Self-tanners are most commonly offered as lotions, foams, and mousses.
Common scent options include fresh or lightly scented finishes, coconut or tropical fragrances, and unscented formulations for fragrance-sensitive skin.
Development times vary: express products can show color in as little as 1 hour; many mousses or express formulas are rinsed after about 1–4 hours; gradual lotions usually take several days (often up to a week) and may require 1–3 applications to build visible color.
Features that support even, streak-free results include streak-free formulations, a tinted guide color to make application easier, and fast‑drying or touch‑dry formulas that absorb quickly.
Express formulas are designed for quick development and can often be rinsed after about 1 hour (or left longer for a deeper color). Gradual tanning lotions are intended for daily use and build color over several days or multiple applications.
