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Byrdie / Kevin Liang
Self-tanning can be a messy, stinky, complicated undertaking. Cue: tanning wipes and towelettes. They’re simple, mess-free, and great for travel—all desirable attributes when it comes to DIY self-tanning. But what's in them? The active ingredient that makes self-tanners work is DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a sugarcane-derived ingredient that gives skin its color, explains beauty expert and owner of The Parlour Room tanning salon Natalie Ferrari. While this is the heavy-lifter, Ferrari explains that additional hydrators, like hyaluronic acid, are great inclusions as they will prolong results and prevent peeling.
We conducted hours of research on the best tanning wipes and towelettes, evaluating each on ease of application, effectiveness, and any extra features. We considered dozens of products and expert tips for achieving the most natural-looking finish every single time—the result: this list of the best products worth buying.
Fast Facts About Tanning Wipes and Towelettes
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Pleasant smell
Different shades
Contains cucumber and vitamin E
Some towels contain more formula than others
Key Ingredients: DHA | Size: 10 half-body wipes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
These Tan Towel Classic Towelettes were formulated in Australia, so you know they’re going to deliver a natural-looking glow. They contain DHA to add color, while cucumber and vitamin E help to mitigate dehydration. There are also Deep, Medium, and Light variations available, so you can tailor them to suit your skin tone. We love these half-body-sized towels to target exposed spots (if you want an all-over glow, opt for the full-body size). Simply swipe over clean skin before bed, let it develop, and rinse in the morning.
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Color develops in three hours
Biodegradable fibers
Hydrating
Wipe itself is quite small
Key Ingredients: DHA and erythrulose | Size: 8 towels | Cruelty-Free: Yes
These biodegradable towels are free from oils, perfume, and colorants, so they’re a great choice for sensitive skin. They do contain an ingredient called butylene glycol, which is thought to help with moisture retention in the top layers of the skin. The wipes themselves are on the smaller side, so they work well if you want to tan smaller areas like the face, neck, and chest.
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Great price
Mango-pineapple scent
Great staying power
Only one shade
Key Ingredients: DHA and erythrulose | Size: 6 towels | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For a healthy glow on a budget, look no further than these easy towels from Jergens. They contain an active pairing of DHA and erythrulose for a noticeable but natural color, while the generous size affords an all-over application. The tropical mango fragrance is a fun touch, as well.
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Builds up color gradually
Exfoliates through hydroxy acids
Contains further antioxidants for skin benefit
Very subtle result
Small in size
Key Ingredients: DHA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid | Size: 30 towels | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Prefer a more subtle hint of color with added skin benefits? These multi-purpose wipes from M-16 are seriously impressive. They’re soaked in a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids, so they gently exfoliate and refine the skin while also leaving behind a layer of DHA for a natural glow. They’re designed for gradual use, so the results are cumulative.
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Skincare benefits
Smoothing and refining
Natural results
Can take time for results to fully develop
Key Ingredients: DHA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid | Size: 20 towels | Cruelty-Free: Yes
These facial tanning towels from Dr. Dennis Gross are like a one-stop shop for glow. Not only do they work to smooth skin texture and decongest pores (thanks to the inclusion of exfoliating acids), but they also build up gradual color. The DHA is even microencapsulated, which is supposed to ensure a longer-lasting result.
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Great size
Claim to minimize hair growth and thickness
Fights irritation and scarring
Color can be too orange for some
Key Ingredients: DHA, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid | Size: 20 towels | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Dr. Dennis Gross also does an iteration of the above for the body in a bigger towel format and enriched with vitamin D. It dries quickly and doesn’t have a sticky finish, so can be easily worked into your beauty routine to maintain smooth, glowing body skin. Try it underneath your moisturizer once or twice a week.
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Contains alpha hydroxy acids
Affordable
Vitamin E for additional nourishment
Strong scent
Key Ingredients: DHA | Size: 6 towels | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Leave it to L’Oreal to create a simple, easy tanning towel that ensures a natural-looking level of color. They contain an amount of DHA for visible results, as well as vitamin E for additional nourishment. According to reviews, these do have a slight fake tan smell, but it should disappear after a shower.
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Contains hydrating coconut water
Lovely scent
Affordable
Clear formula, so missing parts during application is easy
Key Ingredients: DHA and natural sugars | Size: 10 wipes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
These wipes are quick, easy, and smell like a pina colada. They contain a mix of DHA and natural sugars that react with the skin, imparting a subtle golden tint. They also contain coconut water, so they’re cooling and leave the skin feeling super soft.
What to Look for in Tanning Towels
- Topical DHA: Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is almost synonymous with sunless self-tanners. This FDA-approved plant compound is a sugar molecule that reacts chemically with the amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin, producing pigmentation.
- Exfoliants: Exfoliants may help prevent streaking by sloughing off dead skin cells. Look for acids like AHAs and BHAs such as salicylic acid. If your sunless tanning wipes do not contain exfoliants, simply add this step with another exfoliating product in the shower before application.
- Moisturizers: To keep your complexion looking smooth and hydrated, look for ingredients that add or protect moisture and calm the skin, such as vitamin E, chamomile, aloe, and glycerin.
FAQ
How do you use tanning wipes?
Follow the directions on the package of tanning wipes you've purchased. Most products say to exfoliate and moisturize beforehand for the best streak-free results. Apply the tanning wipes in broad strokes with some pressure. Avoid putting on any tight clothing for at least 10 minutes. Apply every three to four days to maintain your tan and every two days to build up your tan.
How long does it take for self-tanning wipes to work?
Self-tanning wipes typically work within two to four hours. Some wipes contain an initial tinting ingredient that leaves a glow, while the DHA takes time to interact with your skin to produce pigment.
How long do tanning wipes last?
Tanning wipes typically last about a week. However, this can be shortened if you exfoliate in the shower or shave. Some tints will wear off gradually. Staying moisturized can help your self-tan last longer. Maintain your tan by applying a fresh wipe every three to four days, and build up your tan to a darker shade by applying it every two days.
Why Trust Byrdie
For this roundup, Jennifer Hussein, an NYC-based journalist with over five years of experience in digital writing, conducted hours of research and sifted through stacks of internet reviews to ensure we included only the best in this roundup.
Team Byrdie worked with an expert to inform this article:
- Natalie Ferrari is a leading beauty expert in Sydney, Australia, whose salon, The Parlour Room, is unofficially known as the best spray tans this side of the equator.
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