If you're after a natural, believable bronze, look no further than our round-up of the best gradual tan. Far more forgiving than many one-off fake tans, gradual tans slowly build up colour each time you use it. This way, you can start off with less and gradually apply more to build up intensity without a streak in sight. The result? A sun-kissed golden glow. Fake tan, in comparison, creates instant results that are often more noticeable than a gradual tan.
We’re all fans of a sun-kissed glow, although we can’t always look like we’ve been on holiday. Throughout the year, I'll notice myself looking a little peaky - my complexion morphs from radiant to lacklustre and my arms border on grey. All is not lost, though; if you're after a natural, believable bronze, look no further than our round-up of the best gradual tan.
Far more forgiving than many one-off fake tans, gradual tanners slowly build up colour each time you use it. This way you can start off with less and gradually apply more to build up intensity without a streak in sight. The result? A sun-kissed golden glow. Fake tan, in comparison, creates instant results that are often more noticeable than a gradual tan.
We know the importance of finding the perfect formula, so our curated list of the best gradual tans solves any tanning pain points. Forget those days of a patchiness and streaky finish, or a formula that leaves the skin feeling dry or irritated.
Now that the weather is hotting up, and skin is now on show we wouldn't blame you for wanting to get bronzed, especially if you have naturally very pale skin. But reaching for a bottle of the fake stuff is always key.
Jules Von Hep, tanning expert and founder of Isle of Paradise says, 'Having a tan is like having an injection of confidence. Limbs look leaner and a sun-kissed glow makes everyone look healthier. Tanning can be daunting for novices, but there is no need to be reluctant with a gradual tan.'
Acting Beauty Director Verity Clark credits Tan Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum, £36 as the best gradual self-tan for face.
How To Know What Shade Of Gradual Tan To Use?
Typically, with gradual tan, it's best to choose a shade based on your skin tone and how you'd like your results to look on the skin. For example, if you have fair skin, opt for a light to medium gradual tan to avoid any unnatural streaks or orange tones. Don't forget your undertones - green undertones will create a warmer looking tan, whereas a violet-based tan will help eradicate any unwanted redness.
How Should You Apply Gradual Tanners?
'Always exfoliate and moisturise before tanning, but not right before – give your moisturiser time to sink into the skin before applying your tan, otherwise, it will just sit on the surface,' advises tanning pro Amanda Harrington. We recommend using a mild body scrub that contains AHAs or BHAs to gently exfoliate any dead skin cells - focus on any rough spots on the body, like knees and elbows.
Don't forget to moisturise those dryer areas to prevent any unwanted patchiness. Amanda goes on to say, 'Apply a heavy-duty moisturiser or a little Vaseline on areas like the inside of your arms, elbows, knees and ankles that are susceptible to a build-up of colour and are usually the problem spots for at-home tanning.'
And finally, don’t forget to use a mitt to apply your gradual tanner or wash your hands well after application – nothing says ‘This colour’s from a bottle!’ like tell-tale orange palms…
The Best Gradual Tan: At A glance
Best all-round gradual tan: Tan Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion, £25
Best for a deep tan: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Gradual Tanning Lotion, £7.49
Best gradual tan for fair skin: Sisley Paris Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care, £108
Best gradual tan for dark skin: Dove DermaSpa Summer Revived Self Tan Mousse, £11.49
Best gradual tan for beginners: Bondi Sands Everyday Gradual Tanning Milk, £14.49
Best natural-looking gradual tan: Vita Liberata Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion, £12.50
Best streak-free gradual tan: Dior Solar The Self-Tanning Gel, £39
Best gradual tan for dry skin: Isle of Paradise Gradual Self-Tan Lotion Medium/Dark, £9.99
Best gradual tan for sensitive skin: Ella&Jo Hydrate & Glow Gradual Moisturiser, £20
Best gradual tan for face: Tan Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum, £36
Grazia's Rachael Martin swears by Tan Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion, £25 for holidays.
How We Tested The Best Gradual Tans 2025
Formula: When it comes to gradual tanning, considering the formula is where we like to start. Texture is everything, for starters. If it's sticky on the skin, we won't include it here. We want our gradual tan to feel nourishing and moisturising but never tacky. We also ensure that we consider all ingredients, and have flagged any that might not work with more sensitive skin types.
Value for money: We've said it before, and we'll say it again. We truly believe that a premium price tag won't always equate to a premium product. Here, we've sought to include a balance of excellent gradual tanners suited to all budgets.
Results: It's obvious, but when it comes to testing gradual tan we something that will mimic a beautiful, natural looking glow. That means no streaks, and no orange tone.
Longevity and wear: To make this list, each gradual tan had to last at least five days before it starts to fade. When fading, we wanted to ensure there was no tiger-bread finish and no patchiness. When the time came for removal, it was vital that any remaining product scrubbed off easily without irritation.
Other reviews: We also took other online reviews from independent buyers into consideration, too. This allowed us to fully consider potential pros and cons of each gradual tanner.
SHOP: Best Gradual Tan 2025
Best all-round gradual tan
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
What the brand says: Flaunt a flawless, sun-kissed tan using Tan Luxe The Gradual Tan Lotion, a revolutionary lotion and oil hybrid which gives a natural, bronzed look in just one hour.
**
What we know about this best gradual tan:** This gradual tan is, unusually, a lotion and oil hybrid. Just a small amount delivers a natural, buildable colour, plus the texture is featherweight and silky, making it comfortable to wear.
Grazia's Rachael Martin says: 'This is my favourite gradual tan of all time, as a beauty editor I've tested a lot of tans, but this one is always the one I revert to. Just one application is enough to leave me with a subtle my-skin-but-better radiance. A second layer? Well then it's an all-out golden tan. Take the time to blend it in and it's fool-proof. Trust me.'
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Lightweight, fast-drying formula
- Feels super hydrating
Cons
- Formula is milky so pours out quickly - be careful
Best for a deep tan
www.boots.com
What the brand says: With just a touch of self tanner and a yummy chocolate scent, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze creates a delicate, sun-kissed summer glow all year long.
What we know about this best gradual tan: Palmer's formula gradually builds a subtle tan within a few days, while nourishing your skin, it is perfect for all year round. And it smells like chocolate!
Site review: 'I bought this a couple of months ago and I'm so glad I did! Tans always look patchy on my dry skin so I thought I'd give this ago and it was amazing. It applies like a normal moisturiser when left overnight it gives you a healthy glow after 3 nights a good tan highly recommended.'
Pros
- Grazia's Rachael says, 'This one gives me a great glow after just one application.'
- Affordable price point
- Convenient packaging
Cons
- The chocolatey smell is far from subtle - so it might not be more everyone
Best gradual tan for fair skin
www.libertylondon.com
What the brand says: The Self Tanning Hydrating Body skincare, a perfect alternative to sun exposure, gives the skin a golden glow while deeply moisturising it.
What we know about this best gradual tan: For a real skin treat, try this rich self-tan cream that smells sensational, sinks in speedily and develops into a golden (not orange) even tan. This tan by Sisley is perfect for those of us who want a tanner with both essential oils and active ingredients to provide rapid and long-lasting hydration and improved moisturisation. Comes with macadamia oil.
Site review: 'I loved everything about this product. This is the best self-tan I have ever had. Moisturises and goes on smoothly.'
Pros
- Nourishing and rich without being sticky
- Provides deep hydration
- Quick drying time
Cons
- Product needs consistent application to maintain desired colour
Best gradual tan for dark skin
www.boots.com
What the brand says: With a deeply* nourishing yet lightweight formula, this tanning mousse hydrates your skin for up to 48 hours, leaving you with silky-soft and natural-looking sun-kissed skin. This tanning moisturiser provides a buildable tan using gentle, naturally derived tanners to subtly give your skin a bronzed glow.
What we know about this best gradual tan: This lightweight tanning mousse hydrates and moisturises while it adds a gradual glow. It also blends incredibly easily and gives a gorgeous glow that will be mistaken for a natural tan. The product has a non-greasy formula, meaning it won't sit heavily on your skin after application. Its moisturising properties soak into the skin for up to 48 hours after application.
Site review: 'I only bought this today and already I can see the difference, it's true what it says on the description no streaks, grease or stains on anything. Absolutely love this product already.
Pros
- Fast absorbing
- Streak-free formula
- Leaves the skin feeling soft
Cons
- Some reviewers say the medium-dark option still requires two layers
Best gradual tan for beginners
www.lookfantastic.com
What the brand says: Achieve a long-lasting golden radiance with the Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk. Inspired by Australia’s iconic beach, the lightweight formula develops over time into a natural sun-kissed look, all while delivering an instant boost of hydration.
What we know about this best gradual tan: Fear patchiness? This tanning milk blends aloe vera and vitamin E to help nourish and hydrate skin - no flakes in sight. This gradual tanner is beautifully lightweight and quick-absorbing. It's a great option for those with pale skin still wishing to harness a golden glow.
Site review: 'This is lovely and moisturising and has a nice consistency that’s easy to rub in. I apply it like I would any other moisturiser before bed, and wake up like a bronzed goddess. It smells quite nice too, but there is a faint fake tan smell once it’s dried, until you shower it off. Love it so much I will definitely be repurchasing.'
Pros
- Brimming with soothing ingredients
- Great for longevity
- Can be applied everyday
Cons
- Also has a chocolatey smell - might not be for everyone
Best natural-looking gradual tan
www.lookfantastic.com
What the brand says: Achieve a sun-kissed glow with Vita Liberata's Untinted Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion. The self-tanner envelops the body in a buildable bronzed radiance with skin-loving benefits.
What we know about this best gradual tan: You can skip moisturiser altogether when your gradual tanner has this many skincare benefits. Featuring an innovative moisture-locking system, the lotion keeps skin hydrated for up to 72 hours while delivering a radiant tan.
Site review: 'I am fair-skinned but tan over time and have always used a gradual tanner to begin the summer. This product is the best I have used in terms of colour, fragrance and longevity. I use a tanning mitt, which is important to the overall outcome on my skin, but this is forgiving and blends very smoothly even when applied in a rush.
Pros
- Brimming with skincare benefits
- Clear and buildable finish
- Feels like a gentle moisturiser
Cons
- Some say it will take a double exfoliation session to remove it suggesting it may cling to some skin types more than others.
Best streak-free gradual tan
What the brand says: The Self-Tanning Gel, a self-tanner for the face that enhances skin with a luminous, satiny tan. This self-tanning gel gives skin a gradual tan, for a natural look.
What we know about this best gradual tan: This luxurious gradual tan that deeply moisturises skin and can be built up for a more intense finish. It creates a streak-free, luminous and golden tan that lasts for days. The jelly formula is extremely easy to blend in to create an even layer and the sweet almond oil moisture skin and smells amazing.
Site review: 'Purchased yesterday and delivered today. Excellent product and I have used it for some time. First class service highly recommend.'
Pros
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Sun-kissed finish
- Luxurious formula
Cons
- Some reviewers say the biscuity smell is quite strong while the tan is developing
Best gradual tan for dry skin
www.boots.com
What the brand says: A lightweight, fast absorbing, gradual tanning lotion, infused with Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid to effectively brighten and hydrate skin while delivering sunkissed skin for every season.
What we know about this best gradual tan: The latest launch from Isle of Paradise, the brand's gradual self-tan, already has the seal of approval from TikTok influencers. Beautifully lightweight and never sticky, it's fast absorbing and infused with a myriad of skin-loving goodness - think a hefty dose of Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid.
Site review: 'I saw this was new in store so I tried it instead of my usual moisturiser tan and I’ve got to say this is my new favourite!!! I never leave reviews but the gorgeous tan this gives me is just too good not to share. Also its such a big bottle for the price, I love ittttt.' High praise, indeed.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Available in a light option
- Great price point
Cons
- The clear formula means you should spend some extra time blending
Best gradual tan for sensitive skin
ellaandjo.co.uk
What the brand says: Experience the ultimate fusion of skincare and sun-kissed radiance with our gradual tanning moisturiser. Combining hydrating Glycerin with skin-reviving Hyaluronic Acid and nourishing Squalane, it delivers a radiant, bronzed look while deeply moisturising and rejuvenating your skin.
What we know about this best gradual tan: Ella & Jo's newest launch is brimming with skin-loving goodness - think hydrating glycerin, plumping hyaluronic acid and nourishing squalane for a tan that leaves skin looking glorious long after that golden tan has developed. Whether you're after a subtle radiance or a deeper, darker hue, this gradual tanning moisturiser works a treat. Expect beautiful, sheen-laden skin.
It's impressive stuff.
Pros
- Available in light-medium and medium-dark
- Vegan
- Pregnancy-friendly
Cons
- We're still waiting for customer reviews as it's just launched
Best gradual tan for face
www.cultbeauty.co.uk
What the brand says: Similarly to the brand's The Face, this all-new Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum is powered by a potent hyaluronic acid complex which effortlessly delivers a streak-free, ultra-nourished glow.
Acting Beauty Director Verity Clark says: 'Self-tan is not my beauty forte, too much faff, too high stakes. However, I make an exception for Tan Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self Tan Serum which I can kid myself is just an extension of my skincare routine. A few times a week I switch out my usual serum for this. A couple of drops applied pre moisturiser gives my skin the same hydration I expect from my serum but there’s an added tanning agent so over time a lovely, and crucially, natural glow appears. If you’re in the market for week-in-the-sun-colour skip to something stronger but if subtly sunkissed is you’re jam then this is fuss-free and fool proof. Even for the most tanophobic.
Pros
- A little goes a long way
- Treats dry skin, instantly
- Serum texture doesn't feel sticky or heavy
Cons
- Sometimes the dropper can be tricky
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Junior Beauty Editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism.