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Fix patchy tans fast: The best fake tan removers that actually work
Shed your streaky skin with a fake tan remover
Tested by Maria KumarBeauty and Grooming Testing Manager
When first applied, fake tan can leave you with a beautiful, fresh-from-holiday glow, minus the sun damage. However, give it a couple more days, and the cracks literally start to show. Cue patchy skin reminiscent of tiger bread. At this point, it’s time to grab the exfoliating gloves, and one of our tried and tested fake tan removers to help get rid of any extra clingy tan.
In theory, they sound like a god send for regular tanners and tanning first timers, so the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute put them to the test, to discover the fake tan removers that actually work.
We tasked our panel of beauty testers to try out the best formulas on the market. See below the ones that buffed out the bronze and brought skin back to its baseline again. Read on for further advice on how to effectively remove fake tan.
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We’ve also tried and tested some of the best fake tanning products, for you to eventually remove: Best fake tans | Best instant fake tans | Bondi Sands Ultra Dark Express tan review
What is a fake tan remover?
Tan removers are a foam or gel you apply to skin to help melt away old fake tan. They contain skin-friendly chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic or lactic acid, which help to break down the pigment of the fake tan, making it easier to remove.
How to remove fake tan
As with most things, prevention is better than cure. Which is why maintenance is an important factor in avoiding any major patchiness and uneven tan fading. Before applying any bottle bronze, exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells, which will stop product clinging to extra dry areas. Daily moisturising is then essential to ensure your tan looks fresh and fades evenly.
When the time comes to begin the dreaded shed, here are the steps you should take:
Apply tan remover
Start with applying either a foam or gel remover and leave it on the skin for the recommended time, which can be anywhere between five to 30 minutes. For an effective lift, it’s important that it fully absorbs into the skin. You might feel a slight tingle as it gets to work – this is the exfoliants breaking down the tan pigment.
Exfoliate
Once the recommended time has passed, it’s time to hop in the shower and get scrubbing. We’d recommend using exfoliating gloves to help lift, but you can also use a loofah (shower sponge) or any other exfoliating agent.
You may want to focus on drier areas (such as knees and elbows), as this is where tan is prone to cling.
Moisturise
Once you’ve thoroughly exfoliated, it’s time to step out of the shower and apply moisturiser to replenish and soften the skin.
It might take a couple of rounds to be completely free of your tan, but it’s important to be gentle on your skin to avoid any irritation.
How we test
We tasked 158 of our avid fake-tanning beauty panel members to try different tan removers over a two week period. At-home, they assessed how well the products removed their tan, especially on difficult areas such as elbows and knees. We also asked them to note whether they experienced any irritation or stinging, how easy it was to dispense and apply, and whether their skin was left smooth and hydrated afterwards.
In the lab, we rallied our ever-enthusiastic team of testers to apply fake tan onto their arms letting it develop for 72 hours, to then assess how well the tan removers worked by measuring pigment reduction using our Mexameter probe. We’re nothing if not dedicated.
Before you get any patchier, it’s time to fix that tan fast with one of the best removers below...
Pros
- Removes tan and primes the skin for the next application
- Suitable for face and body
Cons
- Some testers found the scent a little off-putting
Score: 85/100
The lightweight, mousse-like consistency of this remover is easy to apply all over, making it a doddle to achieve an even tone. It absorbs quickly into the skin and gets into those extra stubborn areas with ease (goodbye orange elbows and knees).
Most panel members agreed that in just five minutes, their patchy, inconsistent tans were replaced with a clear and glowing complexion. Science backs this scrub too, as when comparing before and after in the lab, it scored full marks for its efficacy at removing pigment.
Testers told us it wears away stubborn tan buildup “without stripping skin of moisture” while also working as a two-in-one primer for your next glow up.
Key specifications
| Type | Mousse remover and primer |
|---|---|
| Size | 200ml |
Pros
- Quick at removing tan
- Doesn’t cause irritation
Cons
- Some testers thought it felt slimy on skin (it is a gel)
Score: 80/100
This gel-based tan remover is ultra-hydrating. The sparkly pink product is formulated with glycerine, a nourishing humectant that draws moisture into the skin. It also contains soothing aloe vera to avoid irritation. The benefits of these ingredients were clearly felt on test, with many mentioning how soft skin felt after use, especially compared to others.
The gentle formula makes it good choice for those who use facial tanning products, as it won’t irritate delicate dry or blemish-prone areas. It was also quick and effortlessly removed, so you won’t need sandpaper-grade exfoliating gloves here.
When comparing skin before and after use in the lab, there was a significant reduction in pigment. With just a couple of applications, this product is likely to restore your skin to normal. Overall, it’s a great offering from the brand's founder, Vogue Williams – the queen of tanning herself.
Key specifications
| Type | Gel express remover |
|---|---|
| Size | 200ml |
Pros
- Leaves skin feeling smooth and hydrated
- Grainy but not scratchy
Cons
- Needed more than one application to remove tan from knees and elbows
Score: 78/100
Utilising crushed walnut shell grains to lift old tan and dead skin cells, skin was left feeling super soft and streak-free. It’s also formulated to reduce excess sebum (breakout inducing oils), for a clear complexion.
The product works effectively without causing irritation. According to one tester, it “wasn’t abrasive, but was powerful enough to remove dead skin and tan gradually.” While it may take a couple of applications to lift tan from the most stubborn areas, the delicious coconut scent makes it more appealing to reapply.
Key specification
| Type | Exfoliating scrub |
|---|---|
| Size | 200ml |
Pros
- Nice scent
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Didn’t remove tan as effectively as some other options
Score: 75/100
Not to be confused with the luxe St. Tropez tanning brand, St. Moriz is a front-runner for affordable tanning. Though moderately priced (at under £5!), it still did well at removing tan, but you’ll need to reapply it and pair with exfoliating mitts. One tester said it took around two to three applications on extra stubborn areas, such as in between the fingers.
It’s also a good idea to apply moisturiser after use, as one panel member said it left their skin feeling, “slightly dried out”. All in all, this budget buy smells lovely and removes a considerable amount of tan, but it does require a little more patience than pricier options tested.
Key specifications
| Type | Mousse remover |
|---|---|
| Size | 100ml |
Pros
- Speedy and effective
- Nice scent
Cons
- Messy application
Score: 75/100
Removing old tan can be laborious, but Rose and Caramel’s super-speedy gel eraser takes the task seriously. Simply scoop the product from the pot, apply for one minute and scrub off in the shower. Leaving it on for just 60 seconds was a “huge bonus” for one of our testers, who said they only had to go back for a second round on elbows, knees and extra streaky areas.
Once applied, your skin is in for a treat, as this scrub is formulated with hard-working yet gentle ingredients. Urea, the chemical exfoliant in this tub, helps loosen layers of pigment sitting on the skin. This works in harmony with perlite, an exfoliating mineral that draws out impurities and dead skin cells. While the scrub is both quick and gentle, testers noted that it can be messy, so take extra care during application.
Key specifications
| Type | Exfoliating scrub |
|---|---|
| Size | 100ml, 200ml or 440ml |
Pros
- Good consistency
- Easy to spread into skin
Cons
- Slightly drying for some
Score: 74/100
Get beach-ready with Bondi Sands’ self-tan eraser, designed to remove old pigment and prepare your skin for the next application. The pump dispenses a thick, quick-absorbing foam with no spillages. One tester even said they could apply it and complete other tasks while waiting for it to work – now that’s multitasking!
However, it did lose some marks for its scent, which some testers found a little overpowering. Despite this, the product is effective at restoring your skin back to its natural glory.
Key specifications
| Type | Gel eraser |
|---|---|
| Size | 200ml |
St. Tropez Tan Remover Mousse
Pros
- Lightweight texture
- Nice scent
Cons
- Takes a couple of applications to be effective
Score: 74/100
Beauty brand St. Tropez creates tanning products that give you the glow of two weeks on the sunny shores of Southern France. The range also includes this tan remover, perfect for when your faux bronze starts to fade and looks a little less ‘Cannes’ and a little more ‘sacré bleu’!
Testers loved the lightweight texture of this mousse. It’s ideal for those who opt for a light application of fake tan, as it took a few rounds to remove darker pigment. With some scrubbing, it left skin feeling smooth, soft, and, as one tester put it, “well-prepped to reapply a fresh layer of fake tan.”
Key specifications
| Type | Mousse remover |
|---|---|
| Size | 200ml |
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
Maria is our Beauty and Grooming Testing Manager, and since joining in mid-2022, she has managed the testing for mutiple categories including scalp scrubs, collagen supplements and retinol serums. In addition to her master's degree in chemical engineering and a diploma in cosmetic science, she recently received her MBA from the London College of Fashion, focusing on case studies within the beauty industry. Prior to joining the company, she worked within the global technical team at the Estee Lauder Companies for over six years, collaborating with the chemists and engineers to launch luxury beauty products at scale and to quality. She has also worked as a formulation scientist within the pharmaceutical industry and takes this evidence based approach into all her product testing.
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