Best outdoor tanning lotion

Stay golden with the best outdoor tanning lotion that protects your skin while you enjoy the sun.

best outdoor tanning lotion
(Image credit: Jens Kreuter via Unsplash)

Outdoor tanning lotion allows you to safely enjoy the sun on vacation or otherwise. Not only does lotion encourage your skin to darken, but it also keeps you moisturized and safe from harmful UV rays. Below, I have comprised a list of my favorite options.

Staff pick

Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses golden tanning lotion

(Image credit: Ed Hardy Tanning)

Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses golden tanning lotion

Protects tattoos from fading

This outdoor tanning lotion is blended without bronzing agents.

Pros:

  • Ultra-darkening formula
  • Does not contain bronzing agents
  • Infused with coconut oil, coconut milk, and cocoa butter
  • Protects tattoos from fading

Cons:

  • May not deliver as dramatic results as expected

This outdoor tanning lotion features an ultra-darkening formula. Created without bronzing agents, it stimulates and increases the formation of melanin for a more natural tan. The lotion contains coconut oil, coconut milk, and cocoa butter, along with other nourishing ingredients to keep you moisturized all day long. It also keeps your tattoos protected from fading due to sun exposure.

Best dark tan

Australian Gold dark tanning accelerator lotion with bronzer

(Image credit: Amazon)

Australian Gold dark tanning accelerator lotion with bronzer

Developed to deliver a rich tan

This outdoor tanning lotion is blended with aloe vera, vitamin E, and tea tree oil.

Pros:

  • Delivers a dark tan
  • Absorbs quickly
  • Easy to blend
  • Packed with nutritious ingredients

Cons:

  • Consistency is a little watery

Developed to deliver a dark tan that lasts, this lotion is blended with fast-acting bronzing ingredients. Simply apply it to your skin for a sunless or sun-induced tan that looks completely natural. The lotion dries quickly and blends easily, ensuring your body is evenly tanned without any streaking. The formula includes aloe vera, vitamin E, and tea tree oil to keep your skin soothed and hydrated.

Best gentle

Sun Bum browning lotion

(Image credit: Amazon)

Sun Bum browning lotion

This one is vegan and gluten-free

This outdoor tanning lotion is developed with a hypoallergenic solution.

Pros:

  • Accelerates tanning process
  • Gluten-free and vegan
  • Water-resistant
  • Hypoallergenic and paraben-free

Cons:

  • Brown tint can stain clothes

This outdoor tanning lotion has a gluten-free and vegan formula that's paraben-free and gentle on your skin. Designed to speed up the tanning process, this hypoallergenic selection can be applied before stepping into the sunshine. It is incredibly moisturizing, including aloe vera, Kona coffee plant extract, marula, coconut oil, argan oil, and avocado oil. 

Best anti-aging

Devoted Creations Somewhere on a Beach tanning lotion

(Image credit: Amazon)

Devoted Creations Somewhere on a Beach tanning lotion

Contains anti-aging properties

This outdoor tanning lotion can be used indoors as well.

Pros:

  • Indoor and outdoor use
  • Provides a streak-free tan
  • Contains anti-aging peptides
  • Formulated with coconut oil and walnut oil

Cons:

  • May have a strong fragrance

If you're looking for a streak-free outdoor tanning lotion that can also be used indoors, this 12.25-ounce bottle is a great choice. The formula includes coconut oil and walnut oil to keep your skin highly moisturized and soft and advanced matrixyl synthe 6 that significantly minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This lotion keeps your skin tanned and smooth.

Best natural

best outdoor tanning lotion

(Image credit: Amazon)

Dolce Black bronzer tanning lotion

Made from all-natural ingredients

This outdoor tanning lotion features a dark bronzing effect in as quickly as 2 hours.

Pros:

  • Tan develops in 2 hours
  • Made from 100-percent natural ingredients
  • Protects tattoos from fading
  • Features color enhancers

Cons:

  • May stain hands

This outdoor tanning lotion is made from 100-percent natural and non-toxic ingredients. It includes color enhancers that provide a dark tan within only 2 hours. This lotion is great for indoors and outdoor use, keeping skin hydrated while firming fine lines and wrinkles.

The bottom line

Why you can trust Gardeningetc Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best outdoor tanning lotion provides you with a natural-looking tan while keeping your skin moisturized. The Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses golden tanning lotion features an ultra-dark formula without bronzing agents. This outdoor tanning solution is blended with coconut oil, coconut milk, and cocoa butter to keep your skin looking smooth.

The Sun Bum browning lotion is a gluten-free and vegan formula. This hypoallergenic option accelerates the tanning process and is compatible with all skin types. Safely enjoy a day at the beach with the best outdoor tanning lotion.

Why trust us?

At GardeningEtc we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Camille Sanghera is a UX writer and copywriter for global brands as well as an author of self-help books. Although she has lived and traveled internationally, Camille is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She merges over 10 years of writing experience with a love of words to bring authenticity and human connection to every project. When not writing, Camille can be found exploring nature with her dog, sketching to music, or laughing with loved ones.

You can chat with Camille on Instagram at @projectpvo.