9 Natural Self-Tanners That'll Give You a Safe and Healthy Glow

If you've ever wondered why you don't see more natural self-tanners in the world, it's because the main "tanning" ingredient in basically every self-tanner is a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA)—a color additive that reacts with the amino acids on the surface of your skin to leave you with a temporarily darkened skin tone. And while DHA is FDA-approved and widely considered a safe ingredient, it does make the hunt for a true, all-natural self-tanner pretty difficult. "There's technically no cause for concern when it comes to using DHA, but at the end of the day, it is a chemical, so it’s not like slathering oats or honey on your body," says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor at Yale.

That said, there are a handful of self-tanners that are formulated with 100 percent naturally derived DHA, along with other skin-friendly, organic ingredients (think: hydrating oils and butters that leave your skin super soft). So if you're looking for a more organic approach to the self-tanning game, you've come to the right place. Keep scrolling for the nine best non-toxic self-tanners on the market right now, all of which offer a safe, natural-looking glow.