Best Tan Accelerator Lotions (Products Below)
| Image | Product Name | Top Choices | Latest Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Australian Gold - Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion | Our Favorite | Amazon |
 | 2. Hawaiian Tropic - Dark Tanning Oil | Great Deal | Amazon |
 | 3. Sun Bum - Natural Browning Lotion | Amazing Product | Amazon |
As the name suggests, a tan accelerator speeds up the tanning process. There are oral versions, but topical forms like creams, oils, lotions, and sprays are the most common. They work by speeding up the body’s natural process of producing melanin when exposed to the sun. Because tanning beds mimic natural sunlight to darken your skin, tan accelerating products work for indoor tanning as well.
How Tanning Accelerators Work
The fastest way to get some color in your skin is to get a spray tan (also commonly referred to as “fake tan”). However, the results of that don’t really achieve the same sunkissed glow you get from soaking up the sun or even using a tanning bed. The problem is, bronzing through sun exposure takes much longer.
To speed up the process, tanning lotions and oils help your skin absorb more UV rays and stimulates melanin production at the same time. Since melanin is what’s responsible for your skin’s color, you’re able to achieve your desired shade sooner. Additionally, your tan lasts longer than a spray-on one would.
While tan accelerators should work whether you’re soaking up UV rays indoors or outdoors, tanning enthusiasts recommend different products for each process.
Best Tan Accelerators for Tanning Outdoors
Most suntan lotions can be used outdoors. If you prefer soaking up natural sunlight at the beach or even in your own yard, here are the top 5 tan accelerators to choose from:
1) Australian Gold – Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion
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The Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion by Australian Gold has instant bronzers. So, it immediately gives you a suntanned look while speeding up the process of getting a natural tan. It is formulated with an exotic blend of premium native Australian Oils combined with vitamins A and E to give your skin the nourishment and moisture it needs while tanning. Additionally, it features Australian Gold’s Biosine Complex, which further keeps suntanned skin healthy.
2) Hawaiian Tropic – Dark Tanning Oil
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The Dark Tanning Oil by Hawaiian Tropic boasts an unmistakable scent of coconut, which immediately takes you to the tropics. It was developed specifically to drench your skin with moisture as you soak up the sun in order to achieve a healthy glow. What makes it incredibly effective is its formulation of coconut oil, aloe, and cocoa butter, which allows you to indulge in the sun while keeping it nourished.
3) Sun Bum – Natural Browning Lotion
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Like Sun Bum’s other products, the Natural Browning Lotion is free of parabens and other harsh ingredients that could harm your health as well as the environment. It is formulated with a variety of natural oils and botanicals, including coconut oil, kukui nut oil, argan oil, aloe vera, and Kona coffee plant extract. These ingredients work together to keep the skin healthy and hydrated as you indulge in the sun and achieve your desired color.
4) Maui Babe – Browning Lotion
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The Browning Lotion by Maui Babe is a classic choice among those who love tanning outdoors. It features kukui nut oil and light mineral oil to keep the skin hydrated. Plus, it is rich in antioxidants because it is enriched with vitamins A, C, and E. These help you achieve the color you want while minimizing the risk of sun damage. Additionally, it contains aloe vera, Kona coffee plant extracts, and potassium iodide, which further help you maintain a healthy glow.
5) The Fox Tan – Rapid Tanning Elixir and Mist
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The Fox Tan comes as a set containing a bottle of Rapid Tanning Elixir and a bottle of Rapid Tanning Mist. It is a combination that’s perfect for those who consider tanning as part of their lifestyle. The elixir is used as a daily lotion to keep skin hydrated. But, it also works by tanning you from within because it helps boost melanin production. On the other hand, the mist is sprayed on before going out under the sun. Combined, these products help you achieve the color you want, even with minimal sun exposure.
Best Tan Accelerators for Sunbed Tanning
Choosing a tan accelerator for indoor tanning is slightly more complicated. Most of those that are formulated for outdoor use can damage the acrylic on the surface of sunbeds. So, if you prefer getting your color indoors, here are the top 5 tan accelerators suitable for indoor tanning:
1) Millennium Tanning – Solid Black Ultra Advanced Silicone Bronzer
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The Solid Black Ultra Advanced Silicone Bronzer by Millennium Tanning has a cult following among sunbed enthusiasts. Not only does it accelerate and enhance the effects of indoor tanning, but it also instantly provides a smooth, sun-bronzed appearance. It is formulated with nourishing botanicals, including oils extracted from sunflower seeds, pecan seeds, and cannabis sativa seeds. Unlike most sunbed tanning lotions that smell of coconuts and cocoa butter, this is scented with Orchid Blush, which is more subtle and light on the nose.
2) Ed Hardy – Coconut Kisses Skin-Softening Folden Tanning Lotion
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The Coconut Kisses Skin-Softening Folden Tanning Lotion by Ed Hardy is perfect for indoor tanning but offers an intoxicating tropical scent which quickly takes your imagination to an exotic island paradise. It is formulated not just with coconut oil but coconut milk as well. Combined, these provide the hydration and nourishment you need to keep your skin healthy even with sunbed exposure. Additionally, its unique formulation boosts melanin production and also helps your tan last longer. It even helps keep the skin firm and reduces the appearance of cellulite.
3) Supre – Smoke O2 Tan Maximizer
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The Smoke O2 Tan Maximizer by Supre is at the forefront of tanning innovation. It works by regenerating oxygen to enhance the skin’s natural ability to darken. Plus, it has ingredients that instantly darken you to a deep, exotic brown. It is perfect for advanced suntan enthusiasts who are looking for a dramatic change in color. Additionally, it is enriched with natural essential oils, which not only give it its distinctively tropical fragrance but also provides hydration and nourishment for not only darker but also smoother skin.
4) Hempz Tanning – Dark Tan Maximizer
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The Dark Tan Maximizer by Hempz Tanning harnesses the nourishing power of pure and natural oils extracted from hemp seeds. Not only does it drench the skin with moisture, but it also keeps it healthy to give it a natural glow. It is also formulated with oatmeal, which helps soothe the skin during and after sunbed exposure. Additionally, it has mango seed butter, which further provides nourishment and moisture. What further sets this tan accelerator apart is its fragrance-free, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic formulation, which makes it suitable even for people with sensitive skin.
5) Devoted Creations – #TANLIFE Super Soft Hydrating Golden Tanning Butter
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The #TANLIFE Super Soft Hydrating Golden Tanning Butter by Devoted Creations helps promote a natural glow as you achieve your golden-brown color through indoor tanning. It is formulated with shea butter, which has long been used to keep the skin healthy and amply moisturized. But, what people love most about this tanning butter is its skin firming and anti-aging properties, which makes a huge difference for skin that’s heavily exposed to UV rays. Plus, it protects tattoos and keeps them from fading or changing in color.
Tips for Using a Tanning Accelerator
1) Do a patch test.
Don’t apply a tan accelerator all over your body without doing a patch test first. That way, you limit exposure in case you’re allergic. The best way to do this is to apply a small amount of product on the inside of your elbow. Keep it on for 24 hours before rinsing it off. If it doesn’t cause a reaction, it should be safe for you to use the product all over the rest of your body.
2) Use ample sun protection.
Obviously, you’ll get darker faster without sunblock. However, that leaves you vulnerable to skin damage and burning. Always use sunscreen to get a healthy tan. While some tan accelerators have SPF protection, not all of them do. Make sure you check the label and apply an appropriate sunblock if needed.
3) Start slowly.
Yes, the goal is to achieve your desired shade sooner. But that doesn’t mean you should overdo it. When using a tan accelerator for the first time, limit your sun or tanning bed exposure and observe how your skin reacts. If you don’t experience any adverse effects, you can lengthen your exposure for subsequent tanning sessions.
4) Moisturize after tanning.
Sun exposure can dry up your skin and leave it looking dull or even flaky. To achieve a healthy glow, make sure you nourish your skin with a lotion or moisturizer. Doing so will also allow you to enjoy your tan for longer. Additionally, you’ll be able to complement your youthful complexion with smooth and supple skin.
Who really has time to get a sunkissed glow by sunbathing outside or even using a sunbed these days? By using tan accelerators, you can achieve an enviable bronzed look at a fraction of the time it would normally take. Plus, these products typically have nourishing properties that will make your tanning process safer. Just be sure you find the best tan accelerator for your needs to get your desired color quickly while also minimizing the risks of tanning.
