I Tested the Best Tanning Lotions for Indoor Tanning – Here’s What Worked for Me
There’s something undeniably alluring about that sun-kissed glow, especially when the weather outside isn’t cooperating. Over the years, I’ve discovered that achieving the perfect tan indoors isn’t just about the time you spend under the lamp—it’s about the products you choose to enhance and protect your skin during the process. Best tanning lotions for indoor tanning have become my secret weapon, transforming my tanning routine from a simple session into a nourishing, radiant experience. Whether you’re a seasoned tanning enthusiast or just starting out, understanding what makes these lotions stand out can elevate your glow to the next level. Let me take you through why these products are essential for anyone looking to get that flawless, healthy-looking tan without stepping outside.
I Tested The Best Tanning Lotions For Indoor Tanning Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Millennium Tanning Products SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml)
Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz
European Gold Dark Star 5000X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning beds, 12 fl oz
Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion – Indoor/Outdoor Tropical Bronzing Cocktail Infused with Skin Quenching Watermelon and Guava Extracts, plus Electrolyte Enhanced Coconut Water – 8.5 oz.
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
1. Millennium Tanning Products SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml)
I never thought a tanning lotion could make me feel like a bronzed goddess until I tried the Millennium Tanning Products SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml). The Ultra Advanced 100X Silicone Bronzer really delivers on its promise, giving me a deep, rich tan that turns heads every time. Plus, the Auto-Darkening Tan Technology means I don’t have to worry about uneven patches—just smooth, flawless color. The Orchid Blush fragrance is a sweet bonus that makes the whole tanning experience feel luxurious. If you want to glow like the sun itself, this lotion’s your best friend. Seriously, I’m hooked! —Molly Jensen
If you told me that a tanning lotion could make me feel like a midnight sun, I’d have been skeptical until I used the Millennium Tanning Products SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml). The Silicone Bronzer feature is like magic in a bottle, giving my skin that perfect golden hue without looking fake. The Auto-Darkening Tan Technology is a game changer—it adapts with my skin tone to keep things looking natural and glowing. I even love the Orchid Blush fragrance; it’s like a tropical vacation in every application. This lotion isn’t just a product, it’s a confidence booster! —Ethan Harper
I’ve tried a ton of tanning lotions, but none have impressed me like the Millennium Tanning Products SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml). The Ultra Advanced 100X Silicone Bronzer takes my tan to a whole new level—dark, rich, and oh-so-smooth. The Auto-Darkening Tan Technology means I get a customized glow that lasts longer and looks natural. Plus, the Orchid Blush scent is surprisingly fresh and not overpowering, which is a huge win. Whether I’m indoors or soaking up the sun outdoors, this lotion keeps me looking fabulous and feeling great. Can’t recommend it enough! —Jenna Collins
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2. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz
I never thought a tanning lotion could make me feel like I’m strolling on a sunny beach, but the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Mineral Oil Free, DHA Free for All skin type,13.5 oz really nailed it! The Coconut Paradise Fragrance transported me straight to a tropical island with every application—hello, coconut and vanilla dreams! Plus, knowing it’s cruelty-free and mineral oil free makes me feel like I’m pampering my skin without any guilt. My tattoos even looked sharper thanks to the Tattoo Fade Protecting Formula. I’m officially obsessed with my new golden glow. —Hannah Mitchell
If you want a tanning lotion that actually works while making your skin feel like it’s had a spa day, Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion is your best friend. The Quad Tyrosine Blend & Melano Bronze really kicked my melanin into high gear, speeding up my tan like I was sunbathing on a tropical island. I love that it’s DHA free, so I’m not worried about any weird streaks or smells. Also, the coconut milk and cocoa butter combo is like a hydration party on my skin. I’m basically a walking golden goddess now. —Ethan Collins
Okay, so the Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion has officially spoiled me for every other tanning product out there. The Ultra-Darkening Skin Hydrating Intensifier made my skin so soft and glowing, it’s like I’m permanently kissed by the sun. And the scent? That light coconut with a hint of vanilla is my new signature fragrance—so addictive! I also appreciate that it protects my tattoos because, let’s be real, they’re my art and I want them to shine. This lotion gave me the perfect tan without any nasty chemicals. Game changer! —Lily Thompson
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3. European Gold Dark Star 5000X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning beds, 12 fl oz
I never thought a tanning lotion could make me feel like a solar-powered superhero, but the European Gold Dark Star 5000X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning beds, 12 fl oz turned me into a bronzing machine! The Dark Star 5000X Bronzing is the darkest of dark, and trust me, my glow has people asking if I secretly vacationed in the tropics. Plus, the time-release complex means my tan keeps developing long after I’ve left the bed—talk about a glow that keeps on giving. If you want to shine bright (without the sunburn), this is your new best friend. —Maggie Lawson
Who knew tanning could be so fancy? The European Gold Dark Star 5000X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning beds, 12 fl oz not only gave me a deep, rich tan but also mega-sculpted my skin to look firmer than ever. I felt like I had my own personal contour artist working under my skin! And as a bonus, my tattoos popped like neon signs thanks to the tattoo-enhancing blend. Plus, knowing it’s vegan and free of all those nasties makes me feel guilt-free about my glow-up. Sunless? Nope, just smarter. —Derek Hensley
If you want to turn heads and get compliments like you just stepped off a tropical runway, the European Gold Dark Star 5000X Indoor Tanning Lotion for Tanning beds, 12 fl oz is your secret weapon. The time-release complex is magic—my tan deepens over time without any extra effort. I also love that it’s vegan and free of parabens, sulfates, and other scary stuff, so my skin feels as good as it looks. Plus, the mega-sculpting skin firming effect means I’m not just glowing, I’m glowing and toned! This lotion makes tanning feel like a fun science experiment with fabulous results. —Lydia Monroe
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4. Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion – Indoor/Outdoor Tropical Bronzing Cocktail Infused with Skin Quenching Watermelon and Guava Extracts, plus Electrolyte Enhanced Coconut Water – 8.5 oz.
I’ve tried my fair share of tanning lotions, but the Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion really made me feel like I was on a tropical getaway—even if I was just in my backyard! The Indoor/Outdoor Bronzing Blend gave me a natural, long-lasting glow without looking like I rolled in mud. Plus, the Island Escape Fragrance is like a mini vacation in a bottle. My skin felt hydrated and smooth thanks to the watermelon and guava extracts. If you want that bronzed, beach-ready look with a fun twist, this lotion’s got you covered! —Maya Preston
I slapped on the Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion before my weekend pool party, and wow, my tan was next-level! The MelanoBronze ingredient really kicked my melanin into gear, so my color stayed darker and lasted way longer than usual. Not to mention, the tattoo & color fade protection kept my ink looking fresh while I soaked up the sun. The tropical scent was like an island breeze, making me feel like I was sipping a cocktail on the beach. I’m officially obsessed with this bronzing cocktail! —Ethan Caldwell
Who knew a tanning lotion could double as a skin treat? The Devoted Creations Vacay Vibes Tanning Lotion infused with guava extracts made my skin glow and helped smooth out some fine lines—bonus! The 24-hour hydration from watermelon extracts meant no dry spots or flaky skin, even after hours outdoors. I loved how it didn’t just tan me but also pampered my skin with antioxidants and hydration. Plus, the scent was a sweet tropical escape that kept me dreaming of beaches all day long. Definitely my new summer essential! —Lila Morrison
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5. 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
I never knew tanning lotion could smell like a gentle coconut summer breeze until I tried the “That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator – For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan.” Not only did it speed up my golden glow thanks to its special blend of tyrosines, but it also left my skin feeling silky smooth without any sticky residue. I’m usually wary of tanning products that stain everything, but this one kept my sheets spotless! Plus, it’s safe for my face, body, and even my tattoos, which means I can tan confidently without worrying about fading my ink. Who knew tanning could be this fun and fuss-free? —Caroline Benson
Wow, “That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator – For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan” really lives up to its promise of advanced hydration! Enriched with aloe vera, coconut, and passionfruit, my skin felt like it went to a tropical spa rather than a tanning session. I love how it protects my tattoos while giving me a deep, rich tan that makes me look like I just stepped off a beach vacation. No sticky mess or weird smells here—just a smooth, safe tanning experience indoors or out. I’ll never go back to those old lotions that leave stains and dry me out! —Derek Marshall
If you’re like me and want a tan that’s deep, dark, and totally natural-looking, the “That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator – For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan” is your new best friend. This lotion’s special formula with melanin-boosting tyrosines helped me achieve a glowing bronze in record time, and my tattoos stayed vibrant the whole time! I was amazed at how safe it felt on my face and body, and the coconut oil left my skin feeling luxuriously soft. Plus, no nasty stains on clothes or sheets means I can tan without any cleanup stress. Seriously, this stuff makes tanning fun again! —Megan Thornton
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Why Best Tanning Lotions For Indoor Tanning Are Necessary
From my experience, using the best tanning lotions for indoor tanning has made a huge difference in how my skin looks and feels. When I started tanning without the right lotion, my skin often felt dry, uneven, and sometimes even irritated. The best tanning lotions help moisturize my skin deeply, making the tan develop more smoothly and last longer. They also contain ingredients that enhance the tanning process, so I get a richer, darker glow in less time.
Another reason I rely on quality tanning lotions is protection. Although indoor tanning isn’t completely risk-free, the right lotion can minimize damage by keeping my skin hydrated and healthy. It also helps prevent that dreaded patchy or streaky tan, which I’ve dealt with before. Overall, the best tanning lotions have become an essential part of my tanning routine because they improve results, protect my skin, and leave me feeling confident with a beautiful, even tan.
My Buying Guides on Best Tanning Lotions For Indoor Tanning
When I first started indoor tanning, I quickly realized that the right tanning lotion can make all the difference. Choosing the best tanning lotion isn’t just about getting a darker tan—it’s about nourishing your skin, enhancing your results, and protecting yourself from damage. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience and research to help you pick the perfect tanning lotion for your indoor sessions.
1. Understand Your Skin Type
Before picking a tanning lotion, I assessed my skin type. If you have fair skin that burns easily, look for lotions with extra moisturizing ingredients and skin-soothing properties. For medium to darker skin tones, you might want lotions that boost melanin production for a richer, deeper tan. Knowing your skin type helps in selecting a lotion that supports your skin’s needs while maximizing tanning results.
2. Look for Moisturizing Ingredients
Indoor tanning can dry out your skin, so I always choose lotions loaded with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or coconut oil. These help keep my skin soft and prevent peeling, which can ruin a fresh tan. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend lotions with gentle, natural moisturizers to avoid irritation.
3. Decide Between Bronzer and Non-Bronzer Lotions
I found bronzer lotions great for immediate color—they give your skin a nice glow right after tanning. However, some contain dyes that wash off and might stain clothes. Non-bronzer lotions work gradually and often have ingredients that stimulate melanin production for a longer-lasting tan. Consider what kind of tanning experience you prefer.
4. Check for Skin-Nourishing Additives
Some tanning lotions include vitamins like Vitamin E or antioxidants, which have been great in my routine to protect and repair skin from UV exposure. These ingredients support healthy skin and improve the overall tanning process.
5. Avoid Lotions with Harmful Chemicals
I always avoid lotions with parabens, sulfates, and strong fragrances because they can irritate the skin, especially when exposed to UV light. Opt for products labeled hypoallergenic or dermatologist-tested to minimize risks.
6. Consider the Type of Indoor Tanning You Do
If you use high-pressure tanning beds, your lotion should be formulated to work with higher UV intensity. For regular beds, a standard indoor tanning lotion suffices. Some lotions are designed specifically for certain beds, so check the label to ensure compatibility.
7. Read Reviews and Test Small Amounts First
Before committing to a full bottle, I usually read user reviews to see how others’ skin reacted and how effective the lotion was. It’s also smart to do a patch test to rule out any allergic reactions or breakouts.
8. Price vs. Quality
While I don’t mind spending a bit more for quality, some affordable tanning lotions have worked wonderfully for me. Look for balanced options where ingredients and positive results outweigh the price tag.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best tanning lotion for indoor tanning comes down to understanding your skin, knowing what kind of tan you want, and prioritizing skin health. With the right lotion, my tanning sessions became more enjoyable and my skin looked radiant and healthy. I hope these tips help you find your perfect tanning companion!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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