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Editor’s note: This article was updated on March 30, 2023.
Not to be dramatic, but watching our tan fade every year when summer comes to an end makes us freak out a little! Luckily, there are a number of different methods you can utilize for a bronze, sun-kissed glow even in the fall, winter and spring. The summer too, depending on your preferred method of tanning!
The best and safest way to get that beachy complexion is by using a sunless self tanner at home, though some may opt to hit the tanning beds at a salon instead! Both methods will leave you with beautifully bronzed skin that you’ll be ready to show off year round. But first things first for our tanning bed fans. There a few things that anyone should know before heading to a tanning session.
What Do I Need to Know Before Booking a Tanning Bed Appointment?
We can’t sugarcoat the risks of using a tanning bed, even if you want to go in for just a couple of sessions. Exposing your skin to such an intense form of UV is proven to increase your chances of developing skin cancer by 75%, according to Health Research Funding, plus potentially accelerate signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. But we’re not in the business of shaming anyone who prefers using a tanning bed over at-home tanning — just as long as the risks are understood.
There may not be any health benefits to indoor tanning, but some consumers prefer the cosmetic ones. Tanning bed tans last much longer and fade naturally and more evenly than self tanners. Plus, the ritual of going to the salon can be a relaxing experience. Just remember — if you plan on booking an appointment, you will need a great tanning bed lotion from a brand like The Fox Tan or Australian Gold to help you gain better results!
How Did We Put Together Our List?
We not only found a slew of different tanning lotions you can use for the tanning bed, but we searched for tan-accelerating options you can use outdoors as well, in case you’d rather go that route. Some work for both! Either way, these lotions may help you get a solid base tan that much quicker so you can feel confident in your skin. Here are a few things we considered while curating our list:
- Value
- UV protection (or lack thereof)
- How ingredients could affect sensitive skin
- Scent
- Reviews
- Other potential skincare benefits
- And more!
Read on for the scoop!
Sun Bum Browning Lotion
This lotion was specifically designed for use out in the sun while you’re at the beach, pool or simply catching some rays in the park! To keep your skin protected, we would use it along with a sunscreen, and you can also pick up the version that includes SPF 15 in the formula. It helps you get a tan faster so that you don’t have to spend a lot of time out in the sun. Your bronze glow is a few days away!
Pros
- Fast-acting
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be messy and stain towels
- Not everyone loves the scent
Available at: Amazon
Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion
Amazon shoppers say this tanning lotion measures up to salon products that cost twice as much! It can be used in tanning beds or outdoors to help you achieve a deep tan in record time, while keeping your skin hydrated and protected. This is a great lotion to use if you have tattoos so that you can prevent fading from sun exposure.
Pros
- Top selling product
- Indoor and outdoor friendly
- Salon-level quality
Cons
- Slightly pricier
Available at: Amazon
Bali Body Watermelon Tanning Oil
Have a day of sunbathing ahead of you? Make sure to bring this pretty little bottle of Bali Body tanning oil! This plant-based find may help naturally stimulate the production of melanin in the body with the help of watermelon seed extract. A must-own for summer!
Pros
- Almond oil and coconut oil may smooth, hydrate and rejuvenate skin
- Vegan
Cons
- Some shoppers don’t love the scent
Available at: Amazon
Tropic Labs Smart Screen Mineral Tanning Sunscreen SPF 22
Want a real tan but can’t help but worry about the state of your skin? Check out this pick from Tropic Labs. It has more SPF protection than a lot of other similar products, and it contains Tan Boost Technology to speed up your sun-kissed, goddess-level glow!
Pros
- Mineral formula is a nice choice for sensitive skin
- Seaberry seed oil may support cellular repair while protecting against UV damage
Cons
- Still won’t be as much SPF protection as most regular sunscreens
Available at: Amazon
Banana Boat Deep Tanning Spray Oil
If you’re someone who loves to simply lounge out for hours and hours by the beach or pool, a tanning sunscreen might be up your alley. This one even contains tan-extending conditioners so your skin’s newfound radiance can last and last!
Pros
- Under $10
- Infused with skin-friendly carrot and banana extracts, plus coconut oil
Cons
- SPF 4 means not much actual sun protection
Available at: Target
COCOSOLIS Choco Suntan & Body Oil
This is another accelerator that you can use in tanning beds or outdoors to get your glow on faster! The formula contains a slew of organic oils, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that keep your skin healthy and help your tan last longer. It also does have SPF for some protection, but we recommended using a more potent sunscreen alongside this product.
Pros
- Rich formula
- Works well for fair skin
Cons
- Some shoppers aren’t fond of the cocoa scent
- Slightly pricier
Available at: Amazon
Millennium Tanning Products Solid Black Bronzer
If you’re a tanning bed purist, you might be more drawn to this tanning lotion, which claims to deliver 100x auto-darkening technology for a fast, pain-free tan next time you hit the salon. No more tingling or burning with this smooth, moisturizing fan-favorite!
Pros:
- Tons and tons of reviews
- Nice Orchid Blush fragrance
Cons:
- May not look natural on ultra-pale skin
Available at: Amazon
Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion
Although some Amazon shoppers did note that this lotion worked well in a tanning bed, the general consensus is that it’s better suited for outdoor use. It’s said to help your skin prepare for tanning with a biosine complex so that you’re left with beautiful long-lasting color after your sunbathing session! We would definitely use this with sunscreen in order to prevent burning.
Pros
- Under $10
- Thousands of five-star reviews
Cons
- May not be best for indoor tanning
Available at: Amazon
Somewhere on a Beach Instant Dark Tanning Lotion
This lotion is another solid option that shoppers love picking up when they want to save money before heading to the salon! It works just as well as the products that are sold behind the counter, and reviewers say it’s worth every penny. You can use it in a tanning bed and outside to help you achieve a perfect glow — while giving your skin a touch of bronzy shimmer right after application!
Pros
- Shimmery finish
- Gorgeous tropical scent
- Salon-level quality
Cons
- A bit pricier
Available at: Amazon
The Fox Tan Rapid Mist
So easy! Just mist this tanning accelerator all over when going out in the sun to set yourself up for an “effortless darker, deeper, real tan in less time.” We love that it’s designed to be used underneath sunscreen too, so you can still stay protected against UV rays!
Pros
- Skin-friendly ingredients like vitamin E and almond oil
- Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free
Cons
- Recommended to use alongside Rapid Elixir, which is no longer at Ulta
Available at: Ulta
Maui Babe Browning Lotion
This is the OG tanning lotion! Shoppers have been using this product for years and years, and claim they haven’t found an accelerator that works as well as this one does. It’s made from natural ingredients sourced in Hawaii that give you an even, deep and dark tan in a matter of hours, as opposed to baking all day. This outdoor-only formula blends with all sunscreens and has earned countless five-star reviews from shoppers!
Pros
- Great results
- Affordable
- Go-to product for countless shoppers
Cons
- A bit messy to use
- The scent isn’t everyone’s favorite
Available at: Ulta
Devoted Creations Famous Faces Skin Perfecting Hypoallergenic Facial Tanning Lotion
This lotion was specifically designed for the face to help you get a beautiful complexion safely. Most of the tanning products that we’ve mentioned already are safe to use on the face, but may cause irritation for sensitive skin types. This lotion is hypoallergenic, lightweight and even includes anti-aging ingredients to help retain your skin’s youthful appearance while tanning!
Pros
- Just for face
- Anti-aging formula
- Light and pleasant scent
Cons
- Didn’t work for some shoppers
Available at: Amazon
Hempz Dark Tan Maximizer
Sensitive skin types who are prone to irritation may need a tan accelerator that’s a bit gentler, which is where this product can come in handy! The 100% vegan formula is paraben free, nut free and hypoallergenic, plus includes natural calming ingredients like oatmeal extract to calm and soothe the skin while using.
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Extra hydrating
Cons
- Some shoppers reported irritation
- Slightly pricey
Available at: Amazon
Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Sun Care Moisturizing Oil
If you’re looking for an incredible value, look no further! This set of two dark tanning oils costs under $20 for the pair and has been a mainstay with shoppers for decades. It hydrates the skin and leaves you with an intoxicating coconut scent that will transport you to a tropical paradise, plus help you get your perfect bronze tan faster!
Pros
- Super affordable
- Great coconut scent
Cons
- Best for only outdoor tanning
- May be a bit greasy for some
Available at: Amazon
That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator
You can use this bestselling accelerator for both outdoor and indoor tanning in order to stimulate melanin production, which helps you achieve tanned skin faster. A blend of Tyrosines are included in the formula which essentially jumpstarts the tanning process so that you don’t have to spend as much time in the sun! It’s also ideal for tattoo protection and includes anti-aging ingredients to keep your skin looking and feeling youthful!
Pros
- Less tan time
- Lovely tropical scent
Cons
- May cause sunburn without proper SPF use outdoors
Available at: Amazon
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