Self-Tanning Products

Yes, self-tanning products can be suitable for sensitive skin, provided you choose the right formulas and take necessary precautions. Before applying any self-tanner all over, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of product to an inconspicuous area of skin and wait 24 hours to check for any irritation or allergic reaction. You can also use gentle formulas specifically designed for sensitive skin. L'Oréal Paris's Self-Tanning Facial Drops, for instance, are formulated to be suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, offering a gradual and natural-looking tan without causing discomfort.

The drying time for self-tanners can vary depending on the product's formula and the application method; most self-tanning lotions, mousses, and gels take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to feel dry to the touch, but lighter formulas like mists or serums may dry faster. The Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist, for example, features a quick dry formula.

No matter what formula you use, avoid putting on clothes or touching any surfaces until the self-tanner is dry to prevent transfer and smudging. It's often recommended to wait at least 4-8 hours before showering or engaging in activities that might cause sweating, to allow the tan to fully develop and set. Always check the specific product instructions for the most accurate drying and development times.

For best results, you should both exfoliate and shave before applying self-tanner. Exfoliation removes excess dead skin cells for an even application and more natural looking tan, while shaving prevents self-tanning products, especially mists, from clinging to hair and causing an uneven tan.

If you apply self-tanner and then expose your skin to sunlight, you can still tan naturally, but more importantly, you can still get sunburned. Self-tanning products do not offer sun protection. While self tanners give your skin a beautiful, bronzed appearance, they do not contain SPF and therefore do not shield your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an adequate SPF value whenever you are going to be in the sun, regardless of whether you have self-tanner on or not. This will protect your skin from sun damage, premature aging, and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Self-tanner is purely cosmetic for color, and SPF is essential to protect your skin's health.

You can use self-tanner on your face, but we recommend using a self face tan formula specifically for facial skin like L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Facial Drops. Our Facial Drops are fragrance-free, suitable for all skin types, and easily mixed with moisturizer for simple application. Using dedicated self-tanning face products will help you build a gradual, natural-looking tan on your face safely.

Self-tanning mist is a fine spray, while self-tanning mousse is a light, airy foam. These two self-tanning products offer distinct application experiences and results.

• Self-tanning mist, like Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Mist, is typically a fine spray that provides an even, lightweight coat. It's quicker drying and excellent for reaching tricky areas like the back, offering a more subtle or buildable tan.

• Self-tanning mousse is a light, airy foam. Some mousses are applied with a mitt, while others, like the Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Water Mousse, can be applied with your hands for more controlled application. Mousses tend to deliver a deeper, more immediate bronze and are often preferred for those seeking a more dramatic color payoff.

You can purchase L’Oréal Paris self-tanners in-person at your local drugstore, at grocery chains, large retailers like Walmart and Target, or online through retailers like Amazon and Ulta Beauty. Click the “Buy Online” button on the self-tanning products' individual pages to see where to purchase online, or use our Store Locator to find an in-store option to shop for sunless tanning products near you.