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7 fake tan removers that actually work to remove every single trace

For when your golden glow is almost no longer

By Tiarne Blackwell

Content Producer / July 03 2023

We’ll be the first to admit that sometimes we wish life came with an ‘undo’ button.

Because we don’t know about you, but we’ve certainly committed our fair share of embarrassing crimes over the years. Think: sending risky texts, overplucking our brows and a few *very* tragic DIY haircuts, just to name a few.

Life may not have the luxury of such a button, but luckily there’s plenty of brands out there who have created one for your fake tan!

So, if your golden glow has run its course and you’re ready to bid the flaky remains adieu, read on to find the best solution for you...

Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser

The Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser is your quick-fix solution to any tan mishaps (we’ve all been there!). Think excessive application in-between your fingers, or flaky knees and elbows. Bondi Sands' breakthrough technology eliminates self-tan in only five minutes.

$19.95 at Adore Beauty

BodyBlendz Flake Away Fake Tan Remover Scrub

If your tan has overstayed its welcome and you're tired of patchy, uneven skin, why not give this one a whirl? Powerful and pain-free, it effectively sloughs off old self-bronzers and dry, dead skin cells, leaving skin silky smooth, illuminated, and ready for your next gorgeous tan.

$19.99 at BodyBlendz

Loving Tan Deluxe Tan Remover

Not to be dramatic, but this remover is destined to be in your life. Unlike many similar products, it smells good, doesn’t make your skin itchy and removes all traces of tan in just one shower with a tiny bit of scrubbing. Just remember to marinate for 10 minutes beforehand to reap the full benefits!

$25 at Sephora

Tan-Luxe Glyco Water Self Tanner Remover & Primer

This revolutionary self-tan remover, cleanser and skin primer is a winner in our eyes. Not only is it three-products-in-one (the lazy girl’s dream), but the formula is to die for. It harnesses the natural power of derived glycolic acid, gently exfoliating and breaking down remnants of self-tan, for skin that looks and feels brighter, and more hydrated.

$41 at Sephora

St.Tropez Prep & Maintain Tan Remover Mousse

Promising to remove all traces of tan in just a few minutes, you can’t go past this St.Tropez hero. An easy, gentle way to remove fake tan, it also acts as an effective primer for a longer-lasting tan. Simply apply it, leave it on for five minutes, rinse with warm water, and then get ready to live your best skin life.

$29 at ASOS

Eco Tan Exfoliating Glove

This brilliant reusable budget-buy ticks all the boxes. An absolute essential in the Eco Tan range, it's pretty much the jack of all trades. It can even be used as a dry body buff, or to remove ingrown hairs.

$19.50 at Myer

Tanologist Tan Eraser Primer

Here’s the glow down. If your skin needs a fresh start, this all-rounder can be used as both an eraser, and a pre-tan primer/exfoliating treatment. Powered by vegan glycolic acid to gently cleanse and resurface without stripping the skin, it’s the easiest way to remove traces of tan and prime skin for a fresh application. You can even use small amounts on a cotton pad as a quick fix for smaller mistakes.

$20.99 at The Iconic

Main image credit: @maryphillips

If you're looking for the perfect self-tanning product for sensitive skin, check out this guide for everything you need to know.

Tiarne Blackwell

Tiarne is BEAUTYcrew's Content Producer. Between crafting narratives about all things beauty, you might catch her indulging in an endless stream of TikTok videos and obsessing over her dog. Her words have also appeared across other mastheads such as Better Homes & Gardens, New Idea, Now To Love, Bounty Parents and more.