10 Best Tanning Bed Lotions in 2023 

Tanning bed lotions can greatly reduce the amount of time required to stay in a tanning bed overall. Plus, they provide a great base to ensure a glowing tan that looks natural.

There is a huge variety of different tanning lotions out there and certain ones work better for certain skin types and individual preferences.

We have put together this list of the top 10 best tanning lotions in 2022 so that just about anyone can find the perfect one.

#1 Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses

Our favorite product for best tanning bed lotions is the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses. It is cruelty-free and contains a ton of hydrating ingredients.

It smells like coconut with a faint hint of vanilla, and it isn’t overbearing; even those who are sensitive to smells can enjoy it.

Coconut milk, coconut oil, safflower seed oil, cocoa seed butter, banana fruit extract, aloe vera, vitamins C and E, and moisturizing glycerin all work towards helping your skin remain hydrated – which is a must to maintain glowing, bronzed skin at all times.

It has a quad tyrosine blend and MelanoBronze which stimulate and increase the production of melanin, accelerating the tanning process. Thus, less exposure to rays is needed to achieve a perfect tan and results can last longer.

Despite having a thick consistency, it feels lightweight when applied and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy or sticky residue behind.

It leaves your skin smooth and soft, so much so that it can reduce the appearance of cellulite and promotes firmness of the skin.

Since there are no bronzers, there is no risk of an orange tint coming through in the results of your tan.

An added bonus to this product that makes it stand out is that it is especially good to use on tattoos. It even has tattoo color fade protector in it, which helps preserve and potentially enhance the appearance of your tattoo through your tan.

#2 Dark Tans Exclusive That’s What Sea Said

Our second-best tanning bed lotion is the That’s What Sea Said by Dark Tans Exclusive. The special blend of tyrosine, an amino acid, stimulates melanin production making it easier and quicker to get a more natural tan with less UV exposure.

It smells fruity thanks to its natural ingredients, although it is admittedly too strong for some.

It does not contain any bronzer, so there’s no risk of your tan coming out orange.

It contains coconut and passion fruit extract that add natural moisture to your skin, helping you achieve the best tan possible by maintaining hydrated and smooth skin.

Included in the ingredients is also seaweed which helps tighten and tone your skin whilst also protecting you from free radical damage with its antioxidant properties.

Moreover, added hibiscus boosts elasticity in the skin which in turn prevents wrinkles, making it an anti-aging agent and protector from UV rays to an extent – this does not mean that it counts as having SPF protection.

#3 Devoted Creations Somewhere on a Beach

Somewhere on a Beach by Devoted Creations smells exactly what it’s named after. There is no better way to describe it, other than a day at the beach – but not just any beach, a tropical one as is hinted by the coconut.

The tricky thing with scented fragrances is that not everybody is going to like it. Scent is a very personal thing and preferences differ and so forth and so, as always, this fragrance is too strong for some.

It doesn’t contain any DHA or bronzer and so orange tints, stains, or streaks are not of concern when using this tanning lotion.

Added coconut, walnut oil, aloe leaf juice, and green tea extract that all work towards hydrating and softening the skin. This formula utilized matrixyl synthe 6, a powerful anti-aging peptide that regulates cell activity and collagen tissue, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. 

It goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and leaves no residue of any kind behind, keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated.

This one, is very versatile since it can be used for both outdoor tanning and indoor.

It is recommended to use Somewhere on a Beach in a level 3 tanning bed for 15-20 minutes. If you’re unfamiliar, you can learn more about tanning bed types here – tanning bed tips.

It is especially important to only use lower levels because of the lack of SPF, which is also why wearing sunscreen is recommended.  

#4 Dolce Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion

The Dolce Black tanning lotion is a bronzer and thus needs to be applied properly in order to avoid streaks. Plus, gloves or mitts should be worn to avoid staining your hands. Ideally we recommend our own special blackout tanning mitt.

Getting bronzer off your hands can be as difficult as removing spray tan and is often a tricky process.

It contains natural ingredients and is vegan and cruelty-free, with a soft silicone formula for longer-lasting results. It is also antioxidant-rich, to protect your skin from free radical damage, and has anti-aging and skin firming peptides that prevent wrinkles.

Included aloe leaf juice not only hydrates the skin but also boosts healing and skin cell production, and cannabis sativa has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, preventing acne breakouts.

You can also find caffeine in the ingredients, which is another antioxidant that protects your skin, and Tanacetum Annuum Flower Oil which also fights acne, aging, and dryness.

Moreover, it is infused with tattoo color fade protector – a great added bonus.

The natural oils and extracts penetrate the skin, providing deeper hydration overall.

The scent is very faint black raspberry, but it is barely noticeable, so there’s no risk of irritating any sensitive noses.

This tanning lotion is easy to apply as it dries quickly and leaves the skin feeling as soft as silk. Color starts to develop in just 2 hours.   

#5 Luxury Evolution EVO Extreme Bronzer Tanning Lotion

The EVO extreme bronzer by Luxury Evolution is our fifth top indoor tanning lotion.

This formula is a simple one and does not have many ingredients, one of them being added argan oil to hydrate the skin without the risk of blocking pores, and coQ10 properties that improve collagen and the appearance of ageing.

There’s also olive which has a lot of benefits for the skin, namely hydration and a natural glow, as well as fruit oil that moisturizes, eases inflammation, and can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and even stretch marks.

Moreover, walnut shell extract is very good for removing excess oils, dead skin, and acne, and the antioxidant caffeine that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.

In addition, included mango seed butter is very rich in vitamins E and C, protecting and softening your skin and hedychium coronarium root extract also provides hydration and moisture.

This product can be used both for outdoor and indoor tanning, which is great as you can get more use out of it, and it is a great choice if you have tattoos due to the tattoo enhancing complex featured in this formula.

#6 Fiesta Sun Coconut Dream

Our next choice is the most affordable and arguably the best cheap tanning bed lotion, Fiesta Sun Coconut Dream.

The scent of coconut is light and pleasant however strong noses and sniff out the lingering DHA smell. It has a thick and creamy consistency but absorbs quickly and is light and clear in color – which means less chance of streaks, blotches, or orange tint.

It works so well that it can be effective when used in a level 1 tanning bed, and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and nourished thanks to the coconut in it.

The included shea butter boosts skin moisture as well but also has anti-inflammatory properties, promotes healing, fights acne, and also has antioxidant properties, making it anti-aging.

Monoi de Tahiti oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, promotes healing, protects from bacteria, and provides moisture.

Lastly, the aloe vera in the ingredients is very soothing and moisturizing to the skin whilst also preventing acne breakouts and slowing down aging by reducing fine lines.

What’s really good about this one is that it has no tingle effects, thus no itchiness, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin.

#7 Ed Hardy Black XXX

Next on our indoor tan lotion reviews list is another one by Ed Hardy but this time it’s Black XXX.

It has a super soft silicone formula that contributes to a deeper and longer lasting tan. Plus, four dark tan activators with the quad tyrosine for the darkest results possible and natural oils and extracts for deeper hydration.

A powerful anti-aging peptide, advanced Matrixyl Synthe 6, helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, it does have tattoo and color fade protectors and blue tansy which eliminates the possibility of an orange tint coming through.

Acai berry extract is another anti-aging agent, rich in vitamins C and A which clear pores, increase collagen production and keep your skin plump and without wrinkles. Moreover, it is an antioxidant and so fights against free radical damage.

The after-tan odor eliminator is a proprietary blend of skin refreshing and deodorizing ingredients that don’t have a strong smell.

One thing also worth mentioning is that this lotion even works well on darker or black skin.

#8 Bella Black Bronzer

Eighth on our indoor tanning lotion review is the Bella Black Bronzer by Dolce Vita. With added bronzers and accelerators, a tan can be achieved quickly and effortlessly.

Moreover, this formula features banana fruit extract to restore moisture and repair dry skin and is enriched with extreme silicone emulsion to soften your skin.

The melanin booster provides darker and longer lasting results while the coQ10 stimulates collagen production which leaves you with healthier looking skin.

In addition, it is suitable for all skin types, no matter the skin tone, and ensures gradual tanning.

What’s important to note is that the recipe does contain propylene glycol, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people and so a patch test 24 hours beforehand is strongly recommended.

#9 Hempz Hydro Max Tanning Lotion

The Hempz Hydro Max tanning lotion is a hybrid formula that combines a powerful blend of ‘Triple moisture complex’ and dark tan enhancers for evenly tanned skin that keeps hydrated.

It is 100% vegan, cruelty free, gluten free, and THC free and contains a lot of ingredients that are fantastic for the skin.

Such ingredients include pure natural hemp seed oil that hydrates and nourishes your skin so that it feels soft and smooth.

Moreover, there’s yangu (cape chestnut) oil which is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that help protect your skin and promote firmness. Apple fruit extract makes it rich in vitamin C, nourishing, and hydrating.

Imperata Cylindrica root extract can increase the level of skin moisturization by almost 45% and ensure increased cellular metabolism and enhanced collagen synthesis.

Shea butter is anti-inflammatory, soothing and healing, provides moisture, fights breakouts, and contains antioxidants.

The carob fruit extract is another antioxidant and thus reduces the appearance of fine lines after long term use, whilst also stimulating the repair and regeneration of collagen.

Added aloe leaf juice clears acne, moisturizes, fades dark spots, and is soothing to the skin.

The cannabis Sativa seed oil moisturizes your skin without clogging pores, regulates excess oil, and reduces acne-causing bacteria.

Calodendrum capense nut oil is able to penetrate pores and cleanse them, thus also keeping breakouts at bay whilst maintaining hydration without excess oil.

Sweet almond oil improves complexion, moisturizes, improves acne, and boosts healing, and sunflower seed oil is cleansing, soothing, hydrating, and reduces dead skin cells and wrinkles.

The consistency is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue. Plus, the formula is clear and guarantees no staining.

It does not burn or sting skin at all and so it’s great for sensitive skin and is effective on fair skin tones as well.

#10 Australian Gold Tanning Intensifier Lotion

The Australian Gold Tanning Intensifier lotion features their ‘Biosine complex’; an advanced combination of tea tree leaf oil, olive oil, and panthenol to hydrate the skin whilst ensuring golden and bronze results.

Tea tree leaf oil is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and is great for treating acne and acne scars. Olive oil is anti-aging, as it slows the appearance of wrinkles, calms irritation, boosts healing, and eliminates harmful bacteria from developing infections.

Panthenol is also anti-inflammatory, hydrating, improves the elasticity of the skin, and is soothing.

The added safflower seed oil, Kakadu plum extract, vitamins A, C, and E, and aloe vera all work together to provide ample nutrition for your skin.

To be more specific, safflower seed oil is noncomedogenic, meaning that it does not clog pores, is anti-inflammatory, and keeps acne at bay as well. Kakadu plum extract, besides being rich in vitamin C, also protects your skin from the harmful effects of free radicals.

Achieve a tan in a considerably short time with this best tanning bed lotion that elevates your skin to a darkened but still natural looking tone.

Although the consistency appears thick, it isn’t sticky, absorbs well and leaves your skin feeling smooth.

The Cocoa Dreams fragrance smells tropical and is pleasant, the only downside to this one being that it’s not water-resistant. So, if you’re using this at the beach or pool, it does need reapplying every time you go into the water.

Also, unfortunately, this one isn’t recommended for sensitive skin and so it’s essential to do a patch test the day before.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Which Tanning Bed Lotion Gets You the Darkest?

The Black XXX by Ed Hardy is one of the best tanning lotions to be used in combination with a tanning bed for the most intense and darkest tan.

What’s The Best Sunbed Tanning Lotion?

Our top choice is another one by Ed Hardy – Coconut Kisses. We think it’s the best because it doesn’t have any bronzer, is very lightweight, smells amazing, and is a great choice for tattoos.

Do Tanning Bed Lotions Really Work?

Yes, a good tanning bed lotion can greatly reduce the amount of time needed to stay inside a tanning bed for bronzed results.