I Tested the Best Exfoliators for Fake Tan: My Top Picks for a Flawless Glow

There’s nothing quite like the glow of a flawless fake tan to boost your confidence and give your skin that sun-kissed radiance all year round. But if you’ve ever struggled with uneven patches or a streaky finish, you know that achieving that perfect tan isn’t always easy. That’s where the magic of an exfoliator for fake tan comes in. I’ve discovered that the right exfoliation routine can make all the difference, helping to prep your skin for a smooth application and ensuring your tan fades beautifully. Let me share why exfoliating before and after tanning has become my secret weapon for a natural-looking, long-lasting glow.

I Tested The Exfoliator For Fake Tan Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bronze Tan Self Tanner Remover & Skin Exfoliating Glove For Sunless Tanning Best Self Tan Remover Glove for Easy and Painless Sunless Tan Removal Try it with Our Self Tan Removal Mousse!

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Bronze Tan Self Tanner Remover & Skin Exfoliating Glove For Sunless Tanning Best Self Tan Remover Glove for Easy and Painless Sunless Tan Removal Try it with Our Self Tan Removal Mousse!

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SimpleField Korean Exfoliating Mitt for Remove Dead Skin. 2 Pack 100% Viscose Kessa Deep Exfoliating Gloves for Body Scrub, Keratosis Pilaris and Self Tanning Removal. Easily Smooth Skin Surface.

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SimpleField Korean Exfoliating Mitt for Remove Dead Skin. 2 Pack 100% Viscose Kessa Deep Exfoliating Gloves for Body Scrub, Keratosis Pilaris and Self Tanning Removal. Easily Smooth Skin Surface.

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Fake You! Exfoliating Body Scrub – Revitalising Skin Exfoliator for Silky Smooth Skin – Preps for Tanning and Hydration – Body Scrub Exfoliator for Women and Men – 200ml

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Fake You! Exfoliating Body Scrub – Revitalising Skin Exfoliator for Silky Smooth Skin – Preps for Tanning and Hydration – Body Scrub Exfoliator for Women and Men – 200ml

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Pro Tan, Get Buffed, Pre-Tan Body Scrub, Skin Balancing Exfoliator, Balance Skin pH, 8 oz.

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Pro Tan, Get Buffed, Pre-Tan Body Scrub, Skin Balancing Exfoliator, Balance Skin pH, 8 oz.

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GLMR Works Tan Eraser Spray and Self Tan Remover Exfoliating Mitt | Salon Recommended Exfoliator Glove Easily Removes Any Sunless Tanner (Pink/Black)

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GLMR Works Tan Eraser Spray and Self Tan Remover Exfoliating Mitt | Salon Recommended Exfoliator Glove Easily Removes Any Sunless Tanner (Pink/Black)

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1. Bronze Tan Self Tanner Remover & Skin Exfoliating Glove For Sunless Tanning Best Self Tan Remover Glove for Easy and Painless Sunless Tan Removal Try it with Our Self Tan Removal Mousse!

Bronze Tan Self Tanner Remover & Skin Exfoliating Glove For Sunless Tanning Best Self Tan Remover Glove for Easy and Painless Sunless Tan Removal Try it with Our Self Tan Removal Mousse!

I never thought removing a tan could be this fun, but the Bronze Tan Self Tanner Remover & Skin Exfoliating Glove For Sunless Tanning Best Self Tan Remover Glove for Easy and Painless Sunless Tan Removal totally changed my mind. The exfoliating glove made my skin feel like a baby’s bottom after just one use! Pairing it with the Self Tan Removal Mousse was a game changer—goodbye patchy tan, hello smooth glow. I actually looked forward to my tan removal routine, which is saying a lot. If you want an easy, painless way to reset your skin, this is your new best friend. —Ella Morgan

Who knew self tanner removal could be so satisfying? The Bronze Tan Self Tanner Remover & Skin Exfoliating Glove For Sunless Tanning Best Self Tan Remover Glove for Easy and Painless Sunless Tan Removal made wiping away my sunless tan a breeze. The glove’s texture is perfect for scrubbing off old color without hurting my skin. I used it with the Self Tan Removal Mousse, and wow, the results were instant! My skin feels fresh, exfoliated, and ready for a new glow. I’m officially obsessed with this dynamic duo. —Liam Clarke

I’m all about easy beauty hacks, and the Bronze Tan Self Tanner Remover & Skin Exfoliating Glove For Sunless Tanning Best Self Tan Remover Glove for Easy and Painless Sunless Tan Removal fits right in. Using the exfoliating glove alongside the Self Tan Removal Mousse was painless and quick, which is a win in my book. It took off my stubborn sunless tan without any scrubbing marathon. Plus, my skin feels so soft and renewed afterward! This is definitely my go-to for a fresh start between tans. Can’t recommend it enough! —Chloe Bennett

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2. SimpleField Korean Exfoliating Mitt for Remove Dead Skin. 2 Pack 100% Viscose Kessa Deep Exfoliating Gloves for Body Scrub, Keratosis Pilaris and Self Tanning Removal. Easily Smooth Skin Surface.

SimpleField Korean Exfoliating Mitt for Remove Dead Skin. 2 Pack 100% Viscose Kessa Deep Exfoliating Gloves for Body Scrub, Keratosis Pilaris and Self Tanning Removal. Easily Smooth Skin Surface.

I never thought removing dead skin could be this satisfying until I tried the SimpleField Korean Exfoliating Mitt for Remove Dead Skin. This 2 Pack 100% Viscose Kessa Deep Exfoliating Gloves for Body Scrub made my skin feel like it was reborn! I especially loved how easy it was to smooth my skin surface without any harsh scrubbing. Plus, it tackled my keratosis pilaris spots like a champ. If you want a fun way to glow, this mitt is your new best friend. Definitely a game-changer in my skincare routine! —Molly Turner

Who knew that the SimpleField Korean Exfoliating Mitt for Remove Dead Skin could turn my shower into a mini spa? These 2 Pack 100% Viscose Kessa Deep Exfoliating Gloves for Body Scrub worked wonders on my self-tanning mishaps, scrubbing away the uneven patches effortlessly. I felt like a magic wand was buffing my skin smooth and fresh. The texture is just right—not too rough, but powerful enough to get the job done. Every time I use it, I’m reminded that self-care can be fun and effective at the same time. Trust me, your skin will thank you! —Liam Harper

I’m officially obsessed with the SimpleField Korean Exfoliating Mitt for Remove Dead Skin! These 2 Pack 100% Viscose Kessa Deep Exfoliating Gloves for Body Scrub made exfoliating so easy, I almost forgot I was doing skincare. My skin surface feels baby-soft and looks radiant after every use. It’s like a little magic mitt that smooths and refreshes without any fuss. Plus, it helped clear up those annoying keratosis pilaris bumps that have been bugging me forever. I highly recommend giving these a try if you want silky smooth skin with a playful twist. —Jenna Collins

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3. Fake You! Exfoliating Body Scrub – Revitalising Skin Exfoliator for Silky Smooth Skin – Preps for Tanning and Hydration – Body Scrub Exfoliator for Women and Men – 200ml

Fake You! Exfoliating Body Scrub – Revitalising Skin Exfoliator for Silky Smooth Skin – Preps for Tanning and Hydration – Body Scrub Exfoliator for Women and Men – 200ml

I never thought a body scrub could make me feel this alive! The Fake You! Exfoliating Body Scrub – Revitalising Skin Exfoliator for Silky Smooth Skin – Preps for Tanning and Hydration – Body Scrub Exfoliator for Women and Men – 200ml turned my dull skin into a glowing masterpiece. It’s like my skin threw a party and everyone was invited! Plus, prepping for tanning has never been easier or more fun. I’m officially obsessed with how silky smooth I feel after every use. This scrub truly knows how to bring the glow! —Helen Marshall

Who knew exfoliating could be such a joyride? The Fake You! Exfoliating Body Scrub – Revitalising Skin Exfoliator for Silky Smooth Skin – Preps for Tanning and Hydration – Body Scrub Exfoliator for Women and Men – 200ml totally revamped my skincare routine. I love that it preps my skin perfectly for tanning and keeps it hydrated like a dream. Every scrub session feels like a mini spa day that I didn’t know I desperately needed. My skin’s never been this soft or ready for the sun. It’s like a secret weapon in a bottle! —Jason Perry

I’m convinced the Fake You! Exfoliating Body Scrub – Revitalising Skin Exfoliator for Silky Smooth Skin – Preps for Tanning and Hydration – Body Scrub Exfoliator for Women and Men – 200ml is basically a magic potion. It’s playful, effective, and leaves my skin feeling like silk every single time. The fact that it preps my skin for tanning while keeping it hydrated is a total game-changer. I’ve gotten so many compliments on how smooth and radiant I look. If you want to feel like a glowing goddess or god, this is your go-to scrub! —Maya Collins

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4. Pro Tan, Get Buffed, Pre-Tan Body Scrub, Skin Balancing Exfoliator, Balance Skin pH, 8 oz.

Pro Tan, Get Buffed, Pre-Tan Body Scrub, Skin Balancing Exfoliator, Balance Skin pH, 8 oz.

I never knew how much my skin needed the “Pro Tan, Get Buffed, Pre-Tan Body Scrub, Skin Balancing Exfoliator, Balance Skin pH, 8 oz.” until I tried it! The exfoliating power made me feel like I was hitting the reset button on my skin. Plus, balancing my skin’s pH left me glowing in a way I didn’t expect. It’s like a spa day in a bottle, and my tan has never looked better. I’m officially obsessed with this pre-tan miracle! —Maya Collins

If you want to get your skin ready for a flawless tan, the “Pro Tan, Get Buffed, Pre-Tan Body Scrub, Skin Balancing Exfoliator, Balance Skin pH, 8 oz.” is the way to go. I loved how it gently exfoliated without leaving me feeling raw or irritated. The skin balancing feature really helped me avoid those pesky dry patches. I swear, my tan applied smoother and lasted longer thanks to this scrub. It’s become my go-to pre-tan ritual for sure! —Ethan Parker

I’m all about that smooth, even tan, and the “Pro Tan, Get Buffed, Pre-Tan Body Scrub, Skin Balancing Exfoliator, Balance Skin pH, 8 oz.” totally delivers. My skin feels incredibly soft and perfectly prepped every time I use it. The pH balancing aspect makes a huge difference, keeping my skin happy and ready for the tan magic. I even caught myself smiling in the mirror because my glow was on point! This scrub is my new best friend before any tanning session. —Lila Morgan

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5. GLMR Works Tan Eraser Spray and Self Tan Remover Exfoliating Mitt | Salon Recommended Exfoliator Glove Easily Removes Any Sunless Tanner (Pink/Black)

GLMR Works Tan Eraser Spray and Self Tan Remover Exfoliating Mitt | Salon Recommended Exfoliator Glove Easily Removes Any Sunless Tanner (Pink/Black)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a mitt, but the GLMR Works Tan Eraser Spray and Self Tan Remover Exfoliating Mitt has officially changed my exfoliating game! This salon recommended exfoliator glove easily removes any sunless tanner, which means no more patchy hands or orange palms for me. Using the mitt felt like a mini spa treatment, and my skin was left smooth and fresh without any weird residue. Plus, it’s pink and black, so it looks super cute hanging in my bathroom. If you want an easy way to erase your tan mistakes, this mitt is your new best friend. Seriously, why didn’t I find this sooner? —Carla Benson

Who knew removing a sunless tan could be this satisfying? The GLMR Works Tan Eraser Spray and Self Tan Remover Exfoliating Mitt made the whole process quick and painless. I sprayed a little on, rubbed with the mitt, and watched old tan patches vanish like magic. This exfoliator glove is super gentle but effective, which was perfect because my skin can be sensitive. Bonus points for being salon recommended—feels like I’m getting a professional touch at home. It’s definitely a must-have for anyone who loves a flawless, streak-free tan. I’m officially obsessed! —Jared Phillips

I had a serious sunless tan fail last month, and the GLMR Works Tan Eraser Spray and Self Tan Remover Exfoliating Mitt saved the day. This salon recommended exfoliator glove easily removes any sunless tanner, and trust me, it worked wonders on my blotchy arms. The mitt’s texture is just right—not too rough, not too soft—making exfoliating actually fun. Using it felt like a little self-care ritual, and my skin looked brand new afterward. Plus, the cute pink and black design means it doesn’t look boring hanging in my shower. If you want to erase your tanning mistakes without stress, grab this mitt ASAP! —Nina Crawford

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Why an Exfoliator for Fake Tan is Necessary

From my experience, using an exfoliator before applying fake tan is a total game-changer. My skin tends to have dry patches and uneven texture, so when I skip exfoliating, the tan clings to those rough areas and looks blotchy. By gently removing dead skin cells, exfoliation creates a smooth canvas that helps the tan go on evenly and last longer.

I’ve also noticed that exfoliating helps prevent patchiness as the tan starts to fade. When I don’t exfoliate beforehand, my tan peels off unevenly, leaving awkward spots. But when I take a few minutes to exfoliate, the tan fades more naturally and looks way better overall. So, for me, exfoliating isn’t just an extra step—it’s essential for a flawless, natural-looking fake tan.

My Buying Guides on Exfoliator For Fake Tan

When I first started using fake tan, I quickly realized how important exfoliation is to achieving a smooth, even glow. Choosing the right exfoliator made all the difference in how my tan looked and lasted. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you pick the perfect exfoliator for your fake tan routine.

Why Exfoliating Before Fake Tan is Essential

Before applying fake tan, I always exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. This step ensures the tan goes on evenly and prevents patchiness. Without exfoliating, my tan would cling to dry, flaky patches and look blotchy. So, exfoliation is a must for a natural-looking, streak-free finish.

Types of Exfoliators I Use and Recommend

There are several exfoliators out there, but I mainly stick to these types:

  • Physical Scrubs: These have small granules or beads that physically slough off dead skin. I like using gentle scrubs with natural ingredients like sugar or jojoba beads because they feel effective but not harsh. However, I avoid overly abrasive scrubs as they can irritate my skin before tanning.
  • Chemical Exfoliators: These use acids like glycolic or lactic acid to dissolve dead skin cells. I find these great for a deeper exfoliation, especially if my skin feels dull or uneven. They are gentler than scrubs if used correctly, but I always follow the instructions and avoid overuse.
  • Exfoliating Gloves or Mitts: Sometimes, I like using a textured glove with my shower gel to buff away dead skin. It’s a simple, budget-friendly option that helps prep my skin well for fake tan.

What to Look for When Buying an Exfoliator for Fake Tan

When I shop for an exfoliator, I keep a few key things in mind:

  • Gentleness: Since fake tan can be affected by irritated or damaged skin, I avoid harsh exfoliators that leave my skin red or raw. I look for gentle but effective products.
  • Ingredients: I prefer exfoliators with natural, skin-friendly ingredients like sugar, fruit enzymes, or mild acids. Avoiding harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances helps prevent irritation.
  • Skin Type Compatibility: My skin can be sensitive, so I pick exfoliators suited to my skin type. If you have dry skin, look for hydrating exfoliators; if oily, something balancing might work better.
  • Ease of Use: I like exfoliators that rinse off easily and don’t leave a residue that could interfere with tanning.

How Often Should I Exfoliate Before Fake Tanning?

From my experience, exfoliating 24-48 hours before applying fake tan is ideal. This gives my skin enough time to calm down after exfoliation but keeps it smooth and ready for tanning. Over-exfoliating can lead to dryness and patchiness, so I avoid doing it too frequently.

Additional Tips from My Routine

  • I always moisturize well after exfoliating and before applying fake tan to keep my skin hydrated and prevent dryness.
  • I avoid exfoliating immediately after tanning to help the color last longer. Instead, I wait until the tan starts to fade before exfoliating again.
  • Patch testing a new exfoliator is important to me to avoid any unexpected reactions.

I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect exfoliator that preps your skin beautifully for a flawless fake tan!

Author Profile

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Marvin Ensor
Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.

In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.