A self-tanning aqueous gel composition containing: (a) a cosmetically acceptable support (b) at least one monocarbonyl or polycarbonyl self-tanning agent (c) at least one aqueous phase gelling agent comprising at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible, crosslinked or non-crosslinked polymer or copolymer d) at least one tinting agent and (e) optionally, at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible film-forming agent.