A tan accelerator is one of the most underrated tools in any tanner’s kit. Used correctly, it can noticeably speed up how fast your skin develops color, help your tan go deeper, and keep your skin in better condition throughout the process — all without adding any artificial bronzer or fake color.
But with so many options on the market, each making similar claims, it can be difficult to know which ones are actually worth it. Some are packed with genuinely useful ingredients. Others are mostly fragrance and filler. And a handful work so well that regular tanners swear by them season after season.
We’ve tested and reviewed eight of the best tan accelerators available right now, covering every tanning style — from tanning bed regulars to outdoor sunbathers, beginners to experienced tanners. Whether you want a bronzer-free natural result, a formula built around hemp or sea-based ingredients, or a two-step system that primes your skin before you even step outside, there’s a pick on this list for you.
Key Takeaways
- Tan accelerators speed up melanin production — they work best when your skin is properly hydrated and exfoliated beforehand.
- Accelerators are not sunscreen — always apply SPF protection separately when tanning outdoors.
- The key melanin-stimulating ingredient to look for is tyrosine (or tyrosine derivatives like acetyl tyrosine).
- Bronzer-free accelerators give a completely natural result with zero risk of streaking or orange tones.
- For tanning beds, never use a formula that contains SPF — it will block the UV bulbs and reduce your results.
- Patch testing is recommended before first use, especially for formulas containing hemp seed oil or strong fragrances.
- Hydrated skin tans more evenly and holds color longer — moisturising daily before and after sessions makes a significant difference.
- Wait at least one hour before showering after using an accelerator with bronzer; 2–3 hours is ideal for best color development.
What Is a Tan Accelerator and How Does It Work?
A tan accelerator is a lotion, oil, or spray applied to skin before UV exposure — either in a tanning bed or outdoors in the sun — designed to help your skin develop a tan faster and more deeply than it would on its own.
The core mechanism is melanin stimulation. When UV light hits your skin, it triggers melanocytes (the cells responsible for pigmentation) to produce melanin — the pigment that gives skin its tan color. Tan accelerators contain ingredients, most commonly the amino acid tyrosine, that support and speed up this natural process. The result is that your skin reaches its tanning potential faster, and the color tends to be deeper and more even than without a lotion.
On top of the melanin stimulation, most good accelerators also keep your skin well hydrated during UV exposure, which matters more than most people realise. Dry skin reflects a significant portion of UV light, meaning a chunk of your session time is wasted if your skin isn’t moisturised. A hydrating accelerator solves this while boosting your tan at the same time.
What a tan accelerator is not is a sunscreen. None of the products on this list contain SPF protection. For outdoor tanning, sun protection is always still needed separately. For indoor tanning, this is actually a feature — SPF in a tanning bed lotion would block the UV bulbs and reduce your results entirely.
Tan Accelerator vs Bronzer: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most common points of confusion when shopping for tanning products, and it’s worth being clear on before choosing.
A tan accelerator works entirely through biological stimulation — it encourages your own melanin production and keeps skin hydrated. It adds no color of its own. The tan you develop is 100% natural, builds gradually, and looks exactly like a real sun tan because it is one.
A bronzer adds artificial color on top of your existing skin, either through cosmetic pigments (instant, temporary color) or DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which reacts with amino acids on the skin’s surface to create a longer-lasting brown tone. Bronzers give faster visible results but carry a risk of streaking, staining, and — especially on lighter skin — an orange undertone if applied incorrectly. For more on how DHA works and what to expect from it, we’ve covered this in full.
Several products on this list are accelerator-only (no bronzer), while one — Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator — includes a bronzer in the formula. Each product listing notes this clearly so you can choose based on what you’re after.
The 8 Best Tan Accelerators
#1 Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion – Best Overall
Best for: All skin types, tattoo owners, those who want a natural result with no bronzer
Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion is our top pick overall — and it earns that position by getting almost everything right. It’s cruelty-free, free from bronzer, and built around a genuinely hydrating formula that leaves skin soft, smooth, and better prepared for UV exposure than most competing products.
The ingredient list is strong: coconut milk, coconut oil, safflower seed oil, cocoa seed butter, banana extract, aloe vera, vitamins C and E, and glycerin all contribute to hydration and skin softness. Despite the thick consistency on first touch, it absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy or sticky residue, and doesn’t interfere with how your tan develops.
The melanin stimulation comes from a quad tyrosine blend combined with MelanoBronze, which together accelerate melanin production and help produce a deeper, longer-lasting result. Because there’s no bronzer involved, there’s absolutely no risk of an orange tone or streaking — what you get is a genuinely natural golden tan.
For anyone with tattoos, this one is particularly worth noting. The included tattoo color fade protector helps preserve ink during UV exposure, which most accelerators simply don’t address. If you tan regularly and have tattoos you want to maintain, this feature alone makes it a strong choice. For more on tanning safely with tattoos, we’ve covered what you need to know.
The fragrance is a light coconut and faint vanilla — pleasant without being overpowering, even for those who are usually sensitive to scented products.
Pros:
- No bronzer — completely natural, streak-free results
- Excellent hydrating ingredients with no greasiness
- Tattoo color protector included
- Cruelty-free formula
Cons:
- No SPF — outdoor use requires separate sun protection
#2 Dark Tans Exclusive That’s What Sea Said – Best Sea-Based Formula
Best for: Natural tanners who want skin toning and anti-aging benefits alongside their color
That’s What Sea Said by Dark Tans Exclusive is a bronzer-free accelerator that takes a different approach to its ingredient base — leaning heavily on ocean and plant-derived extracts that not only help you tan but actively benefit your skin’s texture and elasticity over time.
Coconut and passion fruit extracts provide deep, natural hydration that keeps skin smooth and receptive to UV light. Seaweed extract helps tighten and tone the skin while protecting against free radical damage through its antioxidant properties — a meaningful benefit given that UV exposure does generate oxidative stress in skin cells. Hibiscus takes things further by boosting skin elasticity and acting as a gentle anti-aging agent, though it’s worth being clear: none of this provides SPF protection.
The melanin acceleration comes from a tyrosine amino acid complex, which stimulates natural melanin production and helps color build faster with less UV time needed. The result is a gradual, entirely natural-looking tan that doesn’t streak or go orange.
The fruity scent is pleasant for most but can be on the stronger side — patch testing before your first use is a sensible step, both for scent tolerance and to check for any skin reaction.
Pros:
- No bronzer — natural, gradual results
- Sea and plant-based ingredients with real skin benefits
- Seaweed extract for antioxidant protection and skin toning
- Good option for beginners to tan accelerators
Cons:
- Fragrance may be too strong for scent-sensitive users
#3 The Fox Tan Originals Pack – Best Two-Step System
Best for: Committed tanners who want to prime their skin between sessions, not just during them
The Fox Tan Originals Pack takes a fundamentally different approach to tan acceleration — and it’s one of the most thoughtful systems on this list. Rather than one product applied just before UV exposure, it comes as a two-piece kit: a Rapid Elixir daily lotion and a Rapid Mist spray.
The Rapid Elixir is designed to be used as a daily moisturiser in the week leading up to your tanning session. It actively primes melanin production so your skin is already in an accelerated state before you even step into a tanning bed or out into the sun. The Rapid Mist is then applied during sun exposure to keep the process going. Understanding how the tanning process works at a skin level makes it easy to see why this combination is particularly effective.
The proprietary FoxComplex blend is an active amino acid formulation that stimulates rapid melanin expression. Supporting ingredients — watermelon seed oil, almond oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, jojoba, and olive oil — all contribute to skin health and help create the hydrated, smooth base that tans most evenly. For a closer look at how olive oil benefits skin during tanning, we’ve covered that separately.
Both bottles are carry-on friendly, vegan, cruelty-free, and quick-drying — making this a practical option for travel or holidays. UV protection is still required separately for outdoor use.
Pros:
- Two-step system primes skin before and during UV exposure
- Carry-on friendly bottle sizes
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Quick-drying formula
Cons:
- Requires consistent daily use to get the full benefit
- No SPF — outdoor use needs separate sun protection
#4 Pro Tan Radically Hemp – Best Hemp-Based Accelerator
Best for: Tanners who want a fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula with hemp and skin-clearing benefits
Pro Tan Radically Hemp stands out from the field with its hemp seed oil base — an ingredient that brings a genuinely useful set of properties to a tan accelerator. It has a gel-like consistency that absorbs fast, leaves no oily or greasy residue behind, and smells like coconut and almond.
Hemp seed oil (Cannabis Sativa) has well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce post-tanning irritation, prevent breakouts, and support a smoother, more even application. It’s a legitimate skin-conditioning ingredient — not just a marketing hook. That said, some people with sensitive skin do experience tingling or mild reactions to hemp seed oil, which makes a patch test particularly important before first use.
The melanin acceleration comes from acetyl tyrosine, a form of the amino acid tyrosine found in many high-quality accelerators. Coconut oil and olive oil add further hydration and skin protection, while aloe vera and butylene glycol soothe and support skin healing. Vitamins A, C, and E provide antioxidant coverage, and bamboo extract has cleansing and healing properties that complement the formula well.
If your skin tends to be oily, congested, or acne-prone, this one is worth considering — the combination of hemp, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory ingredients makes it genuinely supportive for that skin type during tanning.
Pros:
- Hemp seed oil with proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Gel consistency — absorbs fast with no greasy residue
- No bronzer — natural results only
- Good for acne-prone or oily skin types
Cons:
- Hemp seed oil can cause mild reactions on some sensitive skin types — patch test recommended
#5 Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion – Best With Bronzer
Best for: Experienced tanners who want faster visible results and don’t mind working with a bronzer formula
Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion is the one product on this list that includes a bronzer — which makes it the strongest option for anyone who wants immediate visible color alongside their natural tan development, but also the one that requires the most careful application.
The fragrance is a pleasant coconut, orange, and vanilla blend. It applies easily, isn’t sticky, absorbs quickly, and leaves skin feeling genuinely moisturised without any oily residue. The Kakadu Plum extract provides a high concentration of vitamins C and E, folic acid, and carotenoids that work against free radicals and reduce visible signs of ageing.
The ‘Biosine Complex’ — a blend of olive oil, tea tree oil, and panthenol — drives maximum UV-stimulated melanin production. Tea tree oil cleanses and reduces inflammation while protecting against acne and dark spots. Panthenol supports elasticity, hydration, and smoothness. Notably, this formula does not use tyrosine or tyrosine derivatives — its melanin benefit comes from hydration and the Biosine blend rather than direct melanin synthesis.
Because of the bronzer, a thin layer is strongly recommended — particularly for paler skin tones, where over-application can lead to an overly dark or uneven result. Wait at least one hour before showering, and allow a few minutes before getting dressed to avoid any transfer. Color typically develops fully over 6–8 hours. When it does begin to fade, it does so gradually rather than patchily — a real positive compared to many bronzer formulas.
Pros:
- Gives faster visible color with the included bronzer
- Biosine Complex for UV-stimulated melanin support
- Kakadu Plum extract for vitamin C and antioxidant benefits
- Fades gradually — doesn’t go patchy
Cons:
- Bronzer requires careful, thin application to avoid uneven color
- Not ideal for very fair or first-time tanners
#6 Millennium Tanning Products Solid Black – Best for Pale Skin
Best for: Fair-skinned tanners who want deep color without risk of tingle or bronzer-related issues
Solid Black by Millennium Tanning Products earns its place on this list by combining a clean, no-bronzer formula with a strong hydrating ingredient base — and delivering results that work well even on pale skin, which many accelerators struggle with.
L-tyrosine drives the melanin production here, and the formula is designed to show visible results within an hour of use. Silicone ensures smooth, even application, while a lineup of natural seed and fruit oils — walnut, pecan, sunflower, carrot, and camellia — brings a broad spectrum of vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. Banana, apple, and melon extracts round out the hydration support and add gentle skin-brightening benefits.
The scent is a light, floral orchid — not overpowering, and tends to suit those who prefer something subtle over tropical or fruity fragrances. The formula is non-sticky and non-greasy, which makes application easy and comfortable. Importantly, it’s free from methyl nicotinate, meaning there’s no tingling sensation — a common concern among those new to indoor tanning lotions.
This one is designed for indoor use. A level 3 tanning bed for around 15 minutes is the recommended starting point. For anyone newer to tanning beds, our guide on how to get the best tan in a tanning bed covers session times, levels, and preparation in full.
Pros:
- Works well even on fair and pale skin tones
- No bronzer, no tingle — clean and predictable results
- Excellent ingredient lineup with multiple antioxidant oils
- Light, non-overpowering floral fragrance
Cons:
- Designed for indoor tanning only — not suitable for outdoor use without SPF
#7 Tan Asz U Beach Black Rum – Best Clean-Formula Accelerator
Best for: Tanners who prioritise clean, ethical formulas and want skin-clearing benefits alongside their tan
Beach Black Rum by Tan Asz U takes the cleanest approach of any product on this list — DHA-free, vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and phthalate-free. For tanners who care about what’s in their products beyond just tanning performance, this one ticks every box.
The base is coconut water, which provides lightweight hydration without heaviness. Organic algae (Spirulina Platensis) and black charcoal are the headline ingredients — spirulina offers moisture-retaining, anti-wrinkle, and anti-acne properties, while charcoal deeply cleanses pores, soothes irritation, and tightens skin. For anyone whose skin tends to break out around tanning sessions, this combination is particularly valuable.
The rest of the formula supports skin health from multiple angles: coconut oil for antioxidant protection and hydration, Agave Tequilana leaf extract for wrinkle reduction and antiseptic healing properties, sunflower seed oil for non-comedogenic vitamin E protection, and caffeine for free radical defense. Panthenol improves elasticity and softness, while Bupleurum falcatum root extract — used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries — provides soothing and antioxidant support.
There’s no tingle effect, which makes it comfortable for both new and experienced tanners. The formula is designed for indoor tanning, so separate UV protection is needed for outdoor use.
Pros:
- Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, phthalate-free
- Charcoal and spirulina for deep pore cleansing and skin clarity
- No tingle — comfortable for all experience levels
- DHA-free — no staining or orange risk
Cons:
- Indoor tanning only — no SPF for outdoor sessions
#8 Australian Gold Gelee Dark Tanning Accelerator – Best for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Best for: Tanners who split time between tanning beds and outdoor sun, or who prefer a lightweight gel texture
Australian Gold Gelee Dark Tanning Accelerator rounds out our list as the most versatile option — one of very few accelerators on this list that’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor tanning. If you use a tanning bed regularly but also spend time outside in the sun, this is the one to reach for rather than switching between two different products.
The gel texture is its most immediately distinctive quality. It’s highly absorbent, feels completely weightless on skin, and doesn’t matt down body hair — something many gel formulas fail at. Once applied, it leaves no residue and sits comfortably through tanning sessions without any discomfort.
Hemp seed oil provides the foundation here, delivering a balanced ratio of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that support a moisturised and youthful-looking complexion. Added olive oil closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum, and tea tree oil brings antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support that helps keep skin calm and clear during UV exposure. Vitamin E rounds out the protective and hydrating base.
The fragrance is a sweet coconut — pleasant for most, though worth being aware of if you’re sensitive to scented products. There’s no bronzer in this formula, so results are entirely natural and gradual — no streaking, no staining, no orange risk.
Pros:
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor tanning
- Lightweight gel that absorbs fully without residue or flattening body hair
- Hemp seed oil with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- No bronzer — natural, gradual results
Cons:
- Coconut fragrance won’t suit everyone
- No SPF — outdoor sun protection still required separately
Quick Comparison: Which Accelerator Is Right for You?
- Want the best all-round performer with great skin benefits? Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses is the top pick.
- Have tattoos you want to protect? Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses again — the only one with dedicated tattoo protector.
- Want to prime your melanin production between sessions, not just during them? The Fox Tan Originals Pack is built for exactly this.
- Prefer a hemp-based formula that’s good for oily or acne-prone skin? Pro Tan Radically Hemp or Tan Asz U Beach Black Rum.
- Want the cleanest, most ethical formula on the list? Tan Asz U Beach Black Rum — vegan, paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free.
- Have fair or pale skin and want reliable results without a tingle? Millennium Solid Black works well for lighter skin tones.
- Want faster visible color and don’t mind working with a bronzer? Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion is the only bronzer option on this list.
- Tan both indoors and outdoors and need one product for both? Australian Gold Gelee is the most versatile pick.
How to Get the Best Results from a Tan Accelerator
Even a great accelerator won’t perform to its potential if your skin isn’t prepared. These habits consistently make a noticeable difference to the quality and depth of your tan.
Exfoliate 24 hours before your session. Dead skin cells on the surface block even UV light distribution and cause patchiness. A gentle exfoliation the day before creates a smooth, even base for your tan to develop on. This single step has a bigger impact on results than most people expect. You can learn more about this in our guide on how to tan darker and faster.
Apply your accelerator 15–30 minutes before UV exposure. Applying too close to your session doesn’t give the formula time to absorb properly. Give it at least 15 minutes to sink into the skin before you get started.
Don’t skip dry areas. Elbows, knees, and ankles are naturally drier and tend to absorb product unevenly. These areas often end up patchy or overly dark. Apply a light moisturiser to these spots first before your accelerator to even out the base.
Wait before showering after bronzer formulas. If your accelerator contains a bronzer, wait at least one hour — ideally 2–3 hours — before washing off. Showering too early stops the bronzing process before it reaches full depth.
Moisturise daily to extend your tan. Skin that’s well-hydrated holds color significantly longer. Daily moisturising after your tanning sessions is one of the simplest ways to stretch results over days rather than losing them quickly to dry skin flaking away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tan accelerators really work?
Yes — when used consistently on properly hydrated, exfoliated skin, tan accelerators do speed up and deepen the tanning process. The key active ingredient in most formulas is tyrosine, an amino acid that supports your skin’s natural melanin production. The hydration benefits matter just as much — keeping skin moisturised directly improves how much of your UV exposure actually converts into tan.
What is the best tan accelerator overall?
Our top pick is the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion. It’s cruelty-free, contains no bronzer for a completely natural result, includes a tattoo protector, and uses a genuinely hydrating formula with no greasy or sticky residue. It performs well across all skin types and experience levels.
What is the best tan accelerator for outdoor tanning?
From this list, the Australian Gold Gelee Dark Tanning Accelerator is the most suitable for outdoor use — it’s specifically formulated for both indoor and outdoor tanning. Remember that no accelerator replaces sunscreen; UV protection should always be applied separately for outdoor sessions. For outdoor timing tips, check out our guide on the best time to tan outside.
Should I use a bronzer or an accelerator?
This depends on how quickly you want visible results and how experienced you are with tanning products. Accelerators give a 100% natural result that builds gradually — ideal for beginners and anyone who wants to avoid any risk of orange tones or streaking. Bronzers give faster visible color but require more careful application. If you’re newer to tanning or have fair skin, starting with a bronzer-free accelerator is the safer, more forgiving choice.
How long should you leave a tan accelerator on before showering?
For bronzer-free accelerators, there’s no strict waiting requirement — though letting it fully absorb before exercise or swimming is sensible. For formulas that include a bronzer, wait at least one hour before showering; the color continues to develop for up to 6–8 hours after application. Experimenting with timing is worthwhile since skin tones react differently — what works well for one person may produce a slightly different shade for another.
Can I use a tan accelerator before going on holiday?
Yes — many tanners use accelerators in the weeks before a holiday to build a base tan, which helps avoid burning and gives you a head start on color. The Fox Tan Originals Pack is particularly well-suited for this approach since the elixir is designed to be used as a daily moisturiser in the lead-up to sun exposure. If you’re considering a spray tan before vacation as an alternative, we’ve covered that option too.
Are tan accelerators safe for sensitive skin?
Most bronzer-free accelerators are well-tolerated by sensitive skin, though formulas containing hemp seed oil, strong fragrances, or DHA carry a slightly higher chance of irritation for reactive skin types. Always perform a patch test 24 hours before your first full application, and opt for fragrance-light formulas if you know your skin is prone to reactions.
Final Thoughts
A tan accelerator is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your tanning routine — and the difference in depth, speed, and evenness of color is genuinely noticeable when you find the right one for your skin type and goals.
For most people, Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses is the easiest recommendation — a clean, effective, no-bronzer formula that works across skin types and tanning methods. If you want the most versatile option that handles both indoor and outdoor sessions, the Australian Gold Gelee is hard to beat. And if you’re serious about maximising your results over a tanning season, the two-step approach of The Fox Tan Originals Pack is worth the investment.
Whatever you choose, pair it with consistent skin prep — exfoliation before sessions and daily moisturising after — and you’ll see results that last considerably longer than those who skip this step. For a full overview of how to build a real tanning routine, our guide on how to tan darker and faster without burning is a great next read.