What are the best gradual tanning lotions right now? Top 6 vegan picks for a gradual tan
Want a sun-kissed glow but no patience for potentially messy fake-tanning sessions? Gradual tanning lotions are the key to a natural-looking tan that’s as effortless as applying your favourite body lotion. Discover our top vegan gradual tanning picks for this season.
Gradual tanners: your ticket to a natural-looking, mess-free tan at home
Gradual tanning lotions are perfect for achieving a sun-kissed glow without the hassle that comes with traditional fake tan. Here are five reasons for you to give gradual tanners a go:
Streak-free tan: Gradual tanners build colour slowly, so that you avoid streaks or an orange tone.
Customisable shade: Control your tan depth by applying daily or every few days to reach your desired shade.
Hydrating formula: Most gradual tanners include moisturising ingredients that leave your skin soft and supple.
Low-maintenance glow: It’s easy to apply and maintain, taking way less time than when using a traditional fake tan.
Less risk of transfer: Because they develop slowly, gradual tanners are less likely to stain clothes or sheets.
The best vegan gradual tanners right now
Here’s our round up of the best gradual tanning lotions that are vegan and cruelty-free.
St. Tropez Gradual Tan Body Lotion Light-Medium
This is your ticket to a bronzed glow that appears instantly and deepens beautifully over time. Its non-sticky, quick-drying formula delivers a streak-free, medium tan that looks natural and leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Perfect if you want to see a difference right now, as well as work on a gradual tan that develops in the following hours and days.
RRP: £18 - Find it on Cult Beauty
Coco & Eve Sun-Kissed Gradual Tanning Lotion
This lotion brings a subtle, buildable bronze to your skin all year round. The antioxidant-rich formula is infused with Hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated and therefore reduce any risk of streaks.
The sweet coco-mango scent is the cherry on top, making it a delight to use every day.
RRP: £22 - Find it on Cult Beauty
Evolve Beauty Sunless Glow Body Lotion
This rich, buildable lotion gives your skin a healthy glow that intensifies with each application.
Infused with Erythrulose derived from berries, it gently reacts with your skin’s keratin for a subtle, even darkening that looks effortlessly real.
The formula also features Organic Papaya, to naturally exfoliate away dead skin cells, revealing a smoother surface ready for bronzing.
Organic aloe vera and shea butter work together to soothe and deeply hydrate, leaving your skin soft, nourished and Summer-ready.
RRP: £24 - Find it on Evolve Beauty
Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion
This innovative, easy to apply lotion-oil hybrid formula creates a buildable tan that’s as effortless as it is natural-looking.
The result? Seamless sun-kissed radiance without any streaks or mess. Wave goodbye to pasty skin and hello to a soft, luminous tan whenever you need it.
RRP: £25 - Find it on Cult Beauty or Sephora
Self Glow by James Read Endless Summer Gradual Tan Moisturiser
This luxurious gradual tanner is designed to help you achieve a natural glow while deeply caring for your skin.
Powered by plant-based DHA, it adapts seamlessly to all skin tones, ensuring a streak-free, believable tan that looks like you just stepped off the beach.
The formula’s triple active Hyaluronic acid delivers lasting hydration, helping the tan develop evenly and fade beautifully whilst Shea butter and Apricot oil not only soften and protect your skin but also enhance its radiance.
The perfect choice for both first-time tanners and glow enthusiasts!
RRP: £44 - Find it on Space NK, Selfridges or James Read
Oskia Adaptive Tan Mist
This ultra-fine tanning mist delivers the ultimate gradual tanning experience with its unique Tri-Phase formula.
First, you get a subtle tan within 3-4 hours, then a natural boost of your own melanin production for a sun-kissed, protective glow.
The third phase comes with micro-encapsulated DHA penetrating deeper for a rich, lasting tan that stays put for up to 7-10 days.
Perfect for face and body, this refreshing mist ensures an even, streak-free finish without any rubbing required.
RRP: £60 - Find it on Oskia, Space NK or Sephora
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