Best Tanning Lotion – 2024

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best outdoor tanning lotions that will elevate your sun-kissed experience. We’ve meticulously researched and tested various products to bring you the top contenders in this category. If you’re ready to achieve a flawless, natural-looking tan while safeguarding your skin from harmful UV rays, let’s dive into the world of radiant glows.

Why Tanning Lotions?

Before diving into our top picks, let’s address the burning question: why choose tanning lotions over mists and mousses? The answer lies in their less-drying formulas, enriched with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. Now, let’s tackle the most googled questions about tanning lotions.

best tanning lotion

How to Apply Tanning Lotion

Applying tanning lotion doesn’t require a Ph.D. No mitts needed – just slather it on like your favorite body lotion. Pro tip: focus on massaging around the knees and ankles to dodge streaks. And yes, wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Easy peasy!

How Often Should I Apply Tanning Lotion?

While some suggest a daily tan routine, we say every third day is the sweet spot. Throw in some exfoliation and moisturizing between applications to keep that tan looking fresh. Need a restart? Around the 10-day mark is your green light.

Best Tanning Lotions for 2024

1. Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion with Bronzer

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

Accelerate Your Glow

Pros: Boldly accelerates tanning process, instant color with bronzer, and moisturizes skin.
Cons: Not universal – may not suit all skin types.

2. The Sicilian Dark Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion

The Sicilian 200X Dark Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion - BEST Tanning Lotion For Glowing Skin - Gradual Bronzing & Sunless Self Tanner Lotion - Luxurious Sunless Body Tanning Lotion Nourishes Skin

[Deep, Dark Bronze] – Bust through your tanning plateau to the luxuriously dark tan of your dreams with The Sicilian 200X Black Bronzer. Our ultra-rich formula features high levels of DHA to give you a naturally gorgeous dark tan and healthy skin.
[Youthful Glow] – There’s more to a stunning tan than just darker skin! That’s why we’ve formulated our tanning lotion with skin loving ingredients like Silicone, CoQ10, Walnut & Macadamia Oils for a soft, healthy & more youthful glowing radiance.
[NO Post-Tan Odor] – Headed for a night out after your tanning session? The Sicilian tanning lotion is made with innovative odor blocking properties that won’t leave you with any unpleasant post-tanning aroma, so you can stay fresh while getting dark
[Tan Anytime, Anywhere] – The Sicilian 200X Black Bronzer is the ultimate tanning companion for home, the beach or the tanning salon. An easy gradual tanning lotion mixed with light self-tanner gives you immediate results and long-term permanent tan
[Premium Value] – Get the most out of your favorite tanning lotion & never worry about running out when you need it most! One bottle of The Sicilian 200X Black Bronzer packs a powerful 13.5 oz. of premium ingredients to keep you tanner, longer.

Luxurious, Gradual Bronzing

Pros: Achieve a dark, natural-looking tan, enjoy a gradual bronzing effect, and nurture your skin.
Cons: None – a stellar choice for a lasting, radiant tan.

3. Devoted Creations Somewhere on a Beach Tanning Lotion

Sale

Somewhere on a Beach, Indoor Outdoor, Instant Dark Tanning Lotion 12.25 Ounce

Somewhere on a Beach, Indoor Outdoor, Instant Dark Tanning Lotion 12.25 Ounce
DHA-Free bronzers provide streak free/stain free results. Sea Buckthorn Berry protects skin from free radical damage.
Coconut & Walnut Oils provide skin softening and hydration properties. Enriched with BB Cream to prime, mattify and perfect skin.
Can be used indoor/outdoor. FreshTek deodorizes and eliminates after tan odor.
Fragrance: Tropical Tantini Product Actions: Tan Enhancer, DHA Free Bronzer Product Specs: 12.25 US fl. oz.

Instant Results, Anywhere

Pros: Enjoy an instant dark tan, perfect for indoor/outdoor use, and a formula that moisturizes skin.
Cons: Not a universal fit for all skin types.

4. Sun Bum Browning Lotion with Aloe Vera

Sun Bum Browning Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun Tanning Cream with Aloe Vera | 8.5 oz

NATURAL BROWNING LOTION. This premium natural browning lotion is our secret weapon that gets us a fast, deep tan without having to spend long hours in the sun! We developed this lotion to accelerate the sun triggered tanning process in our skin.
MOISTURIZING DARKENING LOTION. Our water resistant and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant tanning lotion is great for all skin types. Delight your skin with Aloe Vera, Kona Coffee Plant Extract, Marula, Argan, Coconut and Avocado Oil with a tropical coffee scent.
HOW TO USE. First apply sunscreen, wait ten minutes, and then lather your bod in our browning lotion. Lounge in the sun and reapply as needed. Sonny’s Tip: Our brown tint can stain, so allow the lotion to soak in before laying on a white towel!
PROTECT YOUR SKIN. The key to practicing safe sun is to protect and moisturize your skin. Our Original Sunscreen line is Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty and Paraben Free to ensure a fun day in the sun.
TRUST THE BUM. What does that mean? It means trust us, the ones who live on the beach and need products that work on the most intense days in the sun. The simple truth is, when you make products to protect the ones you love, you make ‘em better.

Eco-Friendly Sun-Kissed Glow

Pros: Vegan and reef-safe, enhanced with aloe vera, suitable for outdoor tanning.
Cons: May not cater to all skin types.

5. Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion

Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion – Indoor/Outdoor Tropical Bronzing Cocktail Infused with Skin Quenching Watermelon and Guava Extracts, plus Electrolyte Enhanced Coconut Water – 8.5 oz.

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.

Tropical Tan Delight

Pros: Delight in a tropical scent, stay hydrated with a skin-friendly formula, and enhance your glow.
Cons: None – a perfect choice for vacation vibes.

6. Sun Proverbs Tanning Lotion by Elegant Sun

Sun Proverbs, Tanning Bed Lotion, Dark Tan Accelerator, Outdoor Indoor Tanning Lotion without Bronzer, No DHA White Tanning Lotion, Natural Bronzing Coconut Sun Kissed Lotion, by Elegant Sun

NO MESSY BRONZER: Because Bronzer Stains are so Last Season - Choosing bronzer-free is like saying goodbye to those cringe-worthy streaks, weird odors, and artificial hues. Go au naturel with your tan, darling.
ARE YOU A TRUE TANISTA, Always In Pursuit Of The Perfect Bronzed Glow? - Sun Proverbs Tan Accelerator is basically a private club for your skin. With a secret blend of 4 Tyrosines, Monk's Pepper Extract, and the magical Melactiva, we're basically playing mad scientist to give you a tan that's longer-lasting than your ex's excuses.
OPTIMIZE YOUR TAN without the Tantrum - Who's got time for hours under the scorching sun, turning into a lobster, right? Get that golden glow without the drama. Loaded with all things good – Coconut Milk, Coconut Oil, Hibiscus Extract for a skin hydration party. Plus, we threw in Seaweed and Passionfruit Extracts for detox and damage control.
INDOOR or OUTDOOR: We Say Both. - Who's got time to lounge around all day for that perfect tan? Not you! Whether you're a sun-worshipper or an indoor tanning aficionado, our Sun Proverbs is the ultimate tanning sidekick. It's like having a fast-pass to bronzeville. DHA Bronzer-free, and it'll have you looking like you just came back from an exotic vacay, without the long flight and touristy sunburn.
Love it or enjoy a hassle-free return - We stand out from other brands by providing continued support even after your purchase. If you don't absolutely adore Sun Proverbs or encounter any unexpected hiccups, rest assured. We've got your back with our straightforward return policy. No drama, no questions asked. Your satisfaction is our priority, ensuring your purchase concludes on a positive note.

Dark Acceleration, Face & Body Safe

Pros: Safe for face & body, enriched with coconut milk & anti-aging extracts, and bronzer-free.
Cons: Not a universal fit for everyone.

7. Ed Hardy Tanning Aquaholic Coconut Surge Bronzer Lotion

Ed Hardy Tanning Aquaholic - Coconut Surge Natural Bronzer Tanning Lotion 13.5 oz.

DHA-Free Bronzers Provide Streak-Free/Stain-Free Results
Quad Tyrosine Blend with Enriched with BB Cream to Prime, Mattify and Perfect Skin
Skin Firming and Anti-Aging Formula with Hydrating Coconut Juice, Coconut Oil & Coconut Water
Can Be Used Indoor/Outdoor
Aqua Kiss Fragrance

Natural Bronzer Bliss

Pros: Experience a natural bronzer, enjoy a pleasing coconut scent, and hydrate skin.
Cons: May not be suitable for all skin types.

8. Ed Hardy Beachtime Dark Tanning Lotion Coconut Infused

Ed Hardy #Beachtime Dark Indoor Outdoor Coconut Infused Tanning Lotion 13.5oz

Indoor/Outdoor Dark Tanning Lotion
Hibiscus, Seaweed & Passion Fruit Extracts
Coconut Oil & Coconut Milk Skin Softeners
Ultra Advanced Melanin Stimulators
Plateau Breaking Quad Tyrosine Blend

Indoor/Outdoor Paradise

Pros: Revel in a coconut scent, perfect for indoor and outdoor use, and achieve a dark tan.
Cons: Universality not guaranteed.

9. Somewhere On A Boat Tanning Lotion

Somewhere On A Boat Tanning Lotion for Indoor Tanning Beds/Outdoor Sun Tan Dark Tanning Bed Lotion w/Coconut Oil, Pineapple & Shea Butter 13.5oz - White Lotion, NO Bronzer

Tanning Lotion infused with Coconut Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, & Pineapple extract moisturizes and softens skin.
Dark Tanning Blend of accelerators that work to target melanin production and achieve fast, dark tanning results without the use of any bronzer
Anti Aging Vitamin E - Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps slow down the aging process.
White Lotion - Our dark tanning lotion cocktail has NO bronzers, NO fake color, and NO skin staining to provide you with a genuine deep tan that won't wash away in the shower
Coconut Passion Fruit Paradise Fragrance

Moisturizing Tropical Glow

Pros: Moisturizing formula, pleasant tropical scent, suitable for indoor/outdoor tanning.
Cons: May not be suitable for all skin types.

Questions and Answers

1. Q: Can I use tanning lotion on my face? A: Absolutely! Many tanning lotions are designed for both face and body application. Just be sure to blend it evenly.
2. Q: Will the tan look orange? A: Not with our top picks. These lotions are formulated to deliver a natural-looking tan without the dreaded orange tint.
3. Q: How long does the tan last? A: With proper care, expect your tan to last around a week. Regular moisturizing and avoiding excessive sweating can extend its life.
4. Q: Can I swim with tanning lotion on? A: Most tanning lotions are water-resistant, but prolonged water exposure may fade the tan faster. Pat dry after swimming for best results.
5. Q: Do I need to exfoliate before applying? A: Yes, exfoliating helps achieve an even tan by removing dead skin cells. It’s a crucial step for a flawless result.
6. Q: Are these lotions suitable for sensitive skin? A: Our picks include options suitable for sensitive skin, but it’s always wise to do a patch test first.
7. Q: Can I apply the lotion over a spray tan? A: It’s generally best to avoid layering different tanning products. Stick to one method for a consistent and natural-looking tan.
8. Q: How do I fix streaks if they occur? A: Don’t panic! Use a gentle exfoliator to buff away streaks, and moisturize afterward to blend the tan seamlessly.
9. Q: Are these lotions scented? A: Many tanning lotions have a pleasant scent, but it varies by brand. Check product descriptions for fragrance information.
10. Q: Can pregnant women use these tanning lotions? A: While many tanning lotions are safe during pregnancy, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Also read: Best Pedialyte Flavors of 2024

Conclusion

After an exhaustive review of outdoor tanning lotions, we’ve uncovered products that not only impart a radiant tan but also nourish and protect the skin. Our top picks cater to diverse preferences, offering gradual bronzing, sunless self-tanning, and ingredients like coconut milk and anti-aging extracts. Take action and try these products for a beautiful, natural-looking tan. Whether you’re a seasoned tanner or a newbie, these lotions are sure to please.