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  • 10 Best Gradual Tanning Lotions 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed 1
  • 10 Best Gradual Tanning Lotions 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed 2
  • 10 Best Gradual Tanning Lotions 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed 3
  • 10 Best Gradual Tanning Lotions 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed 4
  • 10 Best Gradual Tanning Lotions 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed 5

10 Best Gradual Tanning Lotions 2024 | UK Dermatologist Reviewed

Gradual tanning lotions and tanning creams are wonder products that can be applied as quickly and as easily as your regular moisturiser. Use one to subtly build up a healthy glow, with no damaging sunbeds or costly spray tans in sight!


In this article, we'll show you how to choose a tanning lotion that works - with tips on how to achieve a streak-free tan, and which lotions won't leave you with the dreaded 'fake tan' smell! Comparing top brands like Elemis, Garnier and Dior, read on for the 10 best gradual tanners in the UK. Moreover, we have partnered with Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver you the best information.

Last updated 21/03/2024

Quick List - Top Gradual Tanning Lotions

1

Vita Liberata

Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion200 ml
Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion

Fragrance-Free Tanning Cream for Face and Body

2

ESPA

Gradual Tan Body Moisturiser200 ml
Gradual Tan Body Moisturiser

Deep Tan, Delicately Scented With Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine Oil

3

Garnier

Summer Body Dark Gradual Tan400 ml
Summer Body Dark Gradual Tan

Sunkissed Skin at an Affordable Price

4

Elemis

Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion200 ml
Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion

Luxury Formula for Flawless Results in 2 - 3 Days

5

Decleor

Biodegradable Gradual Glow Lotion400 ml
Biodegradable Gradual Glow Lotion

Gradual Glow Lotion for Dry Skin

Felipe Partarrieu
Expert
Dermatologist
Felipe Partarrieu

Felipe Partarrieu is a dermatologist, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.

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Table of Contents

Fact-Checked & Approved by Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

Fact-Checked & Approved by Dermatologist Felipe Partarrieu

Felipe Partarrieu is a final year dermatology resident, who is GMC registered with a full licence to practise in the UK. Specialising in cosmeceuticals, facial skin care, and hair disorders, we worked with Felipe to bring you top quality information to help you make informed buying decisions and understand more about what goes onto your skin.

What Is a Gradual Tanning Lotion?

What Is a Gradual Tanning Lotion?

A gradual tanning lotion is essentially a moisturiser containing a small amount of self-tanning ingredient. As you massage it in, it will not only hydrate your skin but it will subtly build to give the appearance of a natural sun-tan. The ingredient responsible, DHA, a colour additive that reacts with the top layer of your skin cells to temporarily alter (or, in other words, darken) the appearance of your skin.


DHA (or dihydroxyacetone) was added to most self-tanners in the 1970s to combat the streaking and blotching often associated with sunless tans, and is commonly derived from plant sugars. Some people choose to avoid this ingredient, but according to expert skin research, the levels in gradual tan lotions are low enough to be completely safe.


The key benefits of gradual tanning lotions are, of course, that they keep your skin super-soft, but also that they allow you to control the depth of your tan by building it up over several days or weeks, depending on your preference. Another advantage is its versatility - these products can be used on a wide variety of skin tones.

How to Choose a Gradual Tanning Lotion in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Choose a Tanning Lotion for Quick Absorption, or a Cream for a Deeper Colour
  2. Pick a Slow-Building Tanner With a Development Time of 1 - 2 Weeks to Avoid Streaks
  3. Look For Moisturising Ingredients to Help Reduce Patchiness
  4. Opt For a Fragrance-Free Lotion to Avoid the ‘Fake Tan’ Smell
1

Choose a Tanning Lotion for Quick Absorption, or a Cream for a Deeper Colour

Choose a Tanning Lotion for Quick Absorption, or a Cream for a Deeper Colour

If you want a product that is exceptionally light and quick-absorbing, then lotions, milks and gels are your best bet. Lotions and milks, in particular, are a little runnier in their consistencies, so only a small drop is needed for good coverage – which also means they last longer. 


Gels are superbly fast-absorbing and extremely light on the skin, adding a good amount of moisture to the skin while allowing you to evenly distribute colour, streak-free.


As for thicker formulations like creams, they have the potential to build deep, rich colour but require an experienced hand to avoid streaks. You could also try dry oils, which, it's important to note, are intended to be added to your favourite moisturiser and don't work alone. They leave skin luxurious and nourished, although they do tend to cost more. 


We recommend picking up a self-tanner formulated specifically for the face, for a natural-looking, all over glow

2

Pick a Slow-Building Tanner With a Development Time of 1 - 2 Weeks to Avoid Streaks

Pick a Slow-Building Tanner With a Development Time of 1 - 2 Weeks to Avoid Streaks

Ask yourself: What is my aim with a gradual tanning lotion? For those seeking bronzed skin so subtle that people barely notice it developing, pick a slow-building tanner with a development time of between 1 and 2 weeks. This figure refers to the time it takes to achieve the deepest colour that each product can provide. 


For a speedier tan, choose lotions with a development time of around 3-4 days. These start to work within a few hours and can be topped up each evening until your desired shade of sun-kissed is reached. Quicker-developing tan lotions tend to show streaks a little more easily if not thoroughly rubbed in, so be sure to exfoliate before the application and be fastidious during it!


To avoid streaks and orange hands, use a tanning mitt to apply your tanning lotion!

3

Look For Moisturising Ingredients Like Vitamin E and Shea Butter to Help Reduce Patchiness

Look For Moisturising Ingredients Like Vitamin E and Shea Butter to Help Reduce Patchiness

Apart from the pigment, all gradual tanning lotions contain nourishing ingredients to keep skin soft. However, some specific ingredients have other appealing qualities alongside moisturising, such as vitamins C and E, fruit and seed oils, or shea butter.


Vitamin C is a well-known super-ingredient for keeping skin bright, smooth and youthful, while vitamin E helps support your cells in the reproduction process. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant, meaning it helps fight free radicals that can prematurely age skin. 


The addition of anti-oxidants in tanning lotions is important as some studies have shown that skin is especially susceptible to free-radical damage from sunlight 24 hours after the application of DHA. Therefore, excessive sun exposure should be avoided for 1-2 days after application.


Natural oils such as elderberry seed, castor oil, magnolia, and apricot oil are also highly beneficial. They act as emollients, penetrating skin cells and plumping their natural volume for perky-looking skin. These options also help reduce patchiness and streaks and are advantageous to dehydrated skin, so make a beeline for gradual tan lotions containing them if that sounds like you!


Top Tip: exfoliate your skin using a body scrub before applying your tanning lotion for the best results!

4

Opt For a Fragrance-Free Lotion to Avoid the ‘Fake Tan’ Smell

Opt For a Fragrance-Free Lotion to Avoid the ‘Fake Tan’ Smell

Another quality to consider as you shop for a gradual tan lotion, is the fragrance. Some tanning products are affordable and look great but come with a slightly 'biscuity' smell that really gives the fake-tan game away. 


The colour-building DHA that we mentioned previously is often the ingredient behind the unpleasant odours in your lotion. Choosing unscented products that are either fragrance-free, DHA-free, or that contain other, more potent ingredients mask its scent, so they're a good idea if you're not a fan. 


Additionally, if you don't mind a fragrance but prefer something more deliberately perfumed, look for gradual self-tanning products containing plant and fruit oils like jasmine, ylang-ylang and other concentrated perfumes. Your skin will not only look golden and sun-blushed but will smell delicious, too.

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10 Best Gradual Tanning Lotions in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Vita Liberata

Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion200 ml

Vita Liberata Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion 1

Fragrance-Free Tanning Cream for Face and Body

2

ESPA

Gradual Tan Body Moisturiser200 ml

ESPA Gradual Tan Body Moisturiser 1

Deep Tan, Delicately Scented With Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine Oil

3

Garnier

Summer Body Dark Gradual Tan400 ml

Garnier Summer Body Dark Gradual Tan 1

Sunkissed Skin at an Affordable Price

4

Elemis

Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion200 ml

Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion 1

Luxury Formula for Flawless Results in 2 - 3 Days

5

Decleor

Biodegradable Gradual Glow Lotion400 ml

Decleor Biodegradable Gradual Glow Lotion 1

Gradual Glow Lotion for Dry Skin

6

Dior

Bronze Self Tanning Jelly Gradual Glow - Face 50 ml

Dior Bronze Self Tanning Jelly Gradual Glow - Face  1

Natural-Looking Tanning Jelly for Your Face and Neck

7

Isle of Paradise

Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow200 ml

Isle of Paradise Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow 1

Apply This Lotion Daily to Gradually Build Your Ideal Tan

8

Balance Me

Gradual Tanning Drops30 ml

Balance Me Gradual Tanning Drops 1

Streak-Free Tanning Drops for the Winter Months

9

Dove

DermaSpa Summer Revived Body Lotion200 ml

Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived Body Lotion 1

Moisturise Deeply as You Tan

10

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula

Natural Bronze Body Lotion400 ml

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Body Lotion 1

Subtle Cocoa Butter Tanning Lotion With a Sumptuous Scent

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Vita Liberata
Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion200 ml

Fabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion 1
Source:vitaliberata.co.uk
Reference price
£14.95
Mid
Reference price
£14.95
Mid

Fragrance-Free Tanning Cream for Face and Body

This super-moisturising, gradual tanning lotion comes out of the bottle transparent, and after only 4 to 8 hours, begins to develop into a remarkable caramel-golden tan


With a high percentage of its ingredients certified as organic, you can hydrate and tan safely in the knowledge that you're not slathering on any chemical nasties. OdourRemove technology sounds far-fetched, but this product really is streak and fragrance-free.

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No.2

ESPA
Gradual Tan Body Moisturiser200 ml

Gradual Tan Body Moisturiser 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£63.24
High
Reference price
£63.24
High

Deep Tan, Delicately Scented With Ylang-Ylang and Jasmine Oil

This product builds a healthy-looking, sunkissed glow in a matter of days. Fragranced luxuriously with ylang-ylang and jasmine oil, it also softens the skin with its added shea butter.


Plant melanin and DHA are also included on the ingredients list to help produce a deep, luminous colour that gives you the appearance of having just hopped off a plane – when really you've been wrapped in 7 cardigans with the heating on.

No.3

Garnier
Summer Body Dark Gradual Tan400 ml

Summer Body Dark Gradual Tan 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£4.75
Low Mid
Reference price
£4.75
Low Mid

Sunkissed Skin at an Affordable Price

A quick and dirt cheap way to create a gorgeous golden glow at any time of year, Garnier's Summer Body Tanning lotion is easy to apply for a double-take inducing tan, best suited to naturally darker skin tones. 


Whether you have normal, dry or sensitive skin, this product is absorbed quickly and keeps skin feeling well-hydrated for up to 24 hours, thanks to the inclusion of apricot oil on its ingredients list. 

No.4

Elemis
Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion200 ml

Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£37.50
High Mid
Reference price
£37.50
High Mid

Luxury Formula for Flawless Results in 2 - 3 Days

Squeeze a drop of this lightly-whipped formula onto the palm of your hand and massage it heartily into your skin, and you'll soon notice that colour begins to develop after only a few hours.


Skin is left feeling touchably soft and smooth after just one use, and the light fragrance of this lotion means skin smells delectable, too. Not to mention glowing golden with a healthy radiance that can be left as it is or built on over 2 to 3 days.

No.5

Decleor
Biodegradable Gradual Glow Lotion400 ml

Biodegradable Gradual Glow Lotion 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£31.45
High Mid
Reference price
£31.45
High Mid

Gradual Glow Lotion for Dry Skin

This 400 ml bottle of light, liquid tanning milk creates a glorious glow on any skin type. You'll notice the first shades of tan developing in around 4 to 8 hours, and after that, you need only apply the smallest squeeze from the bottle to build a striking sunless tan.


The subtle fragrance is noted by several reviewers online and is described as 'light', 'pleasant' and 'gorgeous.' As a bonus, this hydrating lotion also makes skin feel revived and quenched after just one use, so would be beneficial for drier skin.

No.6

Dior
Bronze Self Tanning Jelly Gradual Glow - Face 50 ml

Reference price
£29.00
High Mid

Natural-Looking Tanning Jelly for Your Face and Neck

Choose this glorious product if you want a luxuriously smooth lotion that glides easily onto the skin, and builds up a head-turning, yet natural-looking sun tan on your face with no streaks in sight.


Use two to three times a week in order to maintain the level of tan you like. The jelly-like gel texture keeps skin plump and moist as it smooths over imperfections, and gently intensifies to a noticeably deep yet subtle brown.

No.7

Isle of Paradise
Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow200 ml

Happy Tan Everyday Gradual Glow 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£14.95
Mid
Reference price
£14.95
Mid

Apply This Lotion Daily to Gradually Build Your Ideal Tan

After a product for building a dark brown tan that's convincing enough to have others asking if you've recently returned from the Caribbean? This is the bottle for you! 


Smooth this pleasingly creamy lotion over well-exfoliated skin to correct blemishes and build a deep tan in a matter of days. Notice the first layer of colour after around 5 hours, and, if you so desire, keep building for a luminescent, healthy-looking complexion.

No.8

Balance Me
Gradual Tanning Drops30 ml

Gradual Tanning Drops 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£30.00
High Mid
Reference price
£30.00
High Mid

Streak-Free Tanning Drops for the Winter Months

Suitable for both face and body, these gorgeous dry oil drops allow you to build yourself holiday-like colour from head to toe by adding 2 or 3 drops to your favourite moisturiser. Completely fragrance-free, the drops will enable you to bronze up without the troubling biscuit smell we all know so well.


If your skin is looking dull and lacking radiance during the winter months, check out this lovely, customisable product to create a stunning golden colour in just a few days

No.9

Dove
DermaSpa Summer Revived Body Lotion200 ml

DermaSpa Summer Revived Body Lotion 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£3.15
Low Mid

Moisturise Deeply as You Tan

As you'd expect, Dove's offering is a cheap, cheerful product that builds up a delightful bronzed glow. It is one of the most effective and popular products on our list for a good reason. 


It can be built up over a few days to be as dark a shade as you please and is also suitable for the face. There is a certain risk of streaking with high-street gradual bronzers, so make sure you rub it in with plenty of gusto and properly prep the skin beforehand.

No.10

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula
Natural Bronze Body Lotion400 ml

Natural Bronze Body Lotion 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£3.99
Low Mid

Subtle Cocoa Butter Tanning Lotion With a Sumptuous Scent

Palmer's have created a smooth, creamy lotion that builds tan exceptionally well. As well as slowly developing into a dreamy bronze glow, it also helps even out blemishes and imperfections and has added vitamin E to improve skin tone. 


Many reviewers absolutely love this product's noticeable trademark smell, but it may be best to test it out in a store before you buy to confirm whether or not you love it too as it can be overpowering to those with sensitive noses.

How to Apply Gradual Tanning Lotion

How to Apply Gradual Tanning Lotion

Now, before you go slathering on your chosen gradual self-tanning lotion, you might want to read these few tips on how to get the best out of your product.


  • Make sure to buff your skin before application. This will remove any dead skin cells laying on top so that you're left with a smooth, streak-free finish.

  • Take your time adding just a little blob of product at a time - less is always more!

  • When applying, instead of going up and down, make small circular motions with your fingertips. This will allow the product to absorb into the skin evenly.

  • Go easy on the dry areas of your body, such as your elbows and knees. The dry skin will make the product stick, and if too much is used, you'll be left with dark, patchy areas. 

Written and researched by Annie Hopkins 

Top 5 Gradual Tanning Lotions

No. 1: Vita LiberataFabulous Self Tanning Gradual Lotion200 ml

No. 2: ESPAGradual Tan Body Moisturiser200 ml

No. 3: GarnierSummer Body Dark Gradual Tan400 ml

No. 4: ElemisTotal Glow Bronzing Body Lotion200 ml

No. 5: DecleorBiodegradable Gradual Glow Lotion400 ml

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