Discover Top 5 Best Gradual Tanning Lotion (2019)

Like other self-tanners, gradual self-tanning lotion provides you with a tanned look without having your having to expose yourself to the sun’s harmful UV rays. UV radiation from the sun—especially UVB rays—are responsible for causing skin damage, dark spot, and even sun cancer. Now-a-days people want to protect their skin from the sun, so they opt to use a self-tanner.

Gradual tanners provide a fully tanned look gradually over a period of time. These products are almost always lotions that you can use daily. Some companies describe this product as a “moisturizer-meets-fake-tan.”

Gradual self-tanning lotion has a lot of benefits, especially for the novice. If you are new to tanner, and most importantly, if you are new to fake tanning products, then gradual tanning lotion may be right for you. Read on to find out more about this interesting tanning option.

Just because a gradual tanning lotion gives you a fake tan does not mean that it is the same as other self-tanners. There are some crucial differences between these two different products that you must know in order to make the best decision for your lifestyle and the tan you desire.

Gradual tanners have most of the same ingredients as regular self-tanners—see our “what to look for section” below for more information about the ingredients that should appear in a gradual tanner. But, there is one major difference between traditional fake tans and a gradual tan: the amount of DHA (dihydroxyacetone).

DHA is the component of all fake tanning lotions that provides the golden look without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. Gradual tanning lotions have much less DHA than other types of self-tanners. This allows you to gradually build up the amount of tanner on your skin over a period of days. Other self-tanners have a more concentrated dose of DHA, which provides a subtler color.

The major health benefits of using a gradual self-tanning lotion. The most essential of these is the fact that you will not be exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays. This radiation—most of the damage comes from UVB rays—can cause dark spots and even skin cancer after too much exposure.

Anyone who tans in the sun or in a tanning booth is at risk for developing skin problems due to sun contact. With fake tans—both self-tans and gradual tanners—you do not receive sun damage because you are not receiving a tan from the sun.

There are also other benefits that you can receive that are unique to gradual tanners. Most of these lotions are also daily moisturizers, which means that you will be nourishing your skin as you build up your tan. Experts recommend moisturizing daily for the best looking and softest skin possible. So, using a gradual tanning lotion is like killing two birds with one stone.

Finally, some gradual tanning lotions include ingredients that will help firm and improve the elasticity of your skin. Some ingredients even provide anti-aging benefits. Therefore, it is extremely important to read the label on your gradual tanner.

Like other self-tanners, gradual self-tanning lotion provides you with a tanned look without having your having to expose yourself to the sun’s harmful UV rays. UV radiation from the sun—especially UVB rays—are responsible for causing skin damage, dark spot, and even sun cancer. Now-a-days people want to protect their skin from the sun, so they opt to use a self-tanner.

Gradual tanners provide a fully tanned look gradually over a period of time. These products are almost always lotions that you can use daily. Some companies describe this product as a “moisturizer-meets-fake-tan.”

Gradual self-tanning lotion has a lot of benefits, especially for the novice. If you are new to tanner, and most importantly, if you are new to fake tanning products, then gradual tanning lotion may be right for you. Read on to find out more about this interesting tanning option.

The ingredients you will find in a gradual self-tanning lotion are similar to those in regular self-tanners. But, it is worth keeping in mind a few things.

First, the gradual tanner should include DHA. If you buy a so-called self-tanner without DHA, you will not receive a good fake tan.

Second, do you want an all-natural or organic product? If so, then you need to look for those types of ingredients specifically.

Finally, certain add-ons like Vitamins A, C, and E, jojoba oil, green tea extract, and rosehip oil, among others cool and heal your skin. You want to see at least some of these ingredients in the product that you decide to buy. This will help keep you skin healthy and nourished as well as tanned.

You have probably heard of fair or dark skin types, but did you know that there are many different types of skin color? The best way to tell what skin type you have is to use the Fitzpatrick Skin Type chart, which breaks skin type into six categories.

If you read our “what to look for in a gradual tanner” section, you will know that certain ingredients are important in a self-tanning lotion. Control You Glow’s Self Tanner includes all of the ingredients we mentioned plus many more. This is why it is our top pick for gradual tanning lotion in 2019.

With this gradual tanner you will receive all organic and naturally derived ingredients. It is also a white lotion—without bronzer—so that even people with the fairest skin can use it. Finally, if you have sensitive skin, do not worry. The gentle organic ingredients in this product ensure that even the most sensitive faces will be safe.  

Probably the top drugstore gradual tanning lotion on the market, Nivea’s Sun-Kissed Radiance gradual tanner and body lotion uses the company’s HYDRA IQ Technology to keep your skin moisturized. You will also find ingredients like ginkgo extract and grape seed oil, both of which are hydrating components.

This gradual tanner does include a bronzer, so you will need to pay attention to the recommended skin tone—medium to dark—that appears on the bottle. However, reviewers note great success with this gradual tanning lotion. So, for the price, it is definitely worth checking out.

Vita Liberata has formulated their Fabulous Gradual Self Tanning Lotion to be as moisturizing as possible. This is why they have included ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter. It can be used with the driest and most sensitive skin types in addition to providing a very subtle and natural looking tan.

Because of the many hydrating components in this gradual tanner, Vita Liberata recommends not using moisturizers or moisturizing body washes for 24 hours before you begin to use their product.

Another product that is safe to use daily, Body Drench’s Quick Tan Gradual Tanning Lotion provides a sun-kissed glow while still moisturizing your body. The tan that occurs with this gradual tanning lotion is very subtle. However, this means that it won’t stain or turn your body orange. There’s no need to use gloves while putting on this self-tanner.

Less people have reviewed the Quick Tan Gradual Tanning lotion than other products on this list. But, it has been rated quite high. It, like the Nivea, uses a bronzing agent, so you will need to pick your skin tone when buying the self-tanning lotion.

St. Tropez makes a wide variety of self-tanning products. Their Gradual Tan Tinted Body lotion is the one gradual tanning product that they offer. It is designed to give you a subtle glow. This gradual tanning lotion also uses bronzer, so it is available in both light/medium and medium/dark varieties.

Because of the many moisturizing ingredients found in this gradual tanning lotion, it is perfect to use as your daily moisturizer as well as a tanner. And, finally, while the ingredients are not organic, they are vegan friendly. So, if conscientious consuming is a goal of yours, this is the gradual self-tanner for you.

Applying gradual tanning lotion, the correct way can take your fake tan from good to great. There are a few steps that you can follow that will ensure a perfect and realistic-looking tan every time.

1. After a shower take a small amount of the product and begin rubbing it onto your body. Use only a little of the product at the time. This will reduce the likelihood of streaks or dark spots.
2. Make sure to apply the gradual tanning lotion sparingly on dry area of your body like knees and elbows.
3. When you are done putting gradual self-tanning lotion on your body, wash your hands so that your palms do not turn extremely dark.
4. Use the gradual tanner and a moisturizer every day to keep your skin looking glowing and bright.

You will see your tan beginning to develop within a few hours of applying the gradual tanning lotion. However, you will need to keep applying it for at least a few days to achieve the full color.

Gradual tans cannot be washed off in the same way as other fake tanning lotions, so it will gradually build up on your skin over time. This means that gradual self-tanners are not a quick tanning option. So, if you want full color fast, gradual tanning lotion is not the way to go. But, if you don’t mind waiting a bit for your tan, this can be the perfect option for you.

Gradual tans can last as long as you want. The small amount of DHA in them mean that you can safely use most gradual self-tanning lotions every day. When used consistently, your tan will not fade or disappear. However, within a day or two of discontinuing use, your tan will begin to fade. It will be completely gone within a week, or a little more depending on how fast you lose your old skin cells.

If you notice your gradual tan disappearing, all you have to do is to begin reapplying the gradual self-tanner. You will notice an immediate improvement in the color and brightness of your tan. In order to keep than sun-kissed look year ‘round, all you have to do is to use a gradual tanning lotion every single day. This way you will always look like you just stepped off the beach.

While gradual tanning lotion does not wash off of your skin the way that other tanners do, it has some major advantages. For example, if the color gets a bit too dark, all you have to do is to wait a day or two for it to lighten.

Tanning doesn’t have to be scary, harmful, smelly, or messy. In fact, it can be as simple as applying a moisturizing lotion daily. Gradual tanning moisturizers lack the nasty smell of most traditional self-tanners, and they don’t streak as easily.

So, if you want a great tan without the hassle, then you should check out a gradual tanning product. Our top five picks for the best gradual tanning lotions and buyer’s guide will give you a good place to start.