Top 5 Best Outdoor Tanning Lotions 2024

By GirlBoss Team | February 10, 2024

Outdoor tanning is a popular way to get that sun-kissed glow, and using the right tanning lotion can make all the difference. Best outdoor tanning lotions come in a variety of formulas, but they all have one thing in common: they help you achieve a beautiful, natural-looking tan while protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

When it comes to choosing the best outdoor tanning lotion, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to make sure that the lotion you choose has a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating to protect your skin from sunburn and other damage. Additionally, you’ll want to consider factors like the lotion’s consistency, scent, and moisturizing properties.

We spent hours researching and testing various outdoor tanning lotions to identify the ones that offer the best results. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top options on the market and help you choose the perfect lotion for your needs.

Best Outdoor Tanning Lotions

We have researched and tested various outdoor tanning lotions to bring you the best options for achieving a sun-kissed glow. Whether you are looking for a lotion that provides a natural-looking tan or one that offers broad-spectrum protection, we have got you covered. Our list includes the top-performing tanning lotions that are easy to apply, fast-absorbing, and suitable for all skin types. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the best outdoor tanning lotions available on Amazon.

Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer

If you want a deep, dark tan, the Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer is a great option.

Pros

Achieve a deeper, darker tan with instant bronzer.
Enriched with Vitamin A & E and Natural Oils, it moisturizes & hydrates the skin for a soft & supple feel.
The refreshing Cocoa Dreams fragrance in a delectable and long-lasting scent of Coconut, Orange and Vanilla keeps you fresh all day long.

Cons

It does not contain sunscreen.
The tanning effect may not be noticeable for some skin types.
The lotion may leave a sticky residue if not applied evenly.

We have been using this tanning accelerator lotion for a while now, and it has never failed to give us a great tan. The lotion blends effortlessly and absorbs quickly, allowing for an even sunless tanning or outdoor sun tanning. The rich blend of Kakadu Plum extract with the 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.

We love that this tanning intensifier contains an advanced combination of ingredients that prepare our skin for a dark color development while soothing, smoothing & nourishing our skin. It is enriched with Vitamin A & E and Natural Oils, so it not only helps build a flawless tan but also supplies essential nutrients to the skin, while moisturizing & hydrating it for a soft & supple feel.

The Cocoa Dreams fragrance in a delectable and long-lasting scent of Coconut, Orange and Vanilla is refreshing and keeps us feeling fresh all day long. However, it does not contain sunscreen, so we have to apply sunscreen separately.

Overall, the Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer is a great product for achieving a deep, dark tan. It is enriched with natural oils and vitamins that moisturize and hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and supple. The Cocoa Dreams fragrance is refreshing and long-lasting, but it does not contain sunscreen.

Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion

We highly recommend purchasing the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion for a natural, beautiful golden glow without applying any bronzers or skin darkening products.

Pros

The Biosine Complex prepares your skin for dark color development, speeding up the tanning process while you bask in the sun or use a tanning bed.
Enriched with Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E, this tanning intensifier fights off free radicals, gently nourishes and cleanses your skin leaving it smooth and fresh.
The exotic combination of native oils, vital nutrients, and Aloe Vera provide naturally soothing and deeply nourished skin that remains hydrated for long.

Cons

This lotion does not contain sunscreen, so you will need to apply it separately.
Some customers have reported issues with the seal of the bottle being difficult to remove.
The lotion has a strong fragrance that some users may find overpowering.

We found that the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion was easy to apply and provided a noticeable difference in our skin color after just one use. The lotion is creamy and moisturizing, without leaving a greasy or oily residue. It is specially formulated to be vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, while being loaded with the goodness of Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil for an instant radiant tan.

Overall, we believe that the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion is an excellent choice for those looking to achieve a natural-looking tan without the use of bronzers or skin darkening products.

Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion

If you’re looking for a tanning lotion that delivers a golden, natural-looking tan without the use of DHA or bronzing agents, Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion is a great option.

Pros

The lotion contains multiple tan intensifiers and melanin stimulators to speed up the tanning process and promote even color production.
It’s formulated with ultra-tan activators that stimulate tyrosine activity for long-lasting results.
The lotion includes skin-tightening ingredients that help reduce the appearance of cellulite and promote skin firmness.

Cons

The lotion is oil-based, which may not be suitable for all skin types.
Some users may find the coconut scent to be overpowering.
The lotion is on the pricier side compared to other tanning lotions.

After using Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion, we noticed a natural-looking tan that lasted for several days. The lotion’s hydrating ingredients, including coconut milk, coconut butter, and cocoa oil, left our skin feeling soft and smooth. We also appreciated the added benefit of tattoo and color fade protection, which helped preserve our body art.

Overall, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality tanning lotion that delivers on its promises, Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion is worth considering.

That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator – For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan – Safe for Face, Body and Tattoos – With Coconut Oil – No Bronzer

We highly recommend That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator for anyone looking to achieve a deep, golden bronze tan while keeping their skin safe and hydrated.

Pros

Achieve a deep, rich tan faster with the help of tyrosines that stimulate melanin production.
Safe for outdoor use and has undergone stringent quality inspection and development with leading dermatological experts.
Protects tattoos from fading with its advanced tan and tattoo lotion formula.

Cons

Some users may not like the scent of the product.
The price point may be higher than other tanning lotions on the market.
May not work as well for those with very fair skin.

This tanning lotion is specially formulated to help you achieve a deep, rich tan whether you’re using it indoors or outdoors. The proprietary blend of tyrosines helps stimulate melanin production, allowing you to achieve a glowing golden bronze faster than other tanning lotions.

Not only is this tanning lotion effective, but it’s also safe for outdoor use. It has undergone stringent quality inspection and development with leading dermatological experts to ensure that it meets the highest standards. Plus, it’s crafted to prevent tattoos from fading, so you can show off your best self and tan more confidently.

The advanced hydration formula is enriched with aloe vera, coconut, and passionfruit to lock in moisture and prevent against wrinkles and signs of aging. The botanical extracts leave your skin feeling smooth, luxurious, and supple.

Unlike other tanning lotions that leave unsightly stains on your sheets and clothes, That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator is a white suntan lotion that has a smooth touch and is never sticky. Plus, it smells like a gentle coconut summer breeze.

Overall, we highly recommend That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator for anyone looking to achieve a deep, golden bronze tan while keeping their skin safe and hydrated.

Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get a dark, black tan, then the Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion is the perfect product for you.

Pros

Achieve a dark, black tan quickly and easily
Contains essential oils and fruit extracts to nourish and hydrate the skin
No painful tingling sensations with this tanning bed lotion

Cons

May turn your hands orange if not wiped off properly
Must be careful to spread it evenly to avoid streaks
Scent may be too masculine for some

We’ve used this tanning lotion ourselves and can confidently say that it delivers on its promises. The lotion goes on smoothly and evenly, and we noticed a difference in our tan after just one use. Plus, the essential oils and fruit extracts in the lotion left our skin feeling soft and hydrated.

However, we did notice that if we didn’t wipe our hands off properly after applying the lotion, they would turn orange. We also had to be careful to spread the lotion evenly to avoid streaks. Lastly, the scent may be too masculine for some, so keep that in mind if you’re sensitive to strong scents.

Overall, we highly recommend the Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for anyone looking for a quick and easy way to achieve a dark, black tan without any painful tingling sensations.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best outdoor tanning lotion, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for before making a purchase:

Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

SPF is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. The higher the SPF, the more protection you’ll get. However, it’s important to note that no sunscreen can provide 100% protection, so it’s still important to limit your time in the sun and reapply sunscreen frequently.

Moisturizing Ingredients

Tanning can dry out your skin, so it’s important to choose a lotion that contains moisturizing ingredients. Look for lotions that contain ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, or shea butter, which can help keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and flaky.

Water Resistance

If you plan on swimming or sweating while you’re tanning, you’ll want to choose a lotion that is water-resistant. Look for lotions that are labeled “water-resistant” or “very water-resistant”, and be sure to reapply after swimming or sweating.

Application

The application method can also be an important factor to consider. Some lotions come in spray bottles, while others come in traditional lotion bottles. Spray lotions can be easier to apply, but they can also be more difficult to control and can result in uneven coverage. Traditional lotions can be easier to control, but they can also be more time-consuming to apply.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best outdoor tanning lotion for your needs. Remember to always follow the instructions on the label, and to reapply frequently for the best protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated tanning lotions for achieving a dark tan quickly outdoors?

If you’re looking for a dark tan quickly, we recommend trying a tanning lotion with a high level of DHA, which is the active ingredient that darkens the skin. Some of the top-rated options for achieving a dark tan quickly outdoors include Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator, Maui Babe Browning Lotion, and Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion.

Which outdoor tanning lotions work best for individuals with pale or fair skin?

If you have pale or fair skin, it’s important to choose a tanning lotion that is specifically designed for your skin type. Some of the best options for fair skin include Australian Gold Sinfully Black, Designer Skin Luminary, and Devoted Creations Blonde Obsession.

What is the most effective outdoor tanning accelerator on the market?

The most effective outdoor tanning accelerator on the market will vary depending on your skin type and the results you’re looking for. Some of the top-rated options include Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator, Millennium Tanning Solid Black, and Jwoww Black Bronzer.

Can you recommend outdoor tanning lotions that contain bronzers for an enhanced tan?

Yes, we can recommend several outdoor tanning lotions that contain bronzers for an enhanced tan. Some of the best options include Australian Gold Cheeky Brown, Designer Skin Juicy Daily Moisturizer, and Devoted Creations H.I.M. Titanium Bronzer.

What options are available for outdoor tanning lotions with SPF protection?

If you’re looking for an outdoor tanning lotion with SPF protection, we recommend choosing a product with at least SPF 15. Some of the best options include Australian Gold SPF 30 Spray Gel, Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen, and Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion.

Where can I find the best outdoor tanning lotions at retailers like Walmart?

You can find a wide variety of outdoor tanning lotions at retailers like Walmart. Some of the best options include Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator, Maui Babe Browning Lotion, and Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion. You can also check online retailers like Amazon for even more options.

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