As every dermatologist and skincare expert will tell you, limiting your skin’s exposure to the sun’s rays is one of the best things you can do for your skin health. Not only to avoid painful sunburn and long-term damage, but also to reduce hyperpigmentation and inflammation, and to keep fine lines, age spots and other signs of skin ageing at bay.
Fortunately, if you are still craving a warm, bronzed glow, there are plenty of fake tan products out there to choose from. From gradual tans to instant tans, and mousses, mists, lotions and drops, foolproof tans have come a long way from the patchy, orange, smelly formulas of the past.
Self-tanning drops, in particular, are my personal favourite way to give my skin a subtle, believable bronze, and what’s more, they’re super easy to use. Mess-free, customisable and virtually impossible to overdo, the best tan drops feel more like an extra step in your skincare routine, often packed with skincare benefits, and much less likely to cause issues for sensitive and breakout-prone skin. When I’m in a rush and don’t have time for a lengthy tanning routine, I’ve found that adding just a few drops of self-tan to my face cream or body moisturiser is one of the quickest and easiest ways to achieve a sun-kissed finish, from head to toe.
Ready to glow? Read on. I’ve rounded up the very best self-tanning drops for both face and body, right in time for summer.
The Best Tanning Drops, Tried and Tested
- Best Tanning Drops Overall: Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops, £36
- Best Gradual Tanning Drops: Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze Gradual Self-Tanning Drops, £22
- Best Affordable Tanning Drops: Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops, £16
- Best Tanning Drops for Dry Skin: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops, £22
- Best Tanning Drops for Acne-Prone Skin: Tanologist Face and Body Drops, £16
- Best Tanning Drops for the Body: Isle of Paradise Body Drops, £27
1. Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Pros
- Natural-looking, buildable glow
- Packed with hydrating ingredients
Cons
- A little pricier, but so worth it
The reviews say it all. These self-tanning drops are somewhat of a cult product within the beauty world because they deliver a subtle, healthy glow with zero faff. Simply dispense a few drops into your night cream, and you’ll wake up to a beautifully radiant glow. Freelance beauty editor and Who What Wear UK contributor Laura Pearson says, "These are my go-to for special occasions as I know they'll never let me down. No matter what my skin is like that week, I always know they'll give me an even, healthy-looking glow".
2. Beauty Pie Awesome Bronze Gradual Self-Tanning Drops
Price shown is members' price.
Pros
- Infused with hyaluronic acid
- Beautifully buildable
- Unintimidating
Cons
- May not be suitable for dark skin tones
If you want natural-looking results that you can gradually build up each day, you absolutely have to have these Beauty Pie tanning drops on your radar. Not only do they impart an even glow, but they're also infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid, along with prebiotics, amino acids and peptides to nourish the skin. They're great if you find most tanning drops upset your skin, and the serum texture sinks straight in for a non-sticky finish. Pearson says, "Everyone should know about these as they are effortless to use. You can flawlessly build on them every day, until you achieve the level of bronze that you want."
3. Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops
Pros
- Dark tone offers an intense glow
- Great option for darker skin tones
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- May be too dark for very pale skin tones
From Aussie tanning experts Bondi Sands, these drops are suitable for use on both face and body, making light work of your weekly tanning routine. "I've tried many tanning drops over the years; however, none have been quite as effective as these from Bondi Sands. Offering an intense but buildable glow, I like to mix a few drops in with my moisturiser in the evening, and after around two or three days, my complexion looks brighter, more radiant and with a natural bronzed finish," says beauty contributor Jazzria Harris.
4. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops
Pros
- Infused with hyaluronic acid for added hydration
- 18% DHA gets to work quickly
Cons
- May be too strong for an overnight glow
Perfect for dry skin, this formula is boosted with hyaluronic acid to help hydrate your skin, whilst the 18% DHA works to give skin a glow in just two hours. Pearson says, "After just one use of these drops, you can expect a noticeable bronzed finish and more hydrated skin. The five types of hyaluronic acid and coconut water plump the skin with hydration. Perfect for hot summer days."
5. Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops
Pros
- Available in three shades for a tailored bronze
Cons
- Be careful not to overdo it with these, less is more
Available in light, medium and dark formulas, each with colour-correcting undertones to help create a truly natural-looking tan, these drops are one of the easiest ways to control and customise your glow. Pearson also loves these. "All my friends, across a wide spectrum of skin tones, love these as they really even out the complexion as well as bronze it."
6. Oskia Adaptive Tan Drops
Using an all-natural tanning formula, these drops can be added to moisturisers, serums, oils and even foundation to help you maintain a bronzed glow around the clock.
Pros
- Natural formula
- Contains antioxidant benefits
Cons
- Pricey
7. Tanologist Face and Body Drops
Specifically formulated for breakout-prone skin, these water-based drops are non-comedogenic (so won’t clog pores) and are packed with soothing ingredients like aloe vera, panthenol and vitamin E.
Pros
- Non-comedogenic formula
- A more affordable option
Cons
- No guide colour for body application may not suit beginners
8. St. Tropez Luxe Tan Tonic Glow Drops
If you’re a fan of a streamlined routine and need a tanner that works from head to toe, look no further. These drops deliver a subtle, streak-free glow in just one application.
Pros
- Can be used on both the face and body
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- The small bottle means it empties quickly if you're using for body application
9. Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Self-Tan Face Drops
For a more potent glow, these drops can actually be applied directly to skin, but if you prefer a lighter, buildable finish, I’d recommend mixing them with your moisturiser.
Pros
- Intense colour pay off
- Affordable
Cons
- Might want to mix in with your moisturiser for a more subtle finish
10. Tropic Sun Drops
If you're looking for an entry point into tanning drops, Tropic's gradual formula is a great option. Alongside offering a natural, buildable bronze tone, they also contain aloe vera and coconut water to hydrate. When mixed with moisturiser, you'll be left with an even glow that looks subtle yet radiant. "When I find my skin looks a little sallow and in need of a boost, I reach for these tanning drops. The texture feels practically weightless when mixed with moisturiser, whilst the gradual formula offers a hint of colour without feeling too intense," says Harris.
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Passionfruit scent
Cons
- Scent may not suit all tastes
11. Self Glow by James Read Sunbright Tinted Tanning Drops
For tanning drops packed with skin-loving ingredients, check out James Read's Sunbright. You'll find hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin and ensure even coverage, cocoa extract to soften and aloe vera to soothe any irritation. Add to that the fact that they leave skin with a healthy bronze glow, and you've got a winning formula.
Pros
- Contains hyaluronic acid for added hydration
- A subtle, buildable tan
Cons
- A pricier option
12. Caudalie Vinobronze Self-Tan Sun Drops
100% natural and infused with Caudalie's signature grape water, Vinobronze is one of the latest additions to the brand's much-loved skincare range. Rather than an intense bronze, it gives skin a beautifully natural-looking, sun-kissed glow that is perfect for pale skin tones.
Pros
- Natural finish
- Infused with vitamin-rich grape water
Cons
- May not be intense enough for dark skin tones
13. Charlotte Tilbury Island Glow Tan Drops
Pros
- Contains light-reflecting pigments for a lit-from-within glow
- Contains skin barrier supporting ingredients
Cons
- A little more expensive
A true skincare-makeup hybrid, these tanning drops develop over eight hours and provide streak-free colour for four days. You get a natural, even, glowing finish every time because of its skincare-based formulation. Completely buildable to give you everything from a natural sun-kissed glow to a full-on deep tan. "These are a dream to use and make my skin look amazing with or without makeup. My summer holiday go-to combo is SPF and these—I'm good to go," says Pearson.
14. Isle of Paradise Body Drops
Looking for a product that delivers a long-lasting tan in just a few hours? This lightweight formula mixes easily with all manner of body creams and lotions, develops over four to six hours, and one application lasts up to five days. Plus, they come in various strengths for different skin tones.
Pros
- Available in three shades
Cons
- Make sure your moisturiser is fully rubbed in to avoid streaks
15. Dr Hauschka Translucent Bronzing Tint
Pros
- Adapts individually
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Does have a noticeable smell
These tanning drops are so versatile, as they are suitable for everyone, adapting to all skin tones and conditions to improve the look of your skin and give you a bronzed glow. Expect a fresh and healthy-looking complexion. Pearson says, "These really improve the look of my skin by evening out imperfections and pigmentation. It's almost like they give a diffused, soft-focus finish".
16. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops
Pros
- Doubles up as a makeup primer
- Also contains antioxidants and skin-soothing ingredients
Cons
- Not for those who want their tan to last days
These bronzing drops give you a tanned, dewy glow instantly. They contain pore-refining and brightening niacinamide as the star ingredient, so you're getting skincare benefits too. "The great thing about these is that they give a temporary bronzed glow. You can wash it right off afterwards, and boost throughout the day without any fear of it going wrong," says Pearson.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.