Indoor tanning lotions are way safer than tanning spas and extremely convenient. They do not cause any mess during application and save a lot of expenses. Best part? These products show results within hours and do not harm your skin, unlike the UV rays of the sun! In this article, we have put together a list of the 13 indoor tanning lotions that have the best reviews. Swipe up to grab them!
13 Best Indoor Tanning Lotions Of 2023
1. Best Travel-Friendly:California Tan Assorted Indoor Tanning Lotions
California Tan brings you 10 assorted brands of premium indoor tanning lotions and bronzers. Each of these tanning products is easy to use and gives good, long-lasting results. These lotions hydrate and moisturize the skin. They apply evenly and do not streak or create a mess. Their texture is soft and smooth. They glide on the skin like butter and do not stain the sheets or carpets. These tanning lotions also energize and tighten the skin. Pros
Easy to use Long-lasting results Hydrate and moisturize the skin Do not streak Apply evenly Not messy Soft and smooth texture Glide on the skin Absorb quickly Do not stain the sheets or carpets Tighten the skin Affordable Travel-friendly
Cons None
2. Best Skin-Hydrating Formula:Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator Plus Bronzer
The Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator Plus Bronzer is one of the best indoor tanning lotions with a bronzer. It is formulated with native Australian oils and vitamins A and E that keep the skin hydrated and provide a good tanning experience. The lotion works quickly on the skin to give that tanned, back-from-vacation look in just a few hours. It does not stain the sheets or carpets, does not create a mess, does not streak, and makes the skin glow with an even bronzy skin tone. The skin remains soft and supple and looks naturally glowing. Pros
Skin-hydrating formula Works quickly Does not stain the sheets or carpets Does not create a mess Does not streak Makes skin glow with an even bronzy tone Keeps the skin soft and supple Adds a natural glow Reasonably priced
Cons None
3. Best Transfer-Resistant:Supre Indoor Tanning Bronzer Lotion Packets
The Supre Indoor Tanning Bronzer Lotion Packets are a lot of 10 assorted indoor tanning lotions. These premium tanning lotions are hydrating and moisturizing to the skin and leave the skin feeling soft and smooth. These apply evenly on the skin and do not streak. All the tanning lotions absorb quickly; therefore, you do not have to worry about staining the sheets, carpets, or the curtains. Overnight application is good for long-lasting results. These lotions offer a golden bronzy glow to the skin, are easy to use, and come in travel-friendly pouches. Pros
Hydrating and moisturizing Leave the skin feeling soft and smooth Do not streak on the skin Apply evenly Absorb quickly Transfer-resistant Long-lasting results Easy to use Travel-friendly pouches Affordable
Cons
The brands may keep varying every time you buy
4. Best For Pale Skin:European Gold Flash Black 200x Indoor Tanning Lotion
The European Gold Flash Black 200x Indoor Tanning Lotion is the darkest tanning lotion. It is suitable for very pale or light skin. It absorbs quickly, does not transfer or streak, and is easy to apply. Its overnight application gives a dark, bronzy, beautiful tone to the skin. The hydrating and moisturizing ingredients in the tanning lotion help keep the skin soft to touch and healthy-looking. This revolutionary color is complemented with a super soft silicone application. It makes your tan much more wonderful to touch. Pros
Suitable for very pale skin Absorbs quickly Does not transfer or streak Easy to apply Hydrating and moisturizing Complemented with a super soft silicone application Affordable
Cons
May not work on deeper or dark skin tones
5. Best With UV Protection:Ed Hardy Die Hard Black Bronzing Indoor Tanning Lotion
The Ed Hardy Die Hard Black Bronzing Indoor Tanning Lotion is a fast-acting rapid release, natural, and cosmetic bronzer. It offers extreme bronzing results. The advanced formula stimulates melanin activity to allow long-lasting results at home. It is formulated with caffeine and green tea extracts that energize, firm, and tighten the skin. The acai berry and pomegranate have anti-aging antioxidants that fight free radical damage. They protect the skin from environmental aggressors and UV damage. The formula applies evenly and does not streak. It is transfer-resistant, absorbs quickly, and gives your skin a sunkissed glow in just a few hours. Pros
Fast-acting rapid release for extreme bronzing results Stimulates melanin activity Energizes, firms, and tightens the skin Antioxidants fight free radical damage Protects skin from environmental aggressors UV protection Applies evenly Does not streak Transfer-resistant Absorbs quickly Affordable
Cons
Strong smell
6. Best Non-Greasy:Hempz Hydro Max Ultra Dark Maximizer Indoor Tanning Lotion
The Hempz Hydro Max Ultra Dark Maximizer Indoor Tanning Lotion is a rich blend of dark tan enhancers that prepare the skin for deeper, richer, longer-lasting color. The lotion is enriched with 100% pure natural hemp seed oil that hydrates, nourishes, and conditions skin. It makes skin look ultra-soft, smooth, and healthy-looking. The hydrating yangu oil in the lotion is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that help protect the skin from damage and prevent skin sagging. The nourishing vitamin C-rich apple fruit extract conditions and hydrates dry, mature skin and helps renew and revive skin’s healthy youthful radiance. The formula is non-greasy, transfer-resistant, THC-free, gluten-free, and 100% vegan. It absorbs quickly and does not stain the sheets or carpets. Pros
Fatty acids protect and hydrate the skin Prevents skin sagging Conditions skin to make it ultra-soft and smooth Non-greasy Transfer-resistant Absorbs quickly Does not stain sheets or carpets THC-free Gluten-free 100% vegan Affordable
Cons None
7. Best With Smooth Texture:California Tan 50 Assorted Indoor Tanning Lotion Packets
The California Tan Assorted Indoor Tanning Lotion Packets are a bunch of 50 different tanning sample pouches from different brands. Each of these tanning lotions is transfer-resistant, absorbs quickly, does not streak, has a smooth texture, keeps the skin hydrated and nourished, and adds a beautiful, golden glow to the skin. These lotions are travel-friendly and affordable. Pros
50 tanning sample pouches Transfer-resistant Absorb quickly Do not streak Smooth texture Keep the skin hydrated and nourished Travel-friendly Affordable
Cons
The brands may keep varying every time you buy
8. Best For All Skin Types:Millennium Paint It Black Indoor Tanning Lotions
The Millennium Paint It Black Indoor Tanning Lotions come as a set of two. They have a new auto-darkening tan technology that delivers a bronze tan through the super-luxurious silicone emulsion blend. The lotion glides over the skin without streaking and absorbs quickly into the skin. It is soft in texture and its nourishing properties make the skin look hydrated and healthy. The effect of this indoor tanning lotion lasts all day long. It also firms the skin and adds a youthful glow. It is suitable for all ages and skin types. The lotion has a pleasant fragrance. Pros
Auto-darkening tan technology Super-luxurious silicone emulsion blend Glides over skin without streaking Absorbs quickly Soft texture Nourishing Makes skin look hydrated and healthy Lasts all day long Firms the skin Adds a youthful glow Suitable for all ages and skin types Pleasant fragrance Reasonably priced
Cons
May stain the skin
9. Best Cruelty-Free:Sun Laboratories Dark Sunsation Self Tanning Lotion
The Sun Laboratories Dark Sunsation Self Tanning Lotion is a sunless self-tanner. The paraben-free blend of ingredients in this product provides your skin with the most natural-looking tan possible. It nourishes, hydrates, and revitalizes the skin. It also improves the elasticity of your skin. The fast-drying action of this self-tanner keeps it from staining bedsheets, carpets, and curtains. Its texture is ultra-smooth and sleek and helps achieve a flawless look. This indoor tanning lotion gives your skin a golden glow that does not look fake. It is cruelty-free and made in the USA. Pros
Paraben-free Natural-looking tan Nourishes, hydrates, and revitalizes skin Improves skin elasticity Fast-drying Transfer-resistant Ultra-smooth texture Does not look fake Cruelty-free
Cons
Has a green tint
10. Best Lightweight:Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion
The Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion helps create a deep tan for a healthy-looking glow. This gradual self-tanning body lotion is clinically proven to provide natural-looking tan. It also allows you to control the shade of tan – you can apply more for a deeper tan or less for just a hint of color. The formula is lightweight and delivers sheer color with each application for a natural tan and also protects the skin from the harmful sun rays. This indoor tanning lotion has a light, fresh scent. It dries in 5 minutes after application and develops within 2 to 4 hours. It is easy to apply, does not streak or blotch, and does not stain the fingers. Pros
Lightweight Protects skin from harmful sun rays Light, fresh scent Dries in 5 minutes Develops within 2 to 4 hours Easy to apply Does not streak or blotch Does not stain fingers Affordable
Cons
May have an orange tinge
11. Best With No Harsh Chemicals:Just Nutritive Tanning Indoor Lotion
The Just Nutritive Tanning Indoor Lotion is formulated with aloe vera, kokum butter, mango, hazelnut, avocado oil, coffee, guava, noni, and papaya extracts. These ingredients provide nutritive benefits to improve the look and feel of your skin. These ingredients keep the skin hydrated and add a long-lasting tan. This product is a gold-standard indoor tanning lotion that adds a youthful glow to the skin. It is easy to apply and does not contain artificial fragrances or colors. It is suitable for all skin types. It contains no harsh chemicals, is cruelty-free, and is made in the USA. Pros
Keeps skin hydrated Adds a long-lasting tan Easy to apply No artificial fragrances or colors Suitable for all skin types No harsh chemicals Cruelty-free Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
May require 2-3 applications for very pale skin
12. Best Vegan:Dark Tans Exclusive That’s What Sea Said Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion
That’s What Sea Said is specially formulated with powerful ingredients – seaweed, hibiscus, passion fruit, and coconut that nourish your skin and retains moisture to offer a glow to your tan. Tyrosines included in the lotion stimulate melanin and accelerate the natural tanning process. Hibiscus infused in the lotion has anti-aging properties and helps increase the skin’s elasticity, evens out the skin tone, reduces wrinkles, and adds a radiant look. In addition, the blend of passion fruit and coconut keeps your skin hydrated. Additionally, it enhances the color of your tan and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Pros
Paraben-free Cruelty-free Vegan Dye-free Non-staining Tattoo-protectant Provide ultra-hydration Non-sticky
Cons None
13. Best For Sensitive Skin:Onyx Very Sexy Legs Indoor Tanning Lotion
The Onyx Very Sexy Legs Indoor Tanning Lotion is a powerful bronzing and tanning lotion. Its warming tingle effect helps give a dark effect to hard-to-tan body parts. Aloe vera keeps the skin hydrated and healthy-looking. Green tea helps fight the appearance of cellulite. Mango extract, which is rich in multiple vitamins, reduces inflammation and keeps skin soft. Jojoba oil and algae extract improve the skin’s overall appearance. This bronzer stimulates your senses with a tingling effect to obtain a better and more natural-looking tan. One application is enough to get a gorgeous chocolate tan. The citrus aurantium extract in the lotion stimulates the natural process of melanin production, while the chamomile extract soothes skin irritation. Pros
Gives a quicker and deeper tan Aloe vera keeps skin hydrated Green tea fights cellulite Mango extract reduces inflammation Jojoba oil and algae extract improve skin appearance Citrus aurantium extract stimulates melanin production Chamomile extract soothes irritation Suitable for sensitive skin Reasonably priced
Cons None These are the 13 best indoor tanning lotions you can buy online. If you are a new user, here’s a step by step guide on how to use an indoor tanning lotion.
How To Use An Indoor Tanning Lotion
Wash your skin and pat it dry.
Take a dime-size amount of the tanning lotion and apply it in a circular motion.
Repeat the process until the desired area is covered.
Let it dry for 5 minutes.
Wash your hands with soap.
Let the tan develop overnight.
Apply a moisturizer in the morning.
The Benefits Of Using A Tanning Bed Lotion
Tanning bed lotion contains DHA, which develops deep color as it interacts with the top layer cells of the skin.
Tanning lotions ensure the tan does not look fake.
They also protect the skin from sun damage.
The following section discusses what you need to look for in a tanning lotion before purchasing one.
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Tanning Lotion
Check the tint of the tanning lotion. Some tanning lotions are too orange or have a green tint, and may not help you achieve the exact shade of tan you want.
Check if the tanning lotion suits your skin tone. If you have a deep or dark skin tone, go for a lotion with a deeper color. If you have lighter skin, choose a sheer tanning lotion so that you can build-up to the shade you want.
Some tanning lotions cause a tingling sensation. These may be uncomfortable for new users but they help develop a tan faster and provide long-lasting results.
Some tanning lotions come with a bronzer while some come without it. Check what you like.
Choose a tanning lotion according to your skin type. Avoid lotions with alcohol if you have dry skin. Avoid lotions with multiple oils if you have oily skin.
Choose a tanning lotion that is free from parabens, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals.
Choose tanning lotions with good ingredients like amino acids, tea tree oil, hemp oil, marula oil, argan oil, coconut oil etc.
Avoid tanning lotions with propylene glycol.
Choose a tanning lotion that does not streak or blotch. Choose a tanning lotion that does not stain your fingers.
Conclusion
While basking in the sun feels fantastic, it’s not always possible to spend the required amount of time to get the perfect tan. This is where the best indoor tanning lotions come into play. They’re a safe, affordable, and effective alternative to tanning beds that result in that same gorgeous golden glow on your skin. Most of these products are easy to use, absorb quickly, have a soft texture, and hydrate the skin. However, some formulas may have a certain tinge and may stain the skin. Consider your skin type and tone while buying a tanning lotion. Choose a lotion with natural ingredients, and that doesn’t stain your skin or fingers. The infographic below will introduce you to the criteria you must consider before selecting a brand. Check it out!
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach and loves to try out different skin care products. She believes that one can get a sun-kissed glow by using the best indoor tanning lotions. So, she conducted in-depth research by browsing through various online forums to check user feedback and product specifications. These tanning lotions are suitable for all skin types. They keep your skin smooth and hydrated apart from adding a glow. What is the best tanning bed lotion to get dark fast? The Supre Indoor Tanning Bronzer Lotion Packets are the best choice that provides optimal results overnight. They absorb quickly and offer a bronzy tan on the skin. How long before indoor tanning should you apply tanning lotion? You should apply tanning lotion after 2 hours of a regular skin care routine consisting of skin cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing to get the best results. How long can you keep indoor tanning lotion? Indoor tanning lotions last for around 2-3 years and show peak effectiveness during this period. How long after indoor tanning can you shower? You must wait for around 30-60 minutes to take a shower after applying indoor tanning lotion. Is it better to shower before or after tanning? It is recommended to shower after applying tanning lotion for the best results.
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