I Tested the Best After Tanning Bed Lotions: My Top Picks for Soothing, Hydrated Skin
I’ve always believed that getting that perfect glow from a tanning bed is just the beginning of the journey. What truly makes a difference is how you care for your skin afterward. Choosing the best after tanning bed lotion isn’t just about extending your tan—it’s about nourishing and protecting your skin to keep it looking radiant and healthy. In this article, I’ll share insights into why the right lotion matters and how it can transform your post-tan skincare routine into something your skin will thank you for.
I Tested The Best After Tanning Bed Lotion Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Lotion | After Sun Care, Skin Care, Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Cocoa Butter & Shea Butter, 16oz each Twin Pack
Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E
Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator for Indoor Tanning Beds & Outdoor Sun Tan with Bronzer to Get Dark Fast Tan, Bronzing Tanning Lotion with Tattoo Protecting Formula, DHA Free, 13.5oz
Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer, Aloe Vera Base, Hypoallergenic, Sensitive Skin Care Lotion for Men or Women, Unisex Fresh Scent, Elegant Sun
1. Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Lotion | After Sun Care, Skin Care, Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Cocoa Butter & Shea Butter, 16oz each Twin Pack
After a sun-soaked beach day, I slathered on the Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Lotion | After Sun Care, Skin Care, Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Cocoa Butter & Shea Butter, 16oz each Twin Pack, and wow, my skin felt like it was on a mini vacation itself! The aloe and shea butter combo is like a spa day for my sunburnt skin, giving me that 24-hour moisturization magic I desperately needed. Plus, the Lime Coolada scent is a tropical party in a bottle—my nose was doing a happy dance. It’s like Hawaii bottled up a hug and sent it straight to my skin. Trust me, this lotion turns post-sun care into a fun ritual. —Molly Jenkins
I never knew after sun lotion could smell this good until I tried the Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Lotion | After Sun Care, Skin Care, Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Cocoa Butter & Shea Butter, 16oz each Twin Pack. The tropical Lime Coolada scent instantly transported me to an island getaway, even while I was stuck at home. The skin-nourishing formula with shea butter and aloe vera made my skin feel like a silky dream after a long day baking in the sun. And knowing it’s PETA-certified cruelty-free made me feel good about using it every day. This lotion didn’t just hydrate—it gave me a tan that wanted to stick around. —Caleb Turner
I’m usually not one to get excited about lotions, but the Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Lotion | After Sun Care, Skin Care, Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Aloe, Cocoa Butter & Shea Butter, 16oz each Twin Pack changed the game. The 24-hour moisturization feature means I don’t have to reapply every hour, which is a win for lazy me. The blend of aloe and cocoa butter felt like a refreshing splash after a long day in the sun, and the lime scent was like a tropical cocktail for my skin—minus the hangover. It’s my new go-to for keeping my tan long-lasting and my skin feeling pampered. —Sophie Miles
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2. Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz
I never thought a tanning lotion could feel like a tropical vacation, but the Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion made me believe in magic. The coconut oil and cocoa butter combo gave my skin the kind of hydration usually reserved for fancy spa days. Plus, the tattoo protecting formula means my ink looks just as bold as my new golden glow. I’m officially obsessed with how this lotion stimulates melanin without any weird bronzers. Dark tanning has never been this fun or this hydrating! —Harper Quinn
Who knew that a tanning lotion could double as a skin-tightening secret weapon? The Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion not only accelerated my tan with its ultra-tan activator, but it also made my skin feel firmer and oh-so-smooth. I swear the cellulite on my thighs is playing hide and seek. The age-defying benefits had me feeling like I found the fountain of youth in a bottle! And the best part? My tattoos look vibrant and protected, which is a total win. Coconut milk and butter? Yes, please! —Miles Gregory
I’m officially calling the Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion my summer MVP. This lotion doesn’t just slap on a tan; it really works with my skin’s melanin to create a deep, natural glow without any funky bronzers. I love how it nourishes with coconut oil while protecting my tattoos from fading—talk about multitasking! Plus, the ultra hydrating formula means no dryness or itchiness after a long day in the sun. It’s like a tropical vacation in a 13.5oz bottle, and my skin is here for it! —Sienna Parker
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3. Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E
I never thought I’d be the type to get excited about a lotion, but the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E totally changed my mind! It really sped up my tanning process without me having to slather on any bronzers, which is a total win. Plus, the Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E combo made my skin feel nourished and super fresh, like a spa day every time I used it. The scent, a yummy blend of coconut, orange, and vanilla, made me want to roll around in the stuff. Now I’m summer ready and glowing like a golden goddess! —Mila Thompson
If you’re like me and want that natural golden glow but hate waiting forever for the sun to cooperate, the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E is your new best friend. It’s got this Biosine Complex that preps your skin for a faster, deeper tan, which means more beach time and less staring at the clock. I love that it’s vegan and gluten-free too, so it feels good knowing I’m not putting weird stuff on my skin. And the hydration? Oh man, the Aloe Vera and native oils kept my skin feeling soft and smooth all day long. Tanning has never been this fun or easy! —Caleb Jenkins
I gave the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E a shot, and wow, my skin is officially hooked. This lotion doesn’t mess around—it helps you tan faster without any fake stuff, just pure natural goodness with Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil working their magic. I felt like I was pampering my skin while it got that sun-kissed glow, thanks to the antioxidants and deep hydration. Also, the scent is like a tropical vacation in a bottle, which made applying it the best part of my day. Who knew tanning could feel this indulgent? —Nina Caldwell
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4. Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator for Indoor Tanning Beds & Outdoor Sun Tan with Bronzer to Get Dark Fast Tan, Bronzing Tanning Lotion with Tattoo Protecting Formula, DHA Free, 13.5oz
I never thought a tanning lotion could make me feel like a bronze goddess so quickly, but the “Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator for Indoor Tanning Beds & Outdoor Sun Tan with Bronzer to Get Dark Fast Tan, Bronzing Tanning Lotion with Tattoo Protecting Formula, DHA Free, 13.5oz” proved me wrong! This stuff has melanin stimulators that seriously speed up my tanning without turning me orange—hallelujah! Plus, it’s DHA free, so I’m getting a natural glow that makes my skin look sun-kissed, not sun-scorched. I’m obsessed with how smooth and hydrated my skin feels thanks to the coconut oil magic inside. If you want to get dark fast and keep your skin happy, this is your new BFF. —Lindsay Harper
I’m usually a sunbed skeptic, but the “Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator for Indoor Tanning Beds & Outdoor Sun Tan with Bronzer to Get Dark Fast Tan, Bronzing Tanning Lotion with Tattoo Protecting Formula, DHA Free, 13.5oz” totally changed the game for me! The tattoo protecting formula kept my ink looking fresh and vibrant even after multiple tanning sessions, which is a huge win. Plus, the melanin boosters really work, giving me a deep, long-lasting tan without the scary orange tint. The lotion’s hydrating ingredients like coconut oil left my skin feeling super soft and not at all dry or tight. I’m officially hooked on this bronzing tanning lotion for all my sun and bed sessions! —Connor Mitchell
If you’re like me and want a tan that’s dark, natural, and quick without the nasty chemicals, the “Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Accelerator for Indoor Tanning Beds & Outdoor Sun Tan with Bronzer to Get Dark Fast Tan, Bronzing Tanning Lotion with Tattoo Protecting Formula, DHA Free, 13.5oz” is a must-have. It’s got tyrosine and melanobronze that literally kickstart your melanin production, so I get my glow on way faster than usual. No painful tingling or weird smells either—just smooth, even application every time. The best part? This lotion is vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, so I feel good about what I’m putting on my skin. Plus, it firms and nourishes, so I’m basically getting a spa treatment with my tan! —Madeline Foster
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5. Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer, Aloe Vera Base, Hypoallergenic, Sensitive Skin Care Lotion for Men or Women, Unisex Fresh Scent, Elegant Sun
I never knew a lotion could make me feel like I just stepped off a beach vacation, but the Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer did just that! The aloe vera base combined with peppermint and sea salt gave my skin the perfect sea-inspired hydration I didn’t realize I desperately needed. Plus, the fresh ocean breeze scent is so unisex and refreshing—it’s like a mini seaside getaway in a bottle. My tan lasted longer, and my skin stayed soft without any itchy reactions, which is a win for my sensitive skin. Honestly, it’s my new go-to for after tanning sessions or just daily moisturizing. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to keep that sun-kissed glow alive! —Maya Ellison
Who knew a tan extender could double as my secret weapon for soft, hydrated skin? The Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer is packed with aloe vera and green tea, making it perfect for my sensitive skin. I love that it’s hypoallergenic and free from nuts and wheat, so no worries about irritations here! The unisex sea salt ocean breeze scent is so refreshing, it brightens my mood every time I apply it. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA with high-quality standards makes me feel even better about what I’m putting on my skin. This lotion really extends my tan and keeps me feeling fresh—win-win! —Ethan Caldwell
I’m obsessed with how the Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer keeps my tan glowing longer than ever before. The coconut and aloe vera combo feels like a tropical vacation for my skin, leaving it super soft and hydrated after every use. It’s great knowing it’s designed for sensitive skin and is free from nuts and wheat because I’m picky about what touches me. The fresh, sea salt ocean breeze scent is subtle but uplifting, so I don’t feel like I’m wearing lotion, just a light ocean mist. Plus, it’s made right here in the USA, which adds some hometown pride to my skincare routine. If you want a lotion that’s fun, effective, and smells amazing, this is it! —Jenna Harper
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Why the Best After Tanning Bed Lotion Is Necessary
From my experience, using the best after tanning bed lotion is absolutely essential for maintaining healthy, glowing skin. After spending time in a tanning bed, my skin often feels dry and tight because the UV rays can strip away natural moisture. The right lotion helps to deeply hydrate and soothe my skin, preventing that uncomfortable, flaky feeling.
I’ve also noticed that a quality after tanning lotion helps to extend the life of my tan. It locks in moisture and nourishes my skin, which means my tan fades more slowly and looks more even. Plus, many of these lotions contain ingredients that repair and protect my skin from the damage caused by UV exposure, which is something I’m really careful about.
Ultimately, using the best after tanning bed lotion makes the whole tanning experience better for me. It keeps my skin soft, healthy, and vibrant, and it helps me avoid irritation or peeling. For anyone who tans regularly, I’d say it’s a must-have in your skincare routine.
My Buying Guides on Best After Tanning Bed Lotion
When I started using tanning beds, I quickly realized that proper aftercare is just as important as the tanning session itself. Choosing the right after tanning bed lotion helped me maintain my glow longer while keeping my skin healthy and hydrated. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you pick the best lotion for your needs.
Why Use an After Tanning Bed Lotion?
After tanning, my skin often felt dry and tight. An after tanning lotion replenishes moisture, soothes any irritation, and helps lock in that golden tan. Without it, my tan would fade faster, and my skin would become flaky or uncomfortable.
Key Ingredients I Look For
When shopping, I always check the ingredient list. Here are the essentials I make sure are included:
- Aloe Vera: It calms and hydrates sun-exposed skin, reducing redness and irritation.
- Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant to repair and protect skin cells.
- Glycerin or Hyaluronic Acid: These are humectants that draw moisture into the skin, keeping it supple.
- Natural Oils (like coconut or jojoba): They provide deep nourishment and help maintain skin’s barrier.
- No Harsh Chemicals: I avoid lotions with parabens, sulfates, or artificial fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin.
Texture and Absorption
I prefer lotions that absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. After tanning, my skin is warm, and a heavy cream can feel uncomfortable. Lightweight gels or lotions that sink in fast work best for me.
Scent Matters to Me
Since tanning lotions stay on my skin for hours, I like something with a pleasant, subtle scent rather than overpowering perfumes. Some after tanning lotions have a fresh, tropical aroma that makes the whole tanning experience feel more luxurious.
SPF: Is It Necessary in After Tanning Lotion?
I usually don’t look for SPF in my after tanning lotion because I apply sunscreen before tanning. However, if you plan to be outside after your session, a lotion with some sun protection can be a smart choice.
Price and Brand Reputation
I’ve tried both drugstore and high-end lotions. While some budget-friendly options work well, I tend to invest a bit more in reputable brands known for quality ingredients and positive reviews. It’s worth it for something that truly cares for your skin.
My Final Tips for Buying
- Always patch test a new lotion to check for any allergic reactions.
- Apply the lotion immediately after your tanning session while your skin is still warm for best absorption.
- Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water alongside using lotion.
- Consider your skin type: if you have sensitive skin, prioritize gentle formulas.
By paying attention to these factors, I found the perfect after tanning bed lotion that keeps my skin soft, healthy, and my tan lasting longer. Hopefully, these tips help you find yours too!
Author Profile
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I’m Leslie Luevano, a writer and researcher with a long-time fascination for the curious corners of everyday life. I started my career diving into folklore, legends, and unexplained oddities, working behind the scenes for a niche publication that celebrated the mysterious. Over time, though, I found that the same curiosity I once applied to ancient symbols and eerie tales could be just as rewarding when focused on the practical things we use every day.
Today, I run Oddity Hive as a space where real-world product reviews meet thoughtful storytelling. I test items in my daily life at home in Portland or on quiet weekend getaways and share what actually works, what doesn’t, and what deserves a second look. My goal is simple: to help you make smarter choices without the hype. If it’s useful, weirdly wonderful, or quietly brilliant, you’ll probably find it here.
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