3 best tan lotions

Tanning lotions are products designed to help individuals achieve a tan or a sun-kissed appearance without the need for prolonged sun exposure. These lotions are often used to give the skin a bronzed glow and can be found in the category of self-tanners or sunscreens with tanning properties. Here is what you should know about tanning lotions:

Self-Tanning Properties: Tanning lotions contain active ingredients, most commonly dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of the skin to produce a temporary tan. Unlike sunbathing, self-tanners do not involve harmful UV radiation.
Variety of Formulations: Tanning lotions come in various formulations, including creams, gels, sprays, and mousses. The choice of formulation often depends on personal preference and the desired application method.
Gradual vs. Instant: Some tanning lotions offer gradual tanning results, meaning the color develops over a few hours or days, while others provide instant color upon application. Gradual tanners are often preferred for a more natural-looking tan.
Bronzers: Many tanning lotions contain bronzers, which are instant colorants that provide an immediate tan effect. These can help users see where they've applied the lotion and offer a temporary tan while waiting for the DHA to develop.
Moisturizing Ingredients: Tanning lotions often include moisturizing ingredients to keep the skin hydrated. Dry skin can result in uneven tanning, so moisturizing is crucial for a smooth application and even color.
SPF Protection: Some tanning lotions come with added sun protection factors (SPF) to protect the skin from UV damage during outdoor activities. However, it's essential to remember that self-tanners alone do not provide sufficient protection from the sun.
Application Tips: Achieving a streak-free, natural-looking tan with tanning lotions requires proper application. Exfoliating the skin beforehand and applying the lotion evenly are essential steps for the best results.
Duration of Tan: The tan achieved with tanning lotions is temporary and typically lasts for several days. The exact duration can vary based on the product and individual skin type.
Color Options: Tanning lotions come in different shades, allowing users to choose the level of tan they desire, from a subtle glow to a deep bronze.
Test Patch: It's advisable to perform a patch test before applying a tanning lotion to the entire body, especially if you have sensitive skin or are trying a new product to ensure there are no adverse reactions.

Tanning lotions offer a safer alternative to natural sun tanning, as they help individuals achieve a tan without the risks associated with UV exposure. When using tanning lotions, it's essential to follow the product's instructions carefully to achieve the desired results and maintain healthy skin.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best tan lotions on the market

Jergens Natural Glow Sunless Tanning Lotion, Self Tanner for Skin Tone, Body Lotion for Natural Looking Tan, Medium to Tan, 10 Fl Oz

Jergens

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Giving your skin a flawless, natural looking glow can be as easy as applying your sunless tanning daily body moisturizer. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer for Body gradually delivers subtle color for a sun kissed look even when the beach is miles (or months) away. Applying at least once a day will enhance your natural skin tone within several days, and in about one week, you'll have beautiful, natural looking color. This Kao USA natural moisturizer for dry skin and body, with a blend of hydrating ingredients, antioxidants, and Vitamin E, keeps your skin nourished while it's getting its glow on. Self tanning capabilities mean hydrating your skin and enhancing deep skin tones for an optimal fake tan can go hand in hand.

SELF TANNER BODY LOTION - Create a flawless deep bronze tan with gradual, natural-looking color while nourishing and hydrating dry and extra dry skin
GRADUAL SUNLESS TANNING - Our Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer will gradually enhance and deepen your natural skin tone to provide hassle-free, streak-free color
ACHIEVE HEALTHY LOOKING SKIN - Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer for Body, featuring a blend of antioxidants and Vitamin E, helps moisturize for healthy-looking skin
FRESH SCENTED SUNLESS TANNING - Jergens Natural Glow self-tanning daily moisturizers will keep you feeling fresh with a light and fresh scent
DAILY SKIN HYDRATION - Simply use as your daily body lotion, smoothing on evenly before getting dressed. Use daily to maintain gradual color

User questions & answers

Question:	Does this start out smelling good, then turn stinky after a fee minutes on the skin
Answer:	I don't think this one smells but I do think the 8oz lotion in the tube does http://www.jergens.com/products/natural-glow/daily-moisturizer.aspxI'm about to try tan towels and banana boat has a nice tanning lotion too I've heard.
Question:	Can be for guys too? I'm tan/brown and my face is just so dry and flakes, even have random white spots. Will this help even it out
Answer:	guys could use this tanning lotion like girls do on their body (arms, legs, etc) but this bottle is not meant to put on your face it wouldn't go on evenently. Jergins makes a specific natural glow mosturizer just for your face!
Question:	When I exfoliate won't it remove all the tan so I'm back to my natural pale color and have to start over again
Answer:	exfoliate then use product. no it doesnt but it does naturally fade as time goes by. exfoliating again shouldnt change much.
Question:	I wear pretty conservative clothing and my face and neck are tanner than the rest of my body. Will this product help tan the rest of my body
Answer:	Yep, it should help out. Just apply it to where you want it.

Product features

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer for Body

Achieving a flawless, sun-kissed glow is as simple as applying your daily body lotion. A hydrating blend of ingredients, antioxidants, and Vitamin E keeps skin moisturized while enhancing your natural skin tone for subtle, streak-free color. Just apply once a day for natural-looking color even when the beach is miles (or months) away.

Available in Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan.

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Apply to clean, dry skin. For optimal color results, exfoliate with Jergens Natural Glow Color Primer Exfoliating In-Shower Body Scrub once per week prior to color application.

Step 2: Apply

Smooth onto skin as you would a normal body lotion, rubbing in circular motions. Use sparingly around dry areas like knuckles, knees, ankles, elbows, and in between fingers and toes. Wash hands immediately after application and allow formula several minutes to dry before getting dressed.

Step 3: What to Expect

Your color will start to develop over the next couple of days with daily application and you'll notice a beautiful, natural-looking glow in about one week. Use every other day to maintain your color, otherwise it will fade in about one week.

For a Gradual Glow

Daily body moisturizers that give skin a subtle, natural-looking glow in a week or less. Easy, hassle-free application, and sun-kissed, streak-free results.

Available in Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan.

For an In-Shower Glow

Daily body moisturizer that glides right onto wet skin when you're still in the shower to lock in hydration and give skin a subtle, natural-looking glow. Just pat dry and go - no wait time. Color stays on you, not your towel.

Available in Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan.

For an Instant Tan

A buildable airy mousse that instantly develops and dries in just 60 seconds, deepening to a flawless, sun-drenched tan within hours. Tinted for precise application.

Available in Light Bronze and Deep Bronze.

For a Facial Glow

Lightweight, non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer that delivers a flawless glow while hydrating and protecting with broad spectrum SPF 20. With daily use, beautiful, natural-looking color develops within one week.

Available in Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan.

Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Self Tanner, Sunless Tanner for Medium to Tan Skin Tone, Anti Cellulite Firming Body Lotion, for Natural-Looking Tan, 7.5 Ounce

Jergens

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Applying this self-tanning daily body lotion can achieve a flawless, natural looking glow and help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Daily Moisturizer for Medium to Tan, darker skin, gradually delivers subtle, streak-free color and reduces the appearance of cellulite in as little as 7 days. To enhance your natural skin tone, apply in place of your regular body moisturizer at least once daily and you'll have beautiful, natural looking color in about one week. Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING Daily Moisturizer for medium to tan skin tones improves the look of cellulite. Anti-cellulite cream visibly reduces cellulite on darker skin tones. Collagen moisturizer tightens skin and improves elasticity for optimal skin health and moisture. It is infused with a blend of collagen, elastin and polymers and spreads over skin to give it a smoother look. The moisturizer also contains a blend of hydrating ingredients and antioxidants. Your skin stays nourished while getting its glow on without the unpleasant sunless tanning odor - just a light, fresh scent.

SELF TANNER BODY LOTION - Create a flawless deep bronze tan with gradual, natural-looking color while nourishing and hydrating dry and extra dry skin
GRADUAL SUNLESS TANNING - Our Jergens Natural Glow +FIRMING moisturizer will gradually enhance and deepen your natural skin tone to provide hassle-free, streak-free color
FIRMING TAN LOTION - Infused with antioxidants and Coconut Water, Jergens +FIRMING Moisturizer’s hydrating blend of nutrients boosts moisturization for healthier looking skin and daily skin hydration
CELLULITE REMOVER - Infused with collagen, elastin, and green tea infusions, our fast-acting, anti-cellulite formula will help reduce cellulite appearance within 7 days
FRESH SCENTED SUNLESS TANNING - Jergens Natural Glow sunless tanning daily moisturizers will keep you feeling fresh with a light and fresh scent

User questions & answers

Question:	How long does it take to develop
Answer:	I am very fair and it took at least 2 applications before it became noticeable. My friend, who disclosed that this wAs the product that kept her so “healthy “ looking, suggested that I use it for three days in a row to begin, then every other day after that. Sometimes I blow it and let several days go by without using and then it almost like I have to start again.
Question:	Do the terms on the product "fair to medium" and "medium to tan" refer to your natural skin tones, or to the level of tan you will have after use
Answer:	It's the level of tan you will get after use. Good luck!
Question:	Would it be ok for the face
Answer:	I have never used it on my face. I use the jergens natural glow for faces. It would probably work on the face, but Iolive the one made just for faces.
Question:	Will it stain sheets at night if I put it on in the morning
Answer:	No. I actually put it on at night and let it work. So in the morning I shower and it washes the smell off. Just don't rub soap on your legs. I put it on, wait a couple minutes to let it dry and then go to bed. works great. Happy tanning!

Product features

Jergens Natural Glow +Firming Daily Moisturizer for Body

Achieve a flawless, natural-looking glow and reduce the appearance of cellulite in as few as 7 days. Daily application enhances the skin's natural tone to deliver subtle, streak-free color. A blend of Vitamin E and antioxidants keep skin nourished while a blend of collagen and elastin spread over skin to temporarily give a tighter, smoother look. Just apply once a day for natural-looking color even when the beach is miles (or months) away.

Available in Fair to Medium and Medium to Tan.

Step 1: Prep Your Skin

Apply to clean, dry skin. For optimal color results, exfoliate once per week prior to color application.

Step 2: Apply

Step 3: What To Expect

Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner Tanning Lotion

Tan Physics

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Type of Product: Self Tanner, Moisturizer, Anti-Aging, Sunless Tanning Welcome to a new world of tanning without the sun. Tan Physics True-Color Formula 12 is perfectly formulated to provide you with a rich and natural looking tan that will exceed even your highest expectations. Not only will it leave your skin gorgeously bronze but it is formulated with exclusive anti-aging moisturizers that hydrate, replenish, and restore your skin. Say goodbye to your favorite moisturizer. You won’t need it anymore. Tan physics is a tanner and anti-ager in 1 bottle saving you time, money and aggravation. We know that most of you have been disappointed with self tanners in the past. Remember, Tan Physics is different. It is formulated to be hydrating, forgiving and fool proof. Whether you are a pro or a beginner, Tan Physics will leave you with a natural color that must be seen to be believed. No streaks, no orange, no smell ♥ Directions: Step 1: Create a clean Canvas: To get the best, most even results, you want your skin as clean, as smooth and as exfoliated as possible so that your body can soak up all the pure ingredients in Tan Physics. We suggest that you avoid using a nylon or loofah sponge. They are too harsh for your skin and exfoliate unevenly leading to a sub-optimal tanning result. We highly suggest that you use a quality exfoliant like Tan Physics Pre-Tan Exfoliant and a wash cloth. Gently exfoliate in a circular motion paying close attention to knees, elbows, heels, tops of hands and tops of feet and anywhere else that dry skin is common. Make sure you thoroughly rinse off all shampoo, conditioner, soap, gels etc. before getting out of the shower or bath. Do not shave, wax, pluck or tweeze within 24 hours of using tan physics or the follicles and pores could end up slightly darker than the rest of your skin. Remember, the better you exfoliate and prepare your "canvas" the better, smoother and longer lasting your tan will be. Step 2: Tan, Nourish &

User questions & answers

Question:	What shade is this light or dark
Answer:	No SPF
Question:	Does tan physics have a smell
Answer:	Convenience? Caveat emptor and shop around.
Question:	How long is the shelf life? There should be a shelf life answer by the manufacturer
Answer:	The one I received is cloudy blue. Maybe the color settled to the bottom. Try shaking it?
Question:	is tan physics okay to aplly to face
Answer:	Yes. I do both