Tanning used to mean dousing yourself in oil and hoping for the best under the harsh afternoon sun. Today, the process is far more calculated, relying on specialized formulas designed to keep your skin hydrated while you work toward a glow.
Selecting the Best Lotions for after Tanning Bed sessions involves balancing moisture with color development. You want a product that acts like a thirsty sponge for your skin, replacing what the heat takes away. Keep reading to see which ingredients matter most.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize formulas featuring aloe vera or coconut oil to ensure deep hydration after high-heat sessions.
- Check if your chosen lotion includes DHA bronzers if you want your color to continue developing after you leave the booth.
- Seek out hypoallergenic options if your skin is prone to irritation or redness from fragrance additives.
- Look for silicone-based lotions if you prefer a silky, streak-free application that keeps the skin smooth.
- Consider whether you need a tattoo-protecting formula to prevent your ink from fading under UV light.
| Ultimate Deep Darkener |  |
b.tan Extreme Dark Tinted Accelerator | Extremely dark color payoff | Easy to see application | Fast acting formula | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Daily Accelerator |  |
b.tan Dark Tinted Tan Accelerator | Consistent color results | Visible application tint | Good for base tans | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Sensitive Skin Soother |  |
Saltwater Beaches Aloe Vera Extender | Hypoallergenic formula | Cooling aloe base | Hydrating after sun care | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Classic Color Builder |  |
Australian Gold Rapid Intensifier | Natural ingredient blend | Famous signature scent | Reliable base builder | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Hydrating Tattoo Protector |  |
Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love | Protects tattoo ink vibrancy | Age-defying ingredients | Intense coconut hydration | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Deep Bronzing Specialist |  |
Millennium Tanning Solid Black Bronzer | Deep silicone bronzing | Blurs skin imperfections | Fast acting dark color | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Instant Color Intensifier |  |
The Sicilian 200X Black Bronzer | High DHA concentration | No orange undertones | Instant bronze effect | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Natural Glow Booster |  |
Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator | Natural bronzing ingredients | Lightweight non-sticky feel | Gentle on the skin | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Tropical Hydration Hero |  |
Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Lotion | Electrolyte-rich coconut water | Tropical fruit extracts | Deeply moisturizing cocktail | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Tan Enhancer |  |
Australian Gold Dark Accelerator Bronzer | Balanced bronze and acceleration | Long lasting results | Reliable formula | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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b.tan Extreme Dark Tinted Accelerator
If you want to achieve a drastic color shift during your tanning session, this is your go-to. It packs a heavy punch with its tinted formula, which helps you see exactly where you have applied the lotion for a streak-free finish.
This accelerator is designed for those who have moved past the beginner stage. You should expect a very dark tan quickly, but remember that the tint can transfer to light fabrics if you do not let it dry fully before dressing.
- Brand Name:b.tan
- Product Type:UV Tanning Bed Lotion
- Skin Benefit:Rapid color development
- Additional Feature:Tinted for visible application
- Additional Feature:High intensity acceleration
- Additional Feature:Designed for experienced tanners
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b.tan Dark Tinted Tan Accelerator
Think of this as the slightly more approachable sibling to the extreme version. It offers a solid boost in color without being quite as aggressive, making it a great pick for maintaining a base tan throughout the week.
The formula helps you track your coverage because of the tint, which ensures you do not miss any spots on your back or legs. Just be careful around white clothing or towels until the product is completely absorbed into your pores.
- Brand Name:b.tan
- Product Type:UV Tanning Bed Lotion
- Skin Benefit:Even tan maintenance
- Additional Feature:Tinted formula for precision
- Additional Feature:Accelerator base
- Additional Feature:Daily use friendly
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Saltwater Beaches Aloe Vera Extender
Tanning can dry out your skin, so having a high-quality moisturizer is like giving your body a tall glass of water. This hypoallergenic option focuses on calming the skin after heat exposure, using an aloe vera base that feels cooling upon contact.
It works perfectly if you are prone to irritation or prefer a scent that is clean and subtle. Since it is a tan extender, it helps lock in your color for a few extra days, which keeps you from having to visit the salon as often.
- Brand Name:Saltwater Beaches
- Product Type:Tan Extender
- Skin Benefit:Calming and moisturizing
- Additional Feature:Unisex fresh scent
- Additional Feature:Sensitive skin friendly
- Additional Feature:Prolongs tan life
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Australian Gold Rapid Intensifier
You likely recognize this iconic bottle from almost every professional tanning salon. It utilizes a tried and true formula that focuses on natural oils to soften the skin while the UV rays stimulate your body to produce color.
Because it lacks added bronzers, you get a tan that looks completely natural rather than artificial. It is a fantastic choice if you are just starting your journey or if you prefer a subtle glow over a deep mahogany look.
- Brand Name:Australian Gold
- Product Type:Tanning Intensifier
- Volume Capacity:8.5 Fl Oz
- Bronzer Level:None
- Additional Feature:Botanical extract blend
- Additional Feature:Rapid absorption
- Additional Feature:Classic indoor usage
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Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love
If you have ink that you want to keep looking sharp, this lotion is a smart addition to your bag. It uses coconut oil to keep the skin supple, which is essential for preventing your tattoos from fading or looking dull after exposure to light.
Beyond the ink protection, this formula is richly hydrating and aims to fight the signs of aging. It leaves your skin feeling smooth and smelling like a tropical vacation, which is a nice perk for indoor sessions.
- Brand Name:Tanning Paradise
- Product Type:Dark Tanning Lotion
- Volume Capacity:13.5 oz
- Key Ingredient:Coconut Oil
- Additional Feature:Ultra hydrating base
- Additional Feature:Tattoo safe formula
- Additional Feature:Anti-aging properties
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Millennium Tanning Solid Black Bronzer
This is for the tanner who wants to see immediate results when they step out of the booth. It is a silicone bronzer, which means it glides onto your skin like silk and helps to blur minor imperfections while providing a deep, dark color.
The formula is quite potent, so you should wash your hands thoroughly after applying it to avoid staining your palms. It is a heavy hitter that works best if you already have a solid base and want to reach that next level of darkness.
- Brand Name:Millennium Tanning
- Product Type:Indoor Tanning Lotion
- Volume Capacity:13.5 Fl oz
- Bronzer Level:100X
- Additional Feature:Silicone enriched base
- Additional Feature:Enhancing dark bronzer
- Additional Feature:Streak-free application
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The Sicilian 200X Black Bronzer
If you are looking for a dramatic transformation, this bronzer provides a very high concentration of DHA. It is designed to give you a deep bronze that develops quickly, making it a favorite for those preparing for a specific event.
The finish is impressively streak-free, provided you rub it in evenly, and it avoids that dreaded orange tone that low-quality bronzers sometimes leave behind. It is moisturizing enough to keep your skin from feeling tight despite the intense color payoff.
- Brand Name:The Sicilian
- Product Type:Indoor Tanning Lotion
- Volume Capacity:13.5 oz
- Bronzer Level:200X
- Additional Feature:Streak-free technology
- Additional Feature:Intense accelerator
- Additional Feature:Deep moisturizing formula
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Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator
Sometimes you just want a simple product that does exactly what it says on the label. This accelerator uses natural bronzers to provide a subtle, sun-kissed boost that develops alongside your natural tan.
It is lightweight and does not feel heavy or sticky on the skin, which is a massive plus when you are under the heat of a tanning lamp. It is a dependable staple for anyone who prefers a healthy glow without the commitment of an extreme bronzer.
- Brand Name:Australian Gold
- Product Type:Tanning Accelerator
- Volume Capacity:8.5 oz
- Bronzer Level:Natural
- Additional Feature:Botanical extracts
- Additional Feature:Easy application
- Additional Feature:Standard indoor use
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Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Lotion
This lotion feels more like a luxury skincare treatment than a standard tanning product. The blend of watermelon and guava extracts acts as a cocktail for your skin, feeding it the moisture it needs to remain plump during a session.
The addition of coconut water provides electrolytes, which helps to keep your skin cells hydrated from the surface down. It is an excellent choice if you want to achieve a deep tan without your skin feeling like parchment afterward.
- Brand Name:Devoted Creations
- Product Type:Indoor/Outdoor Bronzer
- Volume Capacity:8.5 oz
- Key Ingredient:Watermelon Extract
- Additional Feature:Skin quenching formula
- Additional Feature:Tropical scent profile
- Additional Feature:Enhanced hydration blend
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Australian Gold Dark Accelerator Bronzer
This classic formula strikes a balance between an intense accelerator and a gentle bronzer. It helps you build a tan at a steady pace, ensuring your color looks even and natural rather than rushed.
The lotion is designed to be highly moisturizing, which is crucial for maintaining the longevity of your tan once you leave the salon. If you want a product that is straightforward to use and delivers consistent results, this is a solid choice.
- Brand Name:Australian Gold
- Product Type:Tanning Accelerator
- Volume Capacity:8 oz
- Bronzer Level:Moderate
- Additional Feature:Classic brand formula
- Additional Feature:Deep skin conditioning
- Additional Feature:Consistent color development