Ever step out of a tanning bed wishing your glow was deeper, longer-lasting, or just… better? You spend time under the UV lights, but sometimes that perfect bronze just doesn’t happen. That’s where tanning bed lotions come into play, and honestly, the sheer number of bottles can be overwhelming. Should you grab the bronzer? What’s the difference between an accelerator and a maximizer?
Choosing the wrong lotion can mean a disappointing tan, dry skin, or wasted money. You want results, and you want to feel good about what you are putting on your skin while you tan. Navigating the aisles filled with exotic ingredients and big promises can feel like a guessing game.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what these lotions do, who needs which type, and how to pick the perfect partner for your next tanning session. Get ready to stop guessing and start glowing!
Top Tanning Bed Lotions Recommendations
- 100X BRONZING POWER - Get a deep, dark and long-lasting tan with this dark tanning accelerator. This powerful formula is designed to enhance your natural tan and give you 100 times more bronzing power. Say goodbye to pale skin and hello to a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow!
- ULTRA-DARK INDOOR/OUTDOOR TANNING LOTION - Achieve a deep, natural tan with this powerful tan oil. Formulated for use both indoors and outdoors, this lotion contains a silicone bronzer to enhance your tan and leave your skin glowing. Experience 100X dark results with this easy-to-use tanning lotion.
- INTENSE, DEEP, AND LONG-LASTING TAN RESULTS - Achieve the ultimate bronzed glow with our Indoor-Outdoor Tanning Accelerator. This powerful lotion will enhance and extend your tan for a darker, richer, and longer-lasting result. Perfect for those seeking intense and deep tanning results.
- SUITABLE FOR USE IN TANNING BEDS AND OUTDOORS - Achieve a deep, dark tan both indoors and outdoors with this specially formulated lotion. Its silicone bronzer and Tan Enhancing properties make it the perfect choice for those seeking a dark tanning bed lotion.
- ENHANCED WITH SKIN-NOURISHING VITAMINS - This Tan lotion is infused with vitamins to nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth while achieving a deep, dark tan.
- · Tattoo Fade Protecting Formula: Helps prolong the life and radiance of your tattoos and tanning results.
- · Quad Tyrosine Blend & Melano Bronze: Stimulates and increases melanin formation to accelerate the tanning process.
- · Ultra-Darkening Skin Hydrating Intensifier: Contains coconut milk, coconut oil, and cocoa butter to improve skin hydration. Delivers a dark golden tan without the use of bronzing agents.
- · Coconut Paradise Fragrance: An intoxicating light coconut fragrance with a faint scent of vanilla will make you dream of a day in paradise.
- · Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses is part of the Tanovations company. The Ed Hardy logo was replaced by the Tanovations logo, which has a palm tree.
- DARK UV TANNING LOTION. i boost + accelerate natural tanning results to the darkest level thanks to x2000 tanning intensifiers
- x2000 TANNING INTENSIFIERS. i'm made with peptides to help boost skin melanin levels while activating + accelerating the tanning process
- SO MOISTURIZING. i’m juiced up with mango butter to moisturize + nourish your skin as you tan
- EASY TO USE. apply lotion liberally + evenly to your whole body before sun or UV bed exposure. re-apply as necessary.
- VEGAN FRIENDLY. i'm free of nasties and i love animals so i'm vegan + cruelty free
- ✅ Dark tanning activators deliver golden results without the use of DHA or bronzing agents.
- ✅ Multiple Tan Intensifier + Melanin Stimulators - Stimulate and increase melanin formation to accelerate the tanning process.
- ✅ Ultra-tan Activator - Stimulates tyrosine activity and promotes even and long lasting color production. Skin Tightening - Reduces the appearance of cellulite and promotes firmness.
- ✅ Coconut Milk, Coconut Butter & Cocoa Oil - Provide intense, deep skin hydration.
- ✅ Tattoo & Color Fade Protector - Prolongs the life and radiance of your tattoos and tanning results.
- GIVE YOUR SKIN A NATURAL, BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN GLOW without applying any bronzers or skin darkening products. Australian Gold's Rapid Tanning Intensifying lotion speeds up the tanning process while you bask in the sun or use a tanning bed
- BE SUMMER READY - Formulated with Biosine Complex, a proprietary blend of premium ingredients, it prepares your skin for dark color development. It does not contain sunscreen but increases the pigmentation so your skin gets a quicker tan
- BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - Enriched with Tea Tree Oil and the goodness of Vitamin E, both of which are powerful antioxidants, this tanning intensifier fights off free radicals, gently nourishes and cleanses your skin leaving it smooth and fresh
- ULTIMATE HYDRATION - The exotic combination of native oils, vital nutrients and Aloe Vera provide naturally soothing and deeply nourished skin that remains hydrated for long. Available in a delectable Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla fragrance
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED - Australian Gold's time-tested formula is designed to be Vegan, Gluten Free, while being loaded with the goodness of Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil for an instant radiant tan
- European Gold's professional salon formula. ULTRA DARK FORMULA: Premium indoor tanning lotion with Elite Dark Triple Bronzer complex for achieving the darkest possible tan results
- Elite Dark Bronzers offer instant, natural, and flawless DHA bronzing for your darkest tan yet. TIME-RELEASE TECHNOLOGY: Advanced bronzing formula gradually develops and intensifies over time for long-lasting, natural-looking color
- Time-release bronzers continue to darken your tan after your session. TATTOO ENHANCEMENT: Special complex helps maintain tattoo vibrancy and clarity while developing your desired tan shade
- Coconut, Watermelon, Raspberry, & Avocado extracts nourish skin for a beautiful radiance. SKIN CONDITIONING: Tones and enhances skin appearance while tanning, suitable for all tanning bed types
- Skin-firming ingredients tone the appearance of skin CLEAN BEAUTY: Vegan, cruelty-free formula without parabens or sulfates, available in a convenient 12 FL OZ bottle
- ✅A Deep Tan: That’s What Sea Said tanning lotion is specially formulated for a rich, dark tan; Our outdoor and indoor tanning lotion contains a proprietary blend of tyrosines to help stimulate melanin production; Achieve a glowing golden bronze faster with this advanced tanning oil
- ✅Safe: Ideal for outdoor use as well as tanning lotion for tanning beds, That’s What Sea Said tan lotion has undergone stringent quality inspection and many hours of development with leading dermatological experts; This sun tanning lotion is crafted to the highest standards; Our promise is this; if we wouldn’t use this tanning oil for outdoor sun exposure ourselves, we won’t sell it
- ✅Tattoo Protection: It’s time to say goodbye to tanning bed lotion that doesn't prevent your tattoos from fading; Our advanced tan and tattoo lotion actively works to protect your ink from becoming dull; Show off your best self and tan more confidently with That’s What Sea Said tanning lotion
- ✅Advanced Hydration: People love how our dark tanning lotion helps prevent against wrinkles and signs of ageing; Enriched with aloe vera, coconut and passionfruit to lock in moisture, That’s What Sea Said outdoor and indoor tanning bed lotion is enhanced with botanical extracts for smooth, luxurious and supple skin
- ✅No Stains: Tell self tanner lotions that leave unsightly stains on your sheets and clothes to step aside, this premium body and face tanner from That’s What Sea Said is a white suntan lotion and has a smooth touch that’s never sticky; What’s more, our body and face tanning lotion smells like a gentle coconut summer breeze
- Indoor/Outdoor Bronzing Blend with low levels of DHA combined with high levels of Natural bronzers allow the skin to develop natural, long lasting bronzed results.
- Guava Extracts are rich in antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing a glowing complexion.
- Watermelon Extracts provide 24-hour hydration while improving the skins tone and deeply improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dry spots of the skin.
- MelanoBronze stimulates melanin activity to allow for longer lasting, darker tanning results.
- Tattoo & Color Fade Protection protects the color and luster of your tan and tattoos.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Tanning Bed Lotions
Tanning bed lotions are special creams you use before you hop into a tanning bed. They help you get a beautiful, even tan. Using the right lotion makes a big difference in your results. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for tanning lotion, look for these important features:
- Bronzers: These ingredients give you an instant color boost. DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is a common bronzer. It reacts with your skin to darken it over a few hours.
- Accelerators: These lotions help your skin produce melanin faster. Melanin is what makes you tan naturally. Accelerators speed up this process.
- Moisturizers: Good lotions keep your skin soft. Dry skin flakes, which makes your tan fade quickly. Look for ingredients like Aloe Vera or Shea Butter.
- Tingle Factor (Optional): Some lotions create a tingling or warming feeling on the skin. This means ingredients like Benzyl Benzoate are present. This sensation helps bring blood to the skin’s surface for a deeper color. Beginners should start without this.
Important Ingredients in Tanning Lotions
The ingredients inside the bottle truly matter for your tan and skin health.
Natural Oils and Vitamins
Many high-quality lotions include natural oils. Coconut oil and Hemp Seed oil help nourish the skin deeply. Vitamins like Vitamin A and E protect your skin from dryness during the session.
Advanced Tanning Enhancers
Look for names like Tyrosine. This is an amino acid that your body uses to make melanin. Lotions rich in Tyrosine help your natural tanning process work better.
What to Avoid
If you have very sensitive skin, you should avoid heavy perfumes or harsh alcohols. These can sometimes irritate the skin, especially when combined with UV light.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Lotion Quality
The quality of a tanning lotion affects how long your tan lasts and how dark you get.
What Makes a Lotion Better?
Lotions with higher concentrations of active tanning agents generally work faster and deeper. Premium lotions often contain advanced complexes that target multiple aspects of tanning at once—moisturizing, accelerating, and darkening. These lotions usually cost more, but the results often look more natural.
What Lowers the Quality?
Cheap lotions sometimes use too much filler ingredients, like water or mineral oil, instead of active tanning ingredients. If a lotion feels very thin or watery, its quality might be lower. Also, if a lotion sits on a shelf for years, its active ingredients can break down, making it less effective.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the lotion changes your experience significantly.
Application Tips
Always apply tanning lotion evenly, just like you apply sunscreen. Missed spots will show up as pale patches. You should apply the lotion right before you get into the tanning bed. Do not apply it too early, or it might rub off before you start tanning.
Who Needs What Type of Lotion?
- Beginners: Start with a “low bronzer” or “accelerator only” lotion. This lets you see how your skin reacts to the tanning bed without getting an overwhelming sudden color.
- Experienced Tanners: You can use lotions with high levels of DHA bronzers or “tingle” creams for maximum depth and color.
- Indoor vs. Outdoor Use: Remember, tanning bed lotions are *not* sunscreens. They do not protect you from burning in the sun. They are only designed to work with the UV rays in the tanning bed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tanning Bed Lotions
Q: Do I have to use lotion in a tanning bed?
A: No, you do not have to use lotion, but it is highly recommended. Lotions help your skin absorb UV light more efficiently, leading to a faster, deeper, and more even tan. They also keep your skin hydrated.
Q: Can I use regular body lotion instead of tanning lotion?
A: You should avoid using regular body lotion. Most regular lotions block the UV rays from reaching your skin, which stops you from tanning. Tanning lotions are designed to work *with* the UV light.
Q: How long does a tan last after using a good lotion?
A: A tan achieved with high-quality lotion usually lasts about one to two weeks. The better you moisturize your skin daily *after* tanning, the longer your tan will stick around because moisturized skin sheds slower.
Q: What is the difference between a bronzer and an accelerator?
A: An accelerator (like Tyrosine) helps your body make more natural pigment (melanin) over time. A bronzer (like DHA) stains your skin temporarily, giving you instant color right after you use the bed.
Q: Should I worry about the “tingle” lotions?
A: Tingle lotions create a strong warming sensation. This means they are working hard to bring blood to the skin’s surface for a deeper tan. If you have sensitive skin or are new to tanning, it is best to avoid these until you know your skin tolerance.
Q: When should I apply the lotion?
A: Apply the tanning lotion evenly to clean, dry skin immediately before getting into the tanning unit. Do not wait too long between application and exposure.
Q: Are tanning lotions expensive?
A: Prices vary widely. Basic accelerators might be inexpensive, but high-end professional lotions with many advanced ingredients can cost more. Remember, you usually use a small amount each time, so a bottle lasts a long while.
Q: Can men use the same lotions as women?
A: Yes, most tanning lotions are unisex. Some brands make special “men’s” formulas that might have a different scent or heavier moisturizing base, but the tanning agents work the same way for everyone.
Q: Does the lotion help prevent burning?
A: No. Tanning lotions help you tan better, but they do not contain SPF (Sun Protection Factor). You can still burn if you stay in the tanning bed too long. Always follow the salon’s recommended session times.
Q: I see a slight orange tint. What caused that?
A: An orange tint usually comes from too much DHA (the bronzer) or applying the bronzer unevenly. If you use a lotion with a high bronzer level, make sure to wash your hands well after applying it, and blend it in thoroughly.