Which self tanners get gold stars?

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- If you're craving a summer tan but worried about those damaging ultraviolet rays, a self-tanner might be just the thing.

Consumer Reports checked out six popular tanning sprays and lotions to see if they offer a golden glow. The tested products range in price from $8 to $35.

To test, a panel of volunteers wore patches, so the skin underneath could be used as a reference. Then testers applied tanning sprays or lotions to the volunteers' arms.

All contain dihydroxyacetone, a chemical that reacts with the skin's outer layer to create a darker color.

"It takes about four hours to really get the full effect. And then you need a second follow-up application about a day later to get really the deep tan you really are looking for," said Consumer Reports expert Sue Byrnes.

When the patches were removed, Consumer Reports experts compared the skin underneath with the skin that was colored.

One lotion produced an orange color that was sometimes streaky. It's Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning lotion.

Another problem: odor.

"Some of them didn't really smell so great," Byrne said.

But testers did find a favorite: L'Oral Sublime Bronze Self Tanning Mist in Medium Natural Tan. It gave the most natural-looking results, for around $10 a bottle.

When Marissa Graham spray tans, she says you can really see the difference. She has fair skin that burns easily, and in order to get a tan, she sprays it on.

"I think I look a lot better when I'm tan. Once a week I probably put it on to give myself a little more color," Graham said.

Even though sunless tanners can give you a glow, Consumer Reports warns they don't provide sun protection, so you'll want to wear a sunscreen.

And about that ingredient dihydroxyacetone - some people are allergic to it, so try the tanner on a small area to see if you react before applying it all over. And avoid inhaling or getting it in your eyes.