Looking for the best outdoor tanning lotion?
Well, today, luck is on your side!
I researched the best brands in the market and narrowed them down to only 7 that I trust will be kind to you.
Let’s jump in, shall we?
Don’t forget to also check our review on the best tanning solution for spray tan machines!
Check out the table for a quick overview of these lotions, then read on for more details!
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Table of Contents
7 BEST OUTDOOR TANNING LOTIONS FOR SUMMER
Before we jump into these tanning lotion reviews, I just want to mention three things.
First, using an outdoor tanning lotion doesn’t guarantee a good tan (but it does improve your odds).
Second, before you slather ANY of these all over your body, do a small patch test first.
This is especially important if you’re using them for nude tanning! You don’t want to find out you’re allergic to a lotion when it’s already on your most sensitive bits. 🙂
Last, it’s only responsible for reminding you that tanning in the sun or a bed is dangerous and can lead to skin problems ranging from mild burns to skin cancer. So, use common sense. Don’t forget to read our tips for tanning outside.
Okay, let’s dive in and check out the winner, then the runner-ups.
1. WINNER: Ed Hardy Tanning Lotion #Beachtime Coconut
This is my pick for the winner! So, if you’re in a hurry, you can skip the rest, grab this Ed Hardy tanning lotion and hit the beach.
I’ll explain all the reasons why I highly vouch for it.
FEATURES
The best feature of this one is that you can use it for indoor and outdoor tanning.
One of its main ingredients is coconut oil, which keeps your skin soft and moisturized when sunbathing.
Thanks to the intense hydrating effect of the skin, you get a long-lasting tan.
The product also has seaweed extract that helps eliminate toxins from your body, leaving your skin very clear after tanning.
Other valuable ingredients in Ed Hardy Tanning Lotion #Beachtime Coconut are hibiscus and passion.
The latter is rich in vitamins A and C, which protects your skin against free radical change.
On the other hand, hibiscus increases the skin’s elasticity, giving you a natural youth boost. It also evens your skin’s texture and tone, a huge bonus.
The fit body feature is another unique feature of this tanning lotion; instead of affecting your skin with frequent use, it firms up your skin. And as you enjoy basking, the lotion will also work on cellulitis.
And lastly, if you have a tattoo, you’ll be happy to know this outdoor tanning lotion has a built-in tattoo fade protector.
ALSO CHECK: Womens Tan Through Swimsuits Review
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Contains healthy vitamins and nutrients that keep your skin healthy | Some people don’t find the scent pleasant |
| Protects your skin from free radical change during the tanning | It’s not suitable for people who want an outdoor tanning lotion with a bronzer |
| Built-in tattoo protector to help achieve a perfect tan without removing tattoos | It could be too harsh for super-sensitive skin. |
| Amazing moisturizing and hydrating effects | |
| It goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly, leaving a nice shimmering sheen. |
Who Needs this Lotion?
This lotion works well for most skin types, thanks to its amazing hydrating powers.
However, a few people did break out from it, so if you have SUPER sensitive skin, definitely spot-test first.
It’s even better for people with dry and flaky skin as it will keep your skin moisturized the entire time.
Ed Hardy Tanning Lotion #Beachtime Coconut is also favorable for those looking for a lotion with limited chemicals.
The tanning intensifiers in the lotion facilitate tanning without a bronzer.
Where to Buy
Check out Ed Hardy Tanning Lotion #Beachtime Coconut, available now on Amazon and Walmart! Get that beachy look you crave with this top-rated tanning lotion.
- Indoor/Outdoor Dark Tanning Lotion
- Hibiscus, Seaweed & Passion Fruit Extracts
- Coconut Oil & Coconut Milk Skin Softeners
- Ultra Advanced Melanin Stimulators
- Plateau Breaking Quad Tyrosine Blend
CHECK: 13 Best Lotion for Crepey Skin
2. Sun of a Beach from Tanning Paradise
The name of this tanning lotion has nothing to do with why it’s my second-best outside tanning lotion, but it’s good to give credit where it’s due.
‘Could you please get me my sun of a beach?‘ sounds like a good joke.
I’ve personally used the Sun of a Beach tanning lotion during my last beach vacation and found that the instant bronzer gave me a quick, even tan.
The lotion’s soft silicone formula not only kept my skin moisturized throughout the day, but I also noticed a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines on my face.
Anyway, let’s get to why the tanning paradise sun of a beach is a great choice.
Features
If you don’t like the Ed Hardy Tanning Lotion #Beachtime Coconut because it doesn’t have a bronzer, you can go for sun of a beach.
The lotion has an instant black bronzing lotion, so you’re assured of a quick tan.
Another great feature of the lotion is the superior soft silicone formula that ensures your tan lasts longer.
And if the old age is kicking in (I mean, those aging signs catch up with us eventually), the paradise tanning lotion will give you more than a tan.
It helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, leaving you with a smooth complexion. Sun of a Beach also differentiates itself from competitors like Banana Boat’s Deep Tanning Oil with its anti-aging benefits, such as reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Furthermore, its after-tan-odor eliminator feature ensures you leave the beach smelling fresh, which is not always guaranteed with other tanning lotions in the market.
The tanning lotion also deals with those notorious stretch marks and scars.
This is possible because the tanning paradise sun of a beach is very high in Vitamin A, E, and antioxidants. Studies have shown that antioxidants and vitamins A and E can help protect the skin from UV damage and improve skin appearance.
The tanning paradise also has an after-tan-odor eliminator, so you leave the beach tanned and with a fresh smell. The lotion has a fruity and fresh scent, similar to a pineapple.
And for tattoo lovers, this tanning lotion also has tattoo and color protectors so you can breathe. Your tattoo won’t fade or change in any way after tanning.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| It has an instant bronzer, so tanning is fast. | It has a bronzer, which is a deal-breaker for those leading a natural lifestyle. |
| It has an after-tan-odor feature, so it leaves you smelling fresh after tanning. | If you don’t like strong scents, it’s not for you |
| It keeps your skin moisturized | |
| It has a perfect texture, soft but not too oily or watery | |
| It has a very pleasant smell. |
Who Needs the Lotion?
The lotion is great for those looking for an outdoor tanning lotion with a bronzer for a quick tan.
The paradise sun of a beach works for sensitive skin who want a fast tan while still protecting the skin.
Where to Buy
Get the perfect tan with Sun of a Beach from Tanning Paradise, now available on Amazon and Walmart! Achieve a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow with this top-rated tanning lotion.
- ✅ Ultra-Rich Skin Softening Instant Black Bronzing Lotion, With Anti- Orange Technology & Color Fade Protection. Vitamin Rich Formula – To moisture, nourish and provide a healthy glow.
- ✅ Coconut Colada Fragrance. Anti-Orange technologies. Superior soft silicone formula to allow results to last days longer.
- ✅ Tattoo & Color Fade Protectors. Tattoo & Color Fade Protection – Protects the color and luster of tattoos and tanning results.
- ✅ Vitamins A, C & E. Super Soft Silicones. Antioxidant Rich Formula. Vitamin E – To help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Vitamin A helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more even and smooth complexion.
- ✅ Ultra-Dark Black Bronzing Formula. After Tan Odor Eliminator – Proprietary blend of deodorizing and skin freshening ingredients. Dark DHA, Natural & Cosmetic Bronzers provide and deep, dark and long lasting bronzed result.
Also, make sure to read about rash after tanning bed.
3. Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner
If you’re looking for something pocket-friendly and safer than basking in the sun for your tan, then Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self-Tanner will work perfectly for you.
And no, the pricing has nothing to do with the quality. This self-tanner gives you a great golden glow.
One Amazon user says he used the lotion after his wife insisted he was getting pale and needed to bask a little.
To cut a long story short, he got such a good tan that his wife believed he was sunbathing.
Well, lying isn’t cool, but you get the point. But what really makes it an excellent choice for you? See below.
Features
It’s a no-brainer that the firming feature is what makes it different. My mom has always used both the general and firming versions over the years.
But now that she’s in her golden years, she realized her legs were looking “too old and creepy” (her words).
She switched to the firming gel and can finally wear bathing suits again.
See, as we age, the level of collagen and elastin diminishes, which causes loss of skin firmness.
Jergens self-tan helps you tan gradually, so it works well if you have fair skin.
And since the lotion is infused with anti-cellulite formula and green tea infusions, it also helps reduce cellulite appearance in seven days (their claim).
If you have dry skin, you don’t have to worry about your skin cracking after tanning quite so much.
Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self-Tanner has coconut water and antioxidants that keep the skin hydrated, moisturized, and healthy.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| It keeps the skin hydrated and moisturized | Some feel the smell is really unpleasant. |
| It’s pocket friendly | As with all self-tanners, it’s prone to streaking. |
| It reduces the appearance of cellulite within seven days | |
| It strengthens the skin, giving you a tight and smooth skin. | |
| It works well with fair skin because it gives a gradual tan. Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self-Tanner contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the amino acids in the skin to create a temporary tan. |
How does it compare to others?
Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self-Tanner differs from Sun of a Beach by Tanning Paradise in that it offers gradual tan and firming benefits, making it ideal for those with fair skin and looking to reduce cellulite appearance.
In contrast, Sun of a Beach is designed for outdoor tanning with an instant bronzer and is more focused on providing anti-aging benefits and tattoo protection.
Who Needs the Lotion?
The Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self-Tanner works well for those with fair skin and who needs a gradual tan.
It also works well with individuals who want to reduce the appearance of cellulite and strengthen the skin.
However, as with all sunless tanners, you have to be careful about applying it just right to avoid streaks.
Where to Buy
Looking for a natural-looking tan with added firming benefits? Look no further than Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner, available now on Amazon and Walmart!
- SELF TANNER BODY LOTION - Create a flawless light bronze tan with gradual, natural-looking color while nourishing and hydrating dry and extra dry skin.
- GRADUAL SUNLESS TANNING - Our Jergens Natural Glow & FIRMING moisturizer will gradually enhance and deepen your natural skin tone to provide hassle-free, streak-free color. Cruelty free
- CELLULITE REMOVER - Infused with collagen, elastin, and green tea infusions, our fast-acting, anti cellulite formula will help reduce cellulite appearance within 7 days.
- FIRMING TAN LOTION - Infused with antioxidants and Coconut Water, Jergens & FIRMING Moisturizer’s hydrating blend of nutrients boosts moisturization for healthier looking skin and daily skin hydration.
- FRESH SCENTED SUNLESS TANNING - Jergens Natural Glow sunless tanning daily moisturizers will keep you feeling fresh with a light and fresh scent.
4. Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil
I first saw this tanning oil with my dad, who rarely uses any lotion or moisturizer.
But after spending the day laying in the sun with no sunscreen, he ended up with ears that literally looked like toast, so he had to do something.
He pulled out what he likes to call his “magic oil,” and he swore that the pain from the sunburn disappeared immediately.
I asked him if I could try it, too, and boy! I loved it.
As we speak, the Hawaii Tropic Dark Tanning Oil is locked in my dad’s cabinet because it’s in high demand in this house.
Features
One thing that’s so special about the Hawaiian Tropic dark tanning lotion is that it’s made of multiple natural essential oils and antioxidants.
The product gives you a quick, intense tan while conditioning your skin and leaves your skin moisturized.
It works out very well for folks with dry skin because it contains exotic moisturizing ingredients, so it keeps the skin hydrated.
The oil also protects your skin from reacting with free radicals because it’s rich in vitamins E, C, and A.
However, the Hawaiian tropic dark tanning oil has a low SPF of 6, so you must reapply it often to avoid sunburns.
Since it’s an oil, it’s somewhat greasy, too.
When it comes to the scent, it has a classic coconut fragrance, which is sweet but not too strong.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| A combination of essential natural oils that are beneficial to your skin | It doesn’t have bronzers |
| It keeps the skin very moisturized since The Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil contains moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, an effective natural moisturizer. | It doesn’t have tattoo protectors |
| It has a sweet coconut fragrance | |
| It contains skin conditioners |
How It Compares to Others:
Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil differs from Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self-Tanner in that it focuses on providing a quick, intense tan using natural essential oils while also keeping the skin moisturized and conditioned.
On the other hand, Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self-Tanner offers a gradual tanning experience for fair-skinned individuals, with added skin firming and cellulite reduction benefits.
Who needs this lotion?
This tanning lotion works well for individuals with dry skin because it has high moisturizing power.
It’s also a good option if you’re looking for a natural product.
Where to Buy
Want to achieve a deep, dark tan while nourishing your skin? Try out Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil, now available on both Amazon and Walmart!
- A rare blend of nature's rich tanning oils
- Formulated with exotic moisturizing ingredients
- Contains skin conditioners
- Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E
- Classic coconut fragrance
5. Millennium Tanning New Solid Black Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion
My neighbor has been using the Millennium Tanning Lotion for quite some time now, and they always rave about the fantastic results.
I remember when she first started using it; she was so excited about the quick, golden tan she had achieved. She mentioned how the lotion helped her get a beautiful tan in no time and kept her skin hydrated and smooth.
Seeing the impressive results on my neighbor’s skin piqued my interest!
So, is it worth the hype?
I’ll give you the details, and you can judge yourself.
Features
This tanning lotion’s greatest strength is its greatest setback too, and that’s its Ultra Advanced 100X Silicone Bronzer and auto-darkening technology.
This means if you want to get a tan in the shortest time possible, this is the best outdoor sun tanning lotion for you.
The millennium tanning lotion isn’t higher on this list because some users with sensitive and fair skin experience allergic reactions.
So, if you fall into these two categories, I suggest testing the lotion on a small part of your body fast.
Products in the Millennium lotion that cause the instant tan include pecan seed, sunflower, oleracea fruit oil, banana fruit extract, and camellia oleifera leaf extract.
The formula also keeps your skin hydrated and smooth. And the best part is that it keeps your skin moisturized for 24 hours.
Another impressive feature is the silicone emulsion that restores the skin’s firmness and reduces the cellulite appearance. It also has anti-aging properties, which is always a bonus for me.
And if you hate it when you apply tanning lotions and feel all greasy, then you’ll love this lotion. It spreads evenly and has excellent lotion consistency.
However, it’s not water-resistant, so it’s important to give it at least 15 minutes for absorption before diving into the pool.
Millennium tanning lotion is among the most popular tanning lotions on Amazon, and unless you have an allergic reaction, you’ll love it too.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Sweet scent | Not good for sensitive skin |
| It gives an instant golden tan | Stains hands if not washed off, emphasized by Heather and Nikki |
| It has a bronzer | No SPF |
| Delivers nice brown shade, as experienced by Heather and Nikki, Amazon customers | |
| It contains anti-aging properties |
How It Compares to Others
The Millennium Tanning Lotion provides a quicker, more intense tan due to its Ultra Advanced 100X Silicone Bronzer and auto-darkening technology.
At the same time, the Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil focuses on a blend of natural essential oils for a more gradual tanning experience.
While both products offer moisturizing benefits, the Millennium Tanning Lotion also includes anti-aging properties, setting it apart from the Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil.
Who needs the lotion?
The Millennium tanning lotion is perfect for people who want a quick fast tan.
It also works well for people with dry skin because it has a moisturizing effect that lasts for 24 hours.
But if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to either test the product on a small patch or choose one of my other recommendations.
Where to Buy
Get ready to rock a deep, dark tan with the Millennium Tanning New Solid Black Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion, available now on both Amazon and Walmart!
- Easy to Use - Rub the tanning lotion evenly & step into a tanning bed to have that beautiful glow!
- Quick Results - Show-off your already tanned skin 1 hour after application of this bronzing lotion!
- Long-lasting Color - Flaunt your skin for weeks when you use Millennium 100X indoor tanning lotion.
- Painless Tanning - No need to endure painful tingling sensations with our tanning bed lotion.
- Moisturizes Skin - Let your skin breathe even while using an indoor tanning lotion with bronzer!
6. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion
In case you didn’t like our top pick, here’s another great one by Ed Hardy.
A close friend of mine used the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion last summer, and she loved how it gave her a perfect base tan and kept her skin moisturized throughout the tanning process.
She also noticed that her skin felt firmer, and the appearance of cellulite was reduced after using this lotion.
I will actually not beat around the bush with this one; I’ll show you why it’s a good choice – it pretty much sells itself.
Features
This product is a great fit for those who are looking to catch the first summer sun.
It’s one of the best outdoor tanning accelerators, giving you a base tan within a few days.
Among the formulas that help you tan faster are Quad Tyrosine Blend and MelanoBronzer.
These products enhance the production of melanin in your skin, which is responsible for your tan.
The lotion also has a Melactiva, a melanin synthesizer that ensures the dark tan lasts.
The lotion is thinner compared to other lotions, but that means the skin absorbs it fast. It also has a highly hydrating and absorbing moisturizer that nourishes the skin.
And for those with dry skin, the infused coconut butter, coconut milk, and coconut oil will keep your skin hydrated throughout the tanning process.
The Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion also has a BodyFit feature that reduces cellulite and promotes skin firmness.
As soon as you start using the product, your skin feels and looks so much better.
The other great feature is the tattoo protector and other secret ingredients that keep tattoos away from fading.
Unfortunately, the product has no SPF, but you can always mix it with sunscreen to ensure you don’t risk getting sunburned when tanning.
The other feature this tanning lotion lacks is a bronzer, so if you don’t want to look pale on your first day at the beach, consider other products on the list.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Reduces the appearance of cellulite | It’s thinner than lotion |
| It gives a great, perfect base tan | It doesn’t have a bronzer |
| Offers tan protection | It has no SPF |
| It gives a long-lasting tan. In fact: a study found out that tanning accelerators, such as the Quad Tyrosine Blend and MelanoBronzer in Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion, can enhance melanin production, leading to a faster and longer-lasting tan. 1. | |
| Moisturizes the skin |
Who Needs the Lotion?
This lotion is a great choice for individuals with dry skin because of its high hydrating and moisturizing effect.
It’s also great for those looking for a long-lasting tan (and who isn’t?).
Where to Buy
Achieve a golden, sun-kissed look with the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion, available on both Amazon and Walmart!
7. Sun Day Fun Day Indoor/ Outdoor Tanning Lotion
The biggest pro of this tanning lotion is that it works for outdoor and indoor tanning lotion purposes.
It’s my go-to tanning lotion when I think I want to do indoor and outdoor tanning and save some coins in the process.
Although it’s last on my list, Sun Day Fun Day has multiple outstanding features. See for yourself.
Features
For starters, it has multiple accelerators that enhance melanin production, which helps you get a fast tan.
It also has hydrating butter with dark tanning activators that help you get a great tan.
If you’ve tried tanning before and all you got were orange tints, this lotion will change that.
Sun Day Fun Day also has ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa that keep the skin smooth and moisturized.
So, if you have dry skin, this tanning lotion is a perfect choice for you.
Another great ingredient in the lotion is vitamin E, as it helps slow down the aging process by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
What I love the most about this lotion is that it has a white lotion bronzer.
This means it doesn’t stain clothes, so you can avoid the mess that comes with other tanning lotions.
The only setback is that it also doesn’t have an SPF, so it’s important to use sunscreen when you’re tanning outside.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| It keeps the skin moisturized and nourished | No SPF |
| It reduces the appearance of cellulite and fine lines | |
| It can be used for both outdoor and indoor tanning. | |
| It doesn’t stain clothes. |
Who Needs the Lotion?
This lotion is great if you’re trying to slow down the aging process. It helps hide those fine lines and cellulite and allows you to rock your bikini in peace.
It also works well for people with dry skin, as the coconut ingredients ensure the skin stays moisturized.
Sun Day Fun Day tanning lotion is a versatile option for both indoor and outdoor tanning, while Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion is better suited for those seeking a long-lasting base tan.
While both products contain moisturizing ingredients for dry skin, Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses offers added benefits such as tattoo protection and cellulite reduction.
Where to Buy
The Sun Day Fun Day Indoor/Outdoor Tanning Lotion is now available on Amazon.
- Extremely hydrating tanning butter with dark tanning activators.
- Coconut Oil, Cocoa & Shea Butter – Helps to moisturize and soften skin.
- Vitamin E – Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps slow down the aging process.
- Blended with multiple accelerators that work to target melanin production and achieve fast, dark tanning results.
Outdoor Tanning Lotion FAQs
Here are some common questions people ask regarding outdoor tanning lotions.
Can you use indoor tanning lotion outside?
Indoor and outdoor tanning lotions are made with different ingredients. This is because although they serve the same purpose, they do so in different environments.
For example, indoor lotions do not have SPF, so if you decide to use them for outdoor tanning, you should consider applying sunscreen.
Should I put on lotion before tanning outside?
Yes, you should apply lotion when tanning outside.
Tanning lotions increase the depth and rate of tanning and also contain bronzers that fasten the process.
The bronzers enhance the tanning giving you a darker tan that lasts longer.
Is lotion or oil better for tanning outside?
This depends on your personal preference.
Suntan oils do not contain SPF and are mainly used by people looking to get a fast tan.
On the other hand, tanning lotions have a higher SPF, giving the user a gradual tan.
Conclusion
The best outdoor tanning lotion can vary from one individual to another based on their goals.
Some people want lotions that contain bronzers for that quick tan, while others prefer lotions packed with natural ingredients that give a gradual tan.
Whatever your preference is, you should have no trouble finding one that’s right for you from my list.
What is your favorite Outdoor tanning lotion? share below!
Reference
1- “Efficacy of a tanning accelerator containing tyrosine and psoralen as key ingredients on increasing pigmentation in human skin” (2021) by Carter H, Green AC, and Swindells K. (International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 43(1), pp. 63-69).
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