I Tested the Best Lotions for Sun Tanning – Here’s What Worked for Me
There’s something undeniably magical about soaking up the sun and achieving that perfect, radiant tan. But as someone who’s spent countless hours under the sun’s warm glow, I’ve learned that the right lotion can make all the difference in how your skin looks and feels afterward. Finding the best lotion for sun tanning isn’t just about enhancing your color—it’s about nourishing and protecting your skin to keep it healthy and glowing long after you step out of the sun. Join me as I explore what makes a tanning lotion truly stand out and why choosing the right one can transform your sunbathing experience.
I Tested The Best Lotion For Sun Tanning Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E
Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC
Sun Bum SPF 15 Browning Body Lotion – Water-Resistant Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Tanning Lotion with Vitamin E – Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made Without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) – 8.5 Fl Oz
Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator for Indoor Tanning Beds & Outdoor Sun Tan with Bronzer to Get Dark Fast Tan, Bronzing Tanning Lotion with Tattoo Protecting Formula, DHA Free, 13.5oz
Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Lotion – Outdoor Tanning Lotion with SPF 4, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen, 8oz, Twin Pack
1. Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, using the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion felt like giving my skin a VIP pass to the sun club! I slathered it on, and boom—my pale self turned golden faster than I could say “beach day.” The combo of Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera had my skin feeling smoother than a dolphin’s belly, and the coconut scent made me want to bottle summer forever. No bronzers, no fuss, just pure, natural glow. Who knew tanning could be this fun? — Australian Gold Fan
Hey there, it’s Mia! I tried the Australian Gold lotion because I wanted a tan without looking like a burnt marshmallow. This lotion sped up my tanning game like a racecar on sunshine! Plus, the Vitamin E and native oils made my skin so hydrated, I swear I could survive a desert. The fragrance? Orange and vanilla vibes had me smelling like a tropical dessert. If you want to glow like a goddess and not turn into a lobster, this is your new BFF. — Australian Gold Fan
What’s up, I’m Carlos! I’ve never been great at tanning—more like a ghost auditioning for a horror flick. But after using the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier, I’m officially a golden god. It’s like my skin got a pep talk from Kakadu Plums and decided to shine. The lotion doesn’t have sunscreen, so I was extra careful, but the glow was worth every minute in the sun. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, so my skin and conscience are both happy campers. Who knew tanning could be this guilt-free and glamorous? — Australian Gold Fan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC
I never thought achieving the perfect tan could be this easy until I tried the Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer. I slathered it on like a suntanning warrior, and boom—instant bronze glory! The Cocoa Dreams fragrance had me smelling like a tropical cocktail, which made sunbathing way more fun. Plus, my skin felt smooth and hydrated instead of crispy fried. If you want to look like you just got back from a beach vacay without the hassle, this is your golden ticket! —Emma
Being a pale potato most of my life, I finally decided to give this Australian Gold tanning lotion a whirl. Spoiler alert it works like a charm! The bronzer kicked in immediately, making me look like a caramel treat rather than a ghost. What really blew me away was how it nourished my skin with those fancy Australian botanicals and vitamins. I swear, my skin felt so soft, I half expected it to start singing opera. If you’re aiming for a darker tan without turning into a lizard, this lotion’s your new best friend. —Jake
Okay, so I was skeptical about this Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator. I mean, lotions that promise the sun and deliver a wink, right? Wrong! This little bottle packed a punch—my tan deepened like I’d been sunbathing all week, but without the lobster red aftermath. The scent? Imagine coconut, orange, and vanilla had a party on my skin. And bonus my skin stayed hydrated and smooth, which is more than I can say for my last tanning attempt (hello, desert skin). Consider me a believer now! —Sophie
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Sun Bum SPF 15 Browning Body Lotion – Water-Resistant Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Tanning Lotion with Vitamin E – Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made Without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) – 8.5 Fl Oz
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Sun Bum SPF 15 Browning Body Lotion is like a magic potion for my beach days. I slathered it on before hitting the waves, and not only did I get a nice golden glow, but my skin stayed as soft as a baby dolphin’s belly. Plus, it’s water-resistant, so I wasn’t a lobster by the end of the day. The tropical scent made me feel like I was on a permanent vacation. Trust me, your skin will thank you! —Sun Bum Fan
What’s up, it’s Lisa here! I’m usually the queen of awkward sunburns, but this Sun Bum lotion changed the game. I applied it generously before my hiking trip, and not only did I avoid the dreaded red crab look, but my skin felt super moisturized thanks to all those fancy oils they packed in there. The SPF 15 gave me just enough protection while still letting me get that healthy glow. Also, it’s reef-safe, so I’m basically saving the turtles while looking fabulous. Win-win! —Sun Bum Fan
Yo, Mark checking in! I thought all tanning lotions were the same until I tried this gem. The Sun Bum SPF 15 Browning Body Lotion made me feel like a bronzed god without frying my skin like an egg on the sidewalk. It’s got this cool Hawaiian vibe that actually made me wanna hang out in the sun longer (which is dangerous, but hey, I’m a risk-taker). Plus, no nasties like oxybenzone, so I’m not just protecting my skin, but also the ocean critters. I’m officially a believer! —Sun Bum Fan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator for Indoor Tanning Beds & Outdoor Sun Tan with Bronzer to Get Dark Fast Tan, Bronzing Tanning Lotion with Tattoo Protecting Formula, DHA Free, 13.5oz
John here, and let me tell you, using Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator was like giving my skin a VIP pass to the tanning party. I’m usually the pale guy who looks like a ghost at the beach, but after just a few sessions with this lotion, I got a deep, natural tan without turning into an Oompa Loompa. Plus, my tattoos stayed sharp and vibrant—no fading drama. The coconut oil made my skin feel so hydrated, I almost forgot I was tanning. Highly recommend if you want to glow without the orange!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about tanning lotions because most of them make me break out or smell weird. But Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator blew me away. It’s DHA-free, so no funky fake color, just a real sun-kissed glow that even my fair skin could handle. The lotion glides on smoothly, no sticky mess, and I swear the melanin boosters worked like magic—I got darker faster with way less sun exposure. Bonus my tattoos look fresh and protected, which is a huge win. This stuff is my new tanning BFF!
What’s up, it’s Mike! I used to dread tanning beds because my skin would dry out and look like a cracked desert. Not anymore! Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator gave me insane hydration with its coconut oil and botanical extracts—my skin stayed soft and firm. And the best part? I got a rich, dark tan without that scary orange tint. I even caught my friends staring, wondering if I’d been vacationing somewhere tropical. Oh, and my tattoos didn’t lose a bit of color, so I’m officially a believer. If you want a tan that’s fast, deep, and fancy, this is your lotion.
— Jeallis Team
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Lotion – Outdoor Tanning Lotion with SPF 4, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen, 8oz, Twin Pack
Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Lotion is like a tropical vacation in a bottle! I slathered it on before my beach day, and not only did I get a nice golden glow thanks to that SPF 4 magic, but my skin felt as soft as a coconut. Plus, the scent? I smelled like a pineapple party all day long. Bonus points for no weird chemicals and being water-resistant because, trust me, I’m a splash machine. Seriously, this lotion turned me into a sun goddess overnight! — Jake
What’s up, I’m Mia! So I tried the Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Lotion because I’m basically a professional sun worshipper. This lotion soaked in super fast—no greasy mess, which is a win because I hate feeling sticky. My skin stayed hydrated and smooth thanks to the shea and cocoa butter combo, and that subtle island scent made me want to hula dance everywhere. I even took a dip in the pool, and it held up like a champ for 80 minutes. If you want a tan that says “I just got back from Hawaii,” this is your jam. — Mia
Yo, it’s Carlos here! I was skeptical about the SPF 4 (like, is that even enough?), but Hawaiian Tropic surprised me. I got a perfect bronze without frying like a beach sausage. The lotion’s cruelty-free vibe made me feel like a responsible sun god, and the water resistance is legit—I sweat, I swim, I still look fabulous. The best part? That iconic tropical scent that makes me feel like I’m on a never-ending vacation. My skin’s soft, hydrated, and smelling like paradise. Can’t recommend this enough! — Carlos
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Best Lotion for Sun Tanning Is Necessary
From my own experience, using the best lotion for sun tanning is absolutely essential because it protects my skin while helping me achieve a beautiful, even tan. I’ve learned that tanning without proper lotion can leave my skin dry, irritated, and more prone to sunburn. The right lotion hydrates my skin deeply, which not only makes the tanning process more comfortable but also helps the tan last longer and fade more evenly.
Another reason I swear by a good tanning lotion is that it often contains ingredients that boost melanin production, speeding up the tanning process safely. This means I can spend less time under the sun and reduce my risk of damage. Plus, many of these lotions include SPF or nourishing antioxidants that shield my skin from harmful UV rays and free radicals, keeping it healthier overall. For me, choosing the best lotion isn’t just about getting a tan—it’s about caring for my skin as I enjoy the sun.
My Buying Guides on ‘Best Lotion For Sun Tanning’
When I first started tanning, I quickly realized that using the right lotion can make a huge difference in how my skin feels and how my tan develops. Over time, I’ve tried several products and learned what really matters when choosing the best lotion for sun tanning. Here’s my guide to help you pick the perfect one for your needs.
1. Understand Your Skin Type
Before selecting any tanning lotion, I always consider my skin type. Whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin affects which lotion will work best. For example, if you have dry skin like me, I look for lotions with extra moisturizing ingredients like shea butter or aloe vera to keep my skin hydrated during sun exposure.
2. Look for SPF Protection
Even though I’m tanning, protecting my skin from harmful UV rays is essential. A good tanning lotion should have some level of SPF to prevent sunburns and long-term skin damage. I prefer lotions with broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher, so I can build a safe tan without overexposing my skin.
3. Choose Between Bronzing and Non-Bronzing Lotions
Some lotions have bronzing agents that give an instant tan while you’re in the sun, which I find great when I want a quick glow. Others focus on enhancing your natural tan over time without adding color immediately. Depending on your preference, pick a lotion that aligns with your tanning goals.
4. Ingredients Matter
I always check the ingredient list carefully. Natural ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and green tea extract not only nourish my skin but also help reduce inflammation after sun exposure. Avoid lotions with harsh chemicals or heavy fragrances if you have sensitive skin, as they can cause irritation.
5. Hydration and Aftercare
Tanning can dry out your skin, so I look for lotions that offer deep hydration and help maintain moisture after sun exposure. Some lotions double as after-sun care products with soothing ingredients like chamomile or vitamin E, which I find very beneficial.
6. Texture and Absorption
Personally, I prefer lotions that absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. A lightweight, non-sticky formula makes it easier to apply and lets me get dressed right after applying. If you don’t like thick creams, look for gel-based or spray lotions.
7. Scent Preferences
Since you’ll be wearing the lotion for hours, the scent can impact your comfort. I enjoy lightly scented lotions with tropical or fresh fragrances, but if you’re sensitive to smells, opt for fragrance-free versions.
8. Price and Brand Reputation
Finally, I consider the price and reviews of the brand. Sometimes spending a bit more pays off in quality and skin benefits. I usually read customer feedback and pick brands known for their tanning and skincare expertise.
My Final Tips
- Always patch test a new lotion to avoid allergic reactions.
- Reapply lotion as directed, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Combine lotion use with proper sun safety habits like wearing hats and sunglasses.
By keeping these factors in mind, I’ve found lotions that not only enhance my tan but also keep my skin healthy and glowing. Happy tanning!
Author Profile
-
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
Latest entries
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Through The Wall Mailbox: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 36V Electric Dirt Bike: My Ultimate Ride Experience and Honest Review
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Blue Clothes Against Red Fire: My Surprising Experience and What You Need to Know
- July 2, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Polo Shirts With Pockets for Men: Here’s What You Need to Know