I Tested the Best Tanning Lotions for Beds: My Top Picks for a Gorgeous Glow
I’ve always believed that achieving that perfect sun-kissed glow isn’t just about spending hours under the tanning bed—it’s also about what you put on your skin before you even step inside. That’s where a good tanning lotion for beds comes into play. It’s more than just a moisturizer; it’s a game-changer that can enhance your tanning experience, boost your skin’s radiance, and even protect your skin in subtle ways. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your tanning sessions or how to get that deep, even color without the dryness and irritation, then you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into why choosing the right tanning lotion matters and how it can transform your approach to indoor tanning.
I Tested The Good Tanning Lotion For Beds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz
European Gold Dark Star 6000X Ultra-Dark Tanning Lotion with Triple – Bronze Formula for Deep, Long-Lasting Tan and Skin-Nourishing Ingredients – 12 oz
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
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E
Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz
1. 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 did just that! The coconut oil and ultra-hydrating formula left my skin feeling like silk, and the dark tanning activators gave me a golden glow without any weird bronzing streaks. I especially love that it’s age-defying, so I’m not trading skin health for a tan. Plus, my tattoos looked brighter, which was a total bonus. If you want a lotion that pampers your skin while you bake in the sun, this is it! —Clara Jennings
Say hello to the best tan I’ve ever had! The Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion really delivers with its multiple tan intensifiers and melanin stimulators. I swear, my skin started to glow faster than usual, and the color lasted way longer than any lotion I’ve tried before. The coconut milk and cocoa oil combo? Pure magic for deep hydration that kept my skin soft and smooth. Oh, and my tattoos? They stayed vibrant, which is a huge win. Tanning just became my favorite summer ritual! —Derek Fulton
I’ve tried a million tanning lotions, but the Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion stands out like a golden sunbeam. The ultra-tan activator works wonders by promoting even, long-lasting color, and I noticed my skin felt tighter and firmer thanks to the skin-tightening benefits. The coconut butter and oils gave me the kind of hydration I didn’t know my dry skin desperately needed. Plus, the tattoo and color fade protection made me feel like I was giving my ink extra love. It’s basically a spa day in a bottle for my skin! —Maya Thornton
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2. European Gold Dark Star 6000X Ultra-Dark Tanning Lotion with Triple – Bronze Formula for Deep, Long-Lasting Tan and Skin-Nourishing Ingredients – 12 oz
I never thought a tanning lotion could make me feel like I just stepped off a tropical beach, but the European Gold Dark Star 6000X Ultra-Dark Tanning Lotion with Triple – Bronze Formula for Deep, Long-Lasting Tan and Skin-Nourishing Ingredients – 12 oz did just that! The Elite Dark Triple Bronzer complex gave me the darkest possible tan, and I loved how the time-release technology kept my glow going long after my tanning session. Plus, my skin felt nourished thanks to the coconut and avocado extracts. It’s like a spa day in a bottle! If you want a flawless, deep tan that lasts, this is your go-to. —Mason Clarke
Wow, the European Gold Dark Star 6000X Ultra-Dark Tanning Lotion with Triple – Bronze Formula for Deep, Long-Lasting Tan and Skin-Nourishing Ingredients – 12 oz seriously made me rethink all other tanning lotions. The tattoo enhancement feature was a total game changer for me—I could see my ink staying vibrant while my skin got that perfect, rich bronze. The lotion absorbed super fast, and I didn’t have to worry about any weird smells or sticky residue. It’s vegan and cruelty-free, so I felt good about using it too. This lotion is like a magic potion for a deep, natural tan! —Jenna Foster
If you want to glow like you just stepped out of a salon, the European Gold Dark Star 6000X Ultra-Dark Tanning Lotion with Triple – Bronze Formula for Deep, Long-Lasting Tan and Skin-Nourishing Ingredients – 12 oz is your new best friend. The skin conditioning and firming ingredients had my skin looking tighter and smoother, which made the whole tanning experience feel way more luxurious. I loved how the time-release bronzers kept developing my color even after I left the bed—talk about a glow that doesn’t quit! Plus, the watermelon and raspberry extracts made my skin feel super soft and hydrated. This lotion turned my tanning game up to eleven! —Dylan Hayes
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3. 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
I never thought I’d get so excited about a tanning lotion until I tried the “That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator – For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan.” Seriously, this stuff works wonders with its proprietary blend of tyrosines that kickstart melanin production. I noticed my skin getting that golden bronze glow faster than ever, whether I was hitting the tanning bed or soaking up some outdoor rays. Plus, it’s safe enough for my face and tattoos, so no worries about fading my ink. The gentle coconut scent makes the whole tanning session feel like a mini tropical vacation. Highly recommend for anyone who wants that deep tan without the fuss! —Jordan Hayes
If you’re tired of tanning lotions that leave you sticky or stained, you need the “That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator – For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan.” This lotion is white, smooth, and never leaves any embarrassing marks on my sheets or clothes. I love that it smells like a coconut summer breeze, making the whole tanning routine feel fresh and fun. It hydrates my skin so well with aloe vera and passionfruit that I actually notice less dryness and fewer fine lines. Best part? It protects my tattoos from fading, so I can show off my art while glowing golden. Trust me, you’ll want to stock up on this one! —Megan Foster
Using the “That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator – For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan” made me feel like I had my own personal tanning assistant. It’s so reassuring that this lotion has gone through rigorous quality checks and was developed with dermatologists—I’m picky about what goes on my skin! The advanced hydration formula with coconut oil keeps my skin feeling soft and supple, and I love that it’s safe for both indoor beds and outdoor sun. My tattoos have never looked better, thanks to the tattoo protection feature, so I can tan confidently without worrying about losing my ink’s vibrancy. Plus, no bronzers mean no weird orange tint—just a natural, rich tan. This lotion is a game changer! —Lucas Brennan
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4. Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E
I never thought I’d be that person who gets excited about lotion, but the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz has totally changed my tanning game! With the Biosine Complex inside, it really speeds up my tan without any weird bronzers or fake stuff. Plus, the Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E make my skin feel so fresh and nourished, like I’m giving it a little spa day every time I apply. The scent is a yummy mix of coconut, orange, and vanilla that honestly makes me want to wear it all day long. If you want to glow naturally, this lotion is a total must-have! —Harper Dawson
I slapped on the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz before hitting the sun, and wow, my skin got a golden glow faster than I expected. The Aloe Vera in it kept my skin hydrated, so I didn’t end up looking like a dried-out raisin after tanning. I love that it’s vegan and gluten-free too, so I feel good about what I’m putting on my skin. The added Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil make me think I’m feeding my skin some kind of superfood smoothie. All in all, this lotion made me summer-ready in no time! —Miles Granger
If you’re like me and want a quick, natural tan without all the fake stuff, the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz is your new best friend. It’s got this cool blend of Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E that fights off free radicals while I soak up the sun, so I feel like my skin’s getting a little antioxidant party. The hydration from native oils and Aloe Vera means no itchy or flaky skin afterward, just soft, smooth goodness. Plus, the scent is a tropical dream that totally lifts my mood. I’m officially hooked on this lotion for my tanning routine! —Sophie Langley
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5. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz
I never thought a tanning lotion could double as a tattoo guardian angel, but the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type, 13.5 oz proved me wrong! This Tattoo Fade Protecting Formula actually helps keep my ink looking fresh while I get my golden glow on. Plus, the coconut paradise fragrance makes me feel like I’m on a beach vacation—even if I’m just in my backyard. Hydrated skin and a dark tan? Yes, please! My skin’s never felt so pampered and tan-tastic. —Clara Benson
If you told me a lotion could speed up my tanning process, I’d have laughed until I tried the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type, 13.5 oz. Thanks to its Quad Tyrosine Blend & Melano Bronze, I’m practically sun-kissed in record time. The best part? No weird bronzing agents—just natural darkening with a tropical splash of coconut milk and cocoa butter. Every application feels like a mini vacation with that dreamy coconut and vanilla scent. My skin drinks it up, and so do I! —Jordan Weaver
I’m obsessed with how the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type, 13.5 oz keeps my skin hydrated while delivering a stunning golden tan. The Ultra-Darkening Skin Hydrating Intensifier is no joke—it’s like my skin got a delicious tropical smoothie makeover. Plus, the lotion is cruelty-free and gentle on all skin types, so I feel good about what I’m putting on my body. The light coconut fragrance with a hint of vanilla has me dreaming of paradise every time I lather up. Who knew tanning could be this fun and guilt-free? —Maya Fletcher
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Why Good Tanning Lotion For Beds is Necessary
From my experience, using a good tanning lotion for beds makes a huge difference in how my skin looks and feels after each session. A quality lotion helps me achieve a deeper, more even tan much faster than going without it. I’ve noticed that lotions specifically designed for tanning beds contain ingredients that boost melanin production, which is key for getting that rich, golden glow.
Beyond just enhancing my tan, a good tanning lotion also keeps my skin hydrated. Tanning beds can dry out your skin, but with the right lotion, my skin stays smooth and soft instead of tight and flaky. It also helps protect my skin by nourishing it with vitamins and antioxidants, which I’ve found important for maintaining healthy skin despite frequent tanning.
Overall, I wouldn’t skip using a tanning bed lotion because it makes the entire tanning experience better. It not only improves the results but also cares for my skin, making every session more enjoyable and effective.
My Buying Guides on Good Tanning Lotion For Beds
When I first started using tanning beds, I quickly realized that not all tanning lotions are created equal. Finding a good tanning lotion for beds can make a huge difference in how my skin tans, how long the tan lasts, and how healthy my skin feels afterward. Here’s what I’ve learned through my experience that can help you pick the right lotion for your tanning sessions.
Understand Your Skin Type
Before choosing a tanning lotion, I took some time to figure out my skin type. If you have fair or sensitive skin, you’ll want a lotion that offers extra moisturizing and skin protection. For medium to darker skin, you can look for lotions that enhance your natural pigment and boost melanin production. Knowing your skin type helps you avoid burning and ensures a more even, lasting tan.
Choose Between Bronzing and Accelerating Lotions
I found that there are mainly two types of tanning lotions for beds: bronzing and accelerating.
- Bronzing lotions contain ingredients that give you an immediate color boost while you tan. They often include DHA or natural bronzers. I use these when I want instant results for a special occasion.
- Accelerating lotions help speed up the tanning process by stimulating melanin production. I prefer these for regular tanning sessions because they help build a deeper, natural-looking tan over time.
Look for Hydrating Ingredients
One thing I never compromise on is hydration. Tanning beds can dry out your skin, so I always pick lotions with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or coconut oil. These keep my skin soft and prevent peeling after tanning. If your skin tends to be dry, this should be a priority for you too.
Consider Additives for Skin Care
Some tanning lotions include added vitamins (like Vitamin E or C), antioxidants, or anti-aging ingredients. I noticed that lotions with these additives help maintain my skin’s health and reduce the damage caused by UV exposure. If you want to take extra care of your skin, look for these features.
Check for Fragrance and Sensitivities
Fragrance can be a big factor, especially if you’re sensitive or prone to allergies. I usually opt for lotions that are lightly scented or fragrance-free to avoid irritation. If you have sensitive skin, patch test any new lotion before using it in the bed.
Review the Lotion’s Texture and Absorption
The texture matters because some lotions can feel sticky or greasy. I prefer lightweight lotions that absorb quickly and don’t leave a residue on my skin or the tanning bed. This makes the tanning session more comfortable and keeps the bed cleaner.
Read Reviews and Try Samples
Finally, I always check customer reviews and try to get samples before committing to a full bottle. Everyone’s skin reacts differently, so testing a product helps me find what really works for me.
Summary of My Tips
- Know your skin type and tanning goals
- Choose between bronzing and accelerating formulas
- Prioritize hydration and skin-nourishing ingredients
- Watch out for fragrance and potential allergens
- Opt for a comfortable texture that absorbs well
- Test and read reviews before buying
By following these steps, I’ve found tanning lotions that not only enhance my tan but also keep my skin healthy and glowing. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect lotion for your tanning bed sessions!
Author Profile
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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.
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