out of the direct sun as much as possible, particularly in the first trimester, as too much sun can decrease the amount of the crucial pregnancy nutrient folic acid, according to Northwestern Medicine.
But the good news is you don’t have to give up your sunkissed glow just because you’re expecting. In addition to applying a great pregnancy-safe SPF from head to toe every day, make a pregnancy-safe self-tanner or tinted moisturizer your go-to product for getting bronzy, no sun required. Spoiler alert: not all self-tanners are safe to use during pregnancy, though. We asked a dermatologist and an OB/GYN to give us some pointers.
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Best (and Safest) Self Tanners for Pregnancy, at a Glance
Best Overall: Tanologist Daily Glow Hydrating Lotion, $15Best Runner Up: Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops, $22 (originally $30)Most Popular: Lux Unfiltered N°32 Hydrating Gradual Self Tanning Lotion, $38Best Foam: b.tan Love at First Tan, $12Best Mousse: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Moisturizer + Bronzer, $12 (originally $13)Best Body Lotion: Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner, $17Best for a Dark Tan: Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion, $36Best Serum: Whind Marrakech Sun Instant Glow Tanning Water, $35Best Face Moisturizer: Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer, $48Best Towelette: Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette, $30 (originally $35)
Is Self-Tanner Safe During Pregnancy?
Many self-tanners are safe to use during pregnancy, but not all. Two factors will determine whether a self-tanner passes the pregnancy test: its packaging and the ingredients on the label. “I do not recommend using any aerosol versions of self-tanners,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian to SheKnows. “Stick to the lotions, creams and drops. Aerosolized versions can leave droplets of these ingredients in the air that are irritating and potentially toxic to lung tissue.”
It’s important to read the ingredients on the label. The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products that enhances the pigment by dying the surface layer of the skin is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, which, thankfully, is minimally toxic. “The concentration of this active ingredient ranges depending on the product,” says Nazarian. “Typically, this ingredient can range from between 1 to 15 percent in self tanners, and thankfully studies have been done that have shown that systemic absorption of this ingredient is minimal. It stains the top layers of skin cells, and doesn’t have significant penetration into deeper layers of skin or [the bloodstream].”
“While there are no studies to prove the safety of DHA in pregnancy, DHA has been used in cosmetics since the 1960s with no reported problems,” confirms Dr. Kelly Culwell, MD, Board Certified OB/GYN, also known as ‘Dr. Lady Doctor.’ “When used topically (on the skin), minimal DHA is absorbed and likely even less (if any) could make it through the placenta.” Of course, it’s totally up to you how safe you want to play it: If you’re still uncomfy with the idea of using products with DHA, skip it.
What Ingredients to Avoid in Self-Tanner When Pregnant, According to Experts
So what should you avoid in a pregnancy-safe self-tanner? It’s okay if the product contains DHA, but it is smart to look for plant-based or organic products, because those should have fewer chemical additives — you should always try to avoid chemicals including parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde during pregnancy to cut back on your risk of birth defects or preterm birth. Just make sure the label says “paraben-free” or “pregnancy-safe” before you buy a self-tanner. And the shorter the list of ingredients, the better!
“Other ingredients to avoid in pregnancy include formaldehyde and oxybenzone, which either don’t have enough information to prove that they’re safe, or have some evidence to suggest they are harmful during pregnancy (hormone disrupters),” says Dr. Nazarian.
Taking all of that into consideration, you’re left with plenty of options for sunless tanners that are pregnancy-safe: Some lather on like a lotion, while others can be applied in a thicker foam or drops on the skin. Remember to exfoliate and moisturize before using any self-tanner to ensure even coverage.
Check out our top picks below. Happy bronzing!
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. CVS is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Best oVERALL
Tanologist Daily Glow Hydrating Lotion
If you’re pregnant and looking for a sun-kissed glow without spending hours in the sun, the Tanologist Daily Glow Hydrating Lotion is a popular option worth considering. The gradual self-tanning moisturizer is designed to build a natural-looking tan over time while simultaneously hydrating the skin, making it an easy addition to an everyday body-care routine.
Unlike some self-tanners that can feel drying or leave behind streaks, this formula is infused with moisturizing ingredients to help keep skin feeling soft and smooth. It contains hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and skin-conditioning squalane, while remaining free from mineral oil, parabens, and other ingredients experts recommend avoiding during pregnancy.
Product type: LotionKey ingredients:Hyaluronic acidSqualaneBeta glucanFragrance: Soft summer scent
Pros:Includes hydrating ingredientsBeginner-friendlyDoubles as a body lotionCons:Results aren’t instantMay not show up as quickly on deeper skin tones
Best Runner Up
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
If the thought of applying a traditional self-tanner feels intimidating, the Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops offer a more customizable approach. Designed to be mixed directly into your favorite moisturizer, serum, or body lotion, the drops let you control the depth of your glow by simply adjusting the number of drops you use. The result is a natural-looking tan that develops gradually and can be tailored to your desired level of color. Beyond the tanning benefits, the formula is infused with skin-loving ingredients such as avocado, chia seed, and coconut oils to nourish and hydrate the skin.
Product type: DropsKey ingredients:NiacinamideHyaluronic acidDHAFragrance: Yes
Pros:Mixes into your existing moisturizerAvailable in multiple shade levels (Light, Medium, Dark)Customizable colorCons:Contains fragranceColor can be inconsistent if not mixed thoroughly
Most Popular
Lux Unfiltered N°32 Hydrating Gradual Self Tanning Lotion
Lux Unfiltered was co-founded by Sivan Ayla, a mother of two. The self-tanner produces the most natural and bronze tan I’ve ever used! I love that it’s so simple to use, whether you’re pregnant or not. If you are an expecting mama, always check with your doctor before introducing new products, but the formula is gentle and not packed with harmful ingredients. Instead, there is shea butter, avocado oil, and squalane to hydrate and support the skin’s moisture barrier. The gradual self-tanner also includes a light scene that’s floral and earthy. It boasts notes of rose water, palmarosa, cedar, and fresh vanilla.
Product type: LotionKey ingredients:Shea butterAvocado oilSqualaneFragrance: Rose water, palmarosa, cedar, and fresh vanilla
Pros:Developed by a momEasy to applyNatural finishVeganCons:Lightly scentedSome say it’s hard to remove
Best Foam
b.tan Love At First Tan
Amazon’s number-one best-selling self-tanner is this 100 percent vegan formulation, cutely called Love at First Tan. It’s suitable for all skin types and develops into a medium-to-dark tan with no orange tones. It’s even cruelty-free. For best results, let this tanner soak in for four hours or more. ” I started using it when I was pregnant and never stopped. It spreads easily. Color develops right away and it looks like a real tan. I get a lot of compliments with this brand,” wrote a fan.
Product type: FoamKey ingredients: WaterFragrance: None
Pros:VeganCruelty-freeNo fake tan smellDoesn’t streakProduces a dark tanCons:Some say it fades quicklySome did not feel the tan was dark enoughSome say it has a weird smell
Best Mousse
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Moisturizer + Bronzer
This Jergens self-tanner is infused with all-natural emollients like vitamin E and coconut oil to nourish your skin as it bronzes it. And instead of smelling like chemicals, it smells like the beach. “Fav tanning lotion ever. Goes on like lotion, smells good, has a beautiful dark color and stays for a couple days,” one shopper wrote.
Product type: MousseKey ingredients: WaterVitamin ECoconut oilDHAFragrance: Coconut
Pros:Paraben-freeCruelty-freeNo streakingNot stickyCons:Some say it has too much of an orange hueSome don’t like the smell
Best Body Lotion
Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner
This self-tanner is “powered by botanicals,” so you know it’s pregnancy-safe. As you’d expect, it has no parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances — just plant-derived ingredients designed to infuse your skin with moisture and hydration while making you look like you baked in the sun. Apply this one for three hours for the best results. One shopper called it “the best self-tanner I have EVER used, including when I got professional spray tans.”
Product type: LotionKey ingredients:Shea butterSweet almond oilSafflower oilDHAFragrance: Tropical
Pros:Plant-basedParaben-, sulfate- and phthalate-freeSynthetic fragrance-freeCruelty-freeDye-freeCons:Some say they didn’t tan deeply enoughSome say it doesn’t last long enough
Best for a Dark Tan
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Lotion
Beauty By Earth notes right on the packaging that this self-tanner is pregnancy safe, vegan, and suitable for sensitive skin. It is also great for getting even coverage for stretch marks, if there are any that you choose to cover up, and is made with plant-based ingredients, so you don’t have to worry.
Product type: LotionKey ingredients:DHAShea butterWitch HazelCoconut oilAloeFragrance: Coconut
Pros:VeganHydrating and moisturizingGentle on sensitive skinPleasant smellNo orange toneCons:Some say the smell is too strongSome say it’s too dark for fair skin
Best Serum
Whind Marrakech Sun Instant Glow Tanning Water
Like the idea of tanning drops better to get a more gradual tan? Whind’s “tinting water” contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin while you get that glow. It’s made from erythrulose, a plant-based DHA alternative that produces color on the skin by reacting to skin proteins. Note: You may need to apply a few layers to match or deepen your skin tone.
Product type: SerumKey ingredients:Erythrulose (alternative to DHA)Hyaluronic AcidGlycerinFragrance: Sweet
Pros:LightweightBuildableVegan Cruelty-freeCons:PriceySome say the glow doesn’t last long
Best Face Moisturizer
Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer
If you like products that do double duty, this is the one for you. A daily moisturizer and sunless tanner in one, Coola Organic’s self-tanner has built-in anti-aging properties. It’s completely clean and organic, and even uses DHA derived from beets.
Key ingredients:DHAHyaluronic AcidSqualaneAloe VeraGreen Tea ExtractFragrance: Pina colada
Pros:Vegan and cleanCruelty-freeReef-safeDeeply moisturizingMulti-taskingAnti-agingSustainable packagingCons:PriceySome say it made them break outSome did not like the smell
Best Towelette
Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette
$25
$29
14% off
$30
$35
14% off
Tan Towel self-tan towelettes let you self-tan on the go. Each individually wrapped wipe is infused with paraben-free, dye-free liquid that takes two to four hours to show up and lasts a full week. Best of all, Tan Towel exfoliates, moisturizes, and tans your skin all at once, so pop one or two of these in your purse, and no one will know you spent all day under your umbrella at the beach!
Product type: ToweletteKey ingredients:Water DHAAloe VeraPro-Vitamin B5 PentavitinFragrance: Citrus
Pros:Paraben-freeDye-freeStreak-freeFast-actingPortableMoisturizes and exfoliatesCons:Some don’t like the smellSome find towelettes hard to applySome say it does streak
Best Skin-Tone Corrector
St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops
If you’re looking for an exclusive face bronzer, then look to this potent self-tanning serum by St. Tropez. The vegan formula gently but powerfully tans your skin while nourishing ingredients keep your complexion hydrated and happy. It even contains niacinamide, which helps even your skin tone and your overall glow.
Product type: SerumKey ingredients:NiacinamideVitamin EEchinaceaHyaluronic AcidFragrance: Floral
Pros:VeganHydratingAnti-aging propertiesRecyclable packagingCons:PriceySome don’t like the smellSome say they didn’t tan dark enough
Product type: SerumKey ingredients:NiacinamideVitamin EEchinaceaHyaluronic AcidFragrance: Floral
Pros:VeganHydratingAnti-aging propertiesRecyclable packagingCons:PriceySome don’t like the smellSome say they didn’t tan dark enough
Best Free Radical Fighter
Skinerals Californium Sunless Tanning Mousse
This Skinerals self-tanner has a different texture: a fluffy mousse that can help even the skin tone, thanks to antioxidant-packed ingredients like acai berry and fig extract. You can apply the mousse to both your face and body. It’s best to lather it on at night and then shower in the morning to give it plenty of time to set (yet, it won’t transfer on your pajamas or sheets).
Product type: MousseKey ingredients: Water DHALavender oilOrange peel oilVanilla bean extractShea butterFragrance: Fruity
Pros:VeganCruelty-freeGood for all skin typesStreak-freeFast-acting and long-lastingCons:Some don’t like the smellSome say the results are too subtle
Vita Liberata Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion
Designed for all skin tones, Vita Liberata’s Gradual Tanning Lotion is buildable on your face or body and can be used daily to tan you gradually. The lotion itself is not tinted, so it won’t stain your clothes or bedding (always a win with a tanning product!). Its ingredients include skin-soothing shea butter, hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract, and aloe vera for a smooth application and hydrated skin.
Product type: LotionKey ingredients:DHAShea butterHyaluronic acidCucumber extract Aloe veraFragrance: Cocoa butter
Pros: Tans graduallyMoisturizingHydratingCons:Some say it feels stickySome say the results are too subtle
Bali Body Gradual Tanning Butter
This tanning butter melts right into your skin! Even though it has a thicker consistency, shoppers love how moisturizing it feels once applied. The tanning butter contains low-level tanning actives to create a gradual, lasting tan. Shoppers praise the subtle gold shimmer it leaves behind.
Product type: LotionKey ingredients:NiacinamideHyaluronic acidVitamin EShea ButterCocoa butter Fragrance: Coconut
Pros: Tans graduallyHydratingCons:Smaller size
Tan Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion
When you’re looking to build a natural, beautiful tan without worrying about staining your clothes, reach for Tan-Luxe’s The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion. It goes on streak-free and is perfect for beginners who are too nervous to self-tan at home. The tanner comes in one shade, which adapts to all skin tones! Shoppers also praise the light and airy citrus scent that lingers on the skin all day. For the best results, apply the lotion every other day to maintain your glow.
Product type: LotionKey ingredients:Aloe veraRaspberry seed oilCellutone complexFragrance: Light citrusy scent
Pros: Tans graduallyNo orange streaksGood for pale skinCons:Need to thoroughly exfoliate before applying
Experts in This Article
Dr. Rachel Nazarian: New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kelly Culwell, MD: Board Certified OB/GYN, also known as ‘Dr. Lady Doctor’
