6 Best Tanning Bed Lotions 2023 You Can’t Go Tanning Without

best tanning bed lotions

Editor's Choice

JWOWW Black Bronzer Dark Tanning Lotion

best tanning bed lotions

2nd Best Choice

Somewhere on a Beach Instant Dark Tanning Lotion

best tanning bed lotions

3rd Best Choice

Millennium Lotion Solid Black

Longing for the ideal bronze, sun-kissed, glowing appearance? Avid tanners have attempted tons of strategies to achieve that perfect dusky tan. However, if you don’t want to risk baking yourself under the hot sun or rely on unfamiliar chemicals, you are in for a treat! 

Indoor tanning makes a comfortable alternative to traditional tanning, and rest assured that it can deliver results without requiring you to do so under the sun. To use a tanning bed, you will need a protective tanning bed lotion. While it’s important to identify one that suits your needs best, the myriad of products available out there are confusing enough for you to choose wisely from. Here’s a low down of the 4 tanning bed lotions 2023 and everything you need to know about indoor tanning. 

best tanning bed lotion

Your Guide to Finding the Best Tanning Bed Lotion

One of the best yet most affordable ways to achieve a full and long-lasting tan is to use a tanning bed lotion before resorting to any other tanning method. These lotions are often inexpensive, non-messy and act as a protective barrier to your skin no matter which tanning method you opted for. These tanning bed lotions are formulated with skin-loving essential oils and vitamins to nourish and hydrate, and are infused with refreshing fragrance such as coconut milk or orange zest. To purchase a quality tanning bed lotion that suits your skin type, you will need to identify the types and ingredients.

What are Tanning Lotions

Tanning lotions are specifically formulated to act as a protective barrier to your skin, shielding it from harmful rays of a tanning bed. They are enriched with ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, and sunscreens that protect your skin from UV rays and other environmental elements. They also help seal moisturise, maximize your tanning results, and mitigate the risks of sunburn.

Tanning bed lotions are available in a variety of formulas, from light lotions to rich, heavy creams. Depending on your skin type and tanning goals, different lotions will work differently on you. It’s important to opt for a lotion that’s designed specifically for tanning beds to ensure you yield the best results.

Benefits of Tanning Lotions

Tanning bed lotions carry ample benefits. Not only do they help protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but they also help boost your tanning results. These lotions are formulated with ingredients that can help seal moisturise, reduce the risk of sunburn, and enhance the color of your tan.

On top of the protective attributes, tanning lotions can also help to improve the overall health and condition of your skin. Many lotions contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help nourish and protect your skin from environmental elements.

What Types of Tanning Bed Lotions Are Available On the Market?

a) Bronzer

Some tanning bed lotions come with bronzers that can help enhance the shade you’re aiming for more efficiently during a tanning session. This sunless tanning agent is used in some lotions that adds a sheen to the skin before any UV rays or other tanning agents are applied. Bronzers are separated into multiple types, whether immediate, delayed, extended, natural, or others.

When buying a tanning lotion, think about whether or not you’d like an extra helping hand to achieve the shade or tone you desired, or you want to tan traditionally at all. The higher the doses of bronzers in a lotion, the quicker your color will show from these sunless tanning agents. We recommend starting with small amounts of bronzer to weigh its effects before opting for more intense options.

b) Tingle

You can count on this type of tanning bed lotion to deliver optimal results, but not all of them are made equal! When you apply tingle lotion onto your skin, it will redden your skin. Now, you should feel a slight tingling sensation (literally) due to the increased blood circulation on the outermost layer of your skin. This helps to bring the skin’s melanin to the surface of your skin and when exposed to UV rays, the results are much significant. 

Few hours after you tan, you’ll experience a darker tan than ever before. With that, we recommend that you start with lower-grade tingle lotions to test your tolerance. Most importantly, avoid applying this lotion onto sensitive areas of your body as it can be dangerous.

c) Accelerators and Intensifiers

Accelerator  lotions, otherwise known as intensifiers contains proteins and other compounds to prepare your skin for UV exposure. They are enriched with nutrients and moisture to provide your skin with ultimate protection and keep it healthy through every step of the tanning process. Healthy skin reacts better to UV rays after all.

d) Fragrance-Free and Hypoallergenic

Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic tanning bed lotions are formulated without common irritants including certain oils, coconut or cocoa butter. Fragrance-free lotions are the best option for those with sensitive skin or those who wish to avoid any artificial smells or glitters.

How to Choose the Best Tanning Bed Lotion?

Here are some factors you need to consider when purchasing a good tanning bed lotion

a) Chemical VS Natural Tanning Lotions

This all boils down to your individual preference and body needs. Those who are cautious about their skin and overall health, opting for natural tanning bed lotions is the best bed as they don’t contain a single bit of chemicals. Fortunately, such tanning lotions are available everywhere. 

Aside from that, you should always ensure that the product you chose contains natural elements. Say, essential oils and vitamins to keep your skin protected, moisturized and hydrated. Lotions with chemicals are manufactured and used for various reasons, such as their color intensifying ability and pleasant scent; however, you should try to avoid those at all costs as they come with high doses of harmful chemicals such as parabens. 

b) Ingredients

Go through the ingredients list carefully every time you purchase a new tanning bed lotion. Make sure you stay away from those with harmful components such as chemical preservatives that will dry out and damage your skin overtime. Check if they contain natural moisturizers so your skin can stay hydrated and protected throughout the tanning session. 

It’s also recommended that you opt for lotions that contain bronzers as they typically come with DHA, which helps you achieve the dusky tone and shine you long for, and they’re unable to cause any harm to your skin. 

c) Skin Type

Take into consideration your own skin type when choosing the perfect tanning lotion. Those with sensitive skin are prone to experience irritation and reaction to most of the tanning lotion on the market. On the other hand, users with dry skin should look for a tanning lotion that contains moisturizers to keep their skin well hydrated during the session.

d) Tattoo Protection

If you have a tattoo, be aware of the ingredients in your tanning bed lotions. Some options may contain ingredients that react badly with your tattoos and can potentially harm your skin. Be on the lookout for any signs of allergic reactions pertaining to tattoos and lotions before you make a purchase.

How Much Do Tanning Bed Lotions Cost?

On average, tanning bed lotions can cost you anywhere from $9 to $25. Some high-quality lotions contain a pleasant fragrance and are infused with essential vitamins and oils that hydrate the skin but will cost you a little extra. Should you pick an international brand, you will have to pay more than if you would buy a local product. 

Certain lotion brands provide bundle offers that include two or more products in a single bundle. The price for such a bundle offer is usually higher than the regular one, but is much more valuable for your purchase.

What Is the Correct Way to Apply Tanning Bed Lotion to My Skin?

When applying your tanning bed lotion, ensure that you: 

  • Read the directions carefully.
  • Properly wash, dry and exfoliate your skin before applying.
  • Apply a dime-size amount of lotion to one body part and spread it across your body evenly (a little goes a long way).
  • Give the product a few minutes to dry before you start tanning. 
  • Wash and moisturizes your skin after the session.

Also, you need to understand that your tan may not be complete after a single session, but greater intensity can damage your skin should there not be enough protection.

6 Best Tanning Lotions That Will Not Cease To Amaze

1. Millennium Lotion Solid Black

best tanning bed lotions

The primary ingredient of this sleep tanning lotion is the L-tyrosine amino acid that helps your skin achieve that luscious evening glow after spending sometime in the tanning bed. It’s formulated with several essential oils that serve to hydrate and protect your skin while providing clean and complete coverage. Enriched with sunflower oil and fruit extracts, this product can give you that much-needed moisture boost without putting you through that uncomfortable tingling sensation.

There’s silicone in the formula that helps the solution glide more easily on the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. Better yet, it features a pleasant orchid blush scent.

Key Feature:

Orchid blush-scented tanning lotion with L-tyrosine amino acid.

PRO

Delivers a shimmery finish

Features a tropical scent

Salon-calibre product

Affordable

CONS

Some users reported that it didn’t tan them

2. Maui Babe Browning Lotion

The Maui Babe browning lotion for outdoor tanning is a cult-favourite. Shoppers have been using this product for years and claim they haven’t found an accelerator that works as incredibly effective as this one does. It’s infused with 100% natural ingredients sourced in Hawaii that give you a perfectly even, deep and dark tan in only a matter of hours, as opposed to baking under the sun. This outdoor-only formula blends with all SPFs and has garnered countless five-star reviews from shoppers.

Key Feature:

Outdoor tanning lotion formulated with natural ingredients.

PRO

100% natural

Even coverage

Pigmented

Affordable

CONS

For outdoor use only

3. Somewhere on a Beach Instant Dark Tanning Lotion

best tanning bed lotions

This product by Somewhere on a Beach is a solid option if you’re looking for the best tanning bed lotion. Better yet, it saves you some money before heading to the salon. You can use it either in a tanning bed or outdoors to help you achieve the perfect glow—while delivering just the right amount of bronzy shimmer to your skin after the application.

Key Feature:

A versatile tanning lotion to be used in the tanning bed and outdoors.

PRO

Delivers a shimmery finish

Features a tropical scent

Salon-calibre product

Affordable

CONS

Some users reported that it didn’t tan them

4. JWOWW Black Bronzer Dark Tanning Lotion

Named after former Jersey Shore star, Jenni JWoww, this tanning accelerator slash tanning bed lotion doesn’t contain bronzer particles. Instead, it harnesses the power of natural ingredients to darken your skin, with ingredients such as kukui nut and blackcurrant. This product also contains melanin to help boost the tanning effects, thus contributing to a much more natural, deep tan. We love that this lotion contains moisturizers, making the application silk smooth and fairly even. 

Key Feature:

Tanning bed lotion and accelerator in a bottle, with natural kukui nut and blackcurrant.

PRO

Doesn’t contain bronzer

Infused with natural ingredients

Contains melanin to enhance tanning effects

Has moisturizing properties

CONS

Pricey

5. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Lotion

best tanning bed lotions

This golden tanning bed lotion by Ed Hardy is infused with coconut milk, coconut oil and cocoa butter, each of which contributes to a hydrating experience that’s second to none. These natural ingredients also deliver a fantastic tan without the need for any traditional bronzing agents. This distinctive formula also contains a quad tyrosine blend that can help stimulate melanin production for an effective, long-lasting tanning result.

We also love that this product features a light, coconut scent that boasts a faint aroma of vanilla, transporting you to a beach paradise as your perfect tan sets in. 

Key Feature:

Scented tanning bed lotion with coconut milk, coconut oil, cocoa butter and a quad tyrosine blend.

PRO

Contains a hydrating blend of coconut milk, coconut oil and coconut butter

Formulated with melano bronze and tyrosine blend for more a radiant tanning result,

Lightly scented

CONS

Comes in a watery texture

Requires more than one tanning session to notice a difference

6. Australian Gold Bronzing Accelerator Dark Tanning Lotion

Apart from being a tanning bed lotion, this product from Australian Gold can also be used as a tanning accelerator lotion. Comes with a bottle of instant bronzer, the whole treatment works to intensify your bronze glow and help you achieve a darker and more even tan efficiently. Its smooth formula absorbs quickly into your skin, making it the perfect choice for a tanning pick-me-up. 

This extremely affordable product boasts a rich blend of Kakadu plum extract with high doses of vitamin C, antioxidants, and tea tree oil to combat free radicals and cleanse your skin. On top of that, it contains biosine complexes that will help prolong the results and nourish your skin.

Key Feature:

Affordable tanning bed lotion with Kakada plum extract, antioxidants, tea tree oil and biosine complexes.

PRO

Contains a multitude of natural oils and vitamin E

Comes with a bronzer intensifier

Features an orange, vanilla and coconut scent,

Infused with cleansing Kakadu plum extract

CONS

Comes in a rather thick texture, making it hard to rub into the skin

Some users reported that it stained their hands

Frequently Asked Questions About Tanning 

1. Does tanning lotion speed up tanning?

Yes! Tanning accelerants are very beneficial when it comes to accelerating tanning, and bronzers can help you see the difference right away.

2. Is it necessary to use a tanning bed lotion?

The traditional methods of UV exposure can either dehydrate or damage your skin. Using a tanning bed lotion can keep your skin hydrated and protected throughout the tanning session. 

3. Are there any allergies associated with tanning?

It varies from person to person. Some lotions are prone to cause allergic reactions. With that in mind, we suggest that you consult your dermatologist in the case of skin irritation, or even before you start tanning. 

4. Are expensive tanning lotions worth the splurge?

Some tanning products require you to shell out a little, but that’s for a reason. Expensive creams are formulated with top notch ingredients to ensure they don’t react with your skin. Others also come with additional products in the package, such as a mitt and hydration oil to leave your skin feeling smooth, nourished, and moisturised. White the costs may terrify you, it’s essential to choose the best product for your outdoor and indoor tanning needs to avoid reactions.

Click here to learn about showering after tanning.

best tanning bed lotions

Editor's Choice

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION

JWOWW Black Bronzer Dark Tanning Lotion

5/5

This tanning accelerator slash tanning bed lotion doesn’t contain bronzer particles. Instead, it harnesses the power of natural ingredients to darken your skin, with ingredients such as kukui nut and blackcurrant.

Celine So

Celine So

Be mindful of your words as they are impactful, which also explains why I am so fond of writing.

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