Best Tan Accelerator Tanning Lotions of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Tan accelerator tanning lotions are a popular choice among those who want to achieve a bronzed look quickly and efficiently. These lotions contain ingredients that stimulate melanin production, which is responsible for the skin's natural pigmentation. They work by speeding up the tanning process, allowing users to achieve a deeper tan in a shorter amount of time. Tan accelerator tanning lotions also typically contain moisturizing ingredients that help to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness and peeling. They are available in a range of formulas, including sprays, creams, and gels, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. With regular use, tan accelerator tanning lotions can help users achieve a beautiful, natural-looking tan without the need for extended sun exposure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Maui Babe Browning Lotion: Natural, Moisturizing Tanning Solution (4oz) Cover #TOP 1
Maui Babe Browning Lotion: Natural, Moisturizing Tanning Solution (4oz)
ftb score rating icon 9.9
That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Cover #TOP 2
That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion
ftb score rating icon 9.8
b.tan Tanning Oil & UV Tan Bed Lotion Kit Cover #TOP 3
b.tan Tanning Oil & UV Tan Bed Lotion Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Tan Accelerator Tanning Lotions

#TOP 1

Maui Babe Browning Lotion: Natural, Moisturizing Tanning Solution (4oz)

7.09069E+11
Brown
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Maui Babe Browning Lotion: Natural, Moisturizing Tanning Solution (4oz) Cover
Maui Babe Browning Lotion - Natural Hawaiian Tan Accelerator with Vitamins & Antioxidants - Moisturizing Formula for All Skin Types - Made in USA - 4 fl oz

The Maui Babe Browning Lotion is a natural tanning solution that provides fast and even coverage for a golden, beach-ready glow. Its moisturizing benefits make it perfect for use during beach and pool season. Unlike self-tanners, this lotion is water-resistant and does not leave streaks. With ingredients like Kukui Nut Oil, Antioxidant Vitamins E, C & A, Kona Coffee Plant Extract, Aloe, and Potassium Iodide, this lotion nourishes and protects your skin while giving you a gorgeous tan.

What We Like
Rapid tanning results
Natural ingredients
Non-greasy application
Pleasant scent
Enhances golden brown glow
#TOP 2

That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion

That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Cover
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

Get a deep, dark tan with That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion, which is safe for both indoor tanning beds and outdoor sun exposure. This tanning lotion not only stimulates melanin production for a faster tan, but also actively works to protect your tattoos from fading. Enriched with aloe vera, coconut, and passionfruit extracts, this lotion locks in moisture to prevent wrinkles and signs of aging. Plus, it won't leave any stains on your clothes or sheets and has a pleasant coconut scent.

What We Like
Non-greasy application
Delicious scent
Enhances natural tanning
Fast tanning results
Softens skin
#TOP 3

b.tan Tanning Oil & UV Tan Bed Lotion Kit

b.tan Tanning Oil & UV Tan Bed Lotion Kit Cover
b.tan Tanning Oil & UV Tan Bed Lotion Kit | Best Dark Sun Tanner Bundle - Fast, Tinted, Indoor Outdoor Browning Accelerator Cream & Dark Bronzing Spray, Body Tan Extender, No Suntan Protection

The b.tan Dark Sun Tanner is designed to help you achieve a deep, dark tan quickly and easily. It contains powerful tanning boosters that speed up your natural tanning process, so you spend less time under the sun or in a tanning bed. The tinted tanning oil is great if you want a rich tan without long hours outside. Plus, it's packed with nourishing oils like acai berry, coconut, argan, and jojoba to keep your skin moisturized and healthy while you tan. This product makes tanning faster, darker, and better for your skin.

What We Like
Strong tanning accelerators
Tinted formula for quick color
Moisturizing natural oils
Speeds tanning process
Vegan and cruelty-free
#TOP 4

b.tan Sun Tanning Lotion Tan Accelerator

8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
b.tan Sun Tanning Lotion Tan Accelerator Cover
b.tan Sun Tanning Lotion | Tan Accelerator - Best Tinted Browning Cream, Brown Intensifier Bronzing Lotion, No SPF, Packed with DHA Boosters, Mango Butter & Peptides, Austrailian Brand, 8.45 Fl Oz

The b.tan Tinted Bronzing Lotion is perfect if you want a quick, natural-looking tan with an instant touch of color. It speeds up your tanning process, so you can spend less time in the sun while still achieving a deeper and darker tan. Using it is simple—just apply it evenly on clean, exfoliated, and dry skin, and reapply as needed. Plus, it’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like hydrating coconut oil, peptides, and vitamin E, which help keep your skin moisturized and healthy while you tan. This lotion doesn’t contain SPF, so it’s best for controlled tanning sessions.

What We Like
Instant tinted color
Accelerates tanning process
Easy application
Hydrating ingredients
Peptides and vitamin E
#TOP 5

b.tan Darkest UV Tanning Bed Lotion

b.tan Darkest UV Tanning Bed Lotion Cover
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

The b.tan Darkest Tanning Lotion is designed to help you achieve a deep, natural-looking tan quickly. It contains powerful tanning boosters that work to speed up your skin’s melanin production, giving you a darker tan faster than usual. This lotion is also enriched with peptides, which support the tanning process, ensuring better results. Plus, it’s packed with mango butter to keep your skin hydrated and nourished while you tan, preventing dryness. Using this lotion is simple—just apply it evenly before your tanning session and reapply as needed for best results.

What We Like
Powerful tanning boosters
Melanin-activating peptides
Moisturizing mango butter
Easy application
#TOP 6

Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion

A70002
Dark Tan
Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion Cover
Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion, 8.5 Fluid Ounce

Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion helps you achieve a deeper and darker tan. It contains Australian natural ingredients such as Kakadu Plum extract and Tea Tree Oil, which are powerful antioxidants that cleanse and nourish your skin. The Biosine Complex prepares your skin for a long-lasting tan. The lotion is also loaded with Vitamin A & E and Natural Oils to moisturize and hydrate your skin. Its refreshing fragrance of Cocoa Dreams in a scent of Coconut, Orange and Vanilla keeps you fresh all day long.

What We Like
Great, natural-looking tan
Pleasant scent
Effective for fair, sensitive skin
Non-greasy, absorbs well
Long-lasting results
#TOP 7

Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion

JS-040
Bronze
Jeallis Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Cover
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 Tanning Lotion is designed to help you achieve a deeper, long-lasting tan with minimal sun exposure. This lotion stimulates melanin production, allowing you to get a natural tan quickly, making it suitable even for fair skin. It's DHA-free, ensuring your tan develops without artificial additives or unwanted orange tones. The formula also offers ultimate hydration, thanks to coconut oil and botanical extracts, which nourish your skin while preventing wrinkles. Additionally, it protects your tattoos from fading, maintaining their vibrancy even under UV rays. Enjoy a beautiful glow while caring for your skin!

What We Like
Fast, natural tanning results
DHA-free formula
Hydrates and nourishes skin
Protects tattoos from fading
#TOP 8

Onyx Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion

1251-095
White
Onyx Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion Cover
Onyx Strongest Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion - Effective Tan Enhancer for Indoor & Outdoor Sun - Accelerates Melanin Production - No Stains & Streaks | Super Moisturizing | Tropical Scent | No-SPF

The Onyx Tanning Accelerator is designed to help you achieve a rich, long-lasting tan with minimal sun exposure. Its powerful formula boosts melanin production, allowing you to tan deeper and faster. This lotion also protects your tattoos from fading, ensuring that your ink remains vibrant while you enjoy the sun. Additionally, it offers anti-aging benefits, helping to reduce wrinkles and maintain a youthful look. With nourishing ingredients, this lotion prepares your skin for a beautiful tan without the need for sunscreen.

What We Like
Deep, long-lasting tan
Accelerates melanin production
Tattoo protection
Anti-aging benefits
#TOP 9

Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel

SG_B00I51885U_US
5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel Cover
Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel | Browning Tan Accelerator | Non-Greasy, Water-Resistant with Carrot and Coconut Oil | Vitamin A & E For Moisture & Hydration | Made in Greece | 5 Fl Oz

Carroten Tanning Gel is a tanning lotion by Carroten that offers a deep and flawless tan, an immediate sun-kissed glow, ultra moisturizing properties, and an advanced intensive tanning system. The deep and flawless tan ensures you achieve a rich, radiant sun-kissed color. The immediate sun-kissed glow gives you a bronzed look instantly. The ultra moisturizing feature keeps your skin hydrated. The advanced intensive tanning system accelerates your tan, providing a long-lasting color.

What We Like
Deep, even tan
Moisturizing and lightweight
Pleasant tropical fragrance
Easy application
Long-lasting results
#TOP 10

Infusion Coconut Infusion Tanning Lotion

Infusion
Off White
Infusion Coconut Infusion Tanning Lotion Cover
Coconut Infusion Tanning Lotion – Indoor & Outdoor Tan Accelerator – Hydrating, Safe for Face, Body, and Tattoos – Coconut Vanilla Scent – No Bronzer, Compatible for All Skin Types

The Infusion Coconut Tanning Lotion is designed to help you achieve a deeper, natural-looking tan whether you're outdoors or using a tanning bed. It contains four tanning accelerators, making it easier for your skin to darken faster and more evenly. The lotion also features a pleasant coconut vanilla scent, giving your skin a fresh and tropical aroma that’s enjoyable to wear. If you have tattoos, this lotion helps keep your ink bright and vibrant thanks to its special coconut oil blend. Plus, it deeply hydrates your skin, leaving it smooth and nourished throughout your tanning sessions.

What We Like
Quad tanning accelerators
Coconut vanilla fragrance
Tattoo ink protection
Deep skin hydration
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do tanning accelerator lotions work?

Yes, tanning accelerator lotions work by stimulating the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. This can help you achieve a tan in a shorter time than usual. However, it's important to note that these products do not provide any sun protection, so it's crucial to still use sunscreen when using tanning accelerators.

2. How long should you leave tan accelerator on?

It is recommended to apply tan accelerator gel or lotion 30-60 minutes before sun exposure to achieve the best results.

3. How often should you apply tan accelerator?

For optimal results, tan accelerators can be applied 1-2 times daily starting two weeks before sunbathing. This helps stimulate the natural production of melanin in the skin and achieve a golden tone.

4. Are tanning accelerators worth it?

Yes, tanning accelerators are worth it as they effectively deepen your natural tan and provide longevity to your tan. When used before a sun-soaked holiday, tan accelerators can leave your skin in peak condition, resulting in a natural, rich, and golden glow.

5. When should you apply tan accelerator?

To achieve the best results, apply the tan accelerator gel or lotion 30-60 minutes before UV sun exposure.

6. How can I get a dark tan in 3 days?

To get a dark tan in 3 days, you can follow these tips: use sunscreen with SPF 30, change positions frequently while sunbathing, eat foods rich in beta carotene, use oils with natural SPF, avoid prolonged sun exposure, consume foods rich in lycopene, and choose your tanning time wisely.

Editor's Notes

During our tan accelerator tanning lotion research, we found 48 tan accelerator tanning lotion products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 229,356 customer reviews through our big data system to write the tan accelerator tanning lotions list. We found that most customers choose tan accelerator tanning lotions with an average price of $23.15.

The tan accelerator tanning lotions are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of tan accelerator tanning lotions, including Maui Babe, DARK TANS EXCLUSIVE, B.TAN, Australian Gold, jeallis. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,914 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.