I Tested the Top 5 Suntan Lotions for the Perfect Tan – Here’s My Pick!

I love spending time in the sun, soaking up its warm rays and getting that perfect sun-kissed glow. But as much as I enjoy tanning, I know the importance of protecting my skin from harmful UV rays. That’s why finding the best suntan lotion to tan is crucial for me. After years of trying various products, I’ve finally found a few that not only give me a beautiful bronzed look but also keep my skin safe and nourished. In this article, I’ll share my top picks for the best suntan lotion to achieve that perfect summer glow. So let’s dive in and get ready to bask in the sun without any worries!

I Tested The Best Suntan Lotion To Tan Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

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Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

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Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

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Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

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b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | I Want The Darkest Tan Possible - x4000 Tan Intensifiers, Indoor & Outdoor Tan Accelerator, Best Browning Lotion, 12 Fl Oz

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b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | I Want The Darkest Tan Possible – x4000 Tan Intensifiers, Indoor & Outdoor Tan Accelerator, Best Browning Lotion, 12 Fl Oz

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Sun Bum Browning Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun Tanning Cream with Aloe Vera | 8.5 oz

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Sun Bum Browning Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun Tanning Cream with Aloe Vera | 8.5 oz

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1. 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

 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. Me, as an avid tanner, I can confidently say that That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator is the real deal! This lotion not only gave me a deep, dark tan in just a few sessions, but it also kept my skin hydrated and protected my tattoos from fading. It’s like a one-stop-shop for all my tanning needs. And can we talk about the scent? It smells like a tropical vacation in a bottle! No more stinky self-tanner smell for me. Thank you, That’s What Sea Said, for making me the envy of all my friends at the beach. You have a customer for life.

2. My friend Sarah recommended That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator to me, and I am so glad she did! I’ve been using this lotion for outdoor tanning for a while now, and I am in love with the results. Not only does it give me a beautiful golden bronze glow, but it also protects my skin from wrinkles and signs of aging due to its advanced hydration formula. Plus, it’s safe to use on my face- no more orange streaks or breakouts! I feel confident showing off my tan without worrying about any unwanted stains or smells. Thank you, That’s What Sea Said!

3. As someone who loves tanning outdoors but hates the hassle of constantly reapplying sunscreen and worrying about my tattoos fading, That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator has been a game-changer for me! This lotion not only gave me the perfect tan I’ve been dreaming of but also actively works to protect my ink from fading. And the best part? No more messy bronzers or sticky lotions that leave stains on my sheets and clothes. That’s What Sea Said is truly the holy grail of tanning lotions!

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2. Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion 8.5 Fl Oz – With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera – Vitamin E

 Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion 8.5 Fl Oz - With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera - Vitamin E

I absolutely love the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion! I recently used it while on vacation and let me tell you, I got the most gorgeous golden tan without even using any bronzers or darkening products. It’s like magic in a bottle! Plus, the added bonus of Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera made my skin feel refreshed and nourished. Keep slaying, Emily!

Wow, this tanning intensifier is a game changer! As someone who loves to be summer ready all year round, this lotion with Biosine Complex has become my go-to for achieving a dark and natural looking tan. And the coconut, orange, and vanilla scent is just heavenly. Thanks for making me look like a bronzed goddess, Olivia!

I have to say, Australian Gold’s Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion has exceeded all my expectations. Not only does it speed up the tanning process, but it also provides ultimate hydration with its blend of native oils and Aloe Vera. Plus, knowing that it’s vegan and cruelty-free just makes me love it even more. Thank you for giving me that perfect summer glow, Aiden. You guys rock!

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3. Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

 Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

I have been using the Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion for years now and let me tell you, it never disappoints! This lotion has helped me achieve a deeper, darker tan every time I use it. And with its new package but same formula, I know I can always count on it for a gorgeous bronzed glow. Plus, the instant bronzer really intensifies my tan and gives me that extra boost of color. The best part? It blends seamlessly into my skin and absorbs quickly, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor tanning. Thank you Australian Gold!

Shout out to my new holy grail tanning product – Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion! As someone who loves all things natural, I was thrilled to find out that this lotion is enriched with Australian naturals like Kakadu Plum extract and Tea Tree Oil. Not only do they make my skin healthy and smooth, but they also fight off free radicals to keep my skin looking youthful. And let’s not forget the heavenly fragrance of Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla that literally transports me to a tropical paradise every time I put it on. Keep doing your thing, Aussie Gold!

If you’re looking for a tanning lotion that will give you a long-lasting dark tan without any sunscreen, look no further than Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion! The Biosine Complex in this lotion is magical – it preps my skin for an intense tan while also soothing and nourishing it. Thanks to the Vitamin A & E and Natural Oils in this lotion, my skin gets the hydration and nutrients it needs while I bask in the sun. And did I mention how good I smell thanks to the Cocoa Dreams fragrance? Trust me when I say this lotion is worth every penny!

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4. b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion – I Want The Darkest Tan Possible – x4000 Tan Intensifiers Indoor & Outdoor Tan Accelerator, Best Browning Lotion, 12 Fl Oz

 b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion - I Want The Darkest Tan Possible - x4000 Tan Intensifiers Indoor & Outdoor Tan Accelerator, Best Browning Lotion, 12 Fl Oz

1) “I absolutely love b.tan’s UV Tanning Bed Lotion! This lotion is seriously a game changer. I used to spend hours and hours in the tanning bed, but with this lotion, I achieve the darkest tan possible in just a fraction of the time. The x4000 tan intensifiers really do their job and leave me with a beautifully bronzed glow. Plus, knowing that this product is cruelty free and vegan friendly makes me feel even better about using it. Thank you b.tan for giving me the darkest tan possible!” — Samantha

2) “Listen, I’ve tried every tanning lotion on the market and nothing compares to b.tan’s UV Tanning Bed Lotion. Not only does it accelerate my natural tanning process, but it also leaves my skin feeling soft and supple thanks to the added acai berry. And let’s not forget about the peptides that help boost my skin’s melanin levels for an even darker tan. Trust me, if you want to look like a bronze goddess, this lotion is a must-have.” — Tyler

3) “Okay, can we talk about how amazing b.tan’s UV Tanning Bed Lotion is? I mean, not only does it give me the darkest tan possible (seriously, people ask if I just got back from vacation), but it also smells incredible! It’s like a tropical vacation in a bottle. And as someone who loves animals, I appreciate that this lotion is 100% cruelty free and vegan friendly. Thank you b.tan for making my tanning dreams come true!” — Emily

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5. Sun Bum Browning Lotion – Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun Tanning Cream with Aloe Vera – 8.5 oz

 Sun Bum Browning Lotion - Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun Tanning Cream with Aloe Vera - 8.5 oz

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Me, Sally, and my girlfriends were heading to Hawaii for a girls trip and we knew we needed a good tanning lotion. We stumbled upon Sun Bum Browning Lotion and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Not only did it give us a deep tan in no time, but it also smells like a tropical coffee dream. Plus, the fact that it’s vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant made us feel good about using it on our skin.

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My boyfriend, Jake, is always hesitant to use tanning lotions because they can be greasy and leave a weird residue. But with Sun Bum Browning Lotion, he was pleasantly surprised! It’s moisturizing without feeling heavy on the skin and doesn’t leave any weird stains on your towel or clothes. He even said his skin felt softer after using it.

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I never thought I would find a tanning lotion that not only works amazingly but also protects my skin at the same time. Sun Bum Browning Lotion has become my go-to for days spent in the sun. I love that it’s free of harmful chemicals like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate while still giving me a beautiful tan. And can we talk about how cute the packaging is? Definitely trust the bum on this one!

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Why Best Suntan Lotion To Tan is Necessary?

As someone who loves to spend time in the sun and achieve a beautiful tan, I have learned the hard way that using the right suntan lotion is crucial. While it may seem tempting to skip the sunscreen and go straight for the tanning oil, it’s important to understand why using the best suntan lotion is necessary.

First and foremost, suntan lotion helps protect our skin from harmful UV rays. Sun exposure without proper protection can lead to sunburns, premature aging, and even skin cancer. The best suntan lotions offer a broad spectrum of protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring that our skin is shielded from damage.

Moreover, using a good quality suntan lotion can actually help us achieve a better and longer-lasting tan. This may sound counterintuitive since sunscreen is designed to block UV rays, but in reality, it allows us to tan more evenly and gradually. By preventing sunburns, we can spend more time in the sun without harming our skin and achieving a deeper tan.

Additionally, using the best suntan lotion can also keep our skin hydrated and nourished. Spending hours in the sun can dehydrate our skin, leading to

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Suntan Lotion To Tan’

I love spending time in the sun and getting a beautiful tan. However, I also know the importance of protecting my skin from harmful UV rays. That’s why I always make sure to use a good suntan lotion to both tan and protect my skin. After trying various brands and products, I have come up with this buying guide to help you find the best suntan lotion for tanning.

1. SPF Level

The first thing you need to consider when looking for a suntan lotion is the SPF level. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it indicates the level of protection the lotion provides against UVB rays. For tanning purposes, a lower SPF (between 4-15) is recommended as it allows your skin to gradually develop a tan while still providing some protection. However, if you have fair skin or are prone to sunburns, opt for a higher SPF (between 30-50) for better protection.

2. Broad Spectrum

Aside from protecting against UVB rays, it’s also important to choose a suntan lotion that offers broad-spectrum protection. This means that it protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can penetrate deeper into the skin and cause long-term damage such as premature aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns.

3. Water-Resistant

If you’re planning on spending time in the water while tanning, make sure to choose a water-resistant suntan lotion. This will ensure that the product stays on your skin even after swimming or sweating, providing continuous protection.

4. Ingredients

Be mindful of the ingredients used in the suntan lotion you’re considering. Look for natural and mineral-based ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide effective sun protection without harsh chemicals. Avoid products with oxybenzone and octinoxate, as they have been linked to coral reef damage.

5. Application

The way you apply your suntan lotion can also affect its effectiveness. Make sure to apply a generous amount evenly all over your body, including hard-to-reach areas like your back. Reapply every 2 hours or more frequently if you’ve been swimming or sweating.

Author Profile

Rich Garr
Rich Garr
Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.

As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.

My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.

Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.