22 Best Pregnancy Safe Self-Tanners of 2024

While you may have that pregnancy glow as you carry your baby, many women want the tanned, bronze look they may have had when they were spending more time on the beach.

We all know the dangers sun exposure causes which is why many women (even those not pregnant), look at self-tanners to give them that sun-kissed glow.

But, when you’re pregnant, you always have to be careful about everything you’re using on your body because it may pose a danger to your unborn baby.

If you’re thinking about a self-tanner, it’s important to know whether they’re safe in the first place before you start looking for a pregnancy-safe self-tanner.

Let’s take a look at several factors to consider as we dive into the 22 best pregnancy-safe self-tanners.

Short On Time? Here Are Our Top 5 Choices

	Title	Price	Prime	Buy
Top Top	Skinerals Californium		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
Top	Self Tanner - With Organic Aloe Vera & Shea Butter, Sunless Tanning Lotion and Bronzer Buildable Light		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
Top	Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
Top	St. Tropez Sttropez self tan express advanced bronzing mousse, 6.7 Ounce		PrimeEligible	Buy Now
Top	Self Tanner for Face – Face Tanner w/Hyaluronic Acid and Organic Oils		PrimeEligible	Buy Now

Are Self-Tanners Safe During Pregnancy?

This is the million-dollar question. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the major concern with self-tanners is whether the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA) can penetrate the skin.

DHA is FDA-approved as the primary self-tanning ingredient to use on the skin. It reacts with cells on your skin’s outer layer.

DHA has been used in cosmetics for decades. Studies have not shown that it can penetrate the skin, but you may want to have a talk with your doctor before reaching for the self-tanner. Your doctor may advise against using one.

Even if you’ve used self-tanners before, you may have a different experience when you’re pregnant due to more sensitive skin.

Many doctors encourage women to wait until their first trimester is over before looking for a pregnancy-safe self-tanner.

Tips for Shopping for a Pregnancy Safe Self-Tanner

As you search for the best self-tanner for pregnancy, consider these tips:

• Look for a product with natural ingredients that won’t dry out your skin.
• Choose a lotion DHA.
• Avoid products with strong fragrances or harsh chemicals that could irritate the skin.
• Choose a non-comedogenic product that won’t cause breakouts or clog your pores.
• Select a pregnancy-safe self-tanner that is free of parabens and sulfates.

Remember, before applying any self-tanner, check with your doctor to make sure it’s right for you.

22 Best Pregnancy Safe Self-Tanners of 2024

If you’re looking for that glow, let’s take a look at safe self-tanners while pregnant.

1. Skinerals Californium – USA Made Self Tanner Mousse 
2. Beauty by Earth Self Tanner – With Organic Aloe Vera & Shea Butter
3. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam
4. St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse
5. Golden Star Beauty Self Tanner for Face 
6. Naturena Self Tanner Tanning Mousse with Organic & Natural Ingredients
7. Level 2 Medium Self Tanner Organic & Natural
8. Bronze Tan Dark Self Tanner and Self Tanning Mousse For Fair to Medium Skin Tones
9. Miami Gorgeous LaPlaya Clear Self Tanner
10. Botanic Tree Self Tanner-Organic Sunless Tanner 
11. VITA LIBERATA Advanced Organics Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion With Marula Oil
12. Nature Nation Self Tanner
13. Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse
14. COOLA Organic Sunless Tanning
15. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse
16. Lavera Organic Self Tanning Body Lotion
17. Vichy Capital Idéal Soleil Moisturizing Self Tanner Milk
18. L’Oreal Paris Skincare Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion
19. Dave’s Self Tanner Organic & Natural Medium/Dark Sunless Tanning Anti-Aging Lotion
20. Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster Self Tanning Fluid
21. Norvell Sunless Self-Tanner Mousse

22. My Skin’s Friend – Self Tanner

1. Skinerals Californium – USA Made Self Tanner Mousse 

When you’re looking for the best self-tanner for pregnancy, you want to find one that’s made with natural products. This one from Skinerals checks that box.

It contains natural and organic ingredients like shea butter, acai berry, fig extract, and orange peel. It promises to give you a natural glow without leaving you looking orange.

You can apply it at night and then shower in the morning to see the results. It gives you a healthy glow for seven days without the effects of harmful UV rays.

If you’re looking for a product that doesn’t contain harmful ingredients, this one checks that box too. It’s sulfate-free, paraben-free, and aerosol-free.

If you are pregnant when you’re first trying this product, you may want to test it out on a small area of your skin to make sure you don’t breakout.

Pros

• Made with natural and organic ingredients
• Dries fast
• Doesn’t leave an orange-like appearance

Cons

• A bit expensive

2. Beauty by Earth Self Tanner – With Organic Aloe Vera & Shea Butter

Here is another natural product to look at when you’re looking for the best self-tanner for pregnancy. Ingredients here include organic aloe vera, shea butter, DHA, and extracts. It’s a vegan formula that’s also cruelty-free.

It promises not to leave skin looking orange and is safe for sensitive skin. It’s best to start off with a single application to see how your skin reacts and if you like the color.

You can add more if you want a deeper color. It’s advised to reapply every 4-7 days if you want to maintain your sun-kissed look. Some people who have used this product complained of the smell while others didn’t mind it all.

Pros

• Natural ingredients
• Vegan formula
• Cruelty-free

Cons

• Some people don’t like the smell
• A bit pricey like many other self-tanners

3. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam

Here’s another option for pregnant women looking to get that sun-kissed glow. This one from Bondi Sands is a formula for those with a darker complexion or those who want a darker glow. 

It takes about six hours to develop after you apply the self-tanning foam, so be sure to give it some time. It’s recommended to apply the foam with a mitt.

This particular item is a travel size which may be a good idea if you’ve never used a self-tanner before and want to try it out. But, it is a little pricey for the size.

Pros

• Coconut smell
• Easy to apply with a mitt

Cons

• Pricey for the bottle size

4. St. Tropez Self Tan Express Advanced Bronzing Mousse

St. Tropez gets high marks as a self-tanner because it’s easy to apply and shows results in as little as one hour. This product is a fan favorite because you can decide how dark you want your tan by how long you leave it on.

It’s also not a heavy product, so it doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky or heavy. Since it’s vegan, it’s made from all-natural products so you don’t have to worry about any harmful ingredients. 

You’ll probably notice the price tag on this one since it does cost more than many others on this list. But, it gets high marks as a smooth self-tanner that produces great results.

Pros

• Vegan product
• Easy to apply
• Lightweight

Cons

• Expensive

5. Golden Star Beauty Self Tanner for Face 

This product from Golden Star is one to look at if organic ingredients are important t you.

Ingredients include USDA certified oil and extracts, vitamin B5, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and intense moisturizers. This tanning serum is paraben-free, gluten-free, and dye-free.

It has a non-oily feel which many people like. There are no fake tan smells or streaks. You’ll probably notice that the bottle is on the smaller side for the price. So, that’s something to keep in mind as you compare products.

Pros

• Paraben-free
• Gluten-free
• Vegan product
• Non-oily

Cons

• Expensive for bottle size

6. Naturena Self Tanner Tanning Mousse with Organic & Natural Ingredients

Naturena gets high marks for its self-tanner because it is a pure, natural blend containing argan oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, and other ingredients. 

The color develops instantly and gets deeper hours after you apply it. It doesn’t turn your skin orange and is streak-free.

Since the mousse formula is tinted, you can also see where you applied it easily. It also costs less than some other products. Some people have complained that it washes away easily.

Pros

• Affordable
• Contains natural ingredients
• Streak-free

Cons

• Some complain it washes away easily

7. Level 2 Medium Self Tanner Organic & Natural

This product is one to consider when you’re looking for the best self-tanner for pregnancy because it’s made from organic and natural ingredients.

They include shea butter, coconut oil, and Argan oil. There are also no parabens and no toxic chemicals which is important. It promises a non-orange look and no streaks. This formula is easy to apply and lasts for 4-7 days.

Some people who have used it have complained that it does leave streaks and can wash away easily.

Pros

• Made from natural and organic ingredients
• Easy to apply

Cons

• May wash away easily

8. Bronze Tan Dark Self Tanner and Self Tanning Mousse For Fair to Medium Skin Tones

This self-tanner is a favorite because it produces a natural-looking tan. It includes all-natural ingredients so you don’t have to worry about any harmful additives.

When you put this tanner on, you’ll notice that it appears as a greenish/gray color. This is just a color guide so that it goes on smoothly and blends well.

Try to not get alarmed! This washes off in the shower. You’ll notice your tan the next day.

Pros

• Tan lasts 5-7 days
• Vanilla scent
• Natural ingredients

Cons

• Mitt and tanning brush sold separately
• Produces a greenish/gray color after application which can be bothersome
• A bit pricey

9. Miami Gorgeous LaPlaya Clear Self Tanner

Another self-tanner to look at if you want to get that glow while you’re pregnant is this one from Miami Gorgeous. It has DHA and is paraben-free.

It goes on clear so you don’t have to worry about staining which is a plus. But, it is recommended that you use a mitt to apply the self-tanning mousse It also dries fast. 

This product from Miami Gorgeous also helps to hydrate skin. It gets high marks for being easy to apply. Some people have complained that they can’t see the color, while others were happy with the result.

Pros

• Easy to apply
• Paraben-free
• Contains DHA

Cons

• Some complain it’s hard to see the tanning mousse when it’s on

10. Botanic Tree Self Tanner-Organic Sunless Tanner 

If you’re looking for a pregnancy-safe self-tanner that is organic, this could be one to put on your list. Botanic tree offers a 100% organic natural self-tanner.

It contains shea butter and ten organic fruit extracts to hydrate your skin. It is paraben-free and free of any chemicals. It’s streak-free and doesn’t leave you orange. This product should absorb quickly without leaving any stains.

It’s recommended to reapply every 4-5 days to maintain the color. Compared to other products, this one is a little bit more expensive for the size of the tube that you get.

Pros

• Organic ingredients
• Paraben and chemical-free
• Streak-free

Cons

• A little expensive

11. VITA LIBERATA Advanced Organics Fabulous Self-Tanning Gradual Lotion With Marula Oil

VITA LIBERATA is a favorite when it comes to self-tanners for pregnant women because it contains organic ingredients and allows women to gradually enhance their skin tone. It’s completely free of perfumes, parabens, alcohol, and other toxins. 

The product is advertised not to wear off and not to have a funky smell that may irritate some pregnant women. The price is in line with many other similar products. 

Pros

• Contains organic ingredients
• Free of perfumes and toxins
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• There have been some complaints of color streaking

12. Nature Nation Self Tanner

If you’re looking for a long-lasting pregnancy-safe self-tanner, this one could be one to consider as it can last for up to 14 days. Many others may only last for a maximum of 7 days. 

The Nature Nation Self-Tanner is never tested on animals and is made with organic ingredients. It doesn’t leave your skin orange and advertises no streaks. It’s recommended to apply with a mitt. 

Compared to similar products, it costs a few dollars less. Many people who used this product loved it, with just a few complaints that it did leave their skin a little orange.

Pros

• Made with organic ingredients
• Lasts up to 14 days
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Some complaints about skin looking orange

13. Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse

If you’re looking for a less expensive option for a self-tanner, this one from Jergens could be an option. This one is easy to apply either by hand or with a mitt.

It’s said to dry in 60 seconds which is also a plus. You can see results quickly and then decide if you want to use more to get a deeper color. 

This product is made for fair to medium-colored skin, so keep that in mind as you look around. You’ll also notice that it costs much less than some other products. But, it also does not contain all-natural or organic ingredients. 

Pros

• Easy to apply
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Is not 100% organic
• Some people complain it takes time to see results

14. COOLA Organic Sunless Tanning

While the price may make you do a double-take, many pregnant women look to this product when they need a self sunless tanner. It’s made from natural ingredients and includes things like shea butter and Baobab Oil.

There’s also pea extract that helps to encourage healthy skin growth and keep skin firm. It also has a pina colada scent that many find appealing.

It avoids parabens, GMO ingredients, and nuts. It’s also streak-free and transfer-resistant. Many people who have used this product love it. 

Pros

• Natural ingredients
• Transfer-resistant
• Easy to apply

Cons

• More expensive than other products

15. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner Mousse

As a 100% natural DHA self-tanner, this Coco & Eve product helps to keep your skin natural-looking. It can give you a golden glow with no orangey tones. It’s made with virgin coconuts, botanicals, and amino acids.

As a fast-drying product, it is also long-lasting. The mango and guava scent should also make you feel like you’re on an island without the harmful UV rays.

It’s also easy to apply without any transfer. While this product does cost more than some others, a small amount is said to go a long way. You should be able to get between 10-20 full body tanning sessions with just one bottle.

Pros

• Contains 100% natural DHA
• Fast-drying
• Long-lasting

Cons

• On the expensive side

16. Lavera Organic Self Tanning Body Lotion

If you’re looking for a pregnancy-safe self-tanner that’s inexpensive, this one from Lavera checks that box. It’s one of the least expensive on the list that is made with natural ingredients like organic sunflower oil and Macadamia nut oil.

With this product, you should see results in two hours or less. It has a light formula which many women enjoy. But, some people who have used it complained they couldn’t see results while others said they had an orange glow.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Light formula
• Natural ingredients

Cons

• Complains about orange glow or results not being seen

17. Vichy Capital Idéal Soleil Moisturizing Self Tanner Milk

Vichy’s self-tanner is dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin and is good to use on your face and body. It’s moderately priced when compared to other similar products. It advertises a gradual streak-free tan with a non-greasy formula.

You can also use this product up to four times a week to achieve the desired glow. It’s fragrance-free so that’s a plus if pregnancy is making you super-sensitive. One thing to note is that some people who have used it complained of streaks.

Pros

• Moderately priced
• Non-greasy formula
• Fragrance-free

Cons

• Some complaints about streaks

18. L’Oreal Paris Skincare Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion

Here is another inexpensive choice when you want to get a natural glow with a self-tanner. This one from L’Oreal is made with Vitamin E and gentle AHAs. This self-tanner is easy to apply and should give your skin streak-free color.

Unlike some other self-tanners, this one is not made from all-natural or organic ingredients. So, if that is something that’s important to you, this may not be the best product for you.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Easy to apply

Cons

• Non-organic
• Does not include all natural ingredients

19. Dave’s Self Tanner Organic & Natural Medium/Dark Sunless Tanning Anti-Aging Lotion

If organic products are important to you, Dave’s self-tanner may be one to look at as it is made from organic ingredients. It is made from organic argan oil and jojoba oil, among other ingredients.

This one will leave you with results that are medium to dark in complexion. It’s advised to apply this product with a mitt. Some users have complained that it left them with an orangey color. It’s also one of the more high-priced items.

Pros

• Made from organic ingredients
• Easy to apply

Cons

• Expensive
• May leave you with an orangey color

20. Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster Self Tanning Fluid

This self-tanning product is a little different because you need to mix it with your regular day or night cream. It is a booster that mixes with your lotion. You should never use it straight from the bottle.

The Golden Glow Booster combines natural DHA and erythrulose with aloe vera extract to help preserve your skin’s softness.

It is pricey for the size bottle and for the fact that you need to mix it with another lotion you have. Many people who have used it are happy with the results because it gives them the boost that they need.

Pros

• Gives a natural glow
• Combines natural DHA with aloe vera

Cons

• Expensive
• Need to mix it with another lotion

21. Norvell Sunless Self-Tanner Mousse

This self-tanner from Norvell is made from premium-grade DHA to help darken the skin. Ingredients include tomato seed extract, and vitamins E & C. 

It’s lightweight and easy to blend. It’s also streak-free so you should be left with an even complexion. It’s recommended to use a mitt to apply it so you can get it on evenly.

Price-wise, it’s comparable to other similar sized products. It’s also a gluten-free, paraben-free product.

Pros

• Made from premium-grade DHA
• Gluten-free
• Paraben-free

Cons

• Some people have complained that the smell is not so great
• It takes a long time to dry

22. My Skin’s Friend – Self Tanner

This spray self-tanner from My Skin’s friend rounds out our list of the best pregnancy-safe self-tanners. This one uses natural, chemical-free ingredients.

It’s organic, vegan, and cruelty-free. There is no alcohol and no fragrances. It’s also BPA and phthalate-free. Since it’s clear, it won’t stain clothing.

It’s advertised not to leave your skin looking orange. It’s a little on the pricey side, but comparable to other products. Some people say it didn’t leave their skin tan enough while others the smell was unappealing. 

Pros

• Organic ingredients
• BPA and phthalate-free
• Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

• Some say it didn’t leave skin tan enough
• The smell may be unappealing to some

The Bottom Line on the Best Pregnancy Safe Self-Tanners of 2024

When it comes to the best pregnancy-safe self-tanners of 2024, you always want to ask your doctor before using any products. Remember, you need to not only keep your health and safety in mind but also that of your unborn baby.

If your doctor says it’s safe for you to use a self-tanner, our top pick is Skinerals Californium – USA Made Self Tanner Mousse. This one contains natural and organic ingredients and promises to give you a natural glow.

It’s also sulfate-free, paraben-free, and aerosol-free. If you are pregnant when you’re first trying this product, you may want to test it out on a small area of your skin to make sure you don’t breakout.

Remember to always read the ingredient list and run the list by your doctor. This should help you find a pregnancy-safe self-tanner that’s right for you.