Are you looking for the best tanning bed lotions for fair skin?
Since I burn easily when using a tanning bed, I researched carefully outdoor & indoor tanning lotions that can help me build up a tan slowly.
And I’m here to share my top 9 picks and tell you all about self-tanners and how they work.
Just keep reading.
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Don’t have time? Check this comparison table of our top faves!
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- Regular exposure to UV light increases the risk of skin cancer.
- Tanning bed lotions speed up the tanning process by stimulating the production of melanin, thus reducing your exposure to harmful UV rays.
- Consider your skin sensitivity when picking the right type of tanning bed lotions.
ALSO CHECK: Best Tan Lotion for Legs
Top 9 Recommended Tanning Bed Lotions for Fair Skin
Do you know how dangerous sun exposure to UV rays is?
Cancer Research UK says, “Getting sunburn just once every two years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer, compared to never being burnt.” (1)
Tanning beds also increase your risk of skin cancer because they use UV rays to darken your skin tone. And when you have pale skin, it’s even easier to burn.
Fortunately, you can use tanning bed lotions to speed up the process and reduce risks. These lotions contain active ingredients to stimulate the production of melanin.
But what are the best tanning bed lotions for fair-skinned people? Let’s find out!
#1 Best Overall: Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer
Australian Gold’s outdoor tanning lotion accelerator is my top choice for people who want an instant bronze glow without getting burned or paying a fortune.
Its unique formula absorbs quickly and contains plenty of antioxidants to nourish and moisturize the skin, so it’s the perfect starter tanning accelerator for people with pale skin.
Features & Attributes
- Self-acting bronzer with Kakadu plum extract, vitamin E, tea tree oil, and antioxidants for keeping the skin healthy. It’s suitable for outdoor tanning.
Measurements
- 8-ounce tube
Benefits of Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator
- Non-greasy formula with natural ingredients for smooth application
- A tanning accelerator with instant bronzer for natural-looking color
- Potent antioxidant properties, thanks to vitamin E and tea tree oils
- A unique blend of ingredients to soothe the skin after a tanning session
- Suitable for all skin types
- Pleasant scent
- Affordable
Drawbacks
- It can stain your skin orange
- You have to apply it well to avoid streaks and orange spots
- Not all customers like the tropical scent
How It Compares to Others
- Lower price than other tanning products, and its amazing formula delivers quick results. But it stains and leaves streaks.
How Has It Evolved
- New packaging for easier application
Expert Tips
Ensure you apply the lotion evenly to avoid streaks and wash your hands immediately after application to prevent orange skin.
Testimonials
Most customers praise Australia Gold and its tanning products, saying they work great, produce outstanding results, and are easy to apply.
- ACHIEVE A DEEPER, DARKER TAN - This dark tanning accelerator lotion with instant bronzer intensifies your bronze glow & helps you achieve a darker tan. Blends effortlessly and absorbs quickly, allowing for an even sunless tanning or outdoor sun tanning
- BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - A rich blend of Kakadu Plum extract with highest content of Vitamin C, and Tea Tree Oil, a powerful antioxidant, fights off free radicals and gently cleanses your skin leaving it healthy and smooth
- BIOSINE COMPLEX FOR A LONG-LASTING TAN - This tanning intensifier contains an advanced combination of ingredients that prepare your skin for a dark color development while soothing, smoothening & nourishing your skin. It does not contain sunscreen
- HYDRATION & SUPERIOR SKIN BENEFITS - Enriched with Vitamin A & E and Natural Oils, this accelerator & bronzer not only helps build a flawless tan but also supplies essential nutrients to the skin, while moisturizing & hydrating it for a soft & supple feel
- REFRESHING FRAGRANCE - This tanning accelerator lotion takes you on an instant vacation to the beach with its signature Cocoa Dreams fragrance in a delectable and long-lasting scent of Coconut, Orange and Vanilla that keeps you fresh all day long
If you’re fair-skinned and looking to get a sun-kissed glow, finding the right tanning lotion can be a game-changer. Our article on “Best Outdoor Tanning Lotion for Fair Skin” reviews some of the top products on the market, offering insights on factors such as SPF protection, moisturization, and even fragrance.
#2 Best Self-Tanner: Jergens Natural Glow 3-Day Sunless Tanning Lotion
I love Jergens’ sunless tanning lotions because they’re easy to use, leave no streaks, and hydrate the skin. And you see visible results in only three days.
Jergens is also one of my favorites because their products are easy to apply and don’t cause skin irritation.
Features & Attributes
Antioxidants and vitamin E boost melanin production and speed up the tanning process.
Measurements
- 4-ounce tube
- Available for fair skin and medium/dark skin
Benefits Of Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Lotion
- Visible darkening in your natural color in three days
- Suitable for the whole body
- Great for hydrating and moisturizing skin
- Full of antioxidants and vitamins
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
- Affordable
Drawbacks
- It leaves stains on towels and fabrics
- Unpleasant chemical scent
How It Compares to Others
- Works as a self-tanner, so you don’t have to use a tanning bed
- Faster acting than other similar brands
Expert Tips
Jergens Natural Glow lotion doesn’t contain sunscreen and won’t protect you from sun exposure if you go sunbathing on the beach.
Testimonials
9 out of 10 customers highly recommend Jergens as one of the best tanning bed lotions for fair skin and say it produces a long-lasting tan.
And as this video reviewer shows, you can see results after a couple of applications.
- FLAWLESS SELF TANNER - Create a flawless tan for gradual, natural-looking color before, or after, the beach
- ENHANCE YOUR SKIN TONE - Formulated with a blend of skin-tone enhancers and antioxidants, our moisturizer helps provides streak-free color from hassle-free application within 3 days
- ACHIEVE HEALTHY-LOOKING SKIN - With antioxidants and Vitamin E, Jergens Natural Glow 3 Day To Glow Moisturizer features a blend of nutrients to boost moisturization for healthier-looking skin
- FRESH SCENTED SUNLESS TANNING - Jergens Natural Glow self-tanning moisturizers will keep you feeling fresh with a light and fresh scent
- DAILY SKIN HYDRATION - Simply use as your daily body lotion, smoothing on evenly before getting dressed. Within 3 days, you can expect results
#3 Best DHA Tanning Bed Lotion: Organic Sunless Tan Firming Lotion
DHA is a substance that reacts with the dead skin cells on the top skin layer. The chemical reaction causes a temporal dark skin color.
These types of tanning bed lotions are perfect for people who can’t tan due to pale skin or those who want to avoid UV light risks. And Coola’s sunless lotion is one of the best in this category.
Features & Attributes
A DHA tanner with a hydrating formula and pina colada scent. It contains green caffeine for tight skin.
Measurements
- 6.0-oz tube
Benefits of Coola’s Organic Sunless Tan Lotion
- It quickly creates an even skin tone
- Unique DHA formula that allows you to build a gradual tan and maintain it
- Great for hydrating and keeping the skin soft
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free
- Easy to use and doesn’t stain your hands much
- Pleasant scent
Drawbacks
- Not the cheapest option
- It doesn’t last long
How It Compares to Others
- Excellent results in a couple of hours, but the tan doesn’t last long compared to other bronzer tanning lotion brands and self-tanning products.
Expert Tips
You can apply sunscreen for sun protection six hours after applying the tanner.
Testimonials
As this video reviewer says, Coola’s sunless tanning lotion works great, especially if you combine it with a moisturizing cream.
- SUNLESS TAN: 70%+ certified organic ingredients
- CONCENTRATED CAFFEINE: Helps skin appear smoother & firmer while being lightweight & fast-absorbing
- BAOBAB OIL: Infuses skin with vitamins & builds a tan gradually over several days
- NATURAL PIÑA COLADA SCENT
- ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY: Vegan, Cruelty Free, Non-GMO
#4 Best Fast Drying: Tan-Luxe’s The Gradual – Illuminating Tanning Lotion
Many of the tanners I’ve tried left stains on my clothes and towel. So, I was surprised by Tan-Luxe’s product and how quickly it dried, leaving minimal marks on the fabrics.
Features & Attributes
A DHA tanning bed lotion with aloe vera, raspberry seed oils, and cellutone
Measurements
- 8.4-oz bottle
Benefits of Tan-Luxe’s Illuminating Tanning Lotions
- Buildable tanner, perfect for beginners or people with pale skin
- Visible results in a couple of hours
- Aloe vera soothes the skin and antioxidants to keep it healthy
- Oil/lotion hybrid that dries quickly and leaves barely any stains
- Easy to apply and suitable for prolonged use
Drawbacks
- Not the best choice for sensitive skin
- Leaves streaks
- Strong smell
How It Compares to Others
- Quicker results than other less expensive sunless tanners, but it has a strong smell
- It’s harder to achieve an even tone than similar products
Expert Tips
Exfoliate before application for even tan. As tanning experts from Bronze Studio explain, “Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, which then reveals the fresh skin underneath.” (2)
Testimonials
8 out of 10 customers say that tanning lotion delivers a fantastic color and is non-greasy, easy to apply, and buildable. And as you can see from this review video, it doesn’t streak.
- Get glowing skin within 1 hour with this lightweight formulation
- Use this gradual tanner for a buildable glow like your daily moisturizer
- Perfect for beginners: No streaks. No smells. No drama.
- Apply to the skin as you would a normal body moisturizer, lightly covering hands, elbows and feet. Thoroughly wash hands after use. Develops over 2-4 hours. You can apply daily or as desired to build a tailor-made depth of color
- Full List of Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dihydroxyacetone, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Erythrulose, Melanin, Raspberry Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk
#5 Best Hydrating Tanning Lotion: St. Tropez’s Gradual Tan Watermelon Daily Firming Lotion
St. Tropez’s gradual tanner is an excellent choice to keep your skin hydrated and get a healthy glow in no time.
Features & Attributes
A gradual tanning product with hyaluronic acid, blueberry/raspberry seed oils, and marine algae
Measurements
- 6.7-oz tube
Benefits of St. Tropez’Watermelon Tanning Lotion
- Regular application produces a natural-looking color.
- Locks moisture for up to 72 hours to keep the skin healthy and hydrated
- Antioxidants for healthy skin
- Protects, smooths, and plumps the skin
- Relatively streak-free and non-greasy
- Affordable
Drawbacks
- An orange tinge
- The scent is too strong for some customers
How It Compares to Others
Great hydrating and moisturizing properties to prevent skin damage, but more streaky than other popular brands.
Expert Tips
You can use it instead of your regular lotion to moisturize your skin. Check this video to see how to apply it for the best results.
Testimonials
Most customers have a favorable opinion of St. Tropez’s products and say the lotion blends smoothly, doesn’t leave stains and has a pleasant watermelon scent.
- What it is: A natural-looking, hydrating, and easy-to-use gradual tan moisturizer to hydrate, protect, smooth, visibly firm, and visibly plump skin. Highlighted Ingredients: - Dual Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and visibly plumps skins. - Marine Algae: Provides firmer-, more youthful-looking skin over time. - Blend of Upcycled Blueberry and Raspberry Seed Oils: Is high in antioxidants to help protect skin from environmental damage. What Else You Need to Know
- 72 hours with this ultra-hydrating yet lightweight lotion with a refreshing watermelon twist.
- Suggested Usage: -Apply daily or as desired instead of your regular body moisturizer. -Wash palms after use. -No need to rinse, your subtle glow will gradually develop and deepen with regular application. Recycling Instructions: -100 percent recyclable.
#6 Best Intensifying Tanning Bed Lotion: Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion
Ed Hardy has a wide variety of products to speed up the tanning process, but my favorite is the Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion. It has a light coconut scent and provides tattoo protection.
Features & Attributes
- Coconut milk & cocoa butter, and coconut oil for skin hydration
Measurements
- 13.5-oz bottle
Benefits of Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion
- Increases pigment production to achieve a dark golden tan without bronzers
- It contains melanin synthesizers for a long-lasting tan
- Unique formula to protect against tattoo fading
- Pleasant coconut scent
- Anti-aging ingredients to keep the skin hydrated and smooth
- Easy to apply
- It doesn’t stain or leave streaks
- Affordable
Drawbacks
- Slow results
- Not the best choice for sensitive skin
How It Compares to Others
- Great price and excellent hydration, but it works slower than other tanning bed lotions
Expert Tips
- Do a patch test and wait 24 hours before you apply the lotion over your body.
Testimonials
Most customers are happy with Ed Hardy’s Coconut Kisses tanning bed lotion and say it’s perfect for fair skin and one of the best indoor tanning lotions.
- Ultra-Darkening Skin Hydrating Intensifier: Contains coconut milk, coconut oil, and cocoa butter to improve skin hydration. Delivers a dark golden tan without the use of bronzing agents.
- Tattoo Fade Protecting Formula: Helps prolong the life and radiance of your tattoos and tanning results.
- Quad Tyrosine Blend & Melano Bronze: Stimulates and increases melanin formation to accelerate the tanning process.
- Coconut Paradise Fragrance: An intoxicating light coconut fragrance with a faint scent of vanilla will make you dream of a day in paradise.
- Ed Hardy tanning products are part of the Tanovations company. The Ed Hardy logo was replaced by the Tanovations logo, which has a palm tree.
#7 Best Hypoallergenic: HEMPZ Hypoallergenic Dark Tan Maximizer
HEMPZ’s tanning bed lotion is an excellent choice for fair and sensitive skin. I love its non-greasy formula and ease of application. It’s also full of natural ingredients for maximum skin hydration.
Features & Attributes
- DHA-free lotion with natural tan enhancers, black walnut shells, hemp seed oil, oatmeal, and chamomile extracts
- Fragrance-free
Measurements
- 9-oz tube
Benefits of HEMPZ Hypoallergenic Dark Tan Maximizer
- Natural tan enhancers that stimulate pigment production for a fantastic bronze glow
- Nourishing ingredients for smooth and silky skin
- Suitable for normal or dry skin
- Lightweight formula
- Hypoallergenic tanning lotion
- Quickly absorbs into the skin
- No grease stains behind or orange skin
- Made in the USA
Drawbacks
- Odd scent
- Slow results
- Some customers complain of itchiness
How It Compares to Others
- Hypoallergenic formula with plenty of nourishing and moisturizing ingredients to keep skin healthy.
- It works slower than other brands.
Expert Tips
Apply a thin layer of the lotion all over your body using circular motions before your tanning salon appointment.
Testimonials
As this video reviewer says, HEMPZ’s tanning lotions are fantastic for dry skin. Customers also note that it helps them tan quickly.
- Dark Tanning blend combines natural tan enhancers that help prepare your skin for dark, rich, golden color.
- 100% Pure Natural Hemp Seed Oil helps to hydrate, nourish and condition skin leaving it feeling exceptionally soft, smooth and moist.
- Natural calming extracts including Oatmeal helps to comfort and soothe.
- Blended with rich Mango Seed Butter that helps to hydrate and smooth gentle skin.
- BRAND NEW AND ORIGINAL
#8 Best Tingle Tanning Lotion: Ed Hardy Obnoxious Extreme Bronzer Tingle Tanning Lotion
Tingle tanning bed lotions stimulate blood circulation to increase melanin production. They cause a slight tingling, hence the name.
Usually, these types of lotions aren’t the best choice for fair skin, but Ed Hardy’s tingle lotion works well with pale skin (as long as you don’t burn easily or are extra sensitive!).
Features & Attributes
- Bronzer/tingle formula with hemp seed oil, mangosteen, and vitamin C
Measurements
- 10-oz bottle
Benefits of Ed Hardy Obnoxious Extreme Bronzer Tingle Tanning Lotion
- Quick results, thanks to the bronzer/tingle formula
- Plenty of moisturizing ingredients and antioxidant
- Great for dry skin
- Suitable for indoor/outdoor tanning
- Made in the USA
Drawbacks
- Not the best choice for sensitive skin
- It can cause redness, itchiness, and other skin problems
How It Compares to Others
A unique bronzer/tingle formula that delivers fast results and keeps your tan for weeks. However, it has more side effects than other brands.
Expert Tips
Do a patch test before you apply the tingle lotions on your skin. Use gloves to protect your hands and wash them afterward.
Testimonials
As this reviewer shares, Ed Hardy’s tingle tanning lotion works well, and the redness doesn’t last more than a couple of hours.
- Country Of Origin: United States
- Model Number: EH-O10
- Item Package Dimension: 7.0" L x 2.4" W x 1.2" H
- Item Package Weight: 0.75 lb
#9 Best Indoor/Outdoor Tanning Lotions: Maui Babe Browning Lotion with Coconut Oil
Maui Babe Browning Lotion is another great option for people with fair skin. I like that it’s great for outdoor/indoor tanning sessions and easy to apply.
Features & Attributes
All natural ingredients with coconut oil
Measurements
8-oz bottle
Benefits of Maui Babe Browning Lotion
- All-natural ingredients, great for sensitive skin
- Works quickly
- Easy to apply
- Affordable
Drawbacks
- Greasy
- It fades quicker than expected
- Stains
How It Compares to Others
- Excellent results in a short time, but the formula is greasier than other tanning lotions.
Expert Tips
Exfoliate before applying tanning bed lotions or self-tanners. AAD also recommends, “Spend a little more time exfoliating where your skin is thickest, on the elbows, knees, and ankles.” (3)
Testimonials
As you can see from this short video, Maui Babe Browning lotions create even tan quickly and are easy to use.
- (All New) Maui Babe Browning Lotion with Coconut Oil
- An all natural alternative to our original Browning Lotion
- Moisturizing benefits
- 8 oz
- Not a self tanner
How To Choose the Best Tanning Bed Lotions for Fair Skin?
The most important factor when shopping for the best tanning bed lotion for fair skin is the type of lotion and how it works.
Here are the three main types of tanning bed lotions with their pros and cons.
#1 Accelerators/Intensifiers
Accelerators are tanning bed lotions that contain ingredients to stimulate melanin production and speed up the tanning process. So, you need less tanning time to achieve darker skin.
The best accelerators also include plenty of moisturizing and hydrating oils to keep the skin smooth and silky. And since they produce no harsh side effects, they’re one of the best tanning lotions for fair skin.
Check out our list of the best tanning lotion for tanning beds.
#2 Tingle Tanning Lotions
Tingle lotions increase the blood flow to the skin to stimulate melanin. They produce quick results but aren’t for people with sensitive skin or those that have never used a tanning bed before.
#3 Accelerator with Bronzer
Bronzing tanning lotions contain ingredients that speed up the natural production of melanin and components that give you an instant bronze glow.
Unfortunately, the bronzing effect is temporal and will wash off quickly. Not to mention that it leaves stains on clothes and fabrics.
FAQs
1. Does Tanning Lotion Work on Pale Skin?
Tanning lotions can work on pale skin, but you must apply them regularly.
2. Can a Pale Person Tan in a Tanning Bed?
People with skin type 1 should avoid tanning beds because there’s a high risk of burning and skin damage.
3. How Long Does It Take for Fair Skin to Tan in a Tanning Bed?
If you have pale skin, you can tan in a tanning bed, but you have to be careful and keep the tanning sessions up to 2-3 minutes.
Conclusion
The best tanning bed lotions for fair skin help you get a darker complexion quickly and with minimum tanning time. And they contain plenty of antioxidants and vitamins to keep your skin healthy.
I recommend Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer because it’s effective, affordable, and fast-acting. And it’s great for pale skin.
- ACHIEVE A DEEPER, DARKER TAN - This dark tanning accelerator lotion with instant bronzer intensifies your bronze glow & helps you achieve a darker tan. Blends effortlessly and absorbs quickly, allowing for an even sunless tanning or outdoor sun tanning
- BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - A rich blend of Kakadu Plum extract with highest content of Vitamin C, and Tea Tree Oil, a powerful antioxidant, fights off free radicals and gently cleanses your skin leaving it healthy and smooth
- BIOSINE COMPLEX FOR A LONG-LASTING TAN - This tanning intensifier contains an advanced combination of ingredients that prepare your skin for a dark color development while soothing, smoothening & nourishing your skin. It does not contain sunscreen
- HYDRATION & SUPERIOR SKIN BENEFITS - Enriched with Vitamin A & E and Natural Oils, this accelerator & bronzer not only helps build a flawless tan but also supplies essential nutrients to the skin, while moisturizing & hydrating it for a soft & supple feel
- REFRESHING FRAGRANCE - This tanning accelerator lotion takes you on an instant vacation to the beach with its signature Cocoa Dreams fragrance in a delectable and long-lasting scent of Coconut, Orange and Vanilla that keeps you fresh all day long
What do you think about these 9 best tanning bed lotions for fair skin? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Resources:
1. Cancer Research UK. How does the sun and UV cause cancer? [Internet]. Cancer Research UK. CRUK; 2019. Available from: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-does-the-sun-and-uv-cause-cancer
2. How to Exfoliate Before a Spray Tan | Be Bronze Studio [Internet]. West Hollywood & Beverly Hills Tanning | Be Bronze – LA Tanning. [cited 2022 Dec 21]. Available from: https://www.bebronzestudio.com/blog/how-to-exfoliate-before-spray-tan
3. How to apply self-tanner [Internet]. www.aad.org. [cited 2022 Dec 21]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/routine/apply-self-tanner
