Top 5 Sun Tanning Accelerators: Quick Glow Guide

Do you dream of a deep, golden tan without spending hours baking in the sun? We all love that sun-kissed glow, but sometimes it feels like getting there takes forever, or worse, ends in a painful sunburn. It’s frustrating when you try different lotions, hoping for that perfect color, only to be disappointed.

Choosing the right Sun Tanning Accelerator can feel like navigating a maze. Which one actually works? Are they safe? How do you pick the best product for your skin type? These questions stop many people from achieving the beautiful tan they want quickly and safely. You want results, not confusion.

This post cuts through the noise. We will explain exactly what these accelerators do and break down the top features you need to look for. By the end, you will know how to choose the perfect accelerator to speed up your tanning process safely.

Ready to unlock the secret to a faster, richer tan? Let’s dive into the world of Sun Tanning Accelerators and find your best match.

Top Sun Tanning Accelerator Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

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

SaleBestseller No. 2

Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Spray Gel, 8 Ounce | Moisturize & Hydrate Skin | New Packaging Same Great Formula (a70003)

ACHIEVE A DEEPER, DARKER TAN - This dark tanning accelerator spray gel helps intensify your golden glow & lets you achieve a darker color payoff. Blends effortlessly with the skin, imparting a beautiful sun-kissed look out on the beach or on a sun bed
BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - A rich blend of Kakadu Plum extract with highest content of Vitamin C, and Tea Tree Oil, a powerful antioxidant, fights off free radicals and gently cleanses your skin leaving it healthy and smooth
BIOSINE COMPLEX FOR A LONG-LASTING TAN - This tanning intensifier contains a proprietary blend of premium ingredients that prepare your skin for a dark color development. It does not contain sunscreen
ULTIMATE HYDRATION AND SKIN BENEFITS - Loaded with Vitamin A & E and Natural Oils, this spray gel not only helps build a flawless tan but also supplies essential nutrients to your skin, while moisturizing & hydrating it for a soft & supple feel
REFRESHING FRAGRANCE - This tanning accelerator spray gel takes you on an instant vacation to the beach with its signature Cocoa Dreams fragrance in a delectable and long-lasting scent of Coconut, Orange and Vanilla that keeps you fresh all day long

Bestseller No. 3

Sun Tanning Accelerator: Powered by the Infinite Tan System, featuring naturally derived carrot and coconut oils, it accelerates the tanning process for a rich, long-lasting bronze (SPF0).
Instant Sun-Kissed Glow: Achieve a flawless, even tan instantly with our powerful blend of tanning oils, crafted for radiant results.
Water-Resistant: This dual-action protectant and tanning blend of natural oils provides instant and even tanning results while remaining resistant to water. Perfect for any vacation!
Nourishing & Hydrating: A powerful combination of Vitamin A and E for enhanced skin nourishment and protection. This tanning lotion moisturizes skin leaving it soft and smooth during tanning.
Easy Application: Silky, easy-to-apply formula spreads evenly for a streak-free finish unlike tanning lotions. Perfect for a deep golden shimmering tan. Apply SPF prior to Carroten for UV protection.

Bestseller No. 4

Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

ACHIEVE A DEEPER, DARKER TAN - This dark tanning accelerator lotion with instant bronzer intensifies your bronze glow & helps you achieve a darker tan. Blends effortlessly and absorbs quickly, allowing for an even sunless tanning or outdoor sun tanning
BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - A rich blend of Kakadu Plum extract with highest content of Vitamin C, and Tea Tree Oil, a powerful antioxidant, fights off free radicals and gently cleanses your skin leaving it healthy and smooth
BIOSINE COMPLEX FOR A LONG-LASTING TAN - This tanning intensifier contains an advanced combination of ingredients that prepare your skin for a dark color development while soothing, smoothening & nourishing your skin. It does not contain sunscreen
HYDRATION & SUPERIOR SKIN BENEFITS - Enriched with Vitamin A & E and Natural Oils, this accelerator & bronzer not only helps build a flawless tan but also supplies essential nutrients to the skin, while moisturizing & hydrating it for a soft & supple feel
REFRESHING FRAGRANCE - This tanning accelerator lotion takes you on an instant vacation to the beach with its signature Cocoa Dreams fragrance in a delectable and long-lasting scent of Coconut, Orange and Vanilla that keeps you fresh all day long

Bestseller No. 5

Maui Babe Browning Lotion - Natural Hawaiian Tan Accelerator with Vitamins & Antioxidants - Moisturizing Formula for All Skin Types - Made in USA - 4 fl oz

All natural-Featuring an old family formula packed with Hawaii’s most splendid natural ingredients, the Maui Babe browning lotion does not only support getting a glowing tan faster but it even moisturizes and nourishes your skin for an all-over charming summer look.
Maui Babe Browning lotion is NOT a self tanner or bronzer. You do need to be in the sun in order to acquire a tan. While Maui Babe Browning is brown in color and not a stain, if contact is made with clothing, towels, furniture, it MAY cause staining. We recommend if contact made with these items, to rinse immediately to avoid staining. Do not allow to sit and dry.
Apply an SPF of your choosing first. We recommend an SPF30 and above. Let sit on skin for 5-10 minutes and then apply your Maui Babe Browning lotion.
Bottle size is 4 ounces, shake well before each use.

Bestseller No. 6

Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion, 8.5 Fluid Ounce

ACHIEVE A DEEPER, DARKER TAN - This dark tanning accelerator lotion helps intensify your golden glow & lets you achieve a darker color payoff. Blends effortlessly with the skin, imparting a beautiful sun-kissed look out on the beach or on a sun bed
BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - A rich blend of Kakadu Plum extract with highest content of Vitamin C, and Tea Tree Oil, a powerful antioxidant, fights off free radicals and gently cleanses your skin leaving it healthy and smooth
BIOSINE COMPLEX FOR A LONG-LASTING TAN - This tanning intensifier contains a proprietary blend of premium ingredients that prepare your skin for a dark color development. It does not contain sunscreen
ULTIMATE HYDRATION AND SKIN BENEFITS - Loaded with Vitamin A & E and Natural Oils, this accelerator lotion not only helps build a flawless tan but also supplies essential nutrients to your skin, while moisturizing & hydrating it for a soft & supple feel
REFRESHING FRAGRANCE - This tanning accelerator lotion takes you on an instant vacation to the beach with its signature Cocoa Dreams fragrance in a delectable and long-lasting scent of Coconut, Orange and Vanilla that keeps you fresh all day long

Bestseller No. 7

That’s What Sea Said Tanning Bed Lotion Accelerator for Indoor & Outdoors, Fast Dark Tan Enhancer with Coconut Oil & Aloe, Moisturizing Indoor Tanning Lotion for Face & Body, Tattoo-Safe, No Bronzer

✅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

Bestseller No. 8

b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion - Tinted, Indoor Outdoor Tan Bronzer Accelerator, Best Browning Body Tan Extender, No Sun Protection, 12 Fl Oz

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

Your Guide to Glowing: Choosing the Best Sun Tanning Accelerator

Want that deep, golden tan faster? Sun tanning accelerators are here to help! These special lotions work with your skin to boost the natural tanning process. But with so many bottles on the shelf, how do you pick the right one? This guide breaks down what you need to know before you buy.

Key Features to Look For

What makes a good accelerator?

Melanin Boosters: Look for ingredients like Tyrosine or Melatan. These things help your skin produce more of the natural color (melanin) that makes you tan. More melanin means a faster tan!
Hydration Power: Tanning dries out your skin. The best accelerators include lots of moisturizers like Aloe Vera or Shea Butter. Dry skin tans unevenly and fades fast.
Scent and Texture: Since you will be applying this often, make sure the smell is nice and the lotion rubs in easily. Nobody wants sticky skin under the sun.

Important Ingredients Under the Hood

The ingredients list tells the real story. Good accelerators use smart science to speed things up.

Essential Tanning Helpers

Natural Oils: Ingredients like Coconut Oil or Sunflower Oil help the lotion soak deep into the skin, keeping it soft while you tan.
Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, and E protect your skin a little bit and help it stay healthy. Think of them as skin superheroes.
Bronzers (Optional): Some accelerators have “bronzers” (like DHA). These give you an instant color boost right away, even before the real tanning starts. Be careful with these, as they can sometimes streak if you don’t rub them in well.

Quality Check: What Improves or Lowers Quality?

Not all accelerators work the same way. A few things change how effective the product is.

Factors That Matter

Ingredient Quality: Fresh, high-quality ingredients work better. Cheap fillers can slow down the tanning process.
Use Frequency: You must use the accelerator *every time* you go out in the sun or use a tanning bed. Skipping days lowers the quality of your tan development.
Sunscreen Use: Accelerators do NOT contain sunscreen. You must always apply a separate, broad-spectrum SPF product over the accelerator if you are outside for long periods. Using an accelerator without SPF is dangerous.

User Experience and When to Use It

These products are designed for specific situations. Knowing how and when to use them improves your results.

Best Use Cases

For a Quick Base Tan: If you are heading on vacation and need color fast, an accelerator helps you build that first layer of tan quickly.
For Tanning Bed Use: Many accelerators are made specifically for the intense environment of a tanning bed, helping your skin react better to the UV light.
For Even Tones: Because they moisturize so well, they often help prevent those dry, patchy spots that can ruin a good tan.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About Tanning Accelerators

Q: Do tanning accelerators really work?

A: Yes, they work by giving your skin the vitamins and moisture it needs to speed up the natural color-making process.

Q: Are tanning accelerators the same as sunscreen?

A: No! Tanning accelerators do not protect you from the sun. You must use sunscreen separately.

Q: Can I use an accelerator on a cloudy day?

A: Yes, UV rays still reach the earth even when it is cloudy. You will still tan, but slower. Using the accelerator helps boost the process.

Q: What is Tyrosine and why is it in my lotion?

A: Tyrosine is an amino acid. Your body uses it to make melanin, which is the pigment that gives you your tan color.

Q: Should I use an accelerator in a tanning bed or outside?

A: Most are safe for both, but some are specially formulated for the intense heat of a tanning bed.

Q: How often should I apply the accelerator?

A: Apply a good layer right before you start tanning. Reapply every time you reapply your sunscreen.

Q: Will this product make me tan darker than my natural limit?

A: No. Accelerators help you reach your natural maximum tan color faster. They cannot make you turn a color your genetics won’t allow.

Q: What happens if I stop using it?

A: Your tan will start to fade naturally after a few days, just like any other tan.

Q: Are there different formulas for fair skin versus dark skin?

A: Some brands make formulas specifically for very fair skin that focus more on deep hydration, but most are universally helpful.

Q: Does it stain my swimsuit?

A: If the lotion contains bronzers, it might leave a slight temporary tint on light fabrics until you shower. Lotions without bronzers usually don’t stain.