
Tanner is a sweet, dark chocolate drink that has been enjoyed for years. The recipe typically includes cocoa powder, which can be expensive and difficult to find in some parts of the world. This blog post offers five different ways you can achieve tanner’s taste without using cocoa powder. All recipes are vegan-friendly! I hope these help save money on your grocery bill and keep you healthy!
The article provides 5 alternatives to make DIY Tanner Without Cocoa Powder. These options make it easy for anyone who loves tanner but doesn’t want to spend their whole paycheck on it!
Cocoa Powder and Self-Tanning
Cocoa, or cacao, is the dried and fermented seed of a tropical tree. It’s not chocolate! The word “chocolate” refers to food items that contain both cocoa solids and cocoa butter as their main ingredients. Cocoa beans are processed into an ingredient called cocoa powder which still contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter, but is much more affordable than pure chocolate.
Cocoa is often used in self-tanning products because it contains tyrosine and phenylalanine – both of which stimulate melanin production and give skin an even tone.
Cocoa powder can be found in regular grocery stores or online at Amazon. It’s often sold with baking items like flour and sugar since it has so many uses!
The article explains how to make healthy alternatives for tanners without the need of expensive ingredients such as cocoa powder. It provides an ingredient list and specific instructions for each recipe, which are all vegan-friendly!
5 Homemade Self-Tanning Recipes Without Cocoa Powder
Homemade self tanning recipes without cocoa powder can be made with a variety of resources. Listed here are the best ones:
Oatmeal (or Finely Ground Almonds) and Coffee
Both contain tyrosine which stimulates melanin production.
Ingredients:
- Ground coffee
- Finely ground almonds or oatmeal.
Instructions: Combine ingredients in a bowl with water to create a paste. Add more almond/oatmeal for darker tanners, and add more coffee for lighter tanners. Apply the mixture to skin with gloves on your hands or exfoliating mitts. Allow the mixture to dry. The longer you can let it sit, the darker your tan will be; if you need to quickly rinse off in between applications this is fine too!
Honey and Cinnamon
Cinnamon contains phenylalanine which stimulates melanin production like cocoa powder would (but cinnamon doesn’t taste nearly as good!).
Honey is a natural moisturizer, so it can help keep your skin hydrated while you tan.
Ingredients:
- Raw honey (make sure there are no extra ingredients in the kind of honey that you choose)
- Cinnamon powder
Instructions: Combine ingredients in a bowl with water to create a paste. Use gloves on your hands or exfoliating mitts to apply the paste. Allow the paste to dry for a few hours before applying it, allowing it sufficient time to absorb into your skin but not too long where you will feel uncomfy.
Coconut oil and Brown Sugar
Both of these ingredients make it easier to achieve a smooth, streak-free tan! They can also moisturize your skin while you apply the mixture. Coconut oil smells incredible in case you were wondering…just like a tropical vacation! If you don’t want coconut scent lingering on your skin once you rinse it off, then try using a different oil like olive or grape seed.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Oil (make sure there is no water in the kind of coconut oil that you choose)
- Brown sugar
Instructions: Combine ingredients in a bowl with water to create a paste. Apply the mixture to skin with gloves on your hands or exfoliating mitts. Allow several hours for the mixture to dry on your skin so that it has time to absorb, but not too long where you will become irritated.
Coconut Milk and Sea Salt
Coconut oil is great as a moisturizer for your skin, while sea salt can exfoliate. The combination of these two ingredients will leave you feeling silky smooth! If the mixture is too thick for your liking, just add more coconut milk until it becomes easier to spread onto skin.
Ingredients:
- Coconut Milk
- Sea Salt
Instructions: Combine ingredients in a bowl with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to your skin with gloves on or exfoliating mitts. Allow plenty of time for the solution to permeate into your skin, but not so long that you develop a rash.
Mashed Bananas and Oatmeal
Both bananas and oatmeal are great for the skin. Bananas can be used as a moisturizer, while oatmeal is an exfoliant that leaves your skin feeling soft! The sugars in the banana will also help you achieve a natural glow without all of those strange ingredients like cocoa powder or bronzers. Oats contain vitamin E and essential fatty acids which leaves your skin feeling and looking amazing!
Ingredients:
- Banana
- Ground oatmeal (or finely ground almonds)
- water or milk, as needed to create a paste
Instructions: Mix ingredients in a bowl with water or milk to create a paste. Apply the mixture to your skin using gloves on, exfoliating mitts, or just your hands! The longer you can let it sit without rinsing off for an even darker tan.
What are some other recipes for Natural Self Tanners?
There is a great recipe is using tea as the main ingredient, and it gives your skin a nice glow without any harmful chemicals! You can also try using pureed pumpkin or yogurt instead of cocoa powder to reduce the smell. Just remember to always test before applying all over your body, and store the mixture in a cool dry place to prevent bacteria growth.

What are some precautions when using natural Self Tanners?
- Since there is no preservative in homemade solutions, you will need to store them away from sunlight and heat (which can cause bacteria growth) or else they may go bad faster than expected! Store your solution in a cool dry place like your fridge, and try to use it within a few weeks.
- Do not apply natural self tanners on broken or irritated skin – you do not want any bacteria from the product getting into an open area! Also, test your solution before applying it all over your body just in case there is something that could cause irritation for certain people with sensitive skin.
- Do not leave clothes on while you are applying the solution, and make sure to rinse off hands thoroughly after application.
What are the Advantages of Homemade Natural Self Tanners?
There are advantages and disadvantages to making your own self tanners without using cocoa powder.
Advantages:
- Homemade natural self tanning products do not contain any harsh chemicals, preservatives, or other harmful ingredients which can irritate your skin.
- They also smell better than some store-bought varieties!
- It is not expensive to make your own natural self tanner, and you can create a solution that is customized to work for you.
Disadvantages:
- The smell might be off putting at first! You will have to allow plenty of time for the mixture to dry on your skin before rinsing it off so that you do not end up rinsing off the tanner before it has had time to absorb into your skin.
- The application process can be time-consuming and messy, depending on what recipe you use. Also, some people have sensitive skin which could react negatively to one or more ingredients used in a specific mixture. Be sure to test any new product before using it all over your body!
These are things worth considering before making your own self-tanner.
Tips for DIY Tanner Without Cocoa Powder?
Tips for making your own DIY natural self tanner without cocoa powder include:
- Wear gloves when applying the mixture to skin, and make sure you are using an exfoliating mitt or some other protective barrier so that you do not accidentally stain your palms.
- Use more of certain ingredients if needed (like more sugar) in order to achieve a darker color.
- Test any new recipe on a small patch of skin first before applying it all over your body! It’s important to be safe and not end up rinsing off the tanner too early so that you do not have an uneven tan.
- Don’t wait until the last minute to apply sunless tanners as they need time to dry and absorb into skin.
- Make sure that you apply a thick coating and wait for it to dry before getting dressed, as the baking soda will cause some staining on clothes if they are not allowed enough time to set!
- Don’t forget your lips – use natural lip balm or petroleum jelly as an alternative so that you don’t end up with brown lips.
- Don’t forget to moisturize after applying your DIY natural self tanner! It will help the color last longer and prevent it from flaking off your skin.
Follow these helpful tips and you will be on your way to a perfect, natural looking glow without the use of cocoa powder and other harmful chemicals!
How to Remove a Self-Tanning Lotion?
Instructions: If you want to remove a self-tanning lotion, first make sure that it is one of the easier ones on your skin – if not then use baby oil or some other gentle body wash and scrub gently. Rinse well with warm water before applying moisturizer!
If your homemade natural self tanner recipe uses sugar, you can also scrub it off with a damp washcloth. If your recipe uses baking soda then use an exfoliating mitt or sponge to gently remove the dead skin and tanner before rinsing well.
If you have sensitive skin, do not try to rub too hard as this will only irritate the area further! Instead, use a very gentle body wash with moisturizing properties to remove the tanner.
To prevent staining clothing, wear dark clothes until you are sure that your skin is completely dry and free of any self-tanning solution.
FAQs
What is the difference between natural and organic self tanners?
Natural sunless tanning products use ingredients like cocoa powder, coconut oil, oatmeal, etc. instead of bronzers or other additives to create a nice glow without any harmful chemicals being absorbed by your skin.
Organic self tanners also use natural ingredients, but the difference is that organic products must meet specific standards of production. Organic self tanners can be more expensive than natural ones because they are more regulated and monitored by government agencies to ensure consumer safety.
What is the best way to achieve a sunless tan?
Exposure to UV rays from sunlight will give you an instant glow, but it is not the safest way! If you must use natural sunless tanning products, be sure to wear protective clothing and apply in small sections.
When should I use natural self tanning products?
Natural self tanners can be used any time of year – they are not just for summer! If you want a darker, deeper color, simply apply the mixture again until it reaches your desired level. Once you achieve a nice bronze glow, maintain it by applying every few days to keep up the color!
What is the best way to apply natural self tanners?
The most important thing to remember when applying tanning products is not to miss any spots! Use a circular motion to ensure that you are getting an even tan all over.
Apply in small sections and allow plenty of time for the product to dry before dressing. If it feels sticky, then it is not ready yet! Don’t forget your neckline, chest, hands/feet, elbows/knees or other areas prone to getting streaks or an uneven tan.
How long does it take for a natural self tanner to last?
The length of time your tan will last depends on the ingredients used and how you maintain it.
Natural self tanners are safe for your skin, but will fade over time if not maintained. The best way to keep up the color is by applying tanner every few days – or until you achieve a nice bronze glow!
Final Thought
There are many different ways to tan your hide without the use of cocoa powder. With so many options out there, it can be hard deciding which one is right for you and your product. Some methods may cost more than others or take longer but by experimenting with all 5 we found that they each have their own benefits depending on what you need. We hope this post has been helpful in helping you decide how to get a great looking tanned hide at home!
