Spring break is upon us which means it's time to get your glow on before embarking on your next family vacation to the beach. While traditional sprays and lotions have been around for decades, tanning waters have recently entered the chat and are making big waves this season.
So, what is tanning water, anyway? "Tanning waters are clear sprays that contain water, vitamins and the active tanning component, DHA [dihydroxyacetone]," explains Kristin Gunn, a cosmetic injection specialist and medical aesthetician.
Gunn adds that tanning water is lightweight and easier to apply than traditional tanning sprays, which makes it more desirable.
Along with Gunn, we consulted Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist, to find out what makes tanning water so appealing and why they are a safe alternative to direct sun exposure.
Scroll down to score the best expert-recommended and editor-tested tanning sprays for a natural glow this spring. Shop popular picks from reputable brands like Sally Hansen, Bondi Sands and more — starting at only $8.
What is tanning water?
Tanning waters are currently trending on TikTok, and it's no wonder due to their glowing benefits.
"Tanning water is a self-tanning product that is different from foams and mousses," suggests Camp. "Typically, a clear product, tanning water is spritzed or sprayed on the skin to deliver a subtle bronzing effect," he describes.
Camp explains how "tanning water contains the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with keratin in surface layer skin cells to generate melanoidins," or "pigmented byproducts that impart a bronzed appearance to skin."
He adds that some experts advocate for using products that contain ingredients that also nurture the skin, including hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and glycerin.
"To ensure complete coverage, ensure that skin is saturated with tanning water. Otherwise, the end result may look uneven or streaky," Camp adds.
“I will say both tanning waters and sprays are the safer alternative rather than sun tanning or artificial sun tanning, which is something you should avoid doing.” Gunn advises.
The best tanning waters, according to experts
Hydrating mist: Vita Liberata Clear Tanning Mist
- Lightweight
- Dries quickly
- May cause irritation
Size: 6.76 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera | Form: Mist
“Formulated with hydrating organic aloe vera and glycerin, this clear tanning spray can be customized for a lighter or darker shades with one or two applications,” suggests Camp. This lightweight formula is also infused with hyaluronic acid and can be applied with a second layer to deepen your results, according to the brand.
Tropical vibes: Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water
- Works fast
- Pleasant smell
- May be hard to spray
Size: 6.76 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin | Form: Spray
“This clear tanning water product is made with grapefruit, chia seed and avocado oils to deliver even tans without streaks while also nourishing skin,” says Camp.
Gunn also loves that this spray goes on streak free and will have you looking like you’ve been to the beach. “Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free,” she notes.
“This one has a cult-following for good reason!” raves Gunn.
Streak free: Tan-Luxe Express Water: Hydrating Self-Tan Water
- Easy to apply
- Not streaky
- Some don't like the smell
Size: 6.76 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C, beta glucan, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 | Form: Mist
Both Gunn and Camp recommend this hydrating mist from Tan-Luxe. “This one is so great because it will develop into a golden glow without streaking,” shares Gunn. “It’s a clear formula, so no worries about it getting onto clothes or sheets. It’s infused with raspberry seed oil and vitamin E, and seems to be quite hydrating,” she suggests.
The best tanning waters, according to editors
"Noticeable" glow: Bondi Sands Pure Self Tan Foaming Water
- Easy to apply
- Formula doesn't stain
- Some dislike the smell
Size: 6.76 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin C & E | Form: Foam
Commerce writer Emma Stessman tested this Bondi Sands Pure Self Tan Foaming Water and says it changed her tune on sunless tanners. “I was pleasantly surprised that, as a complete newbie, I didn’t encounter any of those all-too-common faux pas with this formula,” she shared.
“I started seeing the color of my skin change over the next few hours and after the 24-hour period, I had a pretty noticeable glow. It wasn’t an over-the-top difference, but my skin definitely had a new golden tone, similar to what it might look like after a few hours of laying in the sun at the beach — but without the burns,” explained Stessman.
Budget friendly: Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Tanning Water
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Smell may linger
Size: 6.76 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin | Form: Spray
I [Wise] recently found out my go-to tanning spray was discontinued, so I decided to test this cost-effective leg spray from Sally Hansen. I was pleasantly surprised by its lightweight texture and found it extremely easy to use. This Amazon's Choice tanning water is also formulated with glycerin and has an impressive 4,000+ five-star reviews.
Fast-acting option: Tanologist Express Self Tan Water
- Colorless formula
- Easy to apply
- Develops in four hours
- Hard to see where applied
Size: 6.76 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin | Form: Mist
Social media video producer Anita Chomenko recently tested this self-tanner and was very pleased with the results. "Just spray it on your skin and blend using a mitt for even distribution," she said. "It comes on colorless, which means you don’t have to worry about color transfer on your clothes or sheets," she noted.
"You can see the color develop in just four hours! I ended up with a nice and noticeable glow. You’d think I just got back from vacation, instead of from my apartment. My tan lasted all week long!” raved Chomenko.
Vacation in a bottle: St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist
- Lightweight
- Non-irritating formula
- Smell may be strong
Size: 2.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid | Form: Mist
Production coordinator Camryn Privette is a big fan of this lightweight tanner due to the subtle glow it gave her face. "I normally apply after my skincare routine and wake up with a little bronzer color," she says. "My favorite part of this product is that you don’t have to wash it off in the morning like other self-tanning products. Plus, it smells amazing," Privette insists.
Frequently asked questions
Gunn says the short answer to this is always yes. "Tanning waters and sprays do not have any SPF protection in them, so it is important to still apply an SPF every day," she explains.
"Tanning water is definitely the safer alternative rather than tanning outdoors or in beds, which I do not recommend and highly recommend staying away from any UV exposure as much as possible," suggests Gunn.
However, she recommends doing a patch test before applying a tanning water as users may experience irritation due to certain ingredients or skin sensitivities.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best tanning waters by enlisting the recommendations of double board-certified dermatologists as well as a cosmetic injection specialist and medical aesthetician. We also asked our editors to share a few of their favorite go-to tanning waters as well.
Meet the experts
- Kristin Gunn BS, CLT, LMA is a cosmetic injection specialist and medical aesthetician, and the owner of Beaux Medspa and Halcyon Skincare.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
