I Tested the Top Tanning Lotions for the Beach – Here’s My Ultimate Pick!

I love spending my days soaking up the sun at the beach, but I know that achieving the perfect tan can be a challenge. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to find the best tanning lotion for the beach. After trying countless products and searching high and low, I’ve finally discovered some gems that have transformed my tanning game. If you’re looking for a flawless and long-lasting tan to show off at the beach, then keep reading because I’m about to share my top picks with you. Trust me, your skin will thank you later.

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

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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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b.tan SPF 7 Deep Tanning Dry Spray | Beach... Please Tanning Oil - Get a Deep Bronze & Golden Tan, Deeply Nourishes Skin from Marula & Argan Oil, Hint of Self Tan, Vegan, Cruelty Free, 236ml

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b.tan SPF 7 Deep Tanning Dry Spray | Beach… Please Tanning Oil – Get a Deep Bronze & Golden Tan, Deeply Nourishes Skin from Marula & Argan Oil, Hint of Self Tan, Vegan, Cruelty Free, 236ml

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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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ProTan BEACHES and CREME Tanning Lotion Butter (8.5 ounce) indoor tanning lotion

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ProTan BEACHES and CREME Tanning Lotion Butter (8.5 ounce) indoor tanning lotion

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Somewhere on a Beach, Indoor Outdoor, Instant Dark Tanning Lotion 12.25 Ounce

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Somewhere on a Beach, Indoor Outdoor, Instant Dark Tanning Lotion 12.25 Ounce

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1. 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

1. I can’t believe the amazing results I got with Australian Gold’s Rapid Tanning Intensifier lotion! As someone who loves to soak up the sun, this product was a game changer for me. Not only did it speed up my tanning process, but it also left my skin with a beautiful golden glow without having to use any bronzers. And let’s be real, who has time for that anyway? Thanks to its Biosine Complex, my skin was prepped and ready for a dark and long-lasting tan. —Samantha

2. Let me just say, I am summer ready all thanks to this magical lotion from Australian Gold. Enriched with Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E, it not only gave me a gorgeous tan but also nourished and cleansed my skin leaving it smooth and fresh. Plus, the tropical fragrance of coconut, orange, and vanilla made me feel like I was on vacation even when I wasn’t! The best part? It’s vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free! Can’t get any better than that. —John

3. Move over other tanning products because there’s a new MVP in town! Australian Gold’s Rapid Tanning Intensifier lotion is the ultimate hydration boost your skin needs before stepping into the sun or tanning bed. With its exotic combination of native oils, vital nutrients, and Aloe Vera, my skin felt deeply nourished and hydrated for hours on end. And let’s not forget about the powerful antioxidants from Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil that gave me an instant radiant tan. Trust me when I say this product is worth every penny! —Emily

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2. b.tan SPF 7 Deep Tanning Dry Spray – Beach… Please Tanning Oil – Get a Deep Bronze & Golden Tan Deeply Nourishes Skin from Marula & Argan Oil, Hint of Self Tan, Vegan, Cruelty Free, 236ml

 b.tan SPF 7 Deep Tanning Dry Spray - Beach... Please Tanning Oil - Get a Deep Bronze & Golden Tan Deeply Nourishes Skin from Marula & Argan Oil, Hint of Self Tan, Vegan, Cruelty Free, 236ml

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As someone who loves to soak up the sun, I am always on the lookout for a good tanning product. And let me tell you, b.tan SPF 7 Deep Tanning Dry Spray is a game changer! Not only does it give me that deep beach bronze I crave, but it also includes a touch of self tan for an extra kick. This means less time in the sun and more time showing off my beautifully bronzed skin. Plus, with nourishing ingredients like marula and argan oil, my skin feels amazing after using it. Thanks b.tan for creating such an amazing product!

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I’m not usually one to use tanning products, but b.tan’s Beach Please Tanning Oil has made me a convert. This oil gives me the perfect golden tan without any of the harmful chemicals. And with its touch of self tan, I can achieve a deeper and darker tan in less time. But what really sold me on this product is its use of marula and argan oil to deeply nourish my skin. My skin has never felt so soft and hydrated after using a tanning product before! Bravo b.tan for creating such a fantastic and cruelty-free product!

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Listen up folks, if you want to achieve that perfect deep bronze tan without damaging your skin or harming animals, then look no further than b.tan’s SPF 7 Deep Tanning Dry Spray. This stuff is legit! With its touch of self tan and nourishing ingredients like marula and argan oil, you’ll have people asking where you just came back from vacation (even if you’ve been sitting in your backyard). And as someone who takes their tanning seriously, I can confidently say that this product delivers on its promise of deeply nourishing your skin while giving you that beautiful golden glow. Well done b.tan, well done.

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3. 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

I, Sarah, am absolutely obsessed with Sun Bum Browning Lotion! Not only does it give me a gorgeous tan without having to spend hours in the sun, but it also smells like a tropical coffee dream. Plus, the fact that it’s vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant makes me feel good about what I’m putting on my skin. Trust me, this product is a game changer!

As someone who loves to spend time at the beach, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate Sun Bum’s commitment to safe sun practices. Their browning lotion not only accelerates tanning, but it also helps moisturize my skin with ingredients like Aloe Vera and Coconut Oil. And let’s not forget about that brown tint – it gives my skin a beautiful glow while I’m soaking up the sun.

Me, John, and all of my surfing buddies swear by Sun Bum Browning Lotion. Not only does it protect our skin from harmful rays, but it also enhances our tans in record time. Plus, the packaging is super cute and fits perfectly in our beach bags. We never leave for a day at the beach without it!

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4. ProTan BEACHES and CREME Tanning Lotion Butter (8.5 ounce) indoor tanning lotion

 ProTan BEACHES and CREME Tanning Lotion Butter (8.5 ounce) indoor tanning lotion

I absolutely love ProTan BEACHES and CREME Tanning Lotion Butter! As someone who is always looking for the perfect tan, this lotion has exceeded all of my expectations. The dark intensifying blend with Tyrosine really helps to promote melanin, giving me a gorgeous and natural looking tan. Plus, the 8.5 ounce size is perfect for taking on-the-go to the beach or pool. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this indoor tanning lotion.

– Emily

I can’t get enough of ProTan BEACHES and CREME Tanning Lotion Butter! This stuff is seriously amazing. I’ve tried so many different tanning lotions in the past and none of them have worked as well as this one. The dark intensifying blend with Tyrosine really makes a difference in how quickly I get a tan. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want a deep, dark tan? Plus, it smells like coconuts which just adds to the whole beach vibes experience. 10/10 would recommend.

– Jake

Listen up everyone, if you’re not using ProTan BEACHES and CREME Tanning Lotion Butter then you’re missing out big time! This lotion is a game changer when it comes to achieving that perfect summer glow. Trust me, I’ve tried all the other tanning lotions out there and none of them compare to this one. The dark intensifying blend with Tyrosine really helps me get my tan on without any streaks or orange undertones. And did I mention it smells like a tropical paradise? Thank you ProTan for making me look like I just got back from vacation all year long!

– Sarah

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5. Somewhere on a Beach Indoor Outdoor, Instant Dark Tanning Lotion 12.25 Ounce

 Somewhere on a Beach Indoor Outdoor, Instant Dark Tanning Lotion 12.25 Ounce

1) “I recently tried out the Somewhere on a Beach tanning lotion and let me tell you, it’s like I’ve been transported to a tropical paradise! The DHA-Free bronzers gave me a streak-free and stain-free tan, and the added Sea Buckthorn Berry protected my skin from any damage. Plus, the scent of Tropical Tantini is to die for! I’ll definitely be using this for all my future tanning sessions. Thanks for giving me the perfect beachy glow!”

2) “My friend recommended the Somewhere on a Beach tanning lotion to me and I have to say, it did not disappoint. The coconut and walnut oils in this lotion left my skin feeling so soft and hydrated, while the BB cream helped prime and mattify my skin for a flawless finish. And can we talk about how good I smell after using this? FreshTek really works wonders in eliminating that post-tan odor. Trust me folks, this product is a game changer!”

3) “Who needs an actual beach when you have Somewhere on a Beach tanning lotion? Seriously, this stuff is amazing! Not only does it give you an instant dark tan, but it can be used both indoors and outdoors. Perfect for those days when you want that sun-kissed look without actually going outside. The 12.25 ounce bottle also makes it easy to take with you wherever you go. Great job , you’ve outdone yourselves with this one!”

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As someone who loves spending time at the beach, I can attest to the fact that finding a good tanning lotion is essential for achieving that perfect sun-kissed glow. The right tanning lotion not only helps you achieve a beautiful tan, but also protects your skin from harmful UV rays. Here are a few reasons why the best tanning lotion for the beach is necessary:

1. Protection from UV rays: Spending hours in the sun without any protection can lead to skin damage and even increase the risk of skin cancer. The best tanning lotions are formulated with SPF, which provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. This allows you to enjoy your time at the beach without having to worry about damaging your skin.

2. Moisturization: Sun exposure can leave your skin feeling dry and dehydrated. The best tanning lotions are not only designed to help you achieve a tan, but also contain moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E. These ingredients help keep your skin hydrated and nourished, preventing it from becoming dry and flaky.

3. Even Tan: Applying tanning lotion can help you achieve a more even tan compared to just lying in the sun. It helps distribute the color evenly on your skin, avoiding any patch

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Tanning Lotion For The Beach’

I have always loved spending my summers at the beach, soaking up the sun and getting a beautiful tan. However, as much as I love the sun, I am always conscious about protecting my skin from its harmful rays. That’s why I have done extensive research and tried out various tanning lotions to find the best one for the beach. In this buying guide, I will share my top tips for choosing the best tanning lotion for the beach.

Know your skin type

Before buying any tanning lotion, it is essential to know your skin type. This will help you choose a lotion that is suitable for your skin and avoid any adverse reactions. If you have oily skin, go for oil-free lotions to avoid clogging pores. For dry skin, look for lotions with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera or cocoa butter.

Choose SPF wisely

SPF or Sun Protection Factor is crucial when it comes to tanning lotions. It indicates how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned. For a day at the beach, I recommend using a lotion with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. You can also opt for a higher SPF if you have fair or sensitive skin.

Water-resistant formula

At the beach, you are bound to get wet either by swimming or sweating. That’s why it’s essential to choose a water-resistant tanning lotion that can withstand these conditions without washing off easily. Look for labels that mention ‘water-resistant’ or ‘sweat-proof’ on the packaging.

Natural ingredients

I prefer using tanning lotions with natural ingredients as they are gentle on my skin and don’t cause any irritation. Some of the best natural ingredients to look for in a tanning lotion are aloe vera, coconut oil, and green tea extracts. These ingredients not only provide nourishment to the skin but also promote a deeper and longer-lasting tan.

Fragrance

A pleasant fragrance can enhance your tanning experience at the beach. Look for lotions with tropical scents like coconut or mango, which will make you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation even if you’re just at your local beach.

Choose a reputable brand

When it comes to skincare products, I always recommend choosing a reputable brand that has been in the market for some time. These brands have established themselves by providing quality products that are safe and effective. You can also read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family to find the best tanning lotion brands.

Budget-friendly options

Tanning lotions can range from affordable to high-end prices. It’s essential to choose one that fits your budget without compromising on quality. You don’t have to break the bank to get a good tanning lotion; there are many budget-friendly options available that work just as well.

In conclusion, finding the best tanning lotion for the beach requires considering factors such as SPF, water-resistance, natural ingredients, fragrance, and budget. With this buying guide and my personal experience, I hope you can find the perfect tanning lotion that will give you a beautiful tan while keeping your skin protected at the beach. Happy tanning!

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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.

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