Finding the best face tan for acne can be tricky. Traditional formulas often clog pores, trigger breakouts, or highlight dry patches and scars, making face tan for acne-prone skin often feel like more hassle than it’s worth. If you’ve sworn off tanning due to breakouts, good news: the latest non-comedogenic face tans are specifically designed with sensitive, blemish-prone skin in mind. These acne-friendly face tans are oil-free, lightweight, and packed with skincare benefits, giving you a natural glow without the irritation.
Scroll down to meet the best face tans for acne-prone skin.
Is face tanning safe for acne-prone skin?
Yes, if you choose the right formula. While many traditional face tans can clog pores and trigger breakouts, newer options are specifically made for sensitive, blemish-prone skin. Look for non-comedogenic, oil-free, and water-based formulas that won’t suffocate your skin. These gentle, acne-friendly face tans provide a healthy glow without causing congestion or irritation.
The 7 Best Face Tans For Acne
1. Best for hydration: St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist
2. Best for a low maintenance glow: Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops
3. Best for a customisable, natural-looking tan: Tanologist Self Tan Drops
4. Best for a steak-free, buildable glow: Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
5. Best for hydrating and evening out the skin tone: SOSU Dripping Gold Wonder Water Facial Mist
6. Best for a breathable, matte finish: BY TERRY TEA to TAN Face & Body Matte Finish
7. Best for an irritation-free bronze: Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops
1. St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Face Mist
Best for: hydrating the skin
Packed with skincare goodness like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, the Self Tan Purity Face Mist from St. Tropez is formulated with non-comedogenic (aka non-pore clogging) ingredients. In an easy -to-use, clear mist formula, simply spritz it on and within 4-8 hours you’ll have a golden glow. No blending required.
2. Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops
Best for: a low maintenance glow
If you’re low maintenance and like a streamlined skincare routine, you need the Coco & Eve Bronzing Face Drops. Mixing a few drops of this tanning serum daily with your go-to moisturiser is all it takes to give skin an everlasting golden glow.
3. Tanologist Self Tan Drops
Best for: A customisable, natural-looking tan
Lightweight, clear, and effortlessly easy to use (just mix with your moisturiser), the Tanologist Self Tan Drops slowly but surely build up a natural-looking tan without clogging pores or triggering breakouts. What’s more, you can easily customise your colour by altering the amount you use.
4. Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops
Best for: A steak-free, buildable glow
Perfect for acne-prone skin, these Tan-Luxe The Face Illuminating Self-Tan Drops are fragrance-free and blend seamlessly with your existing skincare routine. The streak-free, buildable formula lets you control the depth of colour without irritation. Mix with your favorite non-comedogenic moisturiser for a custom glow that won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts.
5. SOSU Dripping Gold Wonder Water Facial Mist
Best for: Hydrating and evening out the skin tone.
For a natural, golden glow without clogging pores, look no further than the SOSU Cosmetics Dripping Gold Wonder Water Facial Mist. In a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula and infused with vitamin E for added hydration, it helps even out skin tone while being gentle enough for sensitive or breakout-prone complexions. Perfect for no-makeup days, it develops in 4–8 hours for a fresh, radiant finish.
6. BY TERRY TEA to TAN Face & Body Matte Finish
Best for: A breathable, matte finish
Ideal for a natural glow without shine, meet the BY TERRY TEA to TAN Face & Body Matte Finish. With a matte, transfer-proof finish and 97% naturally derived ingredients, it hydrates, soothes, and protects skin using antioxidant-rich black and red tea extracts. The lightweight, breathable formula won’t clog pores and leaves skin looking fresh, even, and sun-kissed, without the stickiness or streaks.
7. Bondi Sands Self Tan Drops
Best for: An irritation-free bronze
Customise your glow with these non-comedogenic, fragrance and dye-free Self Tan Drops from Bondi Sands. Mix into your skincare, makeup, or bodycare for a buildable, streak-free tan that won’t clog pores or cause irritation. Dermatologist tested and designed with sensitive skin in mind, they’re ideal for a radiant finish that works with your routine, not against your skin.
8. Tan Luxe Super Glow Bundle
Best for: Smooth and glowy skin
Who said acne-safe bronzing had to stop at the face? The Super Glow Deep Bundle from Tan Luxe is the ultimate duo for a head-to-toe glow, delivering a gradual, natural-looking glow to both your face and body. Both serums are enriched with hyaluronic acid and superfoods to hydrate and smooth, while the vegan, cruelty-free formula is designed to enhance your glow without disrupting your skincare routine.