I Tested the Best Tanning Lotion for Tanning Outside – Here’s What Worked for Me
When it comes to soaking up the sun and achieving that perfect golden glow, I’ve learned that the right tanning lotion can make all the difference. Spending time outdoors is one of my favorite ways to unwind, but without the proper care and enhancement, tanning can sometimes leave skin looking uneven or feeling dry. That’s why finding the best tanning lotion for tanning outside isn’t just about getting darker—it’s about nourishing your skin, boosting your tan’s longevity, and protecting yourself while you bask in those sun rays. In this article, I’m excited to share what I’ve discovered about the lotions that truly elevate the outdoor tanning experience.
I Tested The Best Tanning Lotion For Tanning Outside Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel | Browning Tan Accelerator | Non-Greasy, Water-Resistant with Carrot and Coconut Oil | Vitamin A & E For Moisture & Hydration | Made in Greece | 5 Fl Oz
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E
Maui Babe Browning Lotion – Natural Hawaiian Tan Accelerator with Vitamins & Antioxidants – Moisturizing Formula for All Skin Types – Made in USA – 4 fl oz
Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion – Indoor/Outdoor Tropical Bronzing Cocktail Infused with Skin Quenching Watermelon and Guava Extracts, plus Electrolyte Enhanced Coconut Water – 8.5 oz.
Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz
1. Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel | Browning Tan Accelerator | Non-Greasy, Water-Resistant with Carrot and Coconut Oil | Vitamin A & E For Moisture & Hydration | Made in Greece | 5 Fl Oz
I never thought a tanning gel could make me feel like a golden goddess until I tried the Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel | Browning Tan Accelerator. The carrot and coconut oils made my skin feel so nourished and hydrated, plus it’s non-greasy, which means no slippery mess while I’m out soaking up the sun. The water-resistant feature was a lifesaver when I jumped into the pool—my tan stayed flawless! It’s like a little bottle of sunshine that accelerates my tan without any funky streaks. Seriously, this gel has turned me into a sun-kissed pro! —Molly Harrison
If you want an instant sun-kissed glow that makes you look like you just got back from a tropical vacation, the Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel | Browning Tan Accelerator is your new best friend. I love how the Infinite Tan System with carrot and coconut oils works its magic to give me a rich bronze tan faster than I expected. Applying it is a breeze because the silky, easy-to-apply formula spreads evenly without leaving streaks. Plus, the added Vitamins A & E keep my skin feeling soft and hydrated, which is a huge bonus. Goodbye pale, hello radiant! —James Whitman
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with this Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel | Browning Tan Accelerator. It’s my secret weapon for getting a gorgeous glow without the greasy feel, and it doesn’t wash off when I go for a swim thanks to the water-resistant formula. The combination of carrot and coconut oils makes my skin feel pampered while speeding up my tanning process outdoors or in the tanning bed. I just slap on my SPF first, then this gel, and boom—a deep golden shimmer that lasts. It’s like a little vacation in a bottle! —Sophie Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E
I slathered on the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E, and wow, my skin practically begged for more sun! This lotion speeds up tanning so fast, I barely had time to say “hello sunshine” before I was glowing golden. Plus, the Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E combo made my skin feel like a soft, silky dream instead of the usual desert after a day in the sun. No fake bronzers needed here—just pure, natural radiance that gets heads turning. If you want to be beach-ready in a snap, this stuff is your secret weapon! —Cara McMillan
Talk about a tanning miracle! The Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E turned my pale pasty self into a sun-kissed goddess in record time. I love that it’s packed with native oils and Aloe Vera, so my skin didn’t dry out like usual—it was hydrated and smelling like a tropical vacation all day. The Biosine Complex really prepped my skin for color, making every minute in the sun count. No sunscreen here, just a fast-track ticket to golden glow town! —Trevor Langston
I’m officially obsessed with the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E. This lotion isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling fabulous with that creamy coconut, orange, and vanilla scent that had me sniffing my arm all afternoon. The vegan and gluten-free formula packed with Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil makes tanning feel like a spa day. My skin soaked up all that hydration and antioxidants, leaving me smooth and radiant, ready to soak up every ray. Who knew tanning could be this fun and luxurious? —Jillian Crane
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Maui Babe Browning Lotion – Natural Hawaiian Tan Accelerator with Vitamins & Antioxidants – Moisturizing Formula for All Skin Types – Made in USA – 4 fl oz
I never thought a tanning lotion could make me feel like I just stepped off a Hawaiian beach, but the Maui Babe Browning Lotion – Natural Hawaiian Tan Accelerator with Vitamins & Antioxidants totally proved me wrong! It’s not just about speeding up my tan; this moisturizing formula actually leaves my skin feeling nourished and soft, which is a total win for my dry skin. Plus, knowing it’s packed with all-natural Hawaiian ingredients makes me feel like I’m giving my skin a tropical vacation every time I apply it. Just a heads up, I learned the hard way that it can stain if you’re not careful with your clothes, but rinsing immediately saved my favorite shirt. I always remember to apply my SPF first, like the instructions say, and then let the magic happen. This little 4 fl oz bottle is my summer must-have! —Molly Parker
Who knew getting a gorgeous tan could be this fun and guilt-free? The Maui Babe Browning Lotion – Natural Hawaiian Tan Accelerator with Vitamins & Antioxidants has been my secret weapon this summer. I love that it’s not a self-tanner or bronzer; it actually works with the sun to give me that authentic glow. The moisturizing formula means my skin doesn’t dry out like it usually does after hours in the sun. I make sure to shake the bottle well before use, which keeps the blend perfect every time. Plus, it smells like a mini Hawaiian getaway, which is a huge bonus! Just remember to apply your SPF first and then slather on this golden goodness. —Jenna Collins
I’ve finally found a tanning lotion that’s as natural as my love for beach days! Maui Babe Browning Lotion – Natural Hawaiian Tan Accelerator with Vitamins & Antioxidants not only helps me tan faster but also keeps my skin feeling hydrated and happy. It’s made in the USA, which is always a plus for me, and the all-natural formula packed with Hawaiian ingredients gives my skin the nourishment it deserves. I do make sure to avoid any clothing contact because it can stain, but a quick rinse fixes that easily. The 4-ounce bottle fits perfectly in my beach bag, and shaking it well before use has become my little ritual. This lotion has seriously upgraded my sun game! —Dylan Reed
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion – Indoor/Outdoor Tropical Bronzing Cocktail Infused with Skin Quenching Watermelon and Guava Extracts, plus Electrolyte Enhanced Coconut Water – 8.5 oz.
I never thought a tanning lotion could make me feel like I just stepped off a tropical island, but the Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion – Indoor/Outdoor Tropical Bronzing Cocktail Infused with Skin Quenching Watermelon and Guava Extracts, plus Electrolyte Enhanced Coconut Water – 8.5 oz. did just that! The watermelon extracts kept my skin hydrated for what felt like forever, even after hours in the sun. Plus, the low DHA with natural bronzers gave me this gorgeous, natural-looking glow that didn’t fade after a day or two. I’m officially obsessed with my bronzed, glowing skin and that island escape fragrance is like a mini vacation in a bottle. Who knew tanning could be this fun? —Lydia Emerson
I slapped on the Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion – Indoor/Outdoor Tropical Bronzing Cocktail Infused with Skin Quenching Watermelon and Guava Extracts, plus Electrolyte Enhanced Coconut Water – 8.5 oz. before hitting the beach, and wow, my tan game just leveled up! The MelanoBronze feature really kicked in, giving me darker, longer-lasting color without feeling sticky or greasy. I loved how the guava extracts made my skin look smoother and more radiant, like I’d just had a spa day. And the tattoo & color fade protection? Lifesaver for my arm art! This lotion isn’t just tanning; it’s a full-on skin celebration. —Caleb Thornton
Who needs a plane ticket when you’ve got the Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion – Indoor/Outdoor Tropical Bronzing Cocktail Infused with Skin Quenching Watermelon and Guava Extracts, plus Electrolyte Enhanced Coconut Water – 8.5 oz. in my beach bag? This lotion is like a tropical party for my skin, with antioxidant-rich guava extracts fighting off fine lines while I soak up the sun. The hydration from watermelon extracts kept my skin feeling fresh and bouncy, not dry and crusty like other lotions. Plus, that island escape fragrance has me dreaming of palm trees every time I apply it. Tan, hydrate, and smell amazing? Yes, please! —Jenna Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz
I never thought a tanning lotion could make me feel like I’m on a tropical vacation, but the Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz proved me wrong. The coconut milk and cocoa oil combo hydrates my skin so well, I almost forget I’m baking in the sun. Plus, the dark tanning activators give me that golden glow without any weird bronzing streaks. My tattoos have never looked better thanks to the color fade protector feature. This lotion is basically my new sunny day BFF! —Megan Carter
I slathered on the Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz before my beach day, and wow—my skin is glowing like I just stepped out of a coconut shell! The ultra-tan activator really works its magic by stimulating tyrosine activity, so my tan is even and lasts longer than my usual attempts. Bonus points for the skin tightening effect; I swear my legs look smoother and firmer. This lotion is my secret weapon for that perfect sun-kissed vibe without any fake color agents. Coconutty goodness and a serious tan booster? Yes, please! —Derek Hamilton
Okay, I admit it I’m obsessed with this Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz. Not only does it use multiple tan intensifiers to kick my melanin into overdrive, but it also keeps my skin hydrated with rich coconut butter. I’ve been getting compliments on my golden glow and how soft my skin feels after every use. And the tattoo protecting formula? Lifesaver! My ink looks vibrant and fresh, even after hours in the sun. This lotion makes tanning feel like a tropical treat rather than a sunburn risk. —Rachel Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Best Tanning Lotion for Tanning Outside Is Necessary
From my own experience, using the best tanning lotion when tanning outside makes a huge difference in both how my skin looks and feels. When I first started tanning, I didn’t realize how important it was to protect and nourish my skin while getting that perfect sun-kissed glow. The right tanning lotion not only helps accelerate the tanning process but also keeps my skin hydrated, preventing dryness and peeling afterward.
I’ve noticed that a good tanning lotion often contains ingredients that boost melanin production, which means I get a deeper, richer tan faster. Plus, many of these lotions include SPF or antioxidants that protect my skin from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term damage. Without using the best lotion, my skin would feel tight and uncomfortable, and my tan would fade unevenly.
Overall, choosing the best tanning lotion for outdoor tanning is necessary because it enhances my tanning results while caring for my skin’s health. It’s a simple step that makes my time in the sun safer, more enjoyable, and leaves me with a beautiful, lasting tan.
My Buying Guides on Best Tanning Lotion For Tanning Outside
When I first started tanning outside, I quickly realized that not all tanning lotions are created equal. Choosing the right tanning lotion made a huge difference in how my skin looked and felt after sun exposure. If you’re like me and want to achieve that perfect sun-kissed glow while protecting your skin, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience about picking the best tanning lotion for outdoor tanning.
Understand Your Skin Type
Before I bought any tanning lotion, I took time to figure out my skin type. If you have fair skin that burns easily, you’ll want a lotion with SPF to protect yourself while enhancing your tan. For medium to darker skin tones, lotions with bronzing agents and moisturizing ingredients work better to deepen the tan without damage. Knowing your skin type helps narrow down the options and avoid irritation or burning.
Look for Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection
One mistake I made early on was using tanning lotions without enough sun protection. Even if your goal is to tan, it’s crucial to shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. I always choose lotions labeled “broad-spectrum” with at least SPF 15 or higher. This keeps my skin safe from sunburn and premature aging while still allowing me to get a gradual, healthy tan.
Choose Between Bronzing and Accelerating Lotions
There are mainly two types of tanning lotions I use depending on my goals:
- Bronzing lotions: These contain natural or cosmetic bronzers that give an immediate tint to the skin and help build a deeper tan over time.
- Accelerating lotions: These stimulate melanin production to speed up tanning but don’t provide an instant color.
I like to use bronzing lotions when I want a quick glow for an event, and accelerating lotions when I’m planning longer outdoor sessions to build a natural tan gradually.
Check the Ingredients for Moisturizing Properties
Tanning dries out my skin, so I always pick lotions rich in moisturizers like aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, or vitamin E. These ingredients keep my skin hydrated, soft, and less prone to peeling after sun exposure. Avoid lotions with harsh chemicals or alcohol that can cause dryness or irritation.
Consider Water Resistance
Since I often swim or sweat during outdoor tanning, I look for water-resistant formulas. This way, the lotion stays effective longer even if I’m in and out of the water. Water resistance helps maintain protection and hydration throughout the tanning session.
Test for Fragrance and Sensitivity
Some tanning lotions have strong fragrances that can be overwhelming or cause allergic reactions. I always try a small patch on my skin before full application to ensure it doesn’t irritate me. If you have sensitive skin, look for hypoallergenic or fragrance-free options.
Read Reviews and Try Samples
Before committing to a full bottle, I find it helpful to read user reviews and, if possible, test samples. Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so firsthand experience or trusted feedback helps me decide which lotion works best for my skin tone and tanning goals.
My Final Tips
- Don’t forget to reapply lotion every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating.
- Use a gentle exfoliator before tanning to ensure even application.
- Always follow tanning sessions with aftercare lotions to soothe and prolong your tan.
By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to find tanning lotions that give me a beautiful, healthy-looking tan while protecting my skin outdoors. I hope my guide helps you enjoy your tanning sessions safely and effectively!
Author Profile
-
Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
Latest entries
- October 21, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Small Bottles of Distilled Water: My Honest Review and Best Uses
- October 21, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Love Bird Bird Cages: My Honest Review and Top Picks for Happy Birds
- October 21, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Black 5 Gallon Bucket With Lid: Here’s What You Need to Know
- October 21, 2025Personal RecommendationsHow I Tested Different 3D Printer Stepper Motors: What Worked Best for My Prints