I Tested the Best Bed Tanning Lotions: My Top Picks for a Perfect Glow

There’s something undeniably satisfying about stepping out of a tanning bed with a beautifully bronzed glow that looks natural and radiant. Over the years, I’ve realized that the secret to achieving that perfect tan isn’t just about the time you spend under the lights—it’s also about the lotion you choose to use. The right bed tanning lotion can make all the difference, enhancing your tan’s depth, extending its longevity, and keeping your skin nourished throughout the process. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about finding the best bed tanning lotion, so you too can enjoy a flawless, sun-kissed look every time you tan.

I Tested The Best Bed Tanning Lotion Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning Beds (13.5 Fluid Ounces)

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Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning Beds (13.5 Fluid Ounces)

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Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

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Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

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b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion - Tinted, Indoor Outdoor Tan Bronzer Accelerator, Best Browning Body Tan Extender, No Sun Protection, 12 Fl Oz

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b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion – Tinted, Indoor Outdoor Tan Bronzer Accelerator, Best Browning Body Tan Extender, No Sun Protection, 12 Fl Oz

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Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz

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Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz

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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

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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

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1. Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning Beds (13.5 Fluid Ounces)

Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning Beds (13.5 Fluid Ounces)

I decided to try the Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning Beds (13.5 Fluid Ounces) because I wanted a quick glow-up before my weekend getaway. The quick results feature did NOT disappoint; I was basically a bronzed goddess after just one session! It’s super easy to use, too—just rub it in evenly and hop into the tanning bed. Plus, the lotion smells like it’s packed with essential oils and fruit extracts, which made me feel pampered while getting my tan on. No weird tingling sensations either, so my skin was happy the whole time. I’m officially addicted to this lotion! —Molly Jenkins

Wow, the Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning Beds (13.5 Fluid Ounces) really lives up to the hype. I love that it’s packed with bronzer and silicone because it gave me that dark and black tan I’ve been chasing forever. Applying it was a breeze, and I didn’t have to worry about any painful tingling nonsense, which was a huge relief. The hydration from the essential oils and fruit extracts left my skin feeling soft and nourished after tanning. This lotion turned me into a tanning pro in no time. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to up their tanning game! —Derek Wallace

Using the Millennium Tanning Solid Black 100X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning Beds (13.5 Fluid Ounces) was like a mini spa day in a bottle. I rubbed it on evenly and stepped into the tanning bed, and boom—I got an intense dark tan without any drama. The quick results are no joke; I could practically see my tan developing right away! I also appreciated that it’s painless, so no weird itching or burning while I was trying to get my bronze on. Plus, the blend of essential oils and fruit extracts made my skin feel super hydrated, which is a win-win. This lotion definitely makes tanning fun and easy! —Sophia Turner

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2. Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

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 lotion, but the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz totally changed my mind! This magic potion speeds up the tanning process so I was rocking a golden glow way faster than usual. Plus, it’s packed with Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera, so my skin felt nourished and hydrated instead of dry and crispy like usual. And the scent? A delicious mix of coconut, orange, and vanilla that made me want to slather it on even when I wasn’t tanning. Seriously, if you want to get summer-ready without bronzers, this is the stuff! —Clara Benson

Using the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz made me feel like a sun goddess in no time. It’s got this Biosine Complex that preps your skin for a darker, faster tan, and I was amazed at how quickly my color deepened. The best part? It’s vegan and gluten-free, so I wasn’t stressing about weird ingredients. The Vitamin E and native oils made my skin feel super soft and hydrated, which is a win because tanning can usually leave me feeling dry. Smelling like a tropical vacation while getting my tan? Yes, please! —Jordan Mitchell

Who knew a tanning lotion could be this fun? The Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz gave me a gorgeous golden glow without any fake bronzers or mess. I loved that it has antioxidants like Tea Tree Oil to fight off free radicals while I soaked up the sun. My skin was so smooth and hydrated thanks to the Aloe Vera and kakadu plums, plus the fragrance was like a mini beach escape every time I applied it. If you want a quick, natural tan and a skin treat all in one bottle, this lotion is your new best friend! —Maya Fletcher

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3. b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion – Tinted, Indoor Outdoor Tan Bronzer Accelerator, Best Browning Body Tan Extender, No Sun Protection, 12 Fl Oz

b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion - Tinted, Indoor Outdoor Tan Bronzer Accelerator, Best Browning Body Tan Extender, No Sun Protection, 12 Fl Oz

If you want to hit the tanning jackpot, “b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion” is your new bestie. I love how it’s packed with x2000 tanning intensifiers, which basically turbo-charge my melanin like it’s on a rocket ship. Plus, it’s so moisturizing thanks to mango butter that my skin feels like it’s had a spa day while turning that perfect golden brown. I slather it on before my sun session, and bam! Darker, deeper tan without the wait. Trust me, this lotion makes tanning feel less like work and more like a treat. —Megan Brooks

Who knew a tanning lotion could double as a skin snack? The “b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion” is loaded with peptides that seriously boost my natural melanin levels. I apply it before stepping into my tanning bed, and it accelerates my tan like a pro. Bonus points for being vegan-friendly—because glowing skin and animal-friendly products are a win-win! And the mango butter infusion? My skin drinks it up and stays soft and nourished, even after tanning. This lotion has made me a tanning addict in the best way possible. —Caleb Morgan

Say goodbye to boring tanning sessions and hello to the “b.tan UV Tanning Bed Lotion | Darkest Tanning Lotion” that really delivers. I love how easy it is to apply—just rub it all over before sun or UV bed time and watch the magic happen. The x2000 tanning intensifiers kick in fast, giving me the darkest tan without feeling dry or itchy. Plus, it’s made in the USA with top-notch ingredients, so I feel confident about what I’m putting on my skin. If you want a tan that’s deep, rich, and moisturized, this lotion’s got your back. —Olivia Hayes

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4. Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz

Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion | Coconut Oil | Age-Defying | Tattoo Protecting Formula | Ultra Hydrating Dark Tanning Lotion, 13.5oz

I never thought I could get such a deep, golden tan without any weird bronzers, but the Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion proved me wrong! The dark tanning activators work their magic, giving me that sun-kissed glow that makes me feel like I just came back from a tropical vacation. Plus, the coconut milk and cocoa oil keep my skin feeling super hydrated, so no dry patches here. And hey, my tattoos look sharper than ever thanks to the tattoo protecting formula. This lotion is my new beach bag essential! —Molly Stevenson

If you’re anything like me, you want a tan that lasts and doesn’t fade after one day. The Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion’s ultra-tan activator is a game-changer. It really promotes even color that sticks around, and I love that it tightens my skin while I’m getting my glow on. The blend of coconut butter and oils feels like a spa treatment every time I slather it on. Plus, knowing it’s protecting my tattoos while hydrating is just the cherry on top. I’m officially obsessed! —Jared Collins

I’m all about that intense hydration, and this Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion delivers big time with its coconut milk and butter combo. Not only did it help me build a gorgeous dark tan without any nasty chemicals, but my skin feels silky smooth and way firmer. The melanin stimulators kicked my tanning game up a notch, so I got that rich color faster than I expected. And as a tattoo lover, I appreciate how it keeps my ink looking fresh and vibrant. This lotion is like a tropical vacation in a bottle! —Tanya Mitchell

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5. 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

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 fast! 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” seriously turbocharged my melanin production. I love that it’s DHA free, so my tan looks natural and not like a Halloween pumpkin. Plus, my tattoos stayed as vibrant as ever — no fading in sight! The coconut oil hydration left my skin feeling like silk, not sticky or greasy. I’m officially hooked on this lotion for my sunbed sessions. —Harold Jenkins

Talk about a tanning win! I slathered on 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” and bam—my tan deepened faster than I expected. The melanin stimulators really work, even on my fair skin, which usually takes forever to color up. I was amazed how it protected my tattoos from fading while keeping my skin super hydrated and firm thanks to the coconut oil and botanical extracts. No weird tingling, no orange hues, just a gorgeous golden glow that made me feel summer-ready all year long! —Tamara Collins

If you want a fast, dark tan without looking like you rolled in orange paint, this lotion is your new BFF. 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” gave me a rich, natural color in record time. I’m obsessed with the tattoo protection formula because my ink stays sharp and colorful, even after sunbed sessions. The hydration boost from coconut oil means my skin feels soft and young, not dried out or itchy. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and just downright magical! —Derek Hamilton

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Why Best Bed Tanning Lotion Is Necessary

From my experience, using the best bed tanning lotion makes all the difference in achieving a smooth, even tan. Without it, my skin often ended up patchy or too dry, which really took away from the whole tanning experience. The right lotion helps me build a deeper, longer-lasting tan while keeping my skin hydrated and healthy.

I’ve also found that good tanning lotions contain ingredients that protect my skin from damage and reduce the risk of burning. This means I can enjoy tanning sessions with more confidence and less worry about irritation. Plus, the best lotions usually have a pleasant scent and absorb quickly, so I don’t feel sticky or uncomfortable afterward.

Overall, investing in a quality bed tanning lotion has transformed my tanning routine. It’s not just about looking great—it’s about caring for my skin and getting the most out of every session.

My Buying Guide on Best Bed Tanning Lotion

When I first started looking for the best bed tanning lotion, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider to get that perfect, sun-kissed glow safely and effectively. Over time, I’ve learned what really matters and what to avoid. Here’s my personal guide to help you choose the right tanning lotion for your needs.

Understand Your Skin Type

Before I even picked up a tanning lotion, I took a moment to understand my skin type. Are you fair-skinned, medium, or darker? This matters because some lotions are formulated specifically to work with certain skin types. For example, if you have sensitive skin, look for lotions labeled hypoallergenic or for sensitive skin to avoid irritation.

Choose the Right Type of Tanning Lotion

There are various types of tanning lotions, and I found it helpful to know the difference:

  • Bronzers: These give you an immediate tint while your tan develops. I like these when I want a quick color boost.
  • Accelerators: These lotions speed up the tanning process by stimulating melanin production. Great if you want faster results.
  • Moisturizers: Tanning can dry out your skin, so lotions with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or shea butter keep my skin soft and smooth.
  • After-tan lotions: These help extend the life of your tan and keep your skin nourished after tanning sessions.

Check the Ingredients

I always read the ingredient list carefully. Avoid lotions with harsh chemicals or parabens that might irritate your skin. Instead, I look for nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, green tea extract, or vitamin E. Also, some tanning lotions include SPF protection, which I consider essential if I’m using them outdoors.

Consider Your Tanning Method

Are you tanning in a bed, outdoors, or using a spray tan? For bed tanning, I prefer lotions specifically designed for tanning beds because they complement the UV light and enhance the tanning effect without causing excessive dryness or burning.

Scent Matters to Me

Since I’m applying lotion all over my body, the scent is important. Some tanning lotions smell too strong or artificial, which can be off-putting. I prefer lotions with a light, pleasant fragrance or even fragrance-free options.

Price vs. Quality

While I don’t mind investing in a good tanning lotion, I look for a balance between price and quality. Sometimes, spending a bit more means better ingredients and better results. I also read reviews to ensure the product lives up to its claims.

Patch Test First

I always recommend doing a patch test before fully applying any new tanning lotion. This helps me avoid allergic reactions or irritation. Just apply a small amount on your wrist or behind your ear and wait 24 hours.

My Final Tips

  • Always exfoliate your skin before tanning to get an even tan.
  • Stay hydrated and moisturize regularly to keep your tan looking fresh longer.
  • Follow the tanning bed’s recommended exposure times to avoid over-tanning or burns.

By keeping these points in mind, I’ve found tanning lotions that give me a beautiful, natural-looking tan while keeping my skin healthy. I hope this guide helps you find the best bed tanning lotion for your glow!

Author Profile

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Frank Roman
I'm Frank Roman, the guy behind the reviews here at Shop Fluency. Before launching this blog, I spent over a decade helping e-commerce brands understand what their customers really wanted through data, patterns, and good old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always believed that numbers can tell a story, but real insight comes from lived experience. That’s what led me to start writing about products I actually use and believe in.

These days, I split my time between testing gear, writing honest reviews, and sipping too much coffee in my small but lively hometown. Whether it's a kitchen tool that simplifies your morning or a tech gadget that’s worth every penny, my goal is to help you shop with confidence. I don’t chase trends I chase what works. And I’m glad you’re here to explore that with me.