Make sure your skin is protected this summer with these best outdoor tanning lotions!
In addition to sunscreen, you need other things to protect your skin. Use an outdoor tanning lotion that will help you deepen your color and keep you looking healthy all season long to get the perfect tan.
I’ve rounded up some of the best tanning lotions for outdoor, and we’ll tell you why they’re worth it. They’ll give you a beautiful, natural glow without any side effects. Let’s get started, shall we? Here’s what you need to know!
Our Choose Comes From Here
The best outdoor tanning lotion can take a lot of time and effort to find. How can you pick the right product when there are so many on the market?
Not only is it tough to find the best outdoor tanning lotion, but you also have to know what ingredients to look for. Do you want something with SPF? Bronzing properties? Is there a vegan option you’re looking for?
I’ve compiled a list of Amazon’s best outdoor tanning lotions based on thousands of reviews. Check out our picks for SPF lotion, bronzing lotion, and vegan lotion.
Our Top Picks
1. Clarins Self Tanning Milky Lotion | Best Overall
What Got Us Hooked?
Clarins’ Self-Tanning Face and Body Lotion gives you a natural-looking tan! You’ll get a golden glow in minutes with this easy-to-use lotion. This non-greasy formula won’t streak or leave behind any unwanted color on your face or body. It’s also enriched with antioxidants to keep your skin healthy.
Get a sun-kissed glow with Clarins Self Tanning Face and Body Lotions. They’re lightweight and nongreasy, so they dry fast.
Things to know
After a day in the sun, most people feel great. It’s hard to beat that feeling of relaxation and well-being. However, too much sun can damage your skin, causing premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.
This is why you need a good sunscreen, like Clarins Tanning Lotion. Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Your skin can be damaged by more than just the sun. Cold and wind can also cause chapping, flaking, and dryness.
Clarins Tanning Lotion protects your skin from these damaging elements too. Fig extract is a natural antioxidant in the lotion. You can get free radical damage from free radicals, which these antioxidants help fight.
Hyaluronic acid keeps your skin hydrated for 24 hours in the lotion. Whether you’re going to the beach or spending the day in the snow, Clarins Tanning Lotion will keep your skin looking great.
Pros:
- Natural-looking tan: Provides a golden glow that looks natural.
- Non-greasy formula: Dries fast without leaving a greasy residue.
- Antioxidant-enriched: Helps maintain skin health while tanning.
- Broad-spectrum protection: Guards against UVA and UVB rays.
- Hyaluronic acid: Keeps skin hydrated for 24 hours.
Cons:
- May not suit those with very sensitive skin.
- Can be pricey compared to some other options.
2. Dark Tanning Lotion | Best Long-Lasting Lotion
What Got Us Hooked?
Those who want evenly tanned skin should try Millennium Dark Tanning Lotion. It has moisturizer to keep your skin healthy, and the orchid blush scent is refreshing. With this tanning lotion, you’ll see results faster.
Things to know
Are you looking for a tanning lotion that gives you immediate results? Check out Millennium Tanning’s Solid Black 100X Lotion! It contains L-tyrosine, which gives you a healthy glow within an hour of using a tanning bed.
Formulated with essential oils to keep your skin hydrated and nourished. The silicone in the lotion makes it glide smoothly on your skin. You’ll love the light flowery scent under the tanning bed! What’s the point of waiting? Check out Solid Black 100X Lotion!
Pros:
- Immediate results: Provides a healthy glow within an hour of use.
- Moisturizing properties: Keeps skin hydrated and nourished.
- Orchid blush scent: Refreshing fragrance enhances the tanning experience.
- Smooth application: Silicone ensures the lotion glides smoothly on the skin.
- Long-lasting tan: Offers a tan that lasts.
Cons:
- Strong fragrance may not be suitable for everyone.
- May cause staining on clothes or fabrics if not fully absorbed.
3. Ocean Potion Dark Tanning Intensifier Lotion | Premium-Quality Bronzer
What Got Us Hooked?
Want to deepen, darken, and speed up your tanning? The Ocean Potion Dark Tanning Intensifier Lotion is great for indoor tanning and outdoor tanning. Plant extracts like Aloe Vera, Vitamins A, C, and E, and Tea oil help nourish skin cells and extend the life of your tan. Again, the tone of voice is appealing – making you want to buy.
Things to know
What’s your favorite dark tan look? Then try Ocean Potion Dark Tanning Intensifier Lotion. It’s designed to make tanning more intense and give you a darker tan. Seaweed, algae extracts, minerals from deep seas, and other ingredients nourish your skin and extend the life of your tan.
Plus, it doesn’t contain parabens, propylene glycol, retinyl palmitate, gluten, BHT, or BPA. If you’re looking for a tanning lotion that will give you a dark tan, try Ocean Potion Dark Tanning Intensifier Lotion.
Pros:
- Intensifies tanning: Deepens and darkens the tan for a richer color.
- Nourishing ingredients: Plant extracts and vitamins nourish the skin.
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor tanning: Versatile usage.
- Free from harmful ingredients: Paraben-free, gluten-free, etc.
- Extends tan life: Helps maintain the tan for longer.
Cons:
- Some users may find the scent overpowering.
- May take longer to see noticeable results compared to some other products.
4. Panama Jack Sunscreen Tanning Lotion | Best Cruelty Free Lotion
What Got Us Hooked?
“PANAMA JACK® Sunscreen Tanning Lotion SPF 30 provides sun protection while letting you tan. With an easy-to-use flip cap and no added fragrance, it comes in a convenient six fl oz (177 mL) size.
Apply this 20 minutes before sun exposure, then every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.”
Things To Know
Sun and ocean lovers will love this multi-functional lotion. It’s cruelty-free and doesn’t contain: PABA, Gluten, Paraben, Retinyl Palmitate, Octinoxate, or Oxybenzone. Panama Jack’s water-resistant (80 minutes) sunscreen lotion has SPF 4 (Sun Protection Factor) for people who don’t burn easily.
So if you’re looking for a sunscreen to help you tan, check out Panama Jack Sunscreen Tanning Lotion.
Pros:
- Sun protection: Provides SPF 30 protection while allowing tanning.
- Cruelty-free: Suitable for users concerned about animal welfare.
- Water-resistant: Remains effective even after swimming or sweating.
- Free from harmful ingredients: PABA, paraben, gluten-free, etc.
- Convenient packaging: Flip cap for easy application.
Cons:
- SPF 30 may not be sufficient for those with very fair or sensitive skin.
- May leave a slight white cast on the skin due to sunscreen ingredients.
5. Sun Laboratories Dark Sunsation Self Tanning Lotion | Best Budget – Friendly Lotion
What Got Us Hooked?
Sun Laboratories Self-Tanning Lotion is one of the most popular self-tanners around. You can see why this product has been a customer favorite for years with its deep, dark color and natural feel.
This formula contains a blend of ingredients that give you the perfect tan. It blends naturally into your skin because of the unique combination of DHA and Erythrulose. Their exclusive CoolSculpting technology makes the lotion dry quickly without streaking.
Things to know
Looking for a sunless tanning solution that will give you a natural-looking glow without the hassle of a streaky, patchy application? Sun Laboratories has you covered. Their self-tanning lotions, micro mists, foams, and sprays are ideal for all skin types and provide a consistent, sun-kissed look with just one application.
And because Sun Laboratories products are so easy to apply, you’ll be able to get the perfect tan in no time – without having to worry about discoloring your palms. So why wait? Give Sun Laboratories’ self-tanning products a try today and see the difference for yourself.
Pros:
- Deep, dark color: Provides a rich tan that looks natural.
- Quick-drying formula: Dries fast without streaking.
- Blend of ingredients: DHA and Erythrulose for a natural blend.
- Budget-friendly: Affordable option compared to some competitors.
- Suitable for all skin types: Versatile product.
Cons:
- Some users may find the scent too strong.
- Requires careful application to avoid streaks or uneven color.
Buying Guides Before Purchasing Best Outdoor Tanning Lotions
Unless you’re Nosferatu, chances are you want to get some color on your skin during the summer months. But with all the different brands and formulations of sunless tanning products, how can you choose the right one? Here’s a quick guide to help you select the best outdoor tanning lotion.
Budget Considerations:
First, consider your budget. There are many high-end sunless banners on the market, but you can save money to get a good product.
Preference for Finish:
Second, think about what kind of finish you want. Do you want a natural-looking glow, or do you prefer a more dramatic bronzed look?
Time and Effort Investment:
Third, decide how much time you will invest in applying and maintaining your tan. Some sunless tanners require more effort than others.
Allergen Check:
Finally, check the ingredients list to ensure nothing in the product could trigger an allergic reaction. With these factors in mind, you should be able to narrow down your choices and find the best outdoor tanning lotion for you. Happy shopping!
FAQs
1. Will tanning bed lotion work outside?
There is no evidence that tanning bed lotion will work outside. Most tanning bed lotions are designed to be used in a specific environment – an indoor tanning bed.
Tanning beds use ultraviolet light to cause the skin to produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Therefore, tanning bed lotion often contains ingredients designed to increase the amount of melanin that the skin produces and protect the skin from ultraviolet light.
Outdoor sun exposure does not use ultraviolet light, so it’s unlikely that a tanning bed lotion will work outside. Additionally, outdoor sun exposure can be dangerous because it increases the risk of developing skin cancer.
2. How can I maximize my tan outside?
There are vital things to remember when trying to maximize your tan outside. First, make sure to wear sunscreen whenever you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period. This will help protect your skin from harmful UV rays and help prevent premature aging.
Second, try to avoid sitting in direct sunlight for too long. The best way to tan is by gradually exposing your skin to the sun over time, so aim to spend a little time outdoors each day rather than baking in the sun all at once. And finally, remember that staying hydrated is vital! Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) throughout the day, especially when you’re outside in the sun.
3. Why do some people’s tans last longer?
It depends on a person’s natural skin color and skin type. People with lighter skin tones usually have less melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. And people with darker skin tones have more melanin. So, people with lighter skin tones will generally have a more challenging time getting a deep tan, and their tans will fade faster than people with darker skin tones.
In addition, people with oily skin tend to lose their tans more quickly than those with dry or normal skin because oily skin contains more sebum, a natural oil that helps keep the skin hydrated. Sebum also makes it harder for the sun’s UV rays to penetrate the top layer of the skin.
4. How do you stay tanned constantly?
Fake it! Use a self-tanning lotion or spray to get an even, all-over tan. Self-tanning products are available in both lotion and spray form and come in various colors to suit your skin tone. Be sure to exfoliate before applying a self-tanner, as the dry, dead skin cells will create an uneven surface that can result in streaky looking tan. Then, apply the product evenly all over your body, and avoid contact with clothes and bed sheets until it dries completely (usually within 10 minutes). Reapply every few days to maintain your color.
5. Is tanning lotion good for your skin?
There’s no correct answer to this question since everyone’s skin is different. Tanning lotion can be good for your skin if it contains moisturizers and other ingredients that are beneficial for your skin type. However, tanning lotion is also full of chemicals that can harm your skin, so it’s essential to read the ingredients list carefully before purchasing any product.
Ultimately, the best way to take care of your skin is to eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly. These are all things that will help keep your skin healthy from the inside out.
Best Outdoor Tanning Lotions
Summer is just around the corner, so it’s time to start thinking about what kind of tanning lotion you will use. If you’re looking for the best outdoor tanning lotions on the market, look no further than our list.
I’ve got everything from drugstore options to high-end products, so you can find something that fits your needs and budget. And once you’ve found your perfect match, all that’s left to do is soak up some rays and enjoy your summer glow!