self-tanner

noun

self-tan·​ner ˌself-ˈta-nər 

: a product (such as one containing dihydroxyacetone) that when applied to the skin reacts chemically with its surface layer to give the appearance of a suntan

Examples of self-tanner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ingredients Before booking one, preparation is key: avoid lotions, oils, or self-tanners on treatment day, and discontinue exfoliants or retinoids 48 hours beforehand. —Pooja Shah, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Combining that with a gradual self-tanner can also help blend the line for a more even appearance. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

Use self-tanners instead of tanning outside or using a tanning bed. —Alex Vance, Parents, 18 Aug. 2025

Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion, my favorite natural self-tanner, by far! —Emilee Coblentz, packages editor, Outside 5. —The Editors, Outside Online, 19 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-tanner

• banner
• branner
• canner
• fanner
• kanner
• manner
• manor
• planner
• scanner
• spanner
• tanner

Medical Definition

self-tanner

noun

self-tan·​ner -ˈtan-ər 

: a cosmetic product (as one containing dihydroxyacetone) that when applied to the skin reacts chemically with its surface layer to give the appearance of a tan