Best Tanning Lotions to Get Dark Fast: Get that Quick Glowing Tan!

If you enjoy a sun-kissed, deep bronze tan, finding a tanning lotion that works fast is essential.  Knowing how to get tan faster can  minimize the amount of time you spend perfecting your look, while also limiting your exposure to harmful UV rays.  Whether you’re planning on tanning indoors, outdoors, or a combination of the two, we can help you choose from the best tanning lotions to get dark fast.

Top 10 Picks for Tanning Lotions That Get You Dark Fast

Our top 10 picks are highlighted below; keep reading to find the right tanning lotion to get dark quickly and safely!

1. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion
2. Sun Bum Browning Lotion
3. Somewhere on a Beach Tanning Lotion
4. Tan Asz Luau Black Bronzer
5. Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator
6. The Sicilian 200X Double Dark Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion
7. Millennium Tanning Solid Black Special Reserve Ultra Rich Black Bronzer
8. Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion
9. Beauty by Earth Self Tanner
10. Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil

Our Top Pick for Best Tanning Lotion to Get Dark Fast

Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion

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Tanning Lotion Highlights

• Ultra-darkening lotion
• Doesn’t use bronzing agents
• Formulated with coconut milk, coconut oil, and cocoa butter for hydration
• Will protect the appearance of tattoos
• Coconut with hint of vanilla fragrance

Ed Hardy’s Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion is our top pick for the best bast tanning lotion.

The formula includes a quad tyrosine blend with melano bronze.  These ingredients work to stimulate melanin and increase how quickly your skin tans and darkens.  This tanning lotion delivers impressive results without using any bronzing agents.

Many people with tattoos worry about tanning causing their tattoos to fade or become less radiant.  You won’t need to worry about that with this fast-acting tanning lotion.  It is designed with a special tattoo fade protecting formula which helps ensure your tattoos will continue to look radiant and won’t fade when you use it.

Coconut milk, coconut oil, and cocoa butter are also included in the formula for this lotion.  These ingredients are very moisturizing and will help keep your skin hydrated.

Finally, you’ll enjoy the pleasant fragrance of this tanning lotion; it has a light coconut smell with a hint of vanilla.

Sun Bum Browning Lotion

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Tanning Lotion Highlights

• Accelerates the tanning process
• Moisturizing and water-resistant formula,
• Paraben-, oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, gluten-, and cruelty-free
• Hypoallergenic

Looking for the best outdoor tanning lotion to get dark fast?  Then, you’ll want to take a close look at Sun Bum’s Browning Lotion.

This browning lotion is designed to speed up the tanning process and reduce the amount of time you’ll need to be out in the sun to achieve a radiant tan.

The formula is water-resistant and reef friendly and can be used with all skin types.  It is also infused with beneficial ingredients such as aloe vera, Kona coffee plant extract, argan oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and marula.  The formula is oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, paraben-, and gluten-free.  It has a pleasant coffee scent.

Somewhere on a Beach Tanning Lotion

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Tanning Lotion Highlights

• Uses DHA-free bronzers
• Formulated with matrixyl synthe 6, an anti-aging peptide
• Includes walnut and coconut oils for hydration
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use

Somewhere on a Beach’s tanning lotion is one of the best indoor and outdoor tanning lotions.

It is made using DHA-free bronzers to help your skin get dark quickly.  The formula is infused with coconut oil and walnut oil to soften skin and keep it moisturized.  To reduce wrinkles and fine lines, this formula for this tanning lotion also includes matrixyl synthe 6.

Tan Asz Luau Black Bronzer

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Tanning Lotion Highlights

• Formulated with natural bronzers, a DHA bronzer, and cosmetic bronzers
• Hawaiian butters and fruit extracts help condition and moisturize skin.
• Can be used for indoor and outdoor tanning

Looking for a super dark tanning lotion?  The Tan Asz Luau Black Bronzer is a top contender for the best outdoor tanning lotion with bronzer.

The special formula includes a DHA bronzer, cosmetic bronzers, and natural bronzers which work together to deliver a deliciously dark tan.

This tanning lotion also includes Hawaiian butters and fruit extracts to condition and moisturize skin to make your tan more radiant.

Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator

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Tanning Lotion Highlights

• Formula includes bronzer
• Includes vitamin A and vitamin E to hydrate skin
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Cocoadreams fragrance

Next, take a look at the Australian Gold Cheeky Brown Accelerator.

As a top choice for the best outdoor tanning lotion, the formula includes bronzers to help you achieve a stunningly dark tan quickly.

In addition to using this tanning lotion for outdoor tanning, it can also be used in tanning beds for indoor tanning.

Vitamin A and vitamin E are also included in the formula to keep skin hydrated and moisturized and improve tanning results.

The Sicilian 200X Double Dark Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion

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Tanning Lotion Highlights

• High levels of DHA for effective bronzing results
• Silicone to soften skin and make tan last longer
• Macadamia nut oil and walnut oil for soft skin
• Co-Q10 to stimulate collagen production

Wondering what tanning bed lotion gets you the darkest?  You’ll definitely want to check out the Sicilian 200X Double Dark Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion.

This darkest tanning bed lotion is infused with high levels of a DHA tanning bronzer to enhance your tan.  The formula is also skin-firming and anti-aging to deliver even more impressive and attractive results.  To help extend your tan and keep skin soft, the formula for this tanning lotion also includes higher amounts of silicone than some other options on the market.  Co-Q10 is also included to yield healthy and young-looking skin.

Millennium Tanning Solid Black Special Reserve Ultra Rich Black Bronzer

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Tanning Lotion Highlights

• Triple bronzer
• Delivers lasting results
• Formula includes toning agents, açai  berry, and skin tighteners to keep skin looking smooth and supple
• Protects against tattoos fading

The Millennium Tanning Solid Black Special Reserve Tanning Lotion may possibly be the best bronzing tanning lotion for tanning beds.

This tanning lotion features a triple bronzer formula designed to help you get dark quickly and help your gorgeous tan stay around for a long time.  This fast-acting tanning lotion is also a good choice if you have a tattoo; the silicone-infused formula offers protection against fading for tattoos.

Skin tighteners, toning agents, and açai  berry are also included in the formula to help improve the health and look of your skin.

Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion

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Tanning Lotion Highlights

• SPF 15 protection
• Water-resistant
• No greasy feel
• Vitamin E-enriched formula

If you want to get dark, but still want to protect your skin with some sunscreen, consider the Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion.

The formula is lightweight and won’t feel greasy on your skin and offers SPF 15 protection against the sun.  It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

As a top pick for the best tanning lotion with SPF, the formula is also enriched with vitamin E to help keep skin healthy.

Beauty by Earth Self Tanner

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Tanning Lotion Highlights

• Safer for skin
• Tan without sun damage
• No streak, blotches, or dark spots
• Cruelty-free and vegan

On the search for the darkest self tanning lotion?  Look no further than Beauty by Earth’s Self Tanner.

This self tanner is designed to help you achieve a gorgeous tan without subjecting your skin to damage from UV rays from the sun or a tanning bed.  It is formulated using safe ingredients such as shea butter, organic aloe butter, and DHA.  The formula is also vegan and has been certified cruelty-free.

Unlike other self tanning lotions that give you an orange skin tone, this product delivers gorgeous and consistent results; you don’t need to worry about streaks, splotches, or dark spots when you use it.

Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil

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Tanning Lotion Highlights

• SPF 6 protection
• Lightweight formula
• Includes antioxidants

Finally, take a look at the Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil.  This outside tanning lotion offers SPF 6 protection against the sun’s UV rays.  The formula is lightweight and won’t weigh you down as you enjoy your time at the beach or pool.  It is also infused with island botanicals and oils to help improve the overall look of your skin.  Antioxidants are also included in the formula to nourish skin, keep it healthy, and protect it from damage.

What’s the best tanning lotion to get dark fast?

How to Choose a Tanning Lotion

The best tanning lotion for you may be different from the best tanning lotion for someone else.  This is because each individual is different and has individual needs, concerns, and preferences that will impact their decision when selecting the best tanning lotion to get dark fast.

Because of these individual differences, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you select the right tanning lotion that will deliver what you need.

What to Look for in a Fast-Acting Tanning Lotion

Use these considerations to help you find the best tanning lotion to get dark fast.

Tingle or No Tingle

Many tanning lotions can be described as tingle tanning lotions.  This is because these tanning lotions include a special ingredient to bring higher levels of oxygen to your skin.  This makes your skin tan faster, meaning tanning lotions with tingle are more effective.

While they are more effective, some users don’t like the way they make their skin feel, especially if they are new to using a tingle tanning lotion.  When you first put this type of tanning lotion on, it may feel like your skin is burning.  If you haven’t used a tingle tanning lotion yet, this is something you want to keep in mind and prepare yourself for if you choose one.

Bronzer or No Bronzer

Indoor outdoor tanning bronzer lotions can be quite effective at delivering fast results.  The bronzer in a tanning lotion allows it to deliver immediate color, meaning you’ll leave the beach, pool, or tanning salon with a nice tan after only a short amount of time.

If you are looking for a tanning lotion to get dark fast, you’ll definitely want to consider getting one with a bronzer.

Intensity

Next, decide how intense you want your color to be.  Do you prefer a lighter, more subtle tan, or have you been searching for, “How do you get the darkest tan?”

The answer to this question can help narrow your focus onto the tanning lotions that will help you achieve the results you’re after.

Skin Type

If you have overly sensitive skin or other skin conditions, you may need to be more selective when choosing a tanning lotion to get dark fast.  If you have a history of breakouts, look for an option that is designed for sensitive skin.

Some products may also be better suited for individuals with oily skin, dry skin, or other skin types.

Moisturizers and Aloe

Whether you’re tanning in the sun or in a tanning bed, the UV rays or beams can dry out your skin and irritate it.  If this is a problem you’d like to avoid, look for a tanning lotion that also works as a moisturizer.  This will help replenish some of the moisture that is sucked out of your skin while you tan.

Some tanning lotions may also include aloe vera.  This ingredient can help soothe skin that is burned or irritated.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

You will also want to think about where you plan on tanning.

Are you looking for the best tanning lotion for indoor and outdoor use, or are you planning on exclusively tanning in a tanning salon or exclusively outdoors?  This will impact which is the best tanning lotion to get dark fast for you.  There are some tanning lotions that can be used with both indoor and outdoor tanning, and there are others that are best suited for one or the other.

Ingredients and Fragrances

Finally, take a look at the ingredient list of each tanning lotion.

If you are trying to choose the safest products to use on your skin, you may want to look for a tanning lotion that does not include parabens.

Also consider the fragrance of each lotion. Since tanning lotions use DHA, which doesn’t have the most pleasant smell, most manufacturers add a fragrance to improve the smell.  Choose a lotion that has a pleasant fragrance that you’ll enjoy having on your skin as you tan.

Tanning FAQs

How can I get darker in a tanning bed fast?

If you’re looking to maximize your time in a tanning bed and emerge with a deep and gorgeous tan, try some of the ideas below:

• Choose the right tanning lotion:  Tanning lotions help open our skin’s pores and maximize the UV rays to provide a dark and even tan.  Tanning lotions are also important to prevent burns, rashes, or wrinkles since they help keep your skin moisturized.
• Use a tanning bed with lots of lights:  More lights mean faster and better results.  If you choose a bed with a lot of lights, it will help ensure all the parts of your body are exposed to the lights and provide more exposure to the UV rays, which will yield a faster tan.

• Change positions:  As you are tanning on a tanning bed, changing your position slightly can help speed up the process and make sure all of your skin gets evenly dark.
• Exfoliate your skin:  Exfoliating your skin removes dead cells.  This helps to ensure that the UV rays are able to evenly penetrate your skin and provide a longer-lasting tan.

Will lotion make you tan faster?

Yes, tanning lotions can help you tan faster.  Many lotions on the markets are either accelerator or maximizer lotions.  These lotion types intensify the UV lights, allowing your skin to tan more quickly. Another type of tanning lotion is a tingle lotion.  Tingle lotions increase the amount of oxygen in your skin, which improves the effects of the UV rays and allows your skin to tan more quickly.  So, if you’re worried about how long it takes to tan in the sun, adding a tanning lotion to your routine for both indoor or outdoor tanning can speed up your results and help you get dark faster.

How do you get the darkest tan?

If you’re looking to get the darkest tan possible, start with one of the best tanning lotions.  Accelerator lotions can be quite effective at making UV lights more intense and allowing them to work more quickly to make your skin darker more quickly.  Another key factor in keeping a dark tan is to tan regularly.  Don’t give your tan a chance to fade by finding time to sit outside or head to the tanning salon.

Best Tanning Lotions for the Quickest Dark Tan

If you started reading this post with the question, “What’s the best tanning lotion to get dark fast,” we hope we’ve helped you find the answer.

We reviewed 10 excellent tanning lotions to help you accomplish your indoor or outdoor tanning goals.  If you haven’t decided which tanning lotion is right for you, take a few minutes to read through our reviews one more time and make your selection.

Looking for more tips on how to achieve a healthy tan in the summer?  This article from Medical Daily offers tips to tan safely.

And, if you’ve ever had a sunburn that has caused your ankles to swell, you’ll certainly want to check out this post:  Can Sunburn Cause Swelling in Ankles.