15 Best Tan Accelerators: Reviews and Guide

mamiesskincare.com is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission
Do you want to get that perfect tan?
We know how hard it can be to find the best products for your skin type. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 15 Best Tan Accelerators so you can figure out which one is right for you. We’ll go over the different types and give our opinion on each product below. Keep reading!
You deserve a great tan, but not at the expense of your skin or health. These are all high-quality tan accelerators that effectively reduce the tanning process and will help you achieve a beautiful bronze without any harmful side effects like sunburns, wrinkles, or cancerous cells in your body. These accelerator lotions are also affordable and easy to use!
15 Best Tan Accelerators
1. Australian Gold Gelee Dark Tanning Accelerator
Our Pick
I love to tan, but sometimes my skin can become dry and flaky.
There are so many products out there that promise a perfect tan, but they don’t always deliver.
Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator is enriched with Hemp Seed oil! Hemp Seed Oil provides skin with the optimal balance of Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids that helps to make your skin shiny and smooth.
This tanning accelerator lotion is designed for use both alone when on a sunbed and layered with SPF whilst sunbathing.
Formulated with Native Australian Oils and Vitamin E, this unique formula has the tanning power of an oil, the moisturization of a lotion, and the fresh feel of a gel. So it leaves skin feeling soft and smooth without any greasy residue at all! Plus you will see the results in just one application!
You can use this tan accelerator while going for your tanning bed session or while taking your relaxing sunbath.
It is unisex, so it is perfect for men and women alike. It has classic CocoaDreams Fragrance.
Pros
- Gives a long-lasting tan
- Provides radiance and moisturization
- Feeling fresh all day long with no more greasy mess or dark patches
- Gives a natural-looking deep dark tan
- Contains Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids to keep the skin healthy
- Enriched with Hemp Seed oil
Cons
- Some people didn’t like the smell
2. Somewhere on a Beach, Instant Dark Tanning Lotion
With Powerful Anti-Aging Peptide
Getting a tan can be hard.
The sun is harsh, and you have to sit in it for hours. You’re probably not using enough sunscreen because who wants to wear that stuff all day? And even if you do use sunscreen, it’s likely full of chemicals and could still cause skin damage.
Somewhere on a beach tanning lotion is easy to apply and gives you the same beautiful golden glow as sitting out in the sun without any of those nasty side effects like burns or age spots!
Not only does this instant dark tanning lotion gives you bronzed look but also develops into a natural-looking deep bronze over time with continued usage.
It’s packed with moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil and sea buckthorn berry extracts that will leave your skin feeling soft after each application while providing long-lasting results that won’t fade away like other tanners! This instant dark tanning lotion does not contain DHA, and it gives stain-free results.
This tanning accelerator lotion has the Tropical Tantini fragrance.
Pros
- Streak-free tan
- Fast and easy to put on for instant results
- Effective with one application
- No DHA for an all-natural tanning experience
- The powerful anti-aging peptide that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Tropical Tantini fragrance
Cons
- Has no SPF
3. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion
Non-Comedogenic Lotion
Getting a good tan is hard work, but it’s even harder to maintain that tan.
Most sunless tanners smell bad and don’t deliver the results you want, and even can be tough on your skin.
Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion from Ed Hardy is different than other self-tanners because they use only high-quality ingredients that are healthy for your skin and won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
The formula of this tanning lotion from Ed hardy also contains coconut oil, cocoa butter, and coconut milk to hydrate your skin while delivering a dark golden tan without the use of bronzing agents. The best part? It smells like a vacation! Use this Coconut Kisses lotion to get an amazing summer glow all year long!
Tattoo Fade Protecting Formula helps prolong the life and radiance of tattoos by blocking out damaging UV rays as well as preventing fading caused by oxidation in the air.
Pros
- Ultra-Darkening Skin Hydrating Intensifier: Dresses your skin in a silky veil of moisture to give you an even tan.
- Tattoo Fade Protecting Formula: Strengthens and extends the life of your tattoos while preventing any fading that may occur with prolonged sun exposure.
- Quad Tyrosine Blend & Melano Bronze: Accelerates the tanning process for those who desire deeper coloration in less time.
- Coconut Paradise Fragrance: The coconut fragrance gives off a dreamy coconut aroma perfect for tanning by day or night!
Cons
- The smell may seem strong to some people
4. Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil
Safe For The Planet
You want a great tan, but you don’t want to damage the environment.
Most tanners contain chemicals that are bad for the planet and can cause skin problems.
Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil is made with natural ingredients that moisturize your skin while giving you an even and deep tan.
The formula of this dark tanning accelerator lotion contains tropical oils. These ingredients work together to moisturize your skin without leaving behind any residue or streaks.
It contains an exclusive blend of antioxidants that protects your skin against free radical damage caused by exposure to sunlight so you can get a healthy glow year-round without harming the environment or risking health issues down the line due to harmful chemicals in other self-tanners.
Plus, the coconut scent will have you dreaming of warm ocean breezes as soon as it hits your nose!
This tanning accelerator is a PETA-certified cruelty-free product.
Pros
- Natural ingredients – Reef-friendly, made without oxybenzone and octinoxate
- Skin softening formula – Containing Antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E
- Moisturizing formula -Contains skin conditioners
- Tropical scent – Iconic Hawaiian Tropic Scent. This tropical coconut scent celebrates the island botanicals of Hawaii
- PETA-certified cruelty-free product
Cons
- Does not contain SPF
5. Australian Gold Bronzing Intensifier Dry Oil Spray
No Parabens
I know you love to be out in the sun, but sometimes it can leave your skin feeling dry and dull.
This tan accelerator is formulated with a unique blend of ingredients that instantly gives your body an intense glow and long-lasting tan.
It’s enriched with aloe vera and tea tree oil to help hydrate and moisturize your skin for ultimate comfort. And because it contains no parabens, you can use it safely.
This spray from Australian Gold helps give you an instant summer glow while keeping your skin soft, supple, moisturized, and healthy-looking all day long!
It is quick-absorbing and convenient as it is lightweight and non-greasy.
Pros
- Enriched with natural ingredients for ultimate hydration and skin benefits
- Smells like you’re on the beach
- Provides an instant natural-looking glow to your skin
- Contains Tea Tree Oil, which is a powerful antioxidant
- Lightweight, non-greasy, and quick-absorbing
- Contains Aloe Vera to naturally soothe and deeply nourish your skin
Cons
- Dries out quickly
- No SPF in it
6. Maui Babe Browning Lotion with Coconut Oil
100% All-Natural Ingredients
Getting a great tan is something most people want, but it can be hard to achieve. You have to spend hours in the sun and wait for your skin to tan naturally.
At Maui Babe, they believe that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort for great-looking skin. That’s why their products are made with top-of-the-line ingredients and designed with your needs in mind.
This maui babe tanning lotion accelerates your tan so you don’t need as much time in the sun or under a lamp. This means you can use this tan accelerator for outdoor tanning or you can use it while going for a tanning bed session in a tanning salon.
The natural formula will give you an even, dark, deep-looking tan. The scent is like coconut and it contains 100% natural ingredients. We recommend using this with SPF to prevent damage from the UV rays.
Pros
- Provides a natural tan without long and endless hours in the sun
- Uses 100% all-natural ingredients which is safe for any skin type
- Adds moisture while getting a deep, dark, and rich tan.
- Gives you a natural and gradual glow
- Can be used while a tanning salon session or for outdoor tanning
Cons
It may feel greasy
7. Onyx Magnifique Sunbed Dark Tanning Accelerator
With Walnut Extract
Getting a perfect tan is not as easy as it seems. It takes time, patience, and the right products.
This Dark Tanning Accelerator has been specially designed to give you an even, deep tan without streaks or patches in just one session.
If you’re looking for a way to achieve that sun-kissed glow without spending hours under the sun (or paying high prices at your local salon), then look no further than this revolutionary new self-tanner from Onyx Magnifique!
This advanced formulation comes loaded with powerful amounts of bronzing ingredients with a tan accelerating blend of Sesame Oil, Tamanu Oil, and Walnut Extract to enhance the desired color of your tan while breaking down those pesky dead skin cells.
Pros
- Creates rich, dark tans in a short amount of time
- Accelerates tanning to achieve the desired color in just one session
- Body firms and smoothes the skin’s appearance
- Smell great with that relaxing scent
- The lightweight, non-sticky texture makes it easy to absorb
Cons
- Not for men as the smell is too feminine
- Bit Dry
8. Designer Skin Escapade Dark Tan Lotion
For All Skin Types
Looking for a tan that will last?
Designer Skin Escapade Dark Tan Lotion is the perfect solution. It’s made with exotic Sacha Inchi Oil, which contains high levels of Omega 3, 6, and 9 Essential Fatty Acids, and Vitamin E.
The Dual Cooling Essences draw warmth away from your skin to help soothe it during tanning.
Quadruple Bronzer gives you instant results as well as long-lasting ones. And it’s great for all skin types! Plus, this lotion has a light refreshing fragrance that smells like Bermuda Breeze!
Pros
- Deep dark Tan formula with exotic Sacha Inchi Oil
- Dual Cooling Essences for a refreshing sensation
- Quadruple bronzer for instant and long-lasting results
- Great for all skin types
Cons
- Does not contain SPF
9. Millennium Tanning Paint It Black
With Auto-Darkening Tan Technology
Sunless tanning lotions are messy and can leave streaks on your skin.
This tan accelerator is made with unique auto-darkening tan technology that delivers dark bronze tanning results without the mess.
This ultra-luxurious silicone emulsion blend leaves your skin silky soft and smooth with stunning deep tan color that lasts all day.
This tannig accelerator delivers extreme dark bronze tanning results, so you can get the darkest, most beautiful sunless tans ever. Plus, it has Fresh And Clean Cotton Blossom Fragrance that will leave you smelling fresh and clean after every use!
Pros
- Ultra-luxurious silicone emulsion blend
- Delivers fast and extreme dark bronze tanning results
- Gives you a dazzling, deep tan color that is never orange
- Starts by moisturizing your skin for silky smoothness
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
10. Tan Asz U LUAU BLACK 200X Black Bronzer
DHA-Free
Who doesn’t want to look like they just spent a week in the tropics?
This tan accelerator is perfect for anyone looking for that dark, bronzed glow. It’s made with natural ingredients and will give you that sunkissed look you’ve been dreaming of.
You’ll love how it smells too! With Awapuhi Peach Smoothie fragrance, this product is sure to be your new favorite thing.
It’s made with high levels of Marula Oil, island extracts & max silicone cocktail that conditions your skin for lasting softness and glow.
This lotion will give you a deep dark color without streaks or orange spots! It’s easy to apply as well.
Pros
- Paraben-Free
- DHA-Free
- Provides lasting bronzer finish
- Softens and moisturizes skin with a radiant glow
- The long-lasting scent will leave you smelling fresh
Cons
- Watery Texture
11. Banana Boat Self Tanning Lotion
Oil Free
A lot of tanning accelerator lotions have a strong smell, and they can leave your skin feeling sticky. Some people also find that the color isn’t natural-looking enough as they wanted.
Banana Boat’s Summer Color Self Tanning Lotion is different than other tanning accelerators because it doesn’t contain any dyes. It also goes on smoothly without leaving streaks behind and dries quickly after application so you won’t feel uncomfortable walking around with wet hands or feet.
The best part about this tan accelerator is that it allows you to get an even deeper tan if you apply it more often—something many other tanning lotions just aren’t capable of doing. This means that instead of having to settle for a pale glow from your self-tanner, you’ll be able to achieve the deep brown shade that will make everyone jealous!
Pros
- Sunless tan – For a rich, sun-free tan
- Streak free – No risk of ending up with unwanted streaks
- Oil free – So you can apply it right before going to the beach without any worry about having an oily residue afterward
- Quick drying – You’re able to get dressed again after applying it, and not need to worry about waiting for it to dry first
- Contains Aloe Vera – Powered with healing and moisturizing abilities of Aloe Vera
Cons
- New Formula can be improved
12. Australian Gold, CHEEKY BROWN Accelerator
Herbal DNA
Getting a beautiful, natural-looking tan is hard. There’s so much you have to do and it takes so long.
Australian Gold CHEEKY BROWN Accelerator gets you there faster with their new formula that delivers immediate dark color results for a deep, rich tan.
The new formula contains the breakthrough ingredient Biosine Complex, which combines Wheat Sprout Extract and Purple Sweet Potato Extract to nourish your skin while delivering an immediate dark color result.
You’ll love how smooth and soft your skin feels after using this product as well as the gorgeous glow you get from its Silky Skincare ingredients like Aloe Vera and Vitamins A and E.
Plus, the Streak-Free Blend of Henna, Caramel, and Beta Carotene helps prevent streaking or patchiness on all skin tones for a flawless tan every time!
Pros
- Natural bronzers
- Fast Tan
- A streak-free blend of Henna, Caramel, and Beta Carotene for an instant dark color result
- Herbal DNA
- Biosine Complex – Advanced combination of ingredients soothe, soften & moisturize for maximum tanning results.
- Silky Skincare – Aloe Vera, Vitamins A, and E help protect your skin from free radicals for a youthful complexion
Cons
- Little Sticky
13. Supre Smoke Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion
With Anti-Aging Properties
It’s hard to maintain a good tan.
You have to spend hours in the sun or go for expensive spray tans that only last a few days.
Supre Smoke Black Bronzer is an all-natural self-tanning accelerator that makes your skin dark, giving you a long-lasting, natural-looking tan with no harmful UV rays needed.
This lotion is rich in antioxidants that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while adding hydration back into your skin. Best of all, this bronzer comes in three fragrances— pineapple, mango, and passion fruit.
Pros
- Anti-aging benefits
- Lasts a long time
- Locks in that bronze color
- Contains antioxidants for healthy skin
- Gives you the ultimate and natural tan
- Gives your skin an instant glow
Cons
- The bottle can be improved
- May leaves streaks
14. Pro Tan Radically Hemp Ultra Powerful 10X Dark Tanning Gelee Accelerator
With Exotic Botanicals
You can’t be the best-looking person on the beach if you don’t tan.
Darker skin tones are in, and so is your need to look like a pro-tanner.
This indoor tanning lotion contains Monoi de Tahiti oils that help moisturize dry skin while having an exotic fragrance of Sweet almond.
This tanning accelerator from Pro Tan will give you an instant bronze body that looks professionally tanned and not overdone. This product has been formulated with exotic botanicals for a healthy glow along with a natural bronzing blend.
The herbal bronzing blend will also give you more than just darker color; it will help condition your skin while giving it a sexy sheen that’s sure to make heads turn!
Pros
- Instant tan with 10X more intensity
- For a faster and smoother tanning process
- Leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed
- Longer lasting, darker results
- Contains Vitamin A and Vitamin E
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
15. Supre Cherry Bomb Dark Accelerator
Refreshes Your Skin
Getting a deep tan is not easy.
There are so many tanning accelerators in the market that promise to give you a great-looking tan, but only a few keep their promise.
Cherry Bomb Dark Accelerator is different from other tanning accelerators and bronzers because it delivers on its promises! It gives you a deep tan without streaking or discoloring your skin. You get an even, smooth finish that lasts long.
This Accelerator contains vitamins A, C, and E which nourishes your skin while giving you an instant sun-kissed glow. It has a nice fragrance of cherry bomb. You can use this product on any part of the body including the face, neck, chest, or arms.
Pros
- Give yourself a dark, sexy tan with the Cherry Bomb Dark Accelerator
- Keep your skin feeling moisturized and elastic
- The scent of Cherry Bomb makes you feel like dancing!
- Refresh your skin so that it appears more firm & toned
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
What is Tan Accelerator?
Tan accelerator lotions are the key to getting your skin a deep, bronze tan without having to spend hours in a sunbed. They contain ingredients that stimulate cells and boost melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that gives our skin its natural color.
Tan accelerators are available in a range of forms, from lotions to sprays.
It is important that the tan accelerator you choose is gentle on your skin but also high quality as this will help avoid orange or streaky tan.
A tan accelerator can be used while sunbathing or while using a tanning bed for tanning.
If you are new to the world of tan accelerators, it is advisable that you try a small amount first before applying liberally in order to avoid any adverse reactions such as redness or itchiness. If you have allergies or sensitive skin it is advised to check with your doctor before using tanning products.
Benefits of using Tan Accelerators?
1. Tan Accelerators can help you boost melanin production to get a tan in less time
2. You will be able to see the results of your tanning sessions more quickly
3. Tan accelerators are safe and easy to use, so they’re perfect for beginners as well
4. Using a tan accelerator is an affordable way to maintain your new healthy glow year-round!
5. Using a tan accelerator will give you an even, streak-free color without any orange tones or blotches
6. It’s easy to apply.
7. Tan Accelerators can be used by anyone who wants to get a dark tan without the sun’s damaging UV rays
8. You’ll have more time for other activities when you’re not spending hours at the beach trying to get that perfect summer glow.
9. Achieving an even, deep tan is easier with the help of the best tanning accelerator spray or lotion.
10. Your skin will feel softer and smoother after using the best tan accelerator.
11. Can be used while sunbathing or while using a tanning bed.
How to use a tan accelerator
Using a tan accelerator is the same as using normal tanning lotion.
- One of the first steps when applying a tan accelerator lotion is to ensure your skin is already cleansed, exfoliated, and moisturized.
- Take the lotion in your palm and apply it over your skin.
- Now rub it evenly on your skin, like you use a moisturizer.
- Carefully rub the lotion on your skin to avoid uneven tone after tanning
Ingredients To Look For in a Tan Accelerator
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the best ingredients to look for when you are shopping around for a tan accelerator because not only does it moisturize, but it also contains some SPF protection. It also absorbs quickly into the skin, which is an added bonus.
Aloe Vera
This ingredient is popular for allergy-prone skin, helping to prevent irritation. It also has anti-aging properties.
Aloe Vera is a natural ingredient that will help protect your skin from harm and it’s great for aging skin! Aloe vera absorbs quickly into the skin so this is a good option for those who want to get an even look.
It is also good for sensitive skin.
Carrot oil
Skin damaging UV rays can weaken your skin’s melanin production. Carrot oil takes care of that and also helps to dramatically improve the skin’s natural elasticity.
Olive oil
olive oil is a great source of vitamin E, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy and beautiful skin tone.
Almond oil
Gives you a pleasant fragrance while adding to your tan’s natural glow.
If you have sensitive skin, or if you want a more matte finish for yourself, almond oil is an excellent choice because it does not produce that greasy feeling on the skin.
Cocoa butter
Cocoa butter is an intense moisturizer that works as a great anti-aging tool. Not only does it go deep into the skin to work on dry skin, but it also lasts for hours without feeling greasy and gives you a pleasant fragrance while adding to your tan’s natural glow.
Shea butter
Shea butter is well known around the world for giving intense moisturization. It penetrates deep into the skin layers, hydrating the skin making it more bouncy, and adding a healthy glow to it.
Green tea extract
It assists with the prevention of sunburn when out in the sun.
Green tea extract contains antioxidants and caffeine that are both great for your skin health.
Conclusion
We covered the 15 best tan accelerators we’ve found. Hopefully, this will help you find your best tan accelerator that is good for your skin and makes it easier for you to get tanned in less time.
Do let us know which product from the list of best tanning accelerators worked well for you! We want to be able to provide everyone with helpful information about how to get a great-looking tan without harming their bodies or spending too much money on expensive beauty treatments.
Please let us know if there are any other questions you have–we’re always happy to answer them!
As you are interested in tan accelerators, you may also check our tanning accelerator category.
