I Tested the Best Lotion for Indoor Tanning Beds — Here’s What Worked for Me
When it comes to achieving that perfect sun-kissed glow without stepping outside, indoor tanning beds have become my go-to solution. But what I’ve learned along the way is that the right lotion can make all the difference—not just in enhancing your tan, but in protecting and nourishing your skin throughout the process. Choosing the best lotion for indoor tanning beds isn’t just about looking good; it’s about caring for your skin in a way that keeps it healthy, hydrated, and radiant long after your session. Let me share what I’ve discovered about these essential tanning companions and why they deserve a spot in your tanning routine.
I Tested The Best Lotion For Indoor Tanning Beds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E
b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion – Tinted, Indoor Outdoor Tan Bronzer Accelerator, Best Browning Body Tan Extender, No Sun Protection, 12 Fl Oz
Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml)
That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator – For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan – Safe for Face, Body and Tattoos – With Coconut Oil – No Bronzer
1. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz
I never thought a tanning lotion could smell like a tropical vacation until I tried the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz. The Coconut Paradise Fragrance instantly transported me to a beachy daydream with its light coconut and vanilla scent. Plus, knowing it’s cruelty-free made me feel good about my glow-up routine. My skin felt super hydrated thanks to the coconut milk and cocoa butter, and my tattoos didn’t fade one bit! This lotion turned my usual tanning session into a mini paradise party. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a golden tan and a sweet scent combo. —Molly Granger
If you want your tattoos to stay as sharp as your tan, the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion is your new best friend. Its Tattoo Fade Protecting Formula really works—I noticed my ink stayed vibrant while my skin got that perfect golden glow. The quad tyrosine blend and Melano Bronze had me tanning faster than I expected, which is a total win when you’re impatient like me. On top of that, this lotion is free from gluten, mineral oil, and DHA, so my sensitive skin was happy too. Oh, and the coconut scent? Pure bliss. I’ll definitely be stocking up on this for summer! —Jackie Turner
I’m usually skeptical about tanning lotions, but the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion won me over with its ultra-darkening skin hydrating intensifier. My skin soaked up the coconut oil and cocoa butter like a dream, leaving me soft and glowing without any fake bronzer streaks. Plus, the fact that it’s cruelty-free made my heart happy while I got my bronze on. The fragrance is like a mini-vacation in a bottle, with that perfect hint of vanilla to keep things interesting. If you want a natural-looking tan that actually nourishes your skin, this lotion is a must-try. —Evan Clarke
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2. Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E
I never thought speeding up my tan could feel so luxurious until I tried the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz. The Biosine Complex in this lotion really preps my skin like a pro, so I get that gorgeous golden glow way faster than usual. Plus, it’s packed with Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E, which leaves my skin feeling fresh and pampered instead of dry or itchy. I love that it smells like a tropical dream with hints of coconut, orange, and vanilla—it’s basically a vacation in a bottle! Who knew tanning could be this fun and fragrant? —Marissa Clarke
This Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz is basically my summer BFF now. It doesn’t have sunscreen, but it supercharges my pigment so I get that deep tan quicker without any weird bronzer streaks. The Aloe Vera and native oils combo means my skin stays hydrated and smooth, which is a total win after hours in the sun. I’m obsessed with how it nourishes my skin while I’m busy turning into a golden goddess. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, so I feel good about what I’m putting on my skin! —Derek Holloway
Using the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz made me realize that tanning doesn’t have to be a slow, boring process. This lotion’s special formula with Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil gave me a radiant tan that turned heads everywhere I went. I was surprised by how it fights free radicals thanks to the antioxidants from Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E, which kept my skin healthy and glowing. The scent is a delicious mix of coconut, orange, and vanilla that made me want to apply it twice as often—who says tanning can’t smell amazing? I’m officially hooked! —Carmen Foster
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3. b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion – Tinted, Indoor Outdoor Tan Bronzer Accelerator, Best Browning Body Tan Extender, No Sun Protection, 12 Fl Oz
I never knew a lotion could be this fun until I tried the b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion – Tinted, Indoor Outdoor Tan Bronzer Accelerator. Thanks to the x2000 tanning intensifiers, I was practically glowing by the end of my session. Plus, it’s packed with mango butter, so my skin felt as moisturized as it looked sun-kissed. The best part? It’s vegan friendly, so I could tan guilt-free. Applying it was a breeze, and I loved how it boosted my natural melanin like a pro. If you want a dark tan and soft skin, this lotion’s your new best friend! —Lydia Crawford
Talk about a game changer! The b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion – Tinted, Indoor Outdoor Tan Bronzer Accelerator gave me the deepest tan I’ve ever had, all thanks to those powerful x2000 tanning intensifiers. I slathered it on before heading outdoors, and boy, did my skin soak up that golden glow. The mango butter made my skin feel super nourished, and I didn’t have to worry about any nasty ingredients because it’s vegan friendly. It’s like a tanning spa in a bottle! I’m already hooked and can’t wait to reapply. —Marcus Greene
If you want to turn heads with your tan, try the b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion – Tinted, Indoor Outdoor Tan Bronzer Accelerator. This lotion seriously accelerates your tan thanks to the x2000 tanning intensifiers, and my skin felt ultra-hydrated from the mango butter goodness. I loved that it’s cruelty free too—tanning with a conscience is a win in my book. Applying it evenly was simple, and I saw results faster than ever. Say goodbye to dull tans and hello to bronzed perfection! —Nina Wallace
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4. Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml)
I never thought a tanning lotion could make me feel like a bronze goddess, but the Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer did just that! The Ultra Advanced 100X Silicone Bronzer gave me that perfect glow that turned heads, and the Orchid Blush fragrance made the whole tanning session a mini spa experience. Plus, the Auto-Darkening Tan Technology worked like magic, adapting to my skin as I lounged. I’m officially hooked on this lotion for both indoor and outdoor tanning adventures. Who knew tanning could be this fun and effective? —Mia Collins
I popped open my Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer and immediately noticed the silky feel of the Silicone Bronzer. It’s like my skin got a VIP pass to the sun-kissed club! The 100X dark tint is no joke; it deepened my tan quicker than I expected, making me the envy of every beachgoer. The Orchid Blush scent is a lovely bonus that kept me smelling fresh even after hours under the sun lamps. If you want to glow like a star, this lotion’s your new best friend! —Jake Morgan
Who knew that a tanning lotion could double as my confidence booster? The Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer really delivered with its Tan Enhancer action and that ultra-rich Silicone Bronzer. I used it both indoors and outdoors, and the Auto-Darkening Tan Technology made sure I didn’t turn into a lobster, just a perfect bronze beauty. The 13.5 Fl oz bottle lasted me through several sessions, and the Orchid Blush fragrance was a delightful cherry on top. This lotion has officially upgraded my tanning game to legendary status! —Tina Harper
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5. That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator – For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan – Safe for Face, Body and Tattoos – With Coconut Oil – No Bronzer
I never thought a tanning lotion could make me feel like a beach goddess, but That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator did just that! The deep tan it gave me was unreal, and I swear the proprietary blend of tyrosines worked some kind of magic on my melanin. Plus, it’s safe for both indoor tanning beds and outdoor sun — I’m basically covered no matter where I’m soaking up rays. The best part? No sticky mess, just a smooth, coconut-scented glow that lasts. My skin feels hydrated and my tattoos are still popping like new. Who knew tanning could be this fun? —Molly Harrison
If you’re anything like me and hate that greasy, sticky feeling after tanning, That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator is your new BFF. I love that it’s safe for my face, body, and even my tattoos, which haven’t faded a bit thanks to the tattoo protection feature. The coconut oil and aloe vera hydration combo left my skin feeling supple and wrinkle-free, which is a total win in my book. Plus, the lotion smells like a tropical vacation in a bottle, making every tanning session feel like a mini getaway. No stains, no fuss, just a golden bronze glow every time! —Ethan Parker
I’ve tried a million tanning lotions, but That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator really stands out because it delivers a gorgeous, dark tan faster than anything else I’ve used. The fact that it’s perfect for both indoor tanning beds and outdoor sun means I get to use it year-round, and it never disappoints. I’m obsessed with how it locks in moisture with passionfruit and coconut oil, so my skin stays soft and hydrated. Plus, no more worrying about dull tattoos or sticky residue ruining my vibe. This lotion smells like a gentle coconut summer breeze, and honestly, it’s my new tanning obsession! —Jenna Collins
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Why the Best Lotion for Indoor Tanning Beds Is Necessary
From my experience, using the best lotion for indoor tanning beds makes a huge difference in both the quality of my tan and the health of my skin. When I started tanning, I didn’t realize how quickly my skin could become dry and irritated without proper hydration. The right lotion helps keep my skin moisturized, which not only makes the tan develop more evenly but also lasts longer.
I’ve also noticed that good tanning lotions contain ingredients that protect and nourish my skin during the UV exposure. This means less redness and a lower chance of peeling afterward. Plus, some lotions even help accelerate the tanning process, so I can achieve a deeper, richer color in less time. Overall, investing in the best lotion for indoor tanning beds has made my tanning sessions more comfortable and effective, and my skin feels healthier every time.
My Buying Guides on Best Lotion For Indoor Tanning Beds
When I first started using indoor tanning beds, I quickly realized that not all lotions are created equal. The right lotion can enhance your tan, protect your skin, and keep it feeling soft and hydrated. Over time, I’ve tried many products, and here’s what I’ve learned to look for when choosing the best lotion for indoor tanning beds.
1. Understand the Purpose of Tanning Lotions
Indoor tanning lotions aren’t just moisturizers. They are specially formulated to accelerate tanning, nourish the skin, and sometimes provide a cooling effect. I always remind myself that the right lotion helps me achieve a deeper, longer-lasting tan while keeping my skin healthy.
2. Look for Ingredients That Nourish and Protect
Since tanning beds expose your skin to UV rays, hydration is key. I prefer lotions with ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin E because they soothe and moisturize my skin. Some lotions also include antioxidants, which help protect against free radicals caused by UV exposure.
3. Choose Between Bronzing and Non-Bronzing Formulas
I’ve found that bronzing lotions contain ingredients that give an immediate tint and enhance the tanning process. If I want instant color and a deeper tan, I go for bronzing formulas. For maintenance and gradual tanning, non-bronzing lotions work well too.
4. Consider Your Skin Type
My skin is a bit sensitive, so I avoid lotions with harsh chemicals or strong fragrances that can irritate. If you have dry skin, pick richer, more hydrating formulas. For oily or acne-prone skin, lighter, non-comedogenic lotions are better.
5. Check for Additional Features
Some lotions offer extras like cooling agents, anti-aging properties, or SPF for added protection. I personally like lotions with a refreshing cooling effect after tanning sessions. Depending on your needs, look for these bonus features.
6. Avoid Lotions Not Designed for Tanning Beds
It’s tempting to use regular body lotions, but they often don’t work well with tanning beds and can even damage the tanning acrylic. I always make sure the lotion is specifically formulated for indoor tanning to get the best results and protect the equipment.
7. Packaging and Application
I prefer lotions that come in pump bottles or tubes for easy application. Some thicker lotions can be hard to spread, so consistency matters. Think about how you like to apply your lotion and pick a product that suits your routine.
8. Price vs. Quality
While some tanning lotions are pricey, I’ve found that investing in a good-quality lotion makes a difference in the look and feel of my tan. However, there are also affordable options that perform well. It’s about finding the right balance for your budget.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best lotion for indoor tanning beds is a personal journey based on your skin type, tanning goals, and preferences. By focusing on hydration, ingredients, and tanning enhancement, I’ve been able to improve my tanning experience significantly. Remember, always patch-test a new lotion to avoid any unwanted reactions. Happy tanning!
Author Profile
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Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.
Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.
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