Finding the best indoor tanning lotion for sensitive skin can be a bit of a hustle!
I mean, sensitive skin and the tanning process don’t really go hand in hand, do they?
Except they do.
Prepare to get your tan on as we take a look at the best of the best sunless tanning lotion for sensitive skin beauties.
Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.
If you see the value in these products and choose to purchase via my referral links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
READ MORE: 5 Best Tanning Bed Lotion for Beginners
Table of Contents
Best Indoor Tanning Lotion for Sensitive Skin Top Picks at a Glance
- Hempz Dark Tan Maximizer, Hypoallergenic (Overall Winner!)
- Devoted Creations #TANLIFE Hydrating Tanning Butter (Super Hydrating Tanner)
- Maui Babe Tanning Salon Formula (Refreshing Tanner)
5 Best Tanning Lotions for Sensitive Skin W/ Review
There ain’t nothing better than walking out of my front door with a golden glow! Oh, to sit outside and soak up the sun! But who has the time?
I know some ladies have that melanin production thing going on naturally, and I’m happy for them (albeit a little jealous, just a tiny bit!) But thanks to a sunless tanner, we can all get that radiant glow at home!
If you’ve got any other skin types, you may want to check out the five best tanning bed lotions to try.
But if you’ve got sensitive skin like me, check this comprehensive review out to get the best bronzing tanning lotion that promises a sunkissed glow.
1. Hempz Dark Tan Maximizer, Hypoallergenic (Overall Winner!)
The Hempz brand has been around for more than twenty years and is famous for the Hemp Seed Oil, one of the active ingredients in this fantastic product!
Features
Natural Hemp Seed oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds such as antioxidants, fatty acids, and CBD that help target skin concerns such as pain and itchiness.
contains calming extracts of Oatmeal to soothe and comfort pale skin.
The product is hypoallergenic and completely free of harmful chemicals such as parabens, glutens, nuts, and THC, an ideal choice for those looking to boost their melanin activity.
Mango Seed Butter blend helps keep the skin hydrated and provides soft skin. And the product is 100% vegan.
The product itself is colorless and will not stain your clothes or your hands during application. While some consumers use it just as it is, others have loved the results when combined with an indoor tanning bed.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Contains natural hemp seed oil that has anti-inflammatory properties on the skin. | Can cause breakouts in some skin types. |
| Made with natural ingredients to accelerate the tanning process. | Does not give a very dark tan. |
| Hypoallergenic, i.e., no allergic reaction on sensitive skin. | |
| Free of parabens, glutens, nuts and THC. | |
| Will not stain hands or clothes upon application. |
How it Compares to Other Products
This perfect tanning lotion formula is non-greasy and lightweight; your skin will instantly bring forth tanning effects. The best part is the effects of applying this product will show itself in the very first use.
Expert Tips
Hempz Dark Tan Maximizer can be used both on your body and face, but mix in an SPF while applying it to delicate skin.
- 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
READ MORE: How to Tan Legs Fast?
2. Devoted Creations #TANLIFE Hydrating Tanning Butter (Super Hydrating Tanner)
If you’re looking for a golden tanning lotion (and to be honest, who isn’t?), this one by Devoted Creations might just be what you’re looking for.
We all want the #tanlife tanning process that promises a golden glow without hurting our sensitive skin.
Features
The tanner itself is white, meaning it will not stain your hands or clothes after application, and we all know what a headache that can be.
It provides anti-aging benefits to consumers with Body Fit, RevitaFit, and Advanced Matrixyl Synthe 6.
The AcquaCell in the formula helps battle fine lines and wrinkles.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Infused with hydrating shea butter to keep skin soft and hydrated. | Can cause clogging of pores. |
| Loaded with anti-aging ingredients that help battle wrinkles and fine lines. | May cause rashes in some people. |
| Does not stain hands or clothes upon application. | |
| Is free of tinglers and does not mess with skin sensitivity. |
How it Compares to Other Products
The Devoted Creations #TANLIFE Hydrating Tanning Butter is infused with shea butter that helps keep skin healthy and hydrated. AND give it a golden color that is the source of all envies!
- 1.Super soft tanning butter build and maintain skin's natural glow.
- 2.Sensitive Skin Shea Butter Formula.
- 3.Provides anti-aging and skin firming benefits with RevitaFit, Body Fit and Advanced Matrixyl Synthe 6.
- 4.AcquaCell for fine line and wrinkle reducing benefits.
- 5.Tattoo & Color Fade Protectors
3. Maui Babe Tanning Salon Formula (Refreshing Tanner)
Features
Maui Babe Tanning Salon Formula is a high-quality tanning lotion designed to help you achieve a beautiful, natural-looking tan.
The formula contains a unique blend of natural ingredients, including aloe vera, kukui nut oil, and coconut oil, which work together to hydrate and nourish the skin while helping to enhance the tanning process.
The lotion is lightweight and absorbs quickly, so you won’t have to worry about feeling greasy or sticky.
The product is also water-resistant, perfect for outdoor activities like swimming and sunbathing.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Maui Babe Tanning Salon Formula is gentle on the skin and provides hydration to help prevent dryness and peeling. | Some users tend to dislike the scent. |
| Its lightweight, quick-absorbing formula makes it easy to apply and wear. | |
| Provides a beautiful glow to the skin. |
How it Compares to Other Products
The Maui Babe Tanning Salon Formula is infused with a secret Hawaiian formula, so secret that the makers don’t even talk about it.
- TANNING BED LOVERS: Our tanning salon formula will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated.
- TANNING BED SAFE : Our salon formula is made with light sunflower oil to preserve the acrylic on your tanning bed!
- A LOCAL SECRET : Our indoor tanning bed lotion is enriched with vitamins and Kona coffee extract leaving your skin smooth and radiant
- USE IT UNDER THE SUN : Use Maui babe's salon formula in your home tanning beds or as an outdoor tanning lotion with your favorite sunscreen
- WATER RESISTANT
Check: Tanning Bed Lamp Kits
4. Botanic Tree Self Tanner- Organic Sunless Tanless (Best Budget Buy)
Sometimes self-tanners can go all kinds of wrong, and you come out looking orange instead of a brown goddess. Thankfully, not with this one!
Features
This streak-free bronzer will get your skin to look sunkissed, not like an Oompa Loompa. (And I’ve been there. Trauma!)
This organic tanner is fast-absorbing and will not stain clothes or leave dark spots.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| All-natural formula without parabens or toxic chemicals. | Tan can wear off unevenly. |
| Will not stain clothes. | Can stain hands if not washed immediately. |
| Infused with Shea butter and fruit extracts. |
How it Compares to Other Products
Infused with shea butter and fruit extracts, you get gorgeous color and hydrated skin.
Expert Tip
You could put on your clothes instantly after application, but we recommend you wait a while anyway to make sure.
- The Safest Way to Get Amazing Color: Our plant-based, natural and organic self tanner, gives you an amazing bronzed complexion without exposure to UV Rays or harmful chemicals. When it comes to beauty products, our tanning lotion is a standout.
- Look Sun-Kissed, Never Orange: Our streak-free bronzer lotion will leave your skin perfectly tanned without turning it orange. For an easy and even application and beautiful bronzed tone, our sunless tanning lotion is the perfect solution. Simply apply a thin layer to clean, exfoliated skin, and stay moisturized for best results.
- Keep Your Clothes Clean: Our tan lotion is fast-absorbing — so you get a beautiful tan without staining your clothes or leaving dark spots on towels and sheets. In fact, you can put your clothes on immediately after application of our sunless tanner!
- Self Tan While You Moisturize: Our self tanner lotion is rich in Shea Butter and 10 organic fruit extracts that leave your skin hydrated, refreshed and rejuvenated. Get two benefits in one from our self tanning lotion — gorgeous color and plump, hydrated skin.
- All-Natural and Made in the USA: Unlike tanning mousse or spray self tanner, our indoor tanning lotion is made, cruelty-free in the USA, with zero parabens or toxic chemicals. Use it for self tanning your body or as a face tanner — either way you’ll get realistic-looking color with skin-saving nutrients.
5. Bahama Tan Level 2 Self Tanner (Best Facial Tanner)
Features
This product is formulated with sensitive skin-friendly ingredients such as coconut oil and argan oil.
Made without parabens, alcohols, and sulfates, all you get is lovely tanned skin without adverse reactions.
The Bahama Tan is non-comedogenic and can be applied to the face without worrying about clogged pores.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Infused with ingredients such as coconut oil and argan oil. | Can stain light-colored clothes. |
| Non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores. | Smell can feel overpowering to some users. |
| Formulated without parabens, alcohol, or sulfates. |
How it Compares to Other Products
The lotion helps bring forth a gorgeous tan in about four to seven days without any streaks or blotchiness, thanks to its skin-friendly ingredients.
CHECK: How Soon Can You Tan After a Tattoo?
How to Choose the Best Indoor Tanning Lotion for You
Most of us swear by indoor tanning to get that amazing color and natural glow on our skin.
I mean, what’s not to love about a healthy sunkissed glow? Exactly! But who has the time to hit the beach or soak up the sun? Thank goodness for indoor tanning is all we’re saying.
However, those of us with sensitive skin types can be in a sticky spot when choosing quality tanning lotions. Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting the best tanner for you:
Find a Hypoallergenic Product
Hypoallergenic tanners are made for people who have allergic reactions to certain ingredients, which is a condition that most of us with sensitive skin probably have.
Choosing a hypoallergenic product means we’re choosing natural bronzers over artificial ones such as parabens, THC, and nuts.
Avoid Tanners That Include ‘tinglers’
Most indoor tanning lotions are infused with tinglers to accelerate the process of tanning. Tinglers contain ingredients such as menthol that increase blood flow.
However, those of us with sensitive skin will do best by steering clear of products with tinglers in the formula.
Look for Hydrating Tanners
Users with sensitive skin complain of irritation, rashes, and dry skin after their indoor tanning experience.
Such adverse reactions can be avoided by finding a tanner that promotes hydration in the skin. Formulas with shea butter, cocoa butter, or coconut oil work best on sensitive skin.
FAQs
What is the best tanning bed lotion for sensitive skin?
We love several indoor tanning lotions, but our favorite is the Hempz Hypoallergenic Dark Tan Maximizer. It is a 100% vegan formula free of harmful ingredients, making your tanning session worthwhile.
What to put on skin to tan faster?
While pondering over the different types of tanning lotions, it is best to look for one with naturally occurring SPF. If you have one without SPF, it is best to apply SPF to accelerate the process of tanning.
Can you indoor tan 2 days in a row?
You can apply dark tan activators onto skin two days in a row, but you may get adverse reactions in doing so. For effective tanning, it is best to skip a day or two between sessions.
What is a good tanning schedule?
Most professionals recommend three tanning sessions per week until you develop a tan. After that, it is best to maintain the deeper color by getting a session done once every two weeks.
Final Thoughts
Indoor tanning may not be the most healthy solution to getting a healthy glow, but if done sparingly, it can help you achieve an “Oh, I just came back from a long beach vacation” look without too much effort.
Let’s get our tan on!
Our Recommendation
- 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
For you, which is the best indoor tanning lotion for sensitive skin? Please share with us below!
