A tanned complexion within a few hours. In our self-tanner test, we took a closer look at five products and give you tips on how to achieve the best possible result with them.
A healthy tan without spending hours in the sun or going to the solarium? As is well known, self-tanners promise sun-kissed skin in the shortest possible time – white calves and a pale facial tone are a thing of the past and the skin is not exposed to UV rays.
From lotions to sprays to oils, the tanning industry now offers not only a large selection of products for use on the skin, but also vegan capsules with a tinted effect. In our self-tanner test, we reveal what you should consider when buying a self-tanner and which products are the most harmless.
How does a self-tanner work?
A self-tanner is nothing more than care for the skin with the ingredient dihydroxyacetone, DHA for short, which conjures up a tan on the skin. After application, this sugar, obtained from glycerine, combines with the proteins on the skin and thus ensures the well-known tanning effect. However, since DHA is an unstable molecule that can break down even before the product is opened, it develops formaldehyde after contact with the skin and the associated heat. This is not only irritating to the mucous membranes, but is also considered to be carcinogenic. Therefore, some manufacturers are now doing without DHA and instead use erythrulose, a more stable form of DHA. It breaks down much more slowly and therefore hardly develops any formaldehyde and is therefore considered to be less harmful. The use of natural products such as Capsules with a tinted effect.
However, there is a difference between these two sugar molecules not only in health terms. They also differ in their effect. Because while DHA guarantees a quick tan within a few hours, erythrulose only provides a tanning effect after a few days. However, this then lasts longer than a self-tanner with DHA.
Those are the criteria
- Ingredients: Does it contain DHA, erythrulose or a mixture of both?
- Application: How do I best apply the product so that no streaks appear?
- Shelf life: How long does it take for the product to work and how long does it last?
- Customer reviews
- Promise of the product
Self-tanner test: five products in comparison
Self Tan Classic Bronzing from St. Tropez
Products in the form of foam are on the rise and also do not stop at self-tanners. St. Tropez has with the “Self Tan Classic Bronzing” produced a self-tanner that had to assert itself among other things against bestsellers such as the “Self Tanning Mousse” from St. Moriz. The advantage over its competitors is the content of questionable substances, which is significantly lower here than in other mousse self-tanners.
Use:
To ensure that the tanning result looks even, the skin is ideally peeled before use. Particularly dry areas of skin such as elbows, ankles and knees are also supplied with sufficient moisture beforehand so that there are no risk of stains. You carry the foam with a Self-tanning glove and spread it out for a more even result. It is recommended that the skin be exposed to water six to eight hours after application.
Durability:
The more moisture there is in the skin, the longer a product will last. Therefore: always hardworking apply lotion! To freshen up the result, exfoliate your skin again and then apply the self-tanner.
Customer reviews:
Per | Contra |
Easy and even distribution | – |
Tone more olive than orange | – |
Lasts up to a week | – |
Natural tan | – |
Best tanning mousse | – |
No staining | – |
No stink | – |
Promise of the product:
- The Aromaguard fragrance technology prevents self-tanner odor
- Moisturizes
- Dries quickly
- Prolonged tan
Self-tanner by Annemarie Börlind “Sunless Bronze”
The Annemarie Börlind brand not only stands for natural cosmetics, but also for sustainability. DHA was not omitted, but the other ingredients are minimally questionable. “Sunless Bronze” shows that a product does not have to be fortified with carcinogenic and hormonally active substances in order to unleash its full effect. An absolute plus when looking for the ideal self-tanner.
Use:
After this peeling the cream is applied evenly. Before doing this, however, it is worth using a moisturizer to make any dry areas supple and ready for the tinting cream. Areas with hair, i.e. eyebrows and hairlines, should be left out. Until the self-tanner is completely absorbed, it is better not to wear light-colored clothing. After applying the self-tanner with your hands, wash the palms of your hands thoroughly to prevent them from becoming discolored.
Durability:
The self-tanner from Annemarie Börlind lasts up to a week if the skin is properly cared for. If this is too dry, the dye that has developed can also come off your skin.
Customer reviews:
Per | Contra |
Easy to apply | Not for an intense tan |
Natural tan | Only suitable for lighter skin types |
No unpleasant smell | – |
Spotless result | – |
Absorbs quickly | – |
Promise of the product:
- Care through the oils it contains
- Even tan
- A healthy tan in just a few hours
- CSE certified
Garnier Ambre Solaire “Natural Bronzer” self-tanner
Above all, a self-tanning spray has one advantage: the result can look very natural, as the product does not have to be rubbed in. Instead, spray that “Natural Bronzer” from Garnier Ambre Solaire on the desired parts of the body and let the self-tanner move in. The contained apricot oil is responsible for the moisture supply of the skin, which makes it suitable for dry skin. The contained DHA takes care of the tint.
Use:
First, the skin is peeled to remove dead skin. In the next step, spray the self-tanner at a distance of ten centimeters. In the third step, let the self-tanner work for about 30 minutes. Note: A spray is less suitable for beginners as it takes some practice to distribute the product evenly.
Durability:
After three days you can renew the application to keep the tan permanently. Make sure that you may exfoliate your skin again beforehand to remove any old residue.
Customer reviews:
Per | Contra |
Fast application | Not suitable for beginners |
Natural look | – |
Lasts 6-8 days | – |
Pleasant smell | – |
Does not stain | – |
Promise of the product:
- Suitable for dry skin
- Tan after an hour
- Holds up to 7 days
- Up to 12 hours of moisture
- Spray head for 360-degree application
Self-tanning from Comodynes “Self Tanning – Natural & Fast Bronzing”
With “Self Tanning – Natural & Fast Bronzing” The Comodynes brand offers the application of a self-tanner with a damp cloth that already contains all the necessary substances, such as DHA. Fragrances, parabens and dyes as well as oil have been completely dispensed with here. Therefore, there is also less potential for skin irritation.
Use:
Apply the self-tanner to clean and dry skin. Usually, the skin should also be free of old flakes and rough areas. You will need a towel for the face, neck and neck. After that, you should use new towels for the rest of your body. You will see the first results after three hours.
Durability:
If you want a permanent tan, refresh the result after about three days.
Customer reviews:
Per | Contra |
No stripes | Light skin turns orange |
Pleasant smell | Occasionally peels off around the feet |
A cloth is very productive | – |
Does not stain | – |
Well tolerated | – |
No peeling required beforehand | – |
Promise of the product:
- Can be used on the whole body
- Even tan without discolouring
- First effect visible after 3 hours, full effect after 24 hours
- Suitable for all skin types
- Without parabens, fragrances and dyes
Self-tanning by M. Asam “Self Tanning Drops”
M. Asam not only cares with his Magic Finish Make-up Mousse for storms of enthusiasm, but also with the “Self Tanning Drops”. As the name suggests, this is not a spray, lotion or mousse, but rather drops that are taken from the bottle and added to the usual day care. Under no circumstances should you use the self-tanner undiluted. The degree of browning therefore depends on your own mixture. The more drops you add to your serum or cream, the more intense the result will be. It is also the only one among the test products that not only uses DHA, but also erythrulose.
Use:
A dose of two to three drops per application is recommended. Two drops are enough for lighter skin types so that your tan doesn’t look unnatural. After you have added the drops of your care product, mix the two together and then apply them to the skin.
Durability:
You can mix the self-tanner into your usual care products every two days in order to have a permanent tint. Without freshening up, the tan will last for about four to five days.
Customer reviews:
Per | Contra |
Great effect | Light exercise required |
Easy to use | Self-tanner comes off easily |
Leaves no stains or streaks | A bit intrusive smell |
Even, healthy tan | – |
No irritation on sensitive skin | – |
No pimples after application | – |
Promise of the product:
- Result visible after 3 hours
- Waterproof
- Easy to mix with normal day care
- Even finish
- Without perfume and silicone
- Vegan
- Suitable for all skin types
The conclusion of the self-tanner test
The type of self-tanner you choose for yourself primarily depends on what consistency you can work with best. However, the test winners in this comparison are the mousse from St. Tropez and the drops from M. Asam. Both are easy to apply, have hardly any harmful substances and ensure a natural and even result without irritating the skin.
How to make your own self-tanner
If you want to do without preservatives and others in your self-tanner, you can easily make it yourself. All you need is erythrulose from the pharmacy, Aloe vera juice, distilled water and a spray bottle. Fill the bottle with a tablespoon of aloe vera juice, a few drops of the erythrulose and the rest with the distilled water. How many drops of erythrulose you need to use can be found on the packaging. There you will find an indication of how many drops correspond to one milliliter. Your DIY product should have around 5 percent of the sugar molecule. Note: Since you haven’t added any preservatives to your own self-tanner, it won’t last more than two weeks. During this time, keep it cool, ideally in the refrigerator compartment.
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Sources used: tried-it-out.de