Discover tips for flawless fake tan application as our experts explain how our organic self tans work safely with your skin to give you a natural faux glow.
At a glance:
- Green People self tans offer a safe, sunless way to achieve a natural, skin-kissed glow at home
- Fake tan works by reacting with skin’s amino acids to create a temporary tan-like colour (melanoidin)
- Green People uses natural tanning agents: DHA (from sugar cane) and Erythrulose (from red berries)
- Choose drops for customisable, gradual colour (ideal for face or beginners) and lotion for larger areas
- Proper prep is essential: exfoliate first to ensure smooth, streak-free application.
- Self tan typically lasts 3–5 days; longevity improves with gentle care and Erythrulose-based formulas
Why use self tan?
Whether heading on a beach break or dressing up for a night out, a fake tan is an easy, sunless way to lift your look with a soft, subtle, skin-kissed glow. Best of all, it can be applied at home without needing expensive salon trips.
To achieve a genuinely natural faux glow, organic self tan is the way to go. Easy to apply and quick to dry, our foolproof fake tans are certified organic and perfect for home tanning.
“A beautiful nourishing glow that is a gradual change, leaves your skin smelling and feeling amazing!” Kitty B.
Shop our organic self tan collection here.
How does fake tan work?
So, how does self tan work? All types of fake tan use a tanning agent; once they are applied, they react with your skin’s amino acids. You will soon see the difference as your skin starts to tan.
The tan comes from Melanoidin, produced when your tanning agent and your skin’s amino acids react together.
Melanoidin has a very similar chemical structure to melanin (the skin-tanning dark pigment that your skin produces in reaction to sun exposure) and generates a temporary ‘tan-like’ colour.
We use two natural tanning agents in our fake tans. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is derived from sugar cane and is used in our natural and organic Self Tan Lotion. Erythrulose comes from sugar found in red berries, and is used in conjunction with DHA in our Liquid Gold Tanning Drops.
Types of self tan: tanning drops vs self tan lotion
So, now you know the science, where do you begin? And what type of self tan do you choose?
To help you choose the perfect organic self tan product, we’ve broken down the difference between our organic self tan lotion and organic self tan drops.
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Self Tan Lotion |
Age Defy+ Liquid Gold Tanning Drops |
Glow & Protect Gradual Tan with SPF |
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Use the tanning agent DHA only |
✔ |
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Uses DHA with Erythrulose |
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✔ |
✔ |
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Must be mixed with moisturiser |
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✔ |
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It can be applied to the face and body |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
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Develops within 24 hours |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
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Lasts for 3-5 days |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
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It can be applied direct to the skin |
✔ |
|
✔ |
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Is scent-free |
|
✔ |
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It has a light aroma |
✔ |
|
✔ |
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It gives a soft, subtle tan |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
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It can be built-up for a deeper tan |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
If you are tanning your face or are unsure how deep you’d like your tan, we’d advise starting with our Liquid Gold Tanning Drops. These allow you to control how much tanning agent you apply to the skin and are ideal for building up your confidence in using an at-home fake tan or tanning small areas, such as the face or the feet.
"I love that these drops are so easy to use: and you can adapt them to how much of a Golden glow you want. Just a couple of drops in the winter so you don’t look too pasty or another drop or 2 to give you a lovely tan in the summer. Easily mixed with your favourite moisturiser "- Val, verified buyer
Age Defy+ Liquid Gold Tanning Drops 30ml
Glow from head to toe with our scent-free certified organic tanning drops577.00 kr
If you are tanning a larger area of skin, such as your legs, torso, and arms, our Self Tan Lotion may be a more cost-effective way of tanning the body at home. It’s clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin and just as easy to apply.
Self Tan Lotion 150ml
Tan easily at home with this natural and organic self tan lotion412.00 kr
“Easy to use, and not streaky. As a tan novice was very pleased with the results”.- Rosanna, verified buyer
If you are going to be going out in the sun, combine your self tan with SPF with our Glow & Protect SPF30. With the twin tanning power of DHA and Erythrulose, this gradual tan just keeps giving. Expect a 4-5 day tan and sun-kissed radiance in every drop.
Glow & Protect SPF30 150ml
Glow, hydrate and protect in one intelligent step522.00 kr
“A very special suncream that protects and gives a gentle bronze glow at the same time. This is now my favourite suncream.”
How to prep your skin for fake tan
To achieve a saloon finish, we advise exfoliating before applying your fake tan. This simple prep step gives you a smooth canvas on which to apply your tan and reduces the likelihood of getting any streaks.
Our Exfoliating Hand & Body Scrub is ideal for prepping your skin for self tan, instantly smoothing over dry areas to leave the skin ready for tanning. If you make a tanning mistake, its gentle exfoliating action can also be used to erase any self tan mishaps.
Exfoliating Hand & Body Scrub 200ml
Treat your skin to berry bliss with this invigorating hand and body scrub275.00 kr
Tanning your face? Our Fruit Scrub Exfoliator can be used 1-2 times a week to smooth your skin before applying facial self tan. Oh-so gentle on sensitive skin, Aloe Vera and nourishing Shea Butter keep your complexion calm as you cleanse.
Fruit Scrub Exfoliator 50ml
Reveal a smoother compleion with this certified organic exfoliator330.00 kr
Achieve a flawless finish with our self tan tutorial.
How to apply self tan lotion
STEP 1: SMOOTH
Gently exfoliate to prep your skin for a smooth application.
STEP 2: APPLY
Apply self tan lotion using circular movements, taking care around the elbows, ankles and knees.
STEP 3: DRY
Wash your hands thoroughly. Allow self tan to dry before applying clothing, and your tan will develop within 2-3 hours.
STEP 4: RE-APPLY
To maintain your tan, re-apply after three days
Watch our self tan tutorial here.
Self Tan Lotion 150ml
Tan easily at home with this natural and organic self tan lotion412.00 kr
HOW TO APPLY SELF TAN DROPS
When using tanning drops, the more drops you add, the deeper your tan will be
STEP 1: BLEND
A little goes a long way. Blend 1-5 tanning drops with face serum or cream or 6-10 drops with body lotion.
STEP 2: TAN
Apply to freshly exfoliated skin and allow to dry before applying clothing. Wash hands thoroughly.
Watch our tanning drop tutorial here.
Age Defy+ Liquid Gold Tanning Drops 30ml
Glow from head to toe with our scent-free certified organic tanning drops577.00 kr
How to apply self tan with SPF
STEP 1: SMOOTH
Gently exfoliate to prep your skin for a smooth application.
STEP 2: APPLY
Apply Glow & Protect SPF30 using circular movements, taking care at the elbows, ankles and knees.
STEP 3: DRY
Wash your hands thoroughly. Allow gradual tan to dry before applying clothing, and your tan will start to develop within a few hours.
STEP 4: RE-APPLY
Reapply until you reach your desired tan depth. Maintain sun protection by applying SPF every 2-3 hours during daylight hours.
How long does fake tan last?
Self tan usually lasts around 3-5 days. A week tops. It starts to fade when your skin naturally sheds the surface cells.
If you want a longer-lasting tan, it's best to use our tanning drops or Glow & Protect gradual tanner. These contain Erythrulose, a tanning agent that develops slower than DHA but lasts longer.
Here are a few more tips for helping your fake tan to last longer.
- Avoid overwashing or bathing in hot water
- Do not excessively exfoliate your skin
- Re-apply your fake tan every few days
Is your self tan suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes, our organic fake tan products are dermatologically tested and clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin. They can be enjoyed at every life stage and by every skin type.
Sensitive skin? There are no drying alcohols or skin-irritating fake tan fragrances to worry about. All our organic fake tan products are suitable for those with dry and easily irritated skin.
They’re also pregnancy-safe, which is great for women who wish to switch from spray tan to self tan to avoid inhaling self tan fumes when pregnant. Browse pregnancy-safe fake tan now.
“Bought this product after a friend recommended it. I'm currently pregnant & have sensitive skin, especially to fake tan. So, I didn't want to use anything toxic or irritating. This stuff is perfect. No irritation & a light, subtle glow with no streaks. I would recommend it”.
Fake tan works by reacting with amino acids on the surface of your skin. This reaction produces melanoidin, which creates a temporary bronzed colour similar in appearance to a natural tan.
DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is a naturally derived tanning agent, often sourced from sugar cane. It is widely used in self tan products and is considered safe for cosmetic use. A small percentage of people have allergies to DHA so if you have a known sensitivity then it is best to avoid it.
Erythrulose is a natural tanning agent derived from red berries. It develops more slowly than DHA but typically lasts longer and helps create a more even fade.
Yes. Tanning drops are particularly well suited for facial use as you can control the depth of colour by adjusting the number of drops you use.
Most of our self tans begin developing within a few hours, with full colour usually visible within 24 hours.
Self tan generally lasts around 3–5 days, depending on your skin type and aftercare routine. Following application instructions should make your tan last longer.
We can help you choose the perfect fake tan for your skin type. Contact our friendly UK customer care team on 01403 740350 or tweet us at @GreenPeopleUK.
REVIEWED BY CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
This blog post has been reviewed by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
If you wish to republish this content, please credit Green People as the original creator with a link to 'Your essential guide to organic fake tan.' Please do not use an affiliate link.
