23 Best Tan Accelerators For Sunbeds Of 2024

Owning one of the best tan accelerators in your makeup bag can give you the natural sun-kissed color that you have been waiting for. While you would consider sunbathing to get the perfect shade, it never works out practically. It is either too much or too little, not to mention, the problems of being uneven on the front and back and the lack of UV protection! Flaunting a perfect golden tan in summer is everyone’s dream, and to do that, it is essential to rely on a new tanning method with tan accelerators. They give you a natural-looking tan and the exact shade you have been looking for. So if you feel your time out in the sun is not enough to give you a tan, just soak in the vitamin D and spray the tan accelerator to flaunt a natural look. Here are the 23 highest-rated tan accelerators to choose from.

Top Picks	Check Price
Best Hydrating: Coconut Kisses Skin Softening Golden Tanning Lotion	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Long-Lasting Results: Byrokko Shine Brown Tanning Accelerator	Price on Amazon
Best Moisturizing: Millennium Tanning Paint It Black	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Quick-Drying: Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Water-Resistant Formula: Sun Bum Browning Lotion	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Skin Conditioning: Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best Sun-Kissed Glow: Carroten Tan Express Intensive Tanning Gel	Price on Amazon
Best Streak-Free: Devoted Creations Somewhere On A Beach Tanning Lotion	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart
Best For Massage: Cocosolis Choco Suntan & Body Oil	Price on Amazon
Best Tattoo-Protecting Formula: Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion	Price on Amazon Price on Walmart

What Is A Tan Accelerator Lotion?

Wouldn’t it be great to have a lotion that hydrates, nourishes, has anti-aging benefits for your skin and also tans your skin? Well, a tan accelerator lotion does exactly that. The tanning method involving a tan accelerator stimulates melanin production in your skin. Melanin is a dark brown pigment that is responsible for the tanning of the skin. By applying a tan accelerator, you trigger the melanocytes in your skin to produce melanin resulting in tanned skin. Fair-skinned people find it difficult to tan naturally because of the lack of melanin in their skin. Therefore, tan accelerators can help with the process and the effect lasts longer than the natural tanning process.

For a party or an event around the corner, we’ve put together a list of the 25 best tan accelerators that you can get your hands on right now.

Best tan Accelerators For Sunbeds – 2024

1. Best Hydrating: Coconut Kisses Skin Softening Golden Tanning Lotion

With the Coconut Kisses Skin Softening tan accelerator, all you have to do is sit back and relax and let it take you on a magical journey to the tropics. The goodness of the key ingredient, coconut, hydrates your skin, making it soft and supple. The nourishing blend of coconut milk, cocoa butter, and coconut oil provides deep hydration, reduces cellulite appearance and increases the firmness of the skin. This tanning accelerator has a pleasant scent and contains the active ingredient nouritan, a stimulator of tyrosine activity for an even complexion and long-lasting tan. The lotion does not use bronzing agents but delivers a beautiful dark golden look. It also protects your tattoos and prolongs its life and radiance. What are you waiting for? Get your hands on this bronzing lotion today for all your upcoming tanning sessions.

2. Best Long-Lasting Results: Byrokko Shine Brown Tanning Accelerator

The Byrokko Shine Brown Tanning Accelerator creates a natural tan that spreads evenly for a bronze glow. The creamy formula with no harsh chemical helps you achieve a dark color and long-lasting tanning effect without staying out in the sun for too long. This long-lasting tan accelerator gets absorbed fast into the skin and keeps it hydrated with its blend of natural oils. Natural carrot oil strengthens the skin cells while making it sun-ready. Walnut oil offers the special golden bronzed glow while virgin olive oil boosts the tan. Cacao butter nourishes and replenishes the skin, keeping it looking radiant. The best part is, it is not tested on animals.

What Buyers Say: The product has more than 6,200 global ratings claiming its efficacy.

3. Best Moisturizing: Paint It Black 50X Auto Darkening Tan Technology Dark Tanning Lotion

For an extremely dark bronze look, here’s your tanning accelerator pick. It comes with a 50X auto-darkening tan technology that gives you a long-lasting tan and boosts healthy skin. It has additional intense moisturizing properties to give you radiant-looking skin. The tan accelerator product contains a blend of silicone emulsifiers that enable silky, smooth, and firm skin. Suitable for all ages, this black lotion works like magic to offer a deeper skin tone. Make sure you conduct a patch test on your wrist before using this product. Watch this video to know more about a reviewer’s experience with the product.

4. Best Quick-Drying: Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion

A Canadian treat, this quick-drying tan accelerator product lets you control the shade of your tan. It is made of a formulation of oxybenzone and octinoxate which protects your skin from the harmful sun’s rays. The Banana Boat Summer Color tanning accelerator is enriched with vitamin E and aloe vera. Youtuber Abbie Jerden, says, “If you have an event and you just need one day to look really nice and tan, this is perfect for you.” As per the reviewer, “It isn’t the most long lasting but it has a very nice fade-out unlike other tans that look blotchy while coming out.” It is oil-free and lets you achieve the deepest and richest tan that your skin tone can attain. Apply this tinted tan accelerator for a streak-free shade of tan you desire.

5. Best Water-Resistant Formula: Sun Bum Browning Lotion

Sun Bum Browning lotion is a moisturizing tan accelerator that gives you the perfect tan. This sun tanning cream provides fast tanning without exposing the skin to the harmful rays of the sun. Use this water-resistant and reef-safe product to accelerate the sun-tanning process. The advanced tanner formula is enriched with beneficial ingredients, such as aloe vera, marula, argan oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, and kona coffee plant extract. The nourishing ingredients lock in moisture and rejuvenate the skin with a sun-kissed glow. The darkening lotion gets absorbed quickly and does not cause staining. Further, this product has undergone no animal testing.

6. Best Skin Conditioning: Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil

Ideal for a powerful moisturizing and sunless tanning experience, the Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil contains exotic moisturizing ingredients and works as a sunscreen to protect your skin. It contains beneficial ingredients and antioxidants such as vitamin A, C, and E that give your skin a dose of extra benefits. The tanning accelerator blends in natural tanning oils to provide a wholesome skin conditioning experience. The sweet smell of coconut takes you on a trip to the tropics making you feel exotic. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of a reviewer’s experience with this tanning oil.

7. Best Sun-Kissed Glow: Carroten Tan Express Intensive Tanning Gel

For intensive instant tanning, use the Carroten Tan Express gel. It gives you a deep and even tan almost immediately. The advanced tanning system is crafted with carrot and coconut oil which accelerates the tanning process. It provides a rich, sun-kissed glow to the skin. This tanning gel is a blend of calendula extract and sesame oil that hydrates the skin and keeps it moisturized. Vitamins A and E nourish the skin and protect it from sun damage, making the skin healthy.

8. Best Streak-Free: Devoted Creations Somewhere On A Beach Tanning Lotion

A tan accelerator that can be used indoors and outdoors, Somewhere On A Beach Tanning Lotion works as a streak-free tan accelerator. It contains powerful anti-aging agents like matrixyl synthe 6 that reduces the visible fine lines and wrinkles. The tanning accelerator is DHA-free and contains bronzers for long-lasting results. This indoor tanning lotion also has a blend of coconut and walnut oils to provide adequate skin hydration and softening. Youtuber Jamakin Me Tan, says, “It’s a really good indoor/outdoor lotion. It’s got black tea which is an antioxidant to help reduce blemishes. It also has coconut and walnut oil to help you stay hydrated and get that baby soft smooth skin.”

9. Best For Massage: Cocosolis Choco Suntan & Body Oil

Cocosolis Choco Suntan and Body Oil is a tanning bed lotion that provides a deep chocolate colored tan. It accelerates indoor tanning as well as outdoor tanning without too much sun exposure. The hydrating and nourishing formula makes the skin soft and smooth. It is a potent blend of cold-pressed organic oils with many benefits. Coconut oil is a key ingredient that is absorbed easily by the skin and provides nourishment by retaining moisture. It protects the skin against sun damage and pigmentation. The oil also promotes collagen production and increases elasticity. Cocoa butter is rich in vitamin E and minerals which help in regeneration of new cells. It prevents stretch marks while enhancing the tan color. Jojoba seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties, balances sebum, and minimizes acne. It rejuvenates the skin and keeps it relaxed. This self-tanner leaves a moisturized film on the skin. Sweet almond oil in this formula softens, moisturizes, and nourishes the skin while avocado oil fights free radicals. The anti-aging formula protects the skin from radiation and gives it a youthful appearance. This oil can be used as a massage oil or as a mask to achieve beautiful long-lasting color. Bianca Stan, a makeup and beauty influencer on Instagram, says, “This oil is my latest discovery that provides a beautiful tan, moisturizes, and smells divine.”

10. Best Tattoo-Protecting Formula: Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion

Give yourself the perfect tan with the Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion. The formula fights the signs of aging with the hydrating and moisturizing properties of coconut milk, cocoa oil, and coconut butter. It provides firmness and minimizes the appearance of cellulite. Melanin stimulators along with tan intensifiers stimulate melanin production which help in accelerating the tanning process. Tyrosine is activated which helps supply an even tan that lasts long. The pigment intensity is magnified with maximum tan activators. This also prevents fading of tattoos and maintains the colors.

11. Best Quick Absorbing Formula:7 Suns Cosmetics Gold & Glow Tanning Accelerator

The 7 Suns Cosmetics Gold & Glow Tanning Accelerator has an oriental, fruity scent and does not leave any greasy film on the skin. The oil gets absorbed well into the skin and creates a long-lasting, deep tan. The self-tanning spray comes with a potent formula providing a natural velvety golden and nourished appearance. This formula is enriched with the goodness of natural ingredients. Vitamin E, a premium ingredient, increases elasticity and regenerates the skin with heavy moisturization. The natural melanogenesis inducers help remove free radicals and quicken the tanning process. Shea butter nourishes and replenishes the skin while protecting it from heat. Rosemary leaf extract is an antioxidant with anti-aging properties. It stimulates blood circulation and strengthens your skin. The formula is also hydro-balanced with multiple oils like hemp, coconut, and provitamin B5, providing excellent hydration and moisturization to the skin, while maintaining the skin’s natural barrier. Further, this product has undergone no animal testing and is a great choice for conscious consumers looking for that beachy complexion.

12. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Evo Extreme Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion

Give yourself the darkest tan with the Evo Extreme Black Bronzer Tanning lotion from this effective sunbed lotion brand. Enriched with argan oil, walnuts, and caffeine, the cream is also good for tattoo enhancing. The formula offers even skin tone and increases elasticity. The deep dark bronzing tanning lotion firms the skin and acts and provides anti-aging benefits. It absorbs quickly and does not clog pores. The tanning accelerator supplies intense hydration to the skin, protecting it from environmental aggressors. Melanin stimulators increase the production of melanin and quicken the darkening of the skin indoors as well as outdoors. The dark color tan looks natural and radiant. It offers a youthful appearance to the skin.

13. Best For Eventone Finish:Eda Taspinar Bronzing Bomb

Pamper yourself with the Eda Taspinar Bronzing Bomb to get a perfect medium Mediterranean deep to deep tan. The tanning oil offers a high-pigment bronzing shine. The formula comprises a blend of walnut, roucou and carrot oil and offers skin-softening properties. Roucou oil includes vitamin A which increases the skin’s melanin production and strengthens its elasticity. Vitamin E, along with argan oil have anti-aging features which make the skin look younger. This bronzing tan accelerator glides on the skin smoothly and provides an even finish. This product has the signature tropical scent of coconut and cacao.

14. Best For Healthy Glow:Devoted Creations Dark Tanning Lotion

One of the best tan accelerators to maintain your skin’s natural healthy glow, the Devoted Creations Dark Tanning Lotion is made from incredibly soft tanning butter. It contains a shea butter formula that is beneficial to people with sensitive skin type. The tanning accelerator provides tattoo protection and anti-aging benefits with the advanced matrixyl synthe 6. The deep dark bronzing tanning lotion also contains acquacell for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.

15. Best Water-Resistant:Maui Babe Browning Lotion

The tanning accelerator for that Hawaii tan, the Maui Babe Browning Lotion gives your skin the golden glow that you desire. It provides deep moisturizing and gives you an even tan. It is water-resistant and leaves you with a fast tan making it the perfect tan accelerator for your beach and pool days. Whitney, a skin care reviewer on Instagram, says, “I only got to use it for about 30 minutes the other day before it stormed, but my results in that little time were pretty dang good!“ It has an amazing blend of ingredients such as kukui nut oil, vitamins A, C and E, coffee plant extract and aloe vera that nourish your skin. Youtuber Polina Cherepkova, adds, “Overall, it is one of my favorite tanning lotions. I tan really easily and a lot faster with this lotion than any other. One thing that stands out for me is that I don’t burn with this as I usually do with others. It also gives me an even tan everywhere.”

16. Best For Everyday:The Fox Tan

The combination of a tanning accelerator lotion and a mist that gives your skin the goodness of a golden tan, the Fox Tan tan accelerator is just what you need for a boost of melanin production. The tanning lotion can be used as an everyday moisturizer prior to going tanning. Youtuber Ebony Pratt, says, “I started using the lotion because I work outside in the sun and honestly this product helps your skin be ready to tan instead of burn. It looks super cute and smells so good, I’m obsessed. Moreover the mist is a classic! This is where you get that golden shimmer color to your skin.” After using the bronzing lotion for a week, spray your skin with the tanning mist when you step out in the sun. This magic combination also consists of almond oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, jojoba, and olive oil to nourish your skin. No tests were done on animals for this product.

17. Best For All Skin:Ed Hardy Peace & Harmony Tanning Intensifier

For a natural, sun-kissed glow, the Ed Hardy Peace & Harmony Tanning Intensifier is just what you need. The formula stimulates melanin production in your skin and makes your tan darker and last longer. It has a pleasing fragrance that appeals to your paradise spirit along with giving you a darker skin tone. It is free of gluten, parabens, oil, and nuts which makes it suitable for almost all skin types.

18. Best For Skin Irritation:Isabella’s Clearly GOLD Tan Accelerator Oil

The Isabella’s Clear GOLD Tan Accelerator Oil will give you the dreamy sun-kissed bronzed skin glow. It is made with 100% natural ingredients to deeply hydrate your skin, prevent skin irritation and dryness, while stimulating speedy tanning as a fast-acting tan accelerator. It naturally accelerates the tan, leaving your skin glowing and healthy.

19. Best Affordable:Onyx Booster Original Intensifier

This powerful dark tan intensifier by Onyx is formulated with nourishing tiaré flower, shea butter, and coconut oil. It stimulates melanin production to saturate the skin, giving you a rich golden tan effect. It replenishes moisture and makes the skin smooth and glowing. The hydrating aloe soothes skin irritation, while lemongrass and algae provide a sense of refreshment. The fruity scent with a citrusy note is sure to make this your favorite go-to tanning product.

20. Best Lightweight Formula:Just Nutritive Body Nutritive Serum

If you are looking for an accelerator for outdoor tanning, pick the Just Nutritive Body Nutritive Serum. It is a body oil which keeps the skin hydrated while accelerating the process of tanning outdoors in the sun or on a tanning bed. Get that perfect luminous shine with a deep beautiful complexion and even tan. This moisturizing product nourishes the skin with essential fatty acids and vitamin E. It is ideal for repairing dry, flaky skin as well. The lightweight formula is a blend of powerful antioxidants which protect the skin from sun damage while reversing aging signs and increasing elasticity.The anti-aging formula comprises a rich blend of hazelnut, kukui, and avocado that makes the skin tighter, firmer, and toned. This serum application has no harsh chemical, is streak-free, smooth, and glides easily onto your skin’s surface. Further, the product has not been tested on animals.

21. Best Natural Ingredients:Panama Jack Sunscreen Oil

This oil combines the goodness of fruit and nut extracts and exotic oils to deliver a tropical tanning experience. Made with natural ingredients, this tan accelerator has the ability to help your skin achieve a deep, dark and luxurious tan. It contains SPF 4 which relatively protects your skin from harmful sun rays and can be used by all skin types. It comes in a user-friendly bottle with a pump-spray that allows easy accessibility and application. No tests were done on animals for this product.

22. Best Non-Sticky Option:Onyx Magnifique Sunbed Dark Tanning Lotion

A tan accelerating lotion that fights cellulite – Yes, you heard it right! Magnifique from Onyx is formulated with bronzing ingredients, sesame seed oil, tamanu oil, walnut extract, enhancing tanning color, while coffee and yerba mate, combat cellulite, giving you firm skin. This lightweight tanning accelerator lotion has a non-sticky texture and gets easily absorbed into the skin. Additionally, the rejuvenating magic spell fragrance enriches your tanning experience.

23. Best Antioxidant Formula:Carrot Sun Papaya Tan Accelerator Spray

The Carrot Sun Papaya Tan Accelerator Spray is an oil which works to create a base tan. It is suitable for all skin types, especially for fair skin which is tougher to tan. Infused with papaya oil, the tan accelerator repairs damaged skin and the antioxidants fight free radical changes and sun damage. The formula contains L-tyrosine and carrot oil which quickens the tanning process. The formula is also infused with henna which gives the tan a rich golden color and locks the color in for long periods. Beta carotene contributes to the brand’s signature golden glow. Vitamins A, C and E minimize age-signs while carotenoids and essential fatty acids provide nourishment to the skin. Antioxidants guard the skin from environmental damage while omega 3 fatty acids promote collagen production, increase elasticity and boost regeneration of skin. Wheat germ oil soothes the skin with natural moisturization and gives it an even, soft, and healthy-tanned appearance.

Why Use A Tan Accelerator & Are They Safe?

Some people, mostly fair-skinned people, do not tan easily due to a lack of melanin production in their skin. A tan accelerator is used in such cases to stimulate melanin production and aid in beautiful tanned skin. These lotions are also packed with ingredients that hydrate and moisturize your skin.

It is a wise thing to wonder if tan accelerators are safe for your skin. While making that decision, there are few things to consider, mostly about your skin type. Most tanning lotions have ingredients that promote melanin formation and darken your skin quickly. These include amino acid L-Tyrosine or bronzers like DHA. Other common ingredients include coconut oil, aloe vera and vitamin E. Apart from this, some products use nuts, nut oil or other such potentially allergenic ingredients that may leave you with allergic reactions. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose your products wisely and after careful consideration of the types of ingredients used in your product.

How Does Tan Accelerator Work?

Those of you who struggle with tanning naturally, a tan accelerator is the perfect tanning solution for you to get the skin tone you desire. They not only help you achieve that radiant golden tan but they also hydrate your skin. They are packed with ingredients that speed up your tanning process by enhancing the melanin production of your skin. They work perfectly on all skin tones and give you a deeper, darker skin tone and bronze hue. It is important to know that tan accelerators do not replace sunscreens and we advise you to always use an SPF to protect your bronzed skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

How To Use Tan Accelerator?

Every product is different, therefore, it is essential that you read the instructions seen on the label carefully to get the best results. The instructions will usually include how to apply and reapply the product, and how long to wait after the application before you shower. Generally, tan accelerators should be applied 2-4 weeks before heading out into the sun. This gives your skin the chance to build up its melanin production. It can also be replaced with your daily moisturizer due to its moisturizing properties.

What Are The Ingredients To Look For?

There are several ingredients that make up a good tan accelerating lotion. But for the most effective tanning experience, optimum melanin formation, and benefit to your skin, here are the ingredients to look for:

• Aloe Vera – To help moisturize and cool down your skin
• Coconut oil – Like, aloe vera, it acts as an excellent moisturizer
• Carrot oil – Strengthens your skin making it ready for UV exposure
• Olive oil – Great source of vitamin E that helps restore damaged skin
• Almond oil – Adds a pleasant natural fragrance to your outdoor tanning lotion
• Cocoa butter – Acts an intense moisturizer
• Green tea extract – Helps minimize the possibility of sunburn, especially when tanning outdoors.

 Tips And Tricks To Follow When Using A Tan Accelerator

While it is important to follow the instructions on the label, here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve the most effective tan:

• Always conduct a patch test before using the product.
• Look out for supplements that are good for the skin like Vitamins like C, D, and E and copper supplements which are known to enhance the effectiveness of tanning.
• Always use sunscreen. “While tan accelerators can help achieve a faster and darker tan, they do not provide any protection from UV rays. Therefore, it is important to use sunscreen alongside tan accelerators to avoid skin damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer,” advises Shawnda Dorantes, an experienced beauty advisor and skin care coach.
• Start out slow. Be it indoors or outdoors, gradually increase your skin exposure to the sun rather than doing it all at once

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Should You Leave Tanning Accelerator On?

We recommend that you read the instructions on the label. However, if you are new to the concept, we advise you to start slow and gradually increase the duration.

Do You Put Tan Accelerator On After Or Before Sun Cream?

It is advised to apply sunscreen after you put on a tan accelerator. Do not step out in the sun without applying sunscreen to protect your skin.

Will A Tanning Accelerator Give You A Dark Tan Without Burning?

A tan accelerator enhances the melanin production in your skin which enables a deep and dark color tan without having to burn under the scorching sun.

When Should I Use A Tan Accelerator?

Generally, tan accelerators should be applied 2-4 weeks before heading out into the sun. However, we recommend that you read and follow the instructions on the label.

Can You Use Tan Accelerator With Sunscreen?

Whether or not your tanning lotion contains SPF, always ensure that you apply sunscreen before heading out into the sun to protect your skin from the harmful UV rays.

What is the difference between a tan accelerator and an intensifier?

A tan accelerator and a tan intensifier are the same things. They impart an artificial tanned shade on your skin.

Do tan accelerators work on pale skin?

Yes, tan accelerators work well on pale skin. They are a great alternative for people with pale skin who struggle to get tan through sun exposure. You can trust these formulas to not only save you from the harshness of the sun but also nourish and hydrate your skin.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Medha Deb, the author of this article, is a skincare aficionado. Since sunbathing and getting a natural tan may not be an ideal solution, Sneha has poured through hundreds of reviews by users online to bring you, the readers, the best tan accelerators on the market. This list of products gives you a natural, sunkissed tan in just a matter of minutes.

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