Safe sun: Thermalabs Organic self tanner

TANNER I’ll be the first one to admit it.  If I ever look tan, it’s probably fake.

I like to think of myself as a self-tanning affectionado.  Years of self tanning means trying different brands, mastering the art of application, and getting the technique downpat.

Although I usually reserve my self tanning for the summertime season or if I’m going on a vacation, I recently went more blonder with my ombre, so I’ve found that darker skin and blonde hair go hand in hand (I’m seriously so pale). As a result, whatever winter, I’m so over you, I’m breaking out the tanner. I just need it in my life.

When it comes to tanner, I’m at a point in my life where I know what I like and what works best for me. My favourite formula is a mousse one, where you apply it with a mitt.  This way you see the colour, it dries almost immediately and I find it’s a faster process than a cream. With that being said, a part of me is still hesitant about the safety of self tanning.  I know it’s the “safest” way to tan, but anything that changes the colour of your skin… I’m not so sure.  I do have this theory that I have yet to actually prove, but I find that often when I apply the tanner at night (so it develops overnight) I have found that I get a cold a few days later.  Not sure if its a coincidence or what, but I’m somewhat hesitant to apply my beloved tanner nowadays (getting a cold is just not worth it).  Please let me know if this ever happens to you, I’m sure I’m the only one out there that this happens to.

Anyways, all this rambling brings me to a new tanner that I’ve tried recently that is organic. The Thermalabs Organic Self Tanner is a lotion formula that has certified organic ingredients in it, including avocado oil, olive oil, shea butter, cocoa seed butter and aloe leaf juice. This one works like all the others, apply it at night and when you wake up, you’ll have a nice tan.

Before After

It doesn’t have the nicest packaging, but it certainly does the trick. I find a lot of tanners are quite gradual, but that isn’t the case with this one. I applied this stuff at night and when I woke up I was nicely tan.  The colour was dark enough that I felt a second application wasn’t needed, but if it was summertime, I probably would apply it at least another time to get a touch darker.

This product is available off Amazon.com, but keep in mind it’s quite “no frills”.  It’s a white lotion that develops colour over time.  Therefore, you have to really make sure you blend it well because you won’t see where you put the product.  If it’s uneven you will wake up streaky. Also, it does have a scent; not as bad as other tanners out there (although I have found that self tanners have gotten better with their fragrances over time). Overall though, for $19.99 USD, this stuff is great.  An organic tanner that leaves you nice and bronze (not too orangey) for 20 bucks?  It’s worth it.

As for longevity, I applied it on Sunday night and the colour was still visible by Friday, so definitely longer wearing than others I have tried. Also, keep in mind that I’m a fitness instructor (AKA sweating and showering every day, sometimes multiple times a day), so for this stuff to last this long is pretty impressive.  One more thing, typically when you apply tanner you are supposed to shower after the colour has developed to get rid of the colour guard, which will make you look lighter than you looked after it developed.  This product kept the colour pretty spot on, so huge kudos for that.

Thermalabs does have a satisfaction guarantee policy, so if you don’t like the results you get you can ship it back and get a full refund.  If you apply it properly though, I don’t see anyone not liking this product.

What’s your favourite self tanner?

Please note, I was sent this product for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.

Like what you read? Check out these related posts.


Sephora.com, Inc.