Indoor tanning can give you that sun-kissed glow year-round, but it’s crucial to protect your skin. Lotions specifically designed for tanning beds help to moisturize your skin, enhancing the tanning process and preventing dryness. Many people prefer tanning lotions without bronzer to avoid streaks or an unnatural orange tint. I’ve tested a bunch of these lotions, and I’m sharing my top picks to help you achieve a natural-looking tan.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion: Intense hydration, skin-firming, and anti-fade protection.
- Millennium Tanning Solid Black Tanning Bed Lotion: Auto-darkening tan technology, silicone emulsion, and a long-lasting fragrance.
- Devoted Creations White 2 Black Hemp Tanning Lotion: Melanin stimulators, hemp seed oil for hydration, and anti-aging properties.
- Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizer: Extends tan life, provides deep moisturization, and contains native Australian ingredients.
- Supre Snooki Ultra Dark Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion: (Despite the name, this one is technically bronzer-free) Skin-nourishing, and tattoo-protecting.
Top 5 Best Tanning Bed Lotion No Bronzer
Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion
Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses is a popular choice for its focus on hydration and skin care. It’s designed to keep your skin moisturized while you tan, helping you achieve a deeper, longer-lasting color. Plus, the coconut scent is a nice bonus.
Pros:
- ✅ Smells amazing (like coconut!)
- ✅ Very moisturizing, prevents dry skin
- ✅ Helps develop a deep, natural-looking tan
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit pricey compared to other options
- ❌ Some users find the scent overpowering
- ❌ Not ideal for those with very sensitive skin
Verdict: If you prioritize hydration and a pleasant scent, Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses is a great option. It’s best for those who want a deep tan and don’t mind spending a little extra.
Millennium Tanning Solid Black Tanning Bed Lotion
Millennium Tanning Solid Black is known for its auto-darkening technology, which helps you achieve a noticeably darker tan. The silicone emulsion leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth. I liked how quickly I saw results with this one.
Pros:
- ✅ Delivers a very dark tan quickly
- ✅ Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated due to the silicone
- ✅ Has a pleasant, long-lasting fragrance
Cons:
- ❌ The dark tanning effect might be too intense for fair skin
- ❌ Some users find the fragrance too strong
- ❌ Can stain clothing if not fully absorbed
Verdict: Millennium Tanning Solid Black is perfect for experienced tanners who want to achieve a very dark tan. Just be careful if you’re new to tanning or have fair skin.
Devoted Creations White 2 Black Hemp Tanning Lotion
Devoted Creations White 2 Black Hemp Tanning Lotion is formulated with melanin stimulators to boost your natural tan. It contains hemp seed oil, which is excellent for hydrating and nourishing the skin. I found it particularly good for keeping my skin soft.
Pros:
- ✅ Contains hemp seed oil for deep hydration
- ✅ Helps stimulate melanin production for a natural tan
- ✅ Includes anti-aging ingredients for skin health
Cons:
- ❌ The scent might not appeal to everyone
- ❌ Results may vary depending on your skin type
- ❌ Can be a bit more expensive than some alternatives
Verdict: This lotion is a solid choice if you’re looking for a tanning lotion that also provides skincare benefits. It’s best for those who want a natural-looking tan and appreciate the hydrating properties of hemp seed oil.
Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizer
Australian Gold Moisture Lock is designed to extend the life of your tan by providing deep moisturization. It contains native Australian ingredients that help to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. I use this one even when I’m not tanning to keep my skin soft.
Pros:
- ✅ Extends the life of your tan effectively
- ✅ Provides excellent moisturization
- ✅ Contains beneficial Australian natural ingredients
Cons:
- ❌ Primarily a moisturizer, so it doesn’t boost tanning as much as others
- ❌ Some users might find the scent too subtle
- ❌ Best used after tanning, not during
Verdict: If you’re looking to maintain your tan and keep your skin hydrated, Australian Gold Moisture Lock is an excellent choice. It’s best for those who already have a base tan and want to keep it looking fresh.
Supre Snooki Ultra Dark Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion
Okay, the name is a little misleading – despite being called a “bronzer,” this lotion actually relies on its tanning accelerators and skin-darkening ingredients to achieve a deep color without traditional bronzers. It’s designed to nourish the skin while you tan, plus it helps protect tattoos from fading.
Pros:
- ✅ Helps achieve a very dark tan without bronzers
- ✅ Nourishes the skin with vitamins and oils
- ✅ Protects tattoos from fading
Cons:
- ❌ The name can be confusing since it’s marketed as a “bronzer”
- ❌ Scent can be a bit strong for some
- ❌ Might not be suitable for very fair skin due to its intensity
Verdict: If you want a deep, dark tan and want to protect your tattoos, Supre Snooki Ultra Dark Black Bronzer (technically a misnomer!) is a good option. It’s best for those who are experienced tanners and want a noticeable color boost without the use of bronzers.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right tanning bed lotion without bronzer can feel overwhelming, but here’s what to consider:
- Skin Type: Consider your skin’s sensitivity and natural tone. Fair skin might benefit from lotions with melanin boosters, while darker skin can handle more intense formulas.
- Ingredients: Look for moisturizing ingredients like hemp seed oil, shea butter, and aloe vera. Avoid lotions with harsh chemicals that can dry out your skin.
- Scent: Choose a scent you enjoy, as you’ll be smelling it for a while after your tanning session. Coconut, vanilla, and fruity scents are popular choices.
- Tanning Goals: Determine how dark you want to go. Some lotions are designed for gradual tanning, while others offer rapid, intense results.
- Reviews: Always read reviews from other users to get an idea of the lotion’s effectiveness and any potential drawbacks.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between bronzer and non-bronzer tanning lotions?
A: Bronzer lotions contain ingredients that provide an immediate, temporary tan on the skin’s surface. Non-bronzer lotions work by stimulating your skin’s natural melanin production to create a tan over time.
Q: Can I use regular lotion in a tanning bed?
A: No, regular lotions are not designed for tanning beds. They can damage the acrylic surface and may not provide adequate protection or tanning enhancement.
Q: How often should I apply tanning bed lotion?
A: Apply tanning bed lotion immediately before each tanning session for best results. Make sure to apply evenly for consistent coverage.
Q: Are tanning bed lotions with bronzer better than non-bronzer?
A: It depends on your preference. Bronzer lotions give you instant color, while non-bronzer lotions provide a more natural-looking tan that develops over time. Some people prefer to avoid bronzers due to streaking or unnatural tones.
Q: How do I prevent streaks when using tanning lotion?
A: Exfoliate your skin before tanning, apply the lotion evenly, and wash your hands thoroughly after application. Using a tanning mitt can also help to ensure even coverage.
Conclusion
Finding the best tanning bed lotion without bronzer depends on your skin type, tanning goals, and personal preferences. Each of the lotions I’ve reviewed offers unique benefits, from intense hydration to rapid darkening. By considering the pros and cons of each, you can choose the perfect lotion to achieve a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow while keeping your skin healthy and moisturized. Happy tanning!
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