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I’ll follow the sun; I’m gonna soak up the sun; chasing the sun—there have been so many songs written about pursuit of that ‘sphere of hot plasma’ because, well, the sun is amazing! If you’re a thirsty sunbather, sometimes you feel like it really just is not possible to drink in enough of the glorious golden star. You want a deep, dark, sun-kissed radiance on your skin at all times, and you seem to want to get it darker every summer. However, your constant quest of a bronze zenith has to leave you with a healthy glow that will not damage your skin; it has to enrich it, keep it firm and smooth, and provide an anti-aging effect, too. This is why tan accelerators were created—to stimulate your skin’s natural pigmentation while enhancing its texture, color, and luster.
All About Tan Accelerators and Intensifiers
Tan accelerator—it does just what you think it does; it accelerates your tan. But that is not all tan accelerators do, and choosing a good one is not as easy as all that. That is why we’ve come up with this buying guide—to explain tan accelerators and what they do, to review the top-rated tan accelerators available on the market today, and to help you decide which one is right for you.
What Are Tanning Accelerators and Intensifiers?
Tan accelerators (also known as tanning intensifiers) are sun-tan lotions, but better. They stimulate your skin’s production of melanin, which is a natural pigment in the skin that causes it to darken from the sun’s rays. Melanin is also thought to help protect the skin from harmful UV rays while bringing about a healthy-looking tan. Tan accelerators are designed to enhance the body’s natural creation of melanin, thereby accelerating the tanning process and leave you with a darker, richer color without harming your skin.
These lotions are the ideal way to bring out your skin’s own bronze tan while maintaining a healthy glow and even strengthening your skin’s well-being. Tan accelerators work with the sun’s natural UV rays, and they also can be used to enhance your tan while indoors using a tanning bed.
Tan accelerating products work to bring on the bronze while at the same time moisturizing your skin and even protecting it from any damage that could otherwise occur due to overexposure to the sun.
These are versatile products too. Tan accelerators can be used both outdoors while you’re soaking up the sun’s rays as well as in a tanning bed. There are different products designed for the indoor and outdoor tanning, make sure you check out the type best suited for your needs.
What Ingredients Are Used in Them?
Like any line of product, tan accelerators can be made of varied ingredients, the most widely used of which help to protect the skin from damage while bringing it to its full bronze potential. Some of the most common active ingredients found in tan accelerators include:
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been utilized for literally centuries to bring about the skin’s natural health and glow. Its leaves are useful for strengthening the health of all layers of the skin as well as easing the pain of sunburn. Aloe vera is a common ingredient found in many health-enhancing skin creams.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is included in many tan accelerators because of its powerful antioxidants. It helps to prevent premature aging of the skin, and it’s becoming widely known for its ability to fight off skin diseases such as skin cancer.
Carrot Oil
Like eating carrots, using carrot oil on the skin is healthy for its vitamin-rich properties. Carrot oil contains omega 3s and vitamin A, two of the most powerful agents of cell growth and repair. It’s this effect it has on the skin that helps to rejuvenate epidermal cells, restoring the skin’s healthy glow even after sun damage has already occurred.
Cocoa Butter
Tanning lotions have used cocoa butter for decades, but most of us may not know why. The reason cocoa butter is so good for the skin is because of its fatty acids and their ability to hydrate the skin, keeping it moist and supple.
What Are the Different Types of Tan Accelerator?
Tan accelerators accelerate, intensify, and maximize the skin’s production of melanin. They naturally bronze, and they can even tingle. But not all are lotions. Some tan accelerating products come in the form of injections and pills; however, for purposes of this article, we are reviewing tan accelerator lotions that are legal, healthful, and widely available on various online and in-store markets. This line of tanning accelerators includes:
Accelerating, Intensifying, and Maximizing Lotions
Accelerating and maximizing lotions can be great for the skin because they contain moisturizing ingredients that hydrate the skin along with melanin stimulators. They typically contain vitamins and minerals that repair, revive, and renew skin while tanning it. If your skin is on the paler side, try one of these rather than, say, a bronzing lotion.
Bronzing Lotions
Bronzer lotions do just what their name suggests—they’re for super-serious tanners who are already dark and want the darkest tan possible. Bronzers include ingredients that darken your skin beyond the natural tan you get from UV rays. Some even give you an instantly darker complexion. Bronzing tanning lotions are very popular for their dark results, but there are many who prefer skipping the bronzers and their sometimes less-than-natural hue.
Tingle Lotions
Tingle lotions bring on a deeper tan than many accelerating and maximizing lotions do. They work the blood to move to the skin’s surface, which is what causes the tingling. These products generally are made for serious tanners who already have a tan and want it to be darker. Important note about tingle lotions is that they cause redness at first that generally goes away after an hour or so.
Are Instant Tanners the Same as Tan Accelerators?
No. Tan accelerators are not generally considered the same thing as fake tans that can cause an orange-ish hue and patchiness all over your skin. The purpose of tan accelerator lotions is to stimulate the skin’s natural melanin production, resulting in a deeper, darker tan that’s real, not fake.
Our Favorite Tanning Accelerator Lotions
Finding a tan accelerator that’s right for you depends on what level of tan you have now and how dark you usually get. If you’re a beginner to tan accelerators, or if you are fair complected, try to shy away from those that are designed for deep, dark bronzing. A tingle lotion also may not be the way to go, since many of these are made specifically to bring on the deepest tan possible.
Additionally, choose your tan accelerator by its moisturizing and anti-aging ingredients. And, perhaps most important of all, soak up as many consumer reviews about each product as possible. The following accelerating lotions are chosen for their excellent ingredients and top-rated reviews.
Belle Natural Bronzer by Designer Skin
Who’s it for: Someone looking for a sweet-smelling lotion with natural bronzers.
Feel like a Southern Belle with this sweet, natural bronzer lotion from the tanning pros at Designer Skin. There’s a reason this brand always makes it onto our lists. Their rich lotion blends provide the perfect base to build your tan on, while making you feel pampered like the girly girl you are!
This darling rose-adorned bottle is filled with natural bronzers like caramel and banana to boost the bronze. It also features a soothing and toning blend to help calm skin after tanning and keep it looking gorgeous!
What are people saying about it:
- Smells wonderful, even after tanning.
- The skin feels smooth and nourished.
- Doesn’t leave a greasy or oily feel.
- Got color after just one use.
- Great for sensitive skin.
- Great for fair skin.
Coconut Kisses by Ed Hardy
Who’s it for: Someone looking for a natural bronzing accelerator lotion that’ll rejuvenate your skin.
If you’re a fan of Ed Hardy lotions, it’s likely because you’ve tried this crowd-pleaser, Coconut Kisses! This is easily the most popular Ed Hardy lotion they’ve ever produced. Why? Maybe it’s the dreamy tropical scent, or the silky smooth coconut base, or the dark tan results people rave they get with this lotion!
Your skin is going to soak up the rich coconut milk and oil formula, giving you the perfect base for building your summer tan!
What are people saying about it:
- No bronzers to turn you orange.
- It has a luxurious feel on the skin.
- It helps build a deep, dark tan.
- Smells amazing.
- Makes skin super soft.
Peace & Harmony Tanning Intensifier Bronzing Moisturizer Lotion by Ed Hardy
Who’s it for: Someone looking for a great dark tanning intensifier for indoor or outdoor use.
Another awesome accelerator from Ed Hardy! The tanning experts at Ed Hardy designed this tanning accelerator to achieve a pure tan, for use outside or in a tanning bed. The ingredients give your skin the perfect base for a dark, natural tan. It contains Shea butter and coconut oils for deep hydration while enhancing tan to a dark color.
Peace and Harmony is for those who want the most super-smooth, silky skin along with a dark tan. This one is also good for paler, lighter complexions as well as those who are not already tan.
What are people saying about it:
- Coconut oil and Shea butter give it a pleasant scent.
- Feels nice and cool on the skin.
- Leaves skin feeling super soft.
- Good for beginners or those with a lighter complexion.
- Paraben-free.
Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion by Australian Gold
Who’s it for: Someone who wants the most bronze tan they can get while tanning outdoors.
Australian Gold is a well-known name in tanning lotions. They offer this product, Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion, which contains Australian oils, aloe, vitamin E, and panthenol, which is widely used in beauty products for its rich, skin-conditioning moisturizers that work to penetrate skin and hydrate deep down.
It’s touted by Australian Gold as about the maximum amount of melanin production while still keeping your skin feeling smooth and silky. Plus, if you’ve ‘gone green,’ this one contains all recyclable packaging!
What are people saying about it:
- Pĩna colada scent is heavenly.
- Makes your skin creamy smooth.
- Gives skin a golden glow.
- Works as well as more expensive tan accelerators.
- It can be used every day.
- Excellent for beginning tanners as well as advanced.
- Works better for outdoor use.
Cheeky Brown Accelerator Dark Natural Bronzers by Australian Gold
Who’s it for: Someone looking for an affordable accelerator with added bronzers.
Take your love for Australian Gold to the next level with the Cheeky Brown accelerator plus bronzer lotion. This is one of the top-selling accelerator lotions on the market. Based on the number of positive reviews, it’s no surprise why!
Cheeky Brown absorbs quickly into the skin. Its blend of native Australian oils, as well as vitamins A and E, moisturize your skin and accelerate the tanning process. Hydrated skin tans better than dry skin, and this creamy lotion makes sure your skin is perfectly hydrated for a naturally dark tan.
What are people saying about it:
- Amazing for outdoor and indoor use.
- Easy to apply.
- Smells great.
- It doesn’t leave a greasy feeling.
- Great balance of bronzers and accelerators.
- Really works!
Intensifying Primer by Versa Spa
Who’s it for: Someone looking for an all-in-one tan intensifying primer that can be used alone or paired with other lotions.
Whether you’re interested in self-tanning, indoor tanning, or sun tanning, you’ll love this versatile intensifying primer! It balances your skin’s pH level and conditions it for a flawless canvas to build your tan on.
This all-in-one lotion perfectly preps your skin for a spray tan or session at the tanning salon. Wear it alone, or pair it with another lotion for even darker results. Either way, the Versa Spa Intensifying Primer is worth a try.
What are people saying about it:
- Evens out skin tone prior to tanning.
- Goes a long way.
- It enhances and extends the tan.
- Makes a spray tan last twice as long.
- Smells great throughout the day.
#TANLIFE Hydrating Tanning Butter by Devoted Creations
Who’s it for: Someone with sensitive skin looking for a hypoallergenic tanning lotion.
Devoted Creations has something for everyone, and #TANLIFE is proof. This golden tanning butter is made with a shea butter base, that is hypoallergenic and perfect for tanners with sensitive skin.
This is a great lotion for both men and women, and it’s Exotic Mango scent leaves a pleasant smell after tanning. Additionally, if you have tattoos, this lotion is specially designed with tattoo and color fade protection. You and your ink will have never looked better!
What are people saying about it:
- Gives an even, natural tan.
- Great results both indoors and outdoors.
- Very rich and moisturizing.
- Soothes dry, cracked skin.
- It helps treat eczema and acne.
- Smells good before and after tanning.
Vibe Indoor Tanning Lotion Tan Intensifying Fusion by Onyx
Who’s it for: Someone looking for something new and luxurious, and made in the USA.
Onyx has been making luxurious tanning lotions in sunny Florida for nearly two decades. When you live in the Sunshine state, you tend to know a thing or two about tanning, and that is certainly the case here!
If you’re looking for a new lotion from this premier company, then allow us to introduce to you, Vibe, their best-selling sunbed intensifier! It’s powerful Rapid Tan formula is specially designed to give you maximum results without the use of bronzers. And it’s refreshing fruity-vanilla scent makes it all the sweeter of an introduction!
What are people saying about it:
- Light and quick-absorbing.
- Easy to apply and smooth over skin.
- Nice citrus scent smells great.
- Works great for indoor tanning.
- Great beginner lotion for new tanners.
Truly Iconic Intensifier Tanning Lotion by Devoted Creations
Who’s it for: Someone interested in a tanning accelerator lotion with a sophisticated scent.
Pamper your skin with old Hollywood glamour with this sophisticated tan intensifying lotion. This lightweight lotion luxurious coats your skin in moisture-rich nutrients to lock in your tan’s color and keep it.
Devoted creations also formulated Truly Iconic with plenty to keep your skin looking and feeling youthful as well. It combines it’s trademarked Japanese Rose collagen boosters with it’s Advanced Matrixyl Synthe 6™ and BodyFit™ skin firmers to help reduce the signs of aging! A true classic!
What are people saying about it:
- Smells like a classic White Diamonds fragrance.
- Doesn’t stain or turn hands orange.
- Leaves skin feeling super soft.
- Works great as a pre-tan moisturizer.
- Didn’t burn fair skin.
Snooki Get Real Tanning Lotion by Supre Tan
Who’s it for? Someone looking for a beginning tanning lotion for their base tan.
Of course, our favorite Jersey girl knows what she’s doing when it comes to tanning! Snooki’s Get Real Tan Maximizer is sure to give you an envious tan while ensuring your skin’s youthful feel and appearance. Sweet floral extracts like passionflower, rose, and gardenia conditions the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
Oh, and it makes you tan, did I mention that? It moisturizes your skin and actually helps you tan really fast! If you’re just starting your summer tan and heading to the salon for the first time this season, this is a great lotion for the job!
What are people saying about it?
- The Honeysuckle scent smells amazing.
- It doesn’t stain or streak.
- Very light lotion and absorbs quickly.
- Great for sensitive skin.
- Not a plateau busting tanning lotion, better for tan building.
Naturally Hempz, Natural Maximizer by Hempz
Who’s it for: Someone looking for a more natural tanning lotion to use on their skin.
Known for their cosmetics and lotions, Hempz offers this tan-enhancing product that’s made with 100% pure natural hemp seed oil. Its hydrating conditioners glide on the skin, moisturizing for a wonderfully smooth, silky feeling. Ingredients included in this one include mango seed butter, which is loaded with antioxidants that are fabulous for skin health.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive accelerator lotion made with natural ingredients, this is the one for you!
What are people saying about it:
- It doesn’t feel greasy.
- Works well for indoor use.
- Great for sensitive skin.
- It has a wonderful scent.
- It provides quick results.
All of the tan accelerators we’ve chosen for our 10-best list are top-rated with consumers. They’re made with the finest moisturizing ingredients and active tan accelerators available that can help you achieve the darkest, healthiest tan possible for your skin tone. Your bronzed glow will turn heads. Your newfound radiance will make you feel more lively and confident than ever.
