Beauty by Earth Review: Clean Formulations, Self-Tanning, and Real-World Performance

Beauty by Earth is a U.S.-based personal care brand that claims to support hydration, improve moisture retention, and enhance skin radiance. It primarily manages concerns like dryness, dullness, uneven skin tone, and sun exposure.

The brand’s formulations commonly include aloe vera, green tea, shea butter, coconut oil, and natural clays. Its lineup covers categories such as self-tanning, skincare, sun care, body care, hair care, deodorants, and tools.

In this review, we look at the brand’s core offerings and assess the brand’s advantages and limitations. We also provide a comparison with similar brands and discuss real user experiences.

About Beauty By Earth

Founded by  Prudence Millsap and Ryan in 2014, Beauty by Earth focuses on natural, non-toxic formulations. The brand’s offerings include Self Tanner Body Lotion, Self Tanner Aloe Vera Gel, Magnesium Deodorants, Body Wash Shower Gel, and Body Scrubs.

The brand claims its formulations are free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic dyes, and petroleum-based components. It highlights USDA Organic certification, vegan certification, and Leaping Bunny certification for cruelty-free practices. The brand also states that it maintains non-GMO ingredient standards, operating as a plastic-neutral company.

Bestsellers

1. Magnesium Deodorants

   Magnesium Deodorants can help neutralize odor while allowing natural perspiration. It uses mineral-based and plant-derived ingredients to support underarm freshness and skin comfort.

   Magnesium hydroxide may help neutralize odor by altering the pH environment on the skin, making it less favorable for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. The product also includes orange peel to provide antimicrobial properties, which helps limit the growth of odor-causing microorganisms.

   The makers have added white tea extract as a source of polyphenols and catechins, which may provide antioxidant support and mild antibacterial effects. Shea butter is included as an emollient, which may help soften and condition the underarm skin while reducing dryness or friction.

2. Face Wash Cleansing Gel

   Face Wash Cleansing Gel removes dirt, oil, and surface impurities while supporting hydration and skin comfort through a combination of plant-derived ingredients. The formulation includes sea kelp, which may help retain moisture in the skin and soften dry areas while also providing anti-inflammatory support that could benefit acne-prone skin. It also contains organic aloe vera as a soothing agent, which may support hydration and reduce redness.

   The product also consists of cranberry extract for vitamin C, which contributes to antioxidant protection and supports skin elasticity by participating in collagen-related processes. Calendula flower extract provides antibacterial and soothing properties, which could help address surface impurities.

   According to the official website, the formulation also has Japanese green tea leaves, which reduce irritation and protect against environmental stressors through antioxidant activity.

3. Self Tanner Mousse Kit

   Self Tanner Mousse Kit is made to help create a bronzed appearance on the skin through a lightweight mousse formulation with an applicator mitt. It includes the self-tanning mousse along with an exfoliating mitt, a soft mitt, and a smaller finger mitt for more precise application on areas like the face or hands.

   The formulators have added chamomile flower extract, which may help soothe irritation and support skin comfort, especially for sensitive skin types. Organic witch hazel is also included to help reduce excess oil and provide mild astringent effects.

   The mousse also combines grape seed extract for antioxidant support while helping maintain skin elasticity through its fatty acid content. Vanilla essential oil is also included, which may contribute soothing properties and a mild scent profile while supporting skin conditioning.

4. Self Tanner Drops

   Self Tanner Drops create a gradual, customizable tan when mixed with your existing skincare or body care products. The formulation includes aloe vera as a primary soothing and hydrating component, which may help calm irritation and support moisture balance in the skin. Jojoba seed oil is included as an emollient that may help soften the skin and reinforce the barrier while contributing to more even-looking color application. The drops also contain cucumber fruit extract to provide additional hydration and calming effects.

5. Face Tanner Lotion

   Face Tanner Lotion develops a natural-looking bronzed tone while also supporting hydration and skin conditioning. It includes dihydroxyacetone as the primary tanning agent, which may react with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin to temporarily darken its appearance. This mechanism suggests that the resulting color remains on the surface layer and gradually fades as skin cells naturally shed. Aloe vera is included to help soothe irritation and provide hydration, supporting skin comfort during the tanning process.

6. Glowing & Radiant Organic Facial Oil

   As per the official site, the Glowing & Radiant Organic Facial Oil improves skin hydration, softness, and radiance through a combination of botanical oils and extracts. The composition combines lipid-rich base oils such as organic argan oil and jojoba seed oil. These oils help replenish the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss by developing a protective layer on the surface. Argan oil includes vitamin E and fatty acids, which may support skin elasticity and improve the appearance of dryness. Jojoba oil resembles the skin’s natural sebum and may help balance moisture levels and reduce visible irritation.

   The makers have also added pomegranate extract to provide antioxidant support through vitamins A and C. These vitamins are associated with collagen-related processes and protection against environmental stressors. Lavender flower oil in the formulation helps calm the skin and reduce redness.

7. Cleansing Face Scrub

   Cleansing Face Scrub removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and improves skin texture while maintaining hydration through plant-derived and mineral-based ingredients. The formulation includes aloe vera, which may help soothe inflammation and provide hydration through its content of vitamins and enzymes. It also includes lauryl glucoside as a mild surfactant, which may help lift dirt and oil from the skin by reducing surface tension.

   The scrub also comes with physical exfoliants such as bamboo stem powder and pumice, which may help remove dead skin cells through gentle abrasion. Bamboo powder also contributes to hydration and barrier support, while pumice may help clear buildup from pores and smooth uneven texture.

8. Sea Salt & Texturizing Spray

   Sea Salt & Texturizing Spray creates volume, definition, and a textured appearance while also supporting hair hydration and manageability. The product comes with sea salt, which may help create texture by increasing friction between strands and allowing them to hold shape more easily. This may contribute to added volume and wave definition when applied to damp hair and allowed to air dry. It also contains raspberry extract, which can help protect hair from environmental stress like UV exposure and pollution.

Beauty By Earth Advantage

1. Clean Formulation Standards

   Beauty By Earth structures its clean formulation standards around third-party verified cruelty-free compliance.

   The brand holds certification from Leaping Bunny, which requires that no animal testing occurs at any stage of product development, including ingredient sourcing, supplier processes, and third-party manufacturing.

   Compliance is maintained through independent audits and ongoing verification requirements defined under the Leaping Bunny program.

   The brand also highlights externally verified cruelty-free compliance. It validates practices across the full production chain, providing more transparent assurance that the brand’s products meet established cruelty-free standards.

Beauty By Earth Limitation

1. Limited Evidence On Formulation Innovation

   Beauty By Earth prioritizes ingredient transparency and accessibility over proprietary or technology-driven innovation. Its formulations are built around commonly used natural actives and established ingredient systems, and it does not use patented compounds, novel molecules, or brand-owned complexes. The brand does not prioritize advanced delivery systems such as liposomal encapsulation, nanotechnology-based carriers, or time-release mechanisms. It also does not hold exclusive patents or proprietary complexes.

Beauty By Earth Alternatives

1. GlowPro Tans

   GlowPro Tans builds its entire catalog around self-tanning with a strong emphasis on clearly labeled DHA percentages that determine how dark your tan develops. It offers a structured range that includes a 6% DHA no-rinse tan boosting body lotion, 8% DHA facial tanning and bronzing serums, and a 10% DHA universal dark mousse. The brand also features a 14% DHA mousse that is only available within tanning kits like the GlowPRO Complete Tanning Package and Starter Set, along with a 40% DHA customizable formula for face and body that allows advanced control over intensity. In comparison, Beauty By Earth combines tanning into a much wider product ecosystem that includes skincare, sunscreen, haircare, and body care. Its tanning lineup includes self-tanner body lotions, drops, mousses, sprays, and face-specific products like face self-tanner lotion, tanning water bronzing face mist, and face serum. However, these sit alongside products such as hyaluronic acid face cream, vitamin C serum, bakuchiol serum, magnesium deodorants, and SPF 30 and SPF 50 mineral sunscreens.

   GlowPro Tans focuses on performance by combining DHA with erythrulose that develops more slowly, adds a subtle red tone, and helps reduce orange tones, streaking, and uneven fading. The brand explains that DHA reacts with amino acids, which are present on the skin’s surface. It emphasizes that thicker skin areas can develop darker results due to higher amino acid availability.

   Beauty By Earth prioritizes ingredient safety and sourcing, using plant-based ingredients that are vegan certified, cruelty-free, and often USDA organic. It states that its formulations are made without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, triclosan, petroleum, gluten, and synthetic dyes or fragrances.

   Product structure and usability further separate the two brands in how you experience the routine. As per their official website, GlowPro Tans offers a tightly focused system designed to replicate a professional setup at home, including mousses, facial serums, mists, and supporting tools. These include a deluxe tanning mitt for mousse application, a kabuki blending brush for precise facial use, and a back applicator for hard-to-reach areas. Meanwhile, Beauty By Earth takes a more lifestyle-integrated approach by offering bundles like the self-tanner body lotion kit with an applicator mitt, alongside complementary products such as exfoliating gloves, body scrubs, and everyday essentials like body wash and facial cleansers.

   Customization is handled differently across both brands, reflecting their core priorities. GlowPro Tans gives you direct control over tanning intensity through specific DHA percentages. It allows you to choose between gradual 6% formulas, mid-range 8% and 10% options, or deeper 14% and customizable 40% concentrations depending on your desired outcome and skin response. In comparison, Beauty By Earth approaches customization through format and layering, offering light, medium, and dark variants across lotions and mousses, as well as tanning drops that can be mixed with other skincare products to build color gradually. Instead of relying on percentage-based precision, it focuses on flexibility and ease of use within an existing skincare routine.

   GlowPro Tans is built around precision, measurable inputs, and professional-level tanning results with a clearly defined system and higher-strength formulations. Beauty By Earth offers a broader, ingredient-conscious approach where tanning is combined into a full clean beauty routine supported by skincare, sun protection, and sustainability-focused practices.

2. Lux Unfiltered

   Lux Unfiltered builds its product lineup around sunless tanning as the central focus. Its specific offerings include the Summer Skin No.32 Gradual Self-Tanning Body Cream and On Holiday No.36 Tanning Mousse in Classic and Deep. These are complemented by hybrid products such as Golden Era Blurring Body Glow, and skincare extensions like N°Glass Daily Moisturizer, The Polish Gentle Exfoliator, and The Cleansing Balm. Beauty By Earth expands far beyond tanning into a full personal care range, including Self Tanner Body Lotion, Self Tanner Drops, and Self Tanner Body Spray, while also offering sunscreen lines, haircare products, and skincare options, including Hyperactive Vitamin C Serum. This makes Lux Unfiltered more specialized and tanning-centric, while Beauty By Earth functions as a broader, multi-category clean beauty brand.

   When it comes to formulation philosophy, Lux Unfiltered states that its products are vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without gluten, parabens, phthalates, silicones, or sulfates. It also combines sensorial elements into its formulations, such as signature scents like Vanilla Caviar in the Fountain of Youth Hand Cream and Sunlit Santal Eau De Parfum. Beauty By Earth places a stronger emphasis on ingredient safety and transparency, highlighting plant-based, organic formulations made without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic dyes or fragrances, triclosan, petroleum, or gluten. The brand supports this with references to Environmental Working Group ratings and positions its products as safe for families.

   In terms of product experience, Lux Unfiltered leans into a refined application process with tools like its premium microfiber tanning mitt, blending body brush, and face brush. It also offers curated sets such as the Mini Golden Hour Kit and value bundles like The Allure Winners, which combine gradual face and body tanners. Beauty By Earth offers a wider variety of practical tools, including applicator mitts, back applicators, exfoliating gloves, jade gua sha, derma rollers, dry brushes, and cellulite massagers. These are often included in functional bundles like the Self Tanner Lotion Kit with Applicator Mitt or 3 Tool Bundle, emphasizing usability and routine-building.

   As per their official website, Lux Unfiltered delivers a more elevated, tightly curated tanning-focused experience with premium pricing and aesthetic-driven branding. Meanwhile, Beauty By Earth offers a wider, more accessible clean beauty range grounded in organic ingredients, affordability, and sustainability.

How Did We Evaluate?

1. Brand Credibility

   To evaluate Beauty by Earth’s overall brand reputation, we looked at its presence on third-party review platforms such as Trustpilot, Sitejabber, and Reviews.io.

   At the time of writing, the brand has a limited footprint across these sites. Its Trustpilot profile contains only a small number of reviews, primarily from the 2023–2024 period, and there is little to no active presence on Sitejabber or Reviews.io.

   The brand is also not listed on the Better Business Bureau, meaning there is no publicly available record of complaints, dispute resolution history, or an official reliability rating.

   The limited presence across recognized third-party platforms restricts access to independent insights, making it more difficult to assess the brand’s credibility, reliability, and positioning.

2. Real User Experiences

   We assessed real user experiences for Beauty by Earth by reviewing customer feedback and ratings on Amazon for several of its products. Many users report positive experiences with products such as the Self Tanning Drops for Face, which holds a 4.2 out of 5 rating from over 6,000 reviews. Users frequently highlight the ability to customize color by adjusting the number of drops, noting that it blends easily with moisturizers and fits well into daily routines.

   Face Tanner has a 4.3 out of 5 rating from more than 3,000+ reviews and is often described as providing a natural-looking glow with gradual color development. However, some users mention that results can be subtle, require multiple applications, or occasionally appear uneven.

   The Self Tanner Mousse, which has a 4.1 out of 5 rating from 100+ reviews, shows more mixed feedback. While some users appreciate its lightweight texture and ease of application, others report issues such as streaking, patchiness, or uneven fading.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Beauty by Earth provide clear shade-matching guidance?
   Yes. The brand provides structured shade-matching guidance through an interactive Find Your Shade quiz and categorized recommendations. It groups people by skin tone, hair, and eye color, while suggesting lighter starting shades to help avoid overly dark or orange results.
2. Are Beauty by Earth products resistant to sweat or humidity?
   The brand highlights that its mineral sunscreens are formulated to be water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Their self-tanners, including mousse and face mist formats, are designed to resist moisture after full development, though performance can vary with heavy sweating.
3. Does Beauty by Earth support use on sensitive areas?
   The brand supports use on sensitive areas like the face through a dedicated Sensitive Skin Collection, including Face Self Tanner Lotion and Water Bronzing Face Mist. These are non-comedogenic and avoid ingredients like coconut oil to help reduce irritation.

Conclusion

Beauty by Earth focuses on naturally derived ingredients, aligning with clean beauty preferences. However, the same formulation approach reflects common DHA-related limitations. As its offerings include DHA, which binds only to dead skin cells, the color fades with natural skin turnover, often resulting in shorter wear time.

The presence of oils and lighter textures in its offerings can influence how evenly the pigment develops, increasing the chances of streaking, patchiness, or transfer before full development. Variability in skin pH, hydration levels, and product layering can further affect consistency.

When considering the brand and its offerings, remember that preparation and aftercare play a significant role in outcomes. Exfoliation before application helps reduce uneven absorption, while excess moisturization can dilute DHA interaction and create lighter patches. Sensitivity remains a consideration, as botanical extracts and essential oils can still trigger irritation despite the absence of synthetic ingredients.