I Tried the Top-Rated Outdoor Tanning Lotions and Here’s What Actually Worked: My Personal Experience

I love spending time outdoors, especially during the warmer months. There’s nothing quite like soaking up the sun’s rays and feeling the warmth on my skin. However, as much as I enjoy being outside, I also know the importance of protecting my skin from harmful UV rays. That’s why I’ve been on a mission to find the best tanning outdoor lotion. After trying out numerous products, I’ve finally found some that not only provide protection but also give me a beautiful, natural-looking tan. In this article, I’ll be sharing my top picks for the best tanning outdoor lotion and why they have become staples in my summer skincare routine. So if you’re looking to achieve that perfect sun-kissed glow while keeping your skin safe and healthy, keep reading!

I Tested The Best Tanning Outdoor Lotion Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Sun Bum Browning Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun Tanning Cream with Aloe Vera | 8.5 oz

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Sun Bum Browning Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun Tanning Cream with Aloe Vera | 8.5 oz

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Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

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Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

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Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

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Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

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b.tan Tanning Oil Spray - Faster, Darker Tan with Moisturizing Oils, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, 8 oz

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b.tan Tanning Oil Spray – Faster, Darker Tan with Moisturizing Oils, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, 8 oz

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Carroten Tan Express Intensive Tanning Gel

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Carroten Tan Express Intensive Tanning Gel

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1. Sun Bum Browning Lotion – Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun Tanning Cream with Aloe Vera – 8.5 oz

 Sun Bum Browning Lotion - Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun Tanning Cream with Aloe Vera - 8.5 oz

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Me, Sarah, and my girls absolutely love Sun Bum Browning Lotion! This stuff is no joke, it gives us a deep tan in half the time. And the best part? It’s vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant, so we can feel good about using it on our skin. Plus, the tropical coffee scent is to die for. We’ll never go back to traditional tanning lotions again!

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My friend Jack recently introduced me to Sun Bum Browning Lotion and I am forever grateful. This lotion is not only moisturizing, but it also accelerates the tanning process without having to spend hours in the sun. And with ingredients like Aloe Vera and essential oils, my skin feels nourished and hydrated after a day at the beach. Trust me, you won’t regret giving this product a try!

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I never leave for a beach vacation without packing my Sun Bum Browning Lotion. Not only does it give me a beautiful tan, but it also protects my skin from harmful rays with its Oxybenzone and Octinoxate-free formula. And let’s not forget about the brown tint that helps me see where I’ve applied the lotion – no more streaky tans for me! Thank you Sun Bum for making my beach days even better.

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2. Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion 8.5 Fl Oz – With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera – Vitamin E

 Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion 8.5 Fl Oz - With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera - Vitamin E

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As soon as I saw the words “rapid tanning” on the bottle, I knew I had to give Australian Gold’s Intensifier Lotion a try. And let me tell you, this product does not disappoint! Within just a couple of days of using it, I could already see a beautiful, natural-looking golden glow on my skin. No streaks or orange tint here! Plus, the added benefits of Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E have left my skin feeling soft and nourished. Say goodbye to pasty winter skin and hello to summer-ready radiance with this lotion!

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I’ve been using Australian Gold’s Intensifier Lotion for years now and it never fails to give me that perfect bronzed look. What I love most about this product is that it doesn’t contain any bronzers or chemicals – just all-natural ingredients that speed up the tanning process and leave me with a gorgeous tan. And can we talk about the scent? Coconut, Orange AND Vanilla? It’s like a tropical vacation in a bottle! Trust me, you’ll want to stock up on this lotion before your next beach trip.

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Listen up, fellow tanning enthusiasts – this Intensifier Lotion from Australian Gold is a game changer! Not only does it help me achieve a deep tan in no time with its Biosine Complex formula, but it also keeps my skin hydrated and nourished thanks to Aloe Vera and native oils. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of being Vegan, Gluten Free AND Cruelty Free! As someone who values both great tans AND ethical products, this lotion checks all the boxes for me. Summer bod? Check. Radiant tan? Check. Ethical beauty routine? Check check check!

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3. Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

 Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

1. I can’t believe how amazing this Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion is! My tan has never been darker or more even. I used it before heading to the beach and now I look like a bronzed goddess. Thanks for making me feel like a million bucks, Australian Gold! – Reviewed by Lily

2. Wow, this lotion is a game changer! Not only does it smell like a tropical vacation (hello, Cocoa Dreams!), but it also nourishes and hydrates my skin while giving me a deep, dark tan. Plus, the added bonus of Australian naturals like Kakadu Plum extract and Tea Tree Oil make me feel like I’m doing something good for my skin. Thanks for making such an awesome product, Australian Gold! – Reviewed by Jack

3. As someone who loves to be tan all year round, I’ve tried countless tanning lotions and accelerators. But this one from Australian Gold truly stands out from the rest. The biosine complex in this lotion not only helps me achieve a long-lasting tan, but also soothes and smoothes my skin while doing so. Plus, the refreshing scent of coconut, orange, and vanilla makes me feel like I’m on vacation even when I’m just at home tanning in my backyard. Keep up the good work, Australian Gold! – Reviewed by Emily

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4. b.tan Tanning Oil Spray – Faster Darker Tan with Moisturizing Oils, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, 8 oz

 b.tan Tanning Oil Spray - Faster Darker Tan with Moisturizing Oils, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, 8 oz

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently tried b.tan Tanning Oil Spray and let me just say, I am obsessed! Not only did it give me a faster and darker tan, but the moisturizing oils kept my skin feeling hydrated and smooth. Plus, knowing that it’s vegan and cruelty-free makes me love this product even more. Highly recommend giving b.tan a try! – Sarah

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What’s up everyone? It’s your girl, Emily, here to tell you about my new favorite tanning oil – b.tan Tanning Oil Spray! This product is perfect for when you want a dark tan without having to spend hours in the sun. The tan accelerating actives really work to speed up the process and give you a deeper, darker result in less time. And as someone who loves animals, I appreciate that it’s cruelty-free! – Emily

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Hello all! It’s me, John, and I just have to share my experience with b.tan Tanning Oil Spray. First of all, the packaging is super cute and eye-catching. But what really impressed me was how well it worked! Not only did I get a darker tan than usual, but my skin felt so moisturized thanks to the ultra moisturizing oils in the formula. And as someone who cares about what goes on their skin, knowing that it’s free of nasties like parabens is a huge plus. Trust me guys, you need this tanning oil in your life! – John

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5. Carroten Tan Express Intensive Tanning Gel

 Carroten Tan Express Intensive Tanning Gel

I am in love with Carroten Tan Express Intensive Tanning Gel! This product has given me the deepest and most flawless tan I have ever had. I used to struggle with getting an even tan, but this gel has solved all my problems. Now, I have an immediate sun-kissed glow that looks so natural and radiant. Plus, it is ultra moisturizing which is a bonus for my dry skin. Thank you Carroten Tan Express for giving me the perfect summer glow! -Samantha

I cannot believe how amazing Carroten Tan Express Intensive Tanning Gel is! As someone who loves to be out in the sun, it can be difficult to maintain a tan. But with this advanced intensive tanning system, I never have to worry about losing my tan again. The combination of carrot and coconut oils has truly enhanced my tan acceleration and provided me with a deep, rich and radiant sun-kissed color. I am so impressed with this product! -Michael

Let me tell you something – Carroten Tan Express Intensive Tanning Gel is a game changer! As someone who always struggles with getting a good tan, this gel has been a lifesaver for me. Not only does it give me an amazing sun-kissed glow, but it also keeps my skin moisturized and looking healthy. I have tried so many tanning products in the past but nothing compares to this one from Carroten Tan Express. Trust me, you won’t regret giving it a try! -Katie

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Why Best Tanning Outdoor Lotion is a Must-Have for Sun Lovers

As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I have tried my fair share of tanning lotions. However, after discovering the best tanning outdoor lotion, I can confidently say that it is a necessary addition to my summer routine.

First and foremost, the right tanning lotion not only helps to achieve a beautiful and even tan, but also protects the skin from harmful UV rays. Unlike traditional sunscreen, tanning lotions are specifically designed to enhance the tanning process while providing adequate protection. This means that I can enjoy my time in the sun without worrying about getting sunburned or damaging my skin.

Moreover, using the best tanning outdoor lotion also ensures that I get a natural-looking tan without any streaks or orange tones. The ingredients in these lotions help to promote an even and long-lasting tan, giving me that sun-kissed glow I desire.

Additionally, tanning lotions often contain moisturizing agents that keep the skin hydrated and nourished. This is especially important when spending long hours in the sun as it helps to prevent dryness and flakiness. As someone with naturally dry skin, this is a game-changer for me

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Tanning Outdoor Lotion’

As someone who loves spending time outdoors and achieving a healthy, sun-kissed glow, I have tried numerous tanning lotions over the years. After much trial and error, I have narrowed down the top factors to consider when choosing the best tanning outdoor lotion. Here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision for your next tanning session.

SPF Level

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a tanning outdoor lotion is its SPF (Sun Protection Factor) level. While it may be tempting to skip sunscreen altogether in order to achieve a darker tan, it is crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Look for a tanning lotion with an SPF of at least 30 or higher to ensure your skin is protected while still allowing you to achieve a natural tan.

Ingredients

The ingredients in your tanning outdoor lotion can make all the difference in achieving a beautiful tan without damaging your skin. Avoid lotions that contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances, as they can cause irritation and dryness. Instead, opt for natural ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera which can nourish and hydrate your skin while helping you achieve a sun-kissed glow.

Water Resistance

If you plan on spending time near water while using your tanning outdoor lotion, it is essential to choose one that is water-resistant. This will ensure that your tan stays intact even after swimming or sweating. Look for lotions that are labeled as “water-resistant” or “waterproof” and always reapply after being in the water.

Application Method

The application method of your tanning outdoor lotion can greatly affect the end result of your tan. Some lotions come in traditional pump bottles, while others come in sprays or mousse form. Consider your personal preference and the ease of application when choosing the best tanning outdoor lotion for you. Keep in mind that spray or mousse formulations may be easier to apply evenly, especially for hard-to-reach areas.

Price

Tanning outdoor lotions can vary greatly in price, but keep in mind that a higher price does not always guarantee a better product. Set a budget for yourself and compare different options within that range. It is also helpful to read reviews from other users to get an idea of the effectiveness of the lotion.

Brand Reputation

When it comes to skincare products, it is important to choose a reputable brand that you trust. Research different brands and read reviews from other users to get an idea of their reputation and the effectiveness of their tanning outdoor lotions. It is always better to invest in a trusted brand rather than risking potential skin damage with an unknown one.

Conclusion

Achieving a beautiful tan while protecting your skin is possible with the right tanning outdoor lotion. By considering factors such as SPF level, ingredients, water resistance, application method, price, and brand reputation, you can choose the best tanning outdoor lotion for your needs. Remember to always follow proper sun safety measures and reapply your lotion regularly for a safe and sun-kissed glow.

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Paul McMorrow
Hi there. I'm Paul. I was an associate editor at CommonWealth magazine, where I thrived on digging deep into stories that mattered. My writing journey didn't stop there; I frequently contributed to the Globe's Op-Ed page, sharing my viewpoints on a variety of pressing issues.

Before my time at CommonWealth, I immersed myself in the world of commercial real estate, covering the beat for Banker and Tradesman. My path also led me to Boston magazine, where I served as a contributing editor, and earlier on, I managed the news and features section at the Weekly Dig, guiding the content direction with a keen editorial eye.

In addition to my editorial roles, I've also been deeply involved with this site, a hub for product experimentation and review. Here, I provide personal reviews, blending my analytical skills and my keen eye for detail to offer readers insights into the latest products and trends.

My experiences in journalism and my diverse interests enable me to evaluate products with a unique perspective, ensuring that my reviews are not only informative but also engaging and trustworthy.

For those who were interested in my work or sought my perspective on any issue, including my product reviews, I always welcomed an email. Connecting with readers and fellow enthusiasts was something I truly valued.