10 Best Indoor Tanning Lotions: Reviews and Guide
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The studies conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology Association published in 2015 mention that around 1.9 million men and 7.8 million women in America tan indoors.
Researches have also mentioned that 52.5 percent of young adults start tanning indoors before 21 years, whereas 32.7 percent start even earlier, before 18 years.
These numbers have perhaps given you an idea about how popular the indoor tanning industry is amongst all ages and gender in the United States. The primary reason being, not everyone is blessed with glowing skin and sun-kissed tan to flaunt.
But what is a tanning lotion?
It a liquid formula that you must apply before going for an indoor tanning appointment. This lotion stimulates and activates the production of melanin and leaves you a beautiful and gorgeous tan.
Another critical question that most people ask is the difference between indoor and outdoor tanning solutions, and can they not be used interchangeably?
Well, the ingredients differ from each other. Indoor tanning solutions contain L-Tyrosine, Melanin, Tea Tree Oil, and Green Tea.
But in outdoor tanning solutions, there is a precise percentage of mineral oil and SPF. If used while a tanning bed session, these ingredients can damage your underlying skin and the surface of acrylics.
With the rapid expansion in the beauty industry, you can be overwhelmed by the number of indoor tanning products available.
To make this decision-making easy for you, we have tailored a list of the most popular and safe for skin best indoor tanning lotions.
10 Best Indoor Tanning Lotions
If you are interested in finding out each indoor tanning lotion’s qualities and suitability, you must take a more in-depth look at the following.
1. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion
Our Pick
The most popular and first on the list is the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion, which is a part of the Tanovations Company. The formula consists of coconut oil and milk, and other age-defying ingredients that give your skin intense hydration.
Even though the lotion doesn’t contain a bronzing agent, it does deliver a dark golden tan without staining your hands and keeping your skin moisturized. The active ingredients like Melano Bronze and Quad Tyrosine Blend intensify your tanning experience by encouraging melanin formation.
Natural ingredients like safflower oil and cocoa butter make your skin look soft and ready for the beach. This special formula is designed to protect tattoos from fading and enhances the brightness of your tattoos.
Most importantly, the solution leaves behind an exhilarating coconut fragrance mixed with the indistinct scent of vanilla that leaves you in a tropical paradise.
Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses tanning lotion is super smooth and absorbent. Therefore you will not notice streaks or blotches post-application. This brand claims to make your skin look firm and radiant.
Pros
- The dark golden tan that lasts long
- Promotes melanin formation faster and gives results quicker
- It makes your skin look firm and fades the cellulite appearance
- Deeply moisturizes, leaving behind a soft and smooth skin
- It intensifies your tattoos and darkens the fading tan
- Easy absorption and nourishing to the skin
Cons
- It does not contain SPF
- The smell may seem strong to some
- Not for people who want a light golden and bronzy tan
2. Australian Gold Jwoww Black Bronzer Dark Tanning Lotion
Best For Damaged And Dry Skin
Is your existing tan fading? If yes, then this premium quality Australian Gold Jwoww Black Bronzer Dark Tanning Lotion is the best solution. The formula contains a bronzer that imparts a dark and deep tan at its first application.
This lotion’s main ingredients are sunflower oil, hemp seed oil, and olive oil, which are known to moisturize and nourish your skin deeply. A smooth application will leave you with a perfect beach tan every time you leave the tanning machine.
The lotion has a subtle scent of berries that will transport you to a tropical land. With a wide variety of moisturizers, this lotion is raved by most women.
As the lotion imparts a dark tan at the first application, it may look too dark for people to use it for the first time. The texture is light making application easy for you.
Most bronzer solutions do not leave a streak mark, as does this product.
Pros
- Smooth and light in texture and gets absorbed easily
- It does not burn your skin post application
- Highly affordable and secure that imparts excellent results in the first application
- Best to darken an underlying fading base tan
Cons
- Not for applying as a base tan
- The shade is too dark for a few people
3. Tan Asz U LUAU Black 200X Bronzer
Budget Friendly
The Tan Asz U LUAU Black Island Bronzer makes is capable of amplifying the results of your tan. It contains Black Charcoal glow serum that will give you a rich and luxurious tanning experience.
The serum contains marula oil that will hydrate your skin instantly and make your tan grow darker, and last long. This also contains a bronzer, especially the DHA bronzer, which is responsible for instant browning of your skin’s outer surface.
This formula is free of parabens and includes Hawaiian butter, fruit conditioners, and extracts mixed in the serum that will give you a tropical shine and glow.
This tanning lotion is especially significant in promoting the natural production of melanin for long-lasting and non-faded tan.
Pros
- Tropical silky smooth and luxurious experience
- A subtle peach fragrance that is not overpowering
- Good amplifying lotion that builds upon the base tan
- Free of parabens and contains fruits extracts, suitable for all skin types
Cons
- It does not have sunscreen and no protection against sunburns
4. Supre - Snooki Ultra Dark 70X Black Bronzer
Best For Gradual Tanning
If you are looking for a lotion that builds up the tan slowly and gradually, SupreSnooki Ultra Dark 70X Black Bronzer can be the right choice. It consists of natural ingredients like henna, black walnut, and DHA, giving a long-lasting and gradual tanning effect.
These ingredients give your skin an unimaginable dark tan and continue to grow deeper with prolonged exposure to UV lights. As the name suggests, it contains 70X levels of bronzer for intense results.
SoftChic skin moisturizer with sweet almond oil and coconut are perhaps the best ingredients for healthy and nourished skin after the tanning session. This Vitamin enriched bottle also aids your skin fight against environmental pollution and stress for healthy glowing skin.
The formula is designed to firm your skin by blending in smoothly and toning your skin texture.
Pros
- The ingredients are meant for glowing healthy and smooth skin post tanning session
- The tan is darker and long-lasting compared to many other tanning lotions
- The sweet fragrance keeps you fresh even after the tanning session
- Paraben-free lotion, best meant to protect the skin against harsh environmental conditions
Cons
- The thick consistency of the lotion
- Few customers have complained about orange staining
5. Millenium Tanning Solid Black 100x
Best For Deep And Intense Tan
The next best indoor tanning lotion on our list is the Millenium Tanning Solid Black 100X that contains Ultra Advanced 100x Silicone Bronzer for an overpowering dark and immediate dark tan.
The formula is powered with Auto-Darkening Technology, implying the results will appear in a very short period. This lotion works great as a base tan as it has high moisturizing properties that nourish your skin for a deep and intense skin tan.
A light fragrance of orchid blush makes it so refreshing for the skin. The lotions include a silicone bronzer and a tan enhancer that are responsible for healthy-looking smooth skin. It also contains natural ingredients like walnut, pecan seed oil, banana fruit extract, sunflower, and other high-quality components.
Customer reviews reveal that this solution can safely be applied to the face as it is also enriched with Vitamins. The creamy silicone texture is easy to apply on the skin without the fear of leaving streaks.
Pros
- Smooth and non-greasy texture, easy to apply
- Orchid scent for a refreshing experience
- Deep and dark tan in very little time
- Enhances the skin texture by making it appear smooth after application
Cons
- Many customers complain of orange-tan stains on the palms of their hands
6. Millennium Tanning Products - Insanely Black Dark Tanning Lotion
Great Smell
This unique and versatile tanning lotion from Millennium Tanning Products is next on our list. Unlike most other tanning lotions, this formula performs three functions very effectively.
It can be used as a daily usable tinted moisturizer, can also be used to enhance tans from sunbeds, and finally can be used on the face for an instant bronze highlighter appearance.
This is considered one of the easiest tanning lotions that impart a gorgeous glow when applied like a daily body lotion. There is no tanning session required for this. Its distinct qualities include fast absorption with a non-greasy formula that will make you feel light and comfortable. It spreads over your skin without streaking.
It contains natural ingredients like jojoba oil, hibiscus oil, and agave oil, which are super gentle on the skin.
This lotion has a great fragrance of blackberry citrus, making it perfect for summers. This lotion will make you look smooth and radiant in every application.
Pros
- Best for all skin types
- Unique fragrance that is perfect for summers
- Super light and non-greasy formula that is absorbed quickly into the skin
- Increases skin cell microcirculation
- For darker tanning results
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
7. SunGodz Apollo/Artemis Indoor Tanning Lotion With Bronzer
For Tattooed Skin
The SunGodz Apollo /Artemis Indoor Tanning Lotion With Bronzer is another top-rated versatile lotion that is great for building your base tan.
This premium quality tanning lotion is showerproof. This means that the ingredients are specially formulated not to get washed off while you take a refreshing shower. It makes your skin look smooth and shiny.
If you are looking for high quality, fast, and silicone tanning formula, you must check out this product.
The highly moisturizing lotion has argon oil and coconut oil, two of the best oils for skin nourishment and hydration. It also contains a bronzer as a maximizer that can quickly darken the base tan at first application.
The brand promises that the skin tan will last longer and never turn into an orange color. It also has a tattoo protectant that results in a flawless-looking tattoo. The best part is this lotion can be used with a tanning bed session and also when tanning outdoors.
Post application, you are bound to smell amazing and fresh due to the unisex custom scent.
Pros
- Safe for all skin types and highly moisturizing
- Tattoo-proof and lasts long
- It can be used for both indoor and outdoor tanning experience
- High-quality tanning lotion comes at an affordable price
Cons
- Some people may not like the light hue of tan
8. Ed Hardy Hollywood Bronze Bronzer Tanning Lotion
For Glowing Hollywood Skin
The next on this list is a unique and genuine tanning product, the Ed Hardy Hollywood Bronze Bronzer Tanning Lotion. This formula consists of all essential vitamins that will give your skin a deep dark tan, and as the name suggests, you will feel like a Hollywood star post-application.
One of the vital ingredients is MelanoBronze™, which is best known to stimulate melanin production to give you long-lasting results. Hemp seed oil deeply moisturizes your skin.
This tanning lotion is infused with amino peptides that diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles each time you apply. The cocoa butter also nourishes the skin and protects it from getting dry.
It is powered with cranberry seed oil, an excellent source of antioxidants that protects your skin from pollution.
The unique fragrance of candy kisses will surely keep you refreshed through the tanning session. It works best to enhance a base tan.
Pros
- The bronzer does not contain DHA and parabens
- Great for skin firming and diminishing wrinkles
- Stimulates melanin production and imparts a long-lasting Hollywood star-like glow
- Intensely moisturizes and repairs dry skin
Cons
- Most people complain of turning their palms orange
- The smell can be a little overpowering for some
9. Designer Skin New Adore Black Label Bronzer Tanning Lotion
For Accelerated Tanning
The next on the list is Designer Skin New Adore Black Label Bronzer Tanning Lotion, which is known to give excellent results. The active ingredients consist of Dopa that naturally enhances melanin production in the skin, accelerating the tanning process.
The next ingredient that makes the skin pigment look darker is the MelanINK Bronzer. Finally, silicon emulsions play a dual role in protecting the skin from extreme tanning bed damage and also hydrates your skin.
All these mentioned ingredients are essential for achieving a complete tanning experience and to give you a smooth and streak-free look. Post application, you can feel the skin to have a natural-looking healthy tan that will last long.
The sweet vanilla musk fragrance is fresh and clear and not too overpowering. You can expect to smell like sweet vanilla and a little musk even after the tanning process.
Pros
- Specially formulated for a non-greasy and smooth application and easy absorption in the skin
- Fresh sweet vanilla musk fragrance that clings to the body
- Accelerated tanning effects
- Does not contain DHA or Gluten
Cons
- Slightly expensive than other tanning lotion
10. The Sicilian 200X Double Dark Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion
For Anti-Aging
The Sicilian 200X Double Dark Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion is formulated as a tan-enhancer and bronzer for a deep dark tan. The lotion is rich in Silicone Emulsion that moisturizes your skin. The Acai Berry extract and Co-Q10 make your skin look younger and tighter. The formula makes your skin firm during the tanning process.
As this formula is a maximizer, you can apply it to enhance your base tan and build upon the fading tan. If your tanned skin has reached a plateau, this product can help you achieve the shade you want.
The formula contains the highest levels of DHA for an immediate golden tan. Natural ingredients like macadamia and walnut nut oils give your skin a soft and glowing look. The ingredients also have antioxidant properties that protect your skin from damage.
Pros
- Acts as a tan-enhancer by building on an existing tan
- Specially formulated to tighten the skin and make it look younger
- High quality and natural ingredients provide deep moisturization
- It contains Antioxidants for skin protection
Cons
- The smell can seem to be overpowering and irritating to some
- Can leave orange hues on your hand
Types of Tanning Lotions
Most of the lotions may look the same and promise to give you soft, nourished skin, along with the light to intense shades of tan. However, when you apply them individually, the shade of tan, duration of tan, consistency of tan, and fragrance may differ.
It is very easy to get overwhelmed with so many tanning lotions in the market, but making the correct choice may seem simpler when you understand the types. Tanning lotions are broadly categorized as follows:
Bronzer
The ingredients in a bronzer tanning lotion help darken your base tan and give your skin a temporary glow. DHAs are a common bronzing ingredient that works primarily with the outer skin layer to make the tan look darker instantly.
Bronzers are often applied to your existing tan to re-enhance the existing tan and grow your tan darker with time.
Bronzers consist of darkening agents that work instantly, and users often fear accidentally applying excess lotion that may cause streaking or staining. While applying bronzer, you are advised to have a wet towel handy. Experts advise removing the extra tan from the soles of your feet and palms of your hands, as they can turn orange, imparting an artificial look to your overall tan.
Most indoor lotions with bronzers are safe for all skin types and do not cause skin burn. However, we would suggest you get bronzers only if you have been using tanning lotions for some time and wish to re-touch your existing tan.
Tingle
When you apply the tingle tanning lotion, it makes a tingling sensation on your skin, hence the name. The tingle lotions cause an increase in blood flow and, therefore, escalation in melanin production.
People often face redness of skin in this process, but that is only temporary. Once the redness fades, you will be left with a beautiful and glowing dark tan.
If you have sensitive skin, we would not recommend you tingle lotions as these may cause a burning sensation post-application.
It is best for people with sensitive skin to choose some mild formulations for a painless tanning experience. Doing a patch test on your body and finding out if the product suits you is the right way to go if you have sensitive skin.
Cooling
Just the opposite of a tingle lotion is the cooling lotion. As the name suggests, this solution works to calm your skin while undergoing the tanning process. It can also be used post your tanning session to soothe any burning sensation.
They are an excellent option for your skin’s refreshment when you wish to go tanning on a humid and hot day.
After the heat effect under the tanning lights, this solution can feel like aftercare for your skin. It can also feel refreshing for people who sweat a lot and feel sticky in the tanning bed.
Intensifiers
Also known as accelerators, these are used with bronzers that can both hydrate the skin and impart a darker tan to the plateaued tan. The meaning of plateaued tan is when your skin reaches the maximum level of tanning.
This situation occurs when you use just one type of tanning lotion. Tanning lotions are bound to reach the peak depth of tan hues when used continuously without any variation. Intensifiers claim to give immediate darker tanning results.
Cocktail Lotions
Most indoor tanning lotions have two or more types combined into one bottle. There are chances that some bronzer formula may be found in accelerators, and the overall lotion is described to be an intensifier or maximizer.
We would not recommend maximizers to be used directly as they can make your skin dry. You can build them upon natural tan.
The best way to choose the right lotion is by doing a patch test amongst the list of your preferences.c
How To Use An Indoor Tanning Lotion
When you are applying tanning lotions on your skin without prepping your skin, there is a high chance of losing out on your tanning lotion’s full potential. Therefore it’s important to do these steps before you go for a tanning lotion.
Preparing The Skin
The first and perhaps the most essential step is to shave. You do not want the tanning lotion to accumulate near the hair follicles and make little bronzed spots. Therefore you must shave off all excess hair.
The next step is to exfoliate the skin with a pre-tan exfoliator to remove all the dead and dry skin. When your skin is smooth, it makes your tan smooth and streak-free.
And finally, you may want to wear something that you are comfortable tanning in.
The Right Process of Applying Tanning Lotions
Squeeze the right amount of lotion on your palms and gently start rubbing on your skin. Make sure you spread it evenly, to avoid streaks formation.
You can add a generous amount to your body as the UV light is best absorbed in moist skin than in dry skin. You may want to avoid adding too must lotion to your face, especially near your nostrils and under the eyes.
Lastly, do not forget to wipe off the extra tanning lotion from your finger margins and your palms. Concentrated lotion can look weird and give an artificial look to your tan.
It is advisable to wait a few hours before washing off the lotion so that the formula gets enough time to work and build a tan.
You can use a gentle body wash to soak your skin and wash off the tanning lotion from your body. You should not exfoliate your skin until the next time you are prepping to get a tan.
Make sure to follow the mentioned steps to get the best indoor tanning experience possible.
Is indoor tanning lotion necessary?
It is no secret that indoor tanning lotion can make a difference when you are planning to get tanned indoor. If you are looking for a way to get the best results, then you must go for an indoor tanning lotion to achieve that beautiful tan that you are looking for.
The first benefit of using indoor tanning lotion is that it is a great way to get the perfect tan without having to go outside. When you are inside a tanning bed, and using indoor tanning lotions the UV rays can penetrate your skin and create an even tone as opposed to being underneath a tree or by the water where there might be uneven spots on your skin due to uneven UV rays.
When you use an indoor tanning lotion, the tan will look natural and not like someone who just got back from a vacation in Florida. This is because when you use indoor tanning lotions, these work to protect your skin from more intense UV rays which can cause dryness or burns on your skin.
You can use indoor tanning lotion on your face, neck, and chest for an even application
The best way to get a natural-looking tan is by using indoor tanning lotions. You can also apply them to your face, neck, and chest for an even application. Getting even tone application is vital because you don’t want to be that person who has a caked-up nose and ears while their face is looking like they’ve been in the sun all day.
Indoor tanning lotion has moisturizers in it that will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth after using it
Everybody wishes for soft and smooth skin. Indoor tanning lotions have moisturizers in them that will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth after use. The moisturizers in the lotion will also help your skin retain moisture and keep it healthy. This is one of the major benefits of indoor tanning lotions.
Using indoor tanning lotion is better than going out into the sun because there's no risk of getting burned or developing skin cancer
Too much exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. Indoor tanning lotions offer a much safer alternative to sun exposure because there’s no risk of getting burned or worse.
People who have used indoor tanning lotion like their tanned skin and how it looks natural.
It’s always important to remember that indoor tanning lotions are designed for people who want to have an even tan without damaging their skin in the sun.
The application process is quick and simple - just rub it on like a regular moisturizer!
Applying an indoor tanning lotion is very easy and simple. We all apply moisturizer, you can apply indoor tanning lotion the same way. Simply rub it on your skin and you’re all set!
Conclusion
After a detailed comparison between various products and brands, we have come up with the top three best indoor tanning lotions for the above list.
The best indoor tanning lotion is Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion. If you are a beginner and also have sensitive skin, we highly recommend you this product. It accommodates all the features that you may look for in the best indoor tanning lotion.
It comes with a tattoo-proof formula, that provides deep moisturizing and a long-lasting even-tan on your skin. It gives the darkest tan possible and is the best indoor tanning lotion available.
For the first runners up we have Australian Gold Jwoww Black Bronzer Dark Tanning Lotion. This formula is best for dry and damaged skin as the natural ingredients repair and moisturize your skin, making it smooth.
The second runner-up is Tan Asz U LUAU Black 200X Bronzer, which is budget-friendly and has a Tropical silky smooth and luxurious experience.
Irrespective of the tanning lotion you choose, make sure you follow the pre and post-tanning regimes to get the best results from your tanning session. So, go ahead and enjoy the new you with the fabulous tan that attracts everyone around!
Also, check our other Indoor Tanning articles here.
