13 Best Indoor Tanning Lotions For A Golden Glow, An Expert’s Picks Of 2024
Achieve that sun-kissed golden glow at home with the safe and mess-free tanning lotions.
Anna is a licensed esthetician and the founder and owner of Beauty and Cutie® hair, skin and nails vitamins from New York. Her interest in nutrition analysis and beauty propelled her to obtain a certification in Nutrition Science from the Stanford Center for Health Education and then develop and successfully market her product to improve hair, skin, and nails.
Read full bio of Anna Misztela
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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Getting a sunkissed glow on your skin without visiting the beach is possible! You just need the best indoor tanning lotions, and voila! Your skin will get that gorgeous golden glow from the comfort of your home.
Indoor tanning lotions are much safer than tanning spas and extremely convenient. They do not cause any mess during application and save a lot of expenses. Best part? Some of these clinically-tested products show visible results within hours and do not harm your skin, unlike the UV rays of the sun! In this article, we have put together a list of the 13 indoor tanning lotions that have the best reviews. Swipe up to grab them!
In This Article
13 Best Indoor Tanning Lotions For A Gorgeous Golden Glow – 2024
1. Best Overall:Devoted Creations Somewhere On A Beach Instant Dark Tanning Lotion
The Devoted Creations Somewhere On A Beach Instant Dark Tanning Lotion is a DHA-free bronzer that coats your skin with a streak-free tan. The tested formula is infused with sea buckthorn berry that protects your skin from free radicals and an anti-aging peptide, advanced matrixyl synthe 6, that smoothens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The coconut and walnut oils in the formula soften your skin and offer deep moisturization. This results-driven lotion powered by BB creamwhich color corrects, mattifies, and primes your skin for a healthy glow. This long-lasting indoor tanning product is also enriched with FreshTekTM which eliminates after-tan odor as claimed by the reviewer’s experience.
Pros
- Streak-free
- Stain-proof
- Pleasant fragrance
- Long-lasting
- Can be used outdoor
Cons
- Causes itchiness
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 674 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
2. Best Skin-Hydrating Formula:Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator Plus Bronzer
The Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator Plus Bronzer is one of the best indoor tanning lotions with a bronzer. It is scientifically formulated with native Australian oils and vitamins A and E that keep the skin hydrated and provide a good tanning experience for visible results. This accelerator indoor tanning lotion offers safer tanning and works quickly on the skin to give that tanned, back-from-vacation look in just a few hours. Reviewers claim it does not stain sheets or carpets, does not create a mess, does not streak, and makes the skin glow with an even bronzy skin tone. The skin remains soft and supple and looks naturally glowing.
Pros
- Skin-hydrating formula
- Works quickly
- Does not create a mess
- Does not streak
- Makes skin glow with an even bronzy tone
- Keeps the skin soft and supple
- Adds a natural glow
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- None
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 2,904 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best Silky Texture: Devoted Creations Turquoise Temptation Dark Tanning Lotion
The Devoted Creations Turquoise Temptation Dark Tanning Lotion is a lightweight, smooth skin bronzer, proven to deliver visible results. It is infused with cooling cucumber and aloe vera that moisturize your skin. The bakuchiol in the lotion stimulates collagen production, diminishes wrinkles, and eliminates skin laxity, while the charcoal extracts exfoliate the impurities from your pores and refresh your skin. This lotion has a silicon feel and a sugared sorbet fragrance.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smooth texture
- Fast acting formula
- Pleasant fragrance
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Leaves streaks
| Devoted Creations Somewhere On A Beach Instant Dark Tanning Lotion Best Overall | Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator Plus Bronzer Best Skin-Hydrating Formula | Devoted Creations Turquoise Temptation Dark Tanning Lotion Best Silky Texture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | - | All |
| Color | - | Multicolor | - |
| Dimensions | - | 7.8 x 2.4 x 1.1 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 8.5 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 674 | 2,904 | 571 |
| Price | $25.88 | $22.0 | $23.2 |
4. Best Anti-Aging: Tanovations Sun Day Fun Day Dark Tanning Cocktail
The Tanovations Sun Day Fun Day Dark Tanning Cocktail contains hyper-dark tanning activators that target melanin production for fast tanning results. The results-driven formula is infused with sea kelp that treats inflammation and boosts your skin with the goodness of anti-aging ingredients and their benefits. The coconut oil, cocoa, and shea butter moisturize your skin while the pineapple extracts promote collagen production and combat free radical damage. The Anti-aging indoor tanning lotion is also enriched with kukui nut oil that soothes dry, irritated skin, and the baobab and vitamin E in the formula brighten your skin and slow down its aging process.
Pros
- Fast tanning results
- Pleasant fragrance
- Non-sticky
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Watery consistency
- Stains the skin
Pro Tip5. Best With UV Protection:Ed Hardy Die Hard Black Bronzing Indoor Tanning Lotion
The Ed Hardy Die Hard Black Bronzing Indoor Tanning Lotion is a fast-acting rapid release, natural, and cosmetic bronzer. It offers extreme bronzing results. The advanced formula stimulates melanin activity to allow long-lasting results at home. It is scientifically formulated with caffeine and green tea extracts that energize, firm, and tighten the skin. The acai berry and pomegranate have anti-aging antioxidants that fight free radical damage. They protect the skin from environmental aggressors. The SPF-infused indoor tanning lotion applies evenly and does not streak. It is tested to be transfer-resistant, absorbs quickly, and gives your skin a sunkissed glow in just a few hours.
Pros
- Fast-acting rapid release for extreme bronzing results
- Stimulates melanin activity
- Energizes, firms, and tightens the skin
- Antioxidants fight free radical damage
- Protects skin from environmental aggressors
- Applies evenly
- Does not streak
- Transfer-resistant
- Absorbs quickly
- Affordable
Cons
- Strong smell
Quick Tip6. Best For Gradual Tanning Results: Cocosolic Sun Tan & Body Oil
The Cocosolic Sun Tan & Body Oil is a smooth tanning formula that is suitable for delicate and sensitive skin. The lotion is infused with sweet almond oil and jojoba oil that moisturize the skin, promote collagen production, and soften the skin with visible results. The Vitamin-enriched indoor tanning lotions contain vitamin E-rich avocado oil in the formula, reverses sun damage and resists the harmful effects of pathogens. The lotion’s cocoa butter darkens your tan over time and imparts your skin a lovely golden glow.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin type
- Long-lasting
- Pleasant chocolate fragrance
- Easy to apply
Cons
- None
7. Best Tattoo Protecting Formula:Dolce Black Extreme Black Bronzing Tanning Lotion
The Dolce Black Extreme Black Bronzing Tanning Lotion is a 100% natural dark DHA formula that imparts long-lasting bronzed results. This lightweight tanning lotion is a soft, silicone formula that dries quickly and develops in just 2 hours. The lotion is infused with skin-firming peptides that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and restore the youthful glow of your skin. This tattoo-friendly indoor real tanning lotion is enriched with antioxidants that protect your skin against free radical damage and the tattoo and color-fade protectors protect the luster and shine of your tattoos. This lotion has a blend of tanning and deodorizing ingredients that are tested to eliminate gross tan odor.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight
- No orange streaks
- Long-lasting tan
- Fast-drying formula
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
8. Best For All Skin Types:Millennium Paint It Black Indoor Tanning Lotions
The Millennium Paint It Black Indoor Tanning Lotion is scientifically formulated with a new auto-darkening tan technology that delivers a bronze tan through the super-luxurious silicone emulsion blend. The streak-free indoor tanning lotion glides over the skin and absorbs quickly into the skin with proven efficacy. It is soft in texture and its nourishing properties make the skin look smooth and healthy. The effect of this hydrating indoor tanning lotion is tested to last all day long. It also firms the skin and adds a youthful glow. It is suitable for all ages and skin types. The lotion has a pleasant fragrance.
Pros
- Auto-darkening tan technology
- Super-luxurious silicone emulsion blend
- Glides over skin without streaking
- Absorbs quickly
- Soft texture
- Nourishing
- Makes skin look hydrated and healthy
- Lasts all day long
- Firms the skin
- Adds a youthful glow
- Suitable for all ages and skin types
- Pleasant fragrance
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- May stain the skin
- No SPF
9. Best Cruelty-Free:Sun Laboratories Dark Sunsation Self Tanning Lotion
The Sun Laboratories Dark Sunsation Self Tanning Lotion is a sunless self-tanner. The paraben-free blend of tanning and scientifically formulated ingredients in this product provides your skin with the most natural-looking tan possible. It nourishes, hydrates, and revitalizes the skin. It also improves the elasticity of your skin. The fast-drying action of this self-tannerhas an ultra-smooth and sleek texture and it helps achieve a flawless look. This indoor tanning lotion gives your skin a golden glow that does not look fake. It is cruelty-free and made in the USA.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Natural-looking tan
- Nourishes, hydrates, and revitalizes skin
- Improves skin elasticity
- Fast-drying
- Transfer-resistant
- Ultra-smooth texture
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Has a green tint
10. Best Lightweight:Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion
The Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Gradual Sunless Tanning Lotion helps create a deep tan for a healthy-looking glow. This clinically verified gradual self-tanning body lotionis to provide a natural-looking tan. It also allows you to control the shade of tan – you can apply more for a deeper tan or less for just a hint of color. The formula is lightweight and delivers sheer color with each application for a natural tan with proven efficacy. This indoor tanning lotion has a light, fresh scent. It is tested to dry in 5 minutes after application and develops within 2 to 4 hours. It is easy to apply and does not streak or blotch.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Protects skin from harmful sun rays
- Light, fresh scent
- Dries in 5 minutes
- Develops within 2 to 4 hours
- Clinically-proven results
- Easy to apply
- Does not streak or blotch
- Affordable
Cons
- May have an orange tinge
11. Best With No Harsh Chemicals:Just Nutritive Tanning Indoor Lotion
The Just Nutritive Tanning Indoor Lotion is formulated with aloe vera, kokum butter, mango, hazelnut, avocado oil, coffee, guava, noni, and papaya extracts. These ingredients offer the best tanning performance and provide nutritive benefits to improve the look and feel of your skin. These professional-grade ingredients in the moisturizing indoor tanning lotion keep the skin hydrated and add a long-lasting tan. This product adds a youthful glow to the skin. It is easy to apply and does not contain artificial fragrances or colors. It is suitable for all skin types. It contains no harsh chemicals, is cruelty-free, and is made in the USA.
Pros
- Keeps skin hydrated
- Adds a long-lasting tan
- Easy to apply
- No artificial fragrances or colors
- Suitable for all skin types
- No harsh chemicals
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- May require 2-3 applications for very pale skin
12. Best Vegan:Dark Tans Exclusive That’s What Sea Said Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion
That’s What Sea Said is dermatologist-tested and formulated with powerful professional-grade ingredients – seaweed, hibiscus, passion fruit, and coconut that nourish your skin and retain moisture to offer a glow to your tan. Tyrosines included in the lotion stimulate melanin and accelerate the natural tanning process. Hibiscus infused in the lotion has anti-aging properties that help increase the skin’s elasticity, even out the natural skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and add a radiant look. In addition, the blend of passion fruit and coconut keeps your skin hydrated. Additionally, it enhances the color of your tan and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Dye-free
- Non-staining
- Tattoo-protectant
- Provide ultra-hydration
- Non-sticky
Cons
- None
13. Best For Sensitive Skin:Onyx Very Sexy Legs Indoor Tanning Lotion
The Onyx Very Sexy Legs Indoor Tanning Lotion is a powerful bronzing and tanning lotion. This formula provides a hyper-dark tanning effect to hard-to-tan body parts. The lotion is designed with a scientifically formulated thermoactive complex that imparts instant color. The aloe vera and shea butter in the formula hydrate your skin, while the organic blend of avocado oil, macadamia oil, and black pearl extract reduces the appearance of cellulite and promotes firm-looking skin. This anti-cellulite indoor tanning lotion stimulates your senses with a tingling effect and is tested to obtain a better and more natural-looking tan. One application is enough to get a gorgeous chocolate tan with proven efficacy.
Pros
- Gives a quicker and deeper tan
- Aloe vera keeps skin hydrated
- Green tea fights cellulite
- Mango extract reduces inflammation
- Jojoba oil and algae extract improve skin appearance
- Citrus aurantium extract stimulates melanin production
- Chamomile extract soothes irritation
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- None
These are the 13 best indoor tanning lotions you can buy online. If you are a new user, here’s a step-by-step guide on the tanning method to use the lotion properly.
How To Use An Indoor Tanning Lotion
- Wash your skin and pat it dry.
- Take a dime-size amount of the tanning lotion and apply it in a circular motion.
- Repeat the process until the desired area is covered.
- Let it dry for 5 minutes.
- Wash your hands with soap.
- Let the tan develop overnight.
- Apply a dermatologically-approved natural moisturizer in the morning.
The Benefits Of Using A Tanning Bed Lotion
- Lotions for tanning bed contains DHA, which develops a deep color as it interacts with the top layer cells of the skin.
- The lotions promotes safer tanning and ensure the tan does not look fake.
The following section discusses what you need to look for in a tanning lotion before purchasing one.
Factors To Consider Before Buying A Tanning Lotion
- Check the tint of the tanning lotion. Some clinically examined and confirmed tanning lotions are too orange or have a green tint, and may not help you achieve the exact shade of tan you want.
- Check if the tanning lotion suits your skin tone. If you have a deep or dark skin tone, go for a lotion with a deeper color. If you have lighter skin, choose a sheer tanning lotion so that you can build-up to the shade you want.
- Some tanning lotions cause a tingling sensation. These may be uncomfortable for new users but they are fast-acting indoor tanning lotions and provide long-lasting results.
- Some tanning lotions come with a bronzer while some come without it. Check what you like.
- Choose a tanning lotion according to your skin type. Avoid lotions with alcohol if you have dry skin. Avoid lotions with multiple oils if you have oily skin.
- Choose a tanning lotion that is free from parabens, sulfates, and other harmful chemicals.
- Choose clinically verified tanning lotions with good ingredients like amino acids, tea tree oil, hemp seed oil, marula oil, argan oil, coconut oil etc.
- Avoid tanning lotions with propylene glycol.
- Choose a tanning lotion that does not streak or blotch.
- Choose a dermatologically-tested tanning lotion that does not stain your fingers.
Infographic: Factors To Consider Before Choosing Indoor Tanning Lotions
You don’t have to lie down under the sun anymore for a gorgeous tan. Instead, you can achieve it by applying indoor tanning lotions. They offer a luminous glow and moisturizing benefits to your skin. But before adding any product to your cart, do your bit of research and choose a suitable formula.
The infographic below will introduce you to the criteria you must consider before selecting a brand. Check it out! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
While basking in the sun feels fantastic, it’s not always possible to spend the required amount of time to get the perfect tan. This is where the best indoor tanning lotions come into play. They’re a safe, affordable, and effective alternative to tanning beds that result in that same gorgeous golden glow on your skin. For a color-corrected glowing tan, try the Devoted Creations Somewhere On A Beach Instant Dark Tanning Lotion. If you want a hydrated, bronzy skin tone, opt for the Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator Plus Bronzer, while the Cocosolic Sun Tan & Body Oil reverses sun damage and is ideal for sensitive skin types. Most of these products are easy to use, absorb quickly, have a soft texture, and hydrate the skin. However, some clinically-tested formulas may have a certain tinge and may stain the skin. Consider your skin type and tone while buying a tanning lotion. Choose a lotion with natural ingredients, and that doesn’t stain your skin or fingers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tanning bed lotion to get dark fast?
The Supre Indoor Tanning Bronzer Lotion Packets are the best choice that provides optimal results overnight. They absorb quickly and offer a bronzy tan on the skin.
How long before indoor tanning should you apply tanning lotion?
You should apply tanning lotion after 2 hours of a regular skin care routine consisting of skin cleansing, exfoliation, and moisturizing to get the best results.
How long can you keep indoor tanning lotion?
Indoor tanning lotions last for around 2-3 years and show peak effectiveness during this period.
How long after indoor tanning can you shower?
You must wait for around 30-60 minutes to take a shower after applying indoor tanning lotion.
Is it better to shower before or after tanning?
It is recommended to shower after applying tanning lotion for the best results.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach and loves to try out different skin care products. She believes that one can get a sun-kissed glow by using the best indoor tanning lotions. So, she conducted in-depth research by browsing through various online forums to check user feedback and product specifications. These tanning lotions are suitable for all skin types. They keep your skin smooth and hydrated apart from adding a glow.
Read full bio of Anna Misztela
Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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