{"id":34576,"date":"2026-03-13T12:04:21","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T19:04:21","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2026-03-13T12:04:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T19:04:23","slug":"best-self-tanner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thegoodtrade.com\/features\/best-self-tanner\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Nontoxic Self Tanners For A Healthy Glow (2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Good Trade editors endorse products we\u2019ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here<\/a>.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve personally tested and researched dozens of nontoxic self-tanner lotions and self-tanning products \u2014 these are our editor\u2019s top picks for safe, clean, and streak-free options at a range of price points.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We crave the feeling of the hot sun on our skin and the afterglow of a good tan, although our idea of tan and what actually <\/em>happens (i.e., skin turns red, burns, peels, then freckles back to normal) are two different things. This is where self-tanner comes in. Get the glow without the burn, UV damage, and subsequent wrinkles. But what you use<\/em> to get your glow is super important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why use nontoxic self-tanner?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health<\/a> found that skin absorbs an average of 64% of contaminants. Typical self-tanners contain toxic ingredients, including mineral oil (a petroleum-based product that blocks pores and can be carcinogenic); sodium hydroxymethylglycinate which may break down into formaldehyde; isopropyl myristate which may bind to skin as nitrate (a carcinogen); amyl acetate which is sometimes used as a paint and lacquer solvent (gross); octyl stearate, an irritant that blocks pores; and other artificial fragrances and dyes made of petrochemicals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since none of us wants our largest organ covered in potentially cancer-causing chemicals, not to mention the nasty smell of DHA, we\u2019ve rounded up the best nontoxic tanning lotions to keep your summer glow without the toxic load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our criteria:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Our editors have tested, researched, and scoured thousands of customer reviews to determine the very best natural skincare brands. These brands are organic, chemical-free, and luxurious, and they come at a variety of prices. We update this list regularly with emerging favorites that meet the criteria below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n