The Best Outdoor Tanning Lotions, From Fast Tans to All-Day Wear

For those who are either on a tight schedule or want to go a couple of shades darker in a rush, our top pick is Black Chocolate from the Brown Sugar collection by Tan Inc., which claims to take a regular tanning session up by 200 times in efficiency. While we didn’t test that claim to its full extent, the fast tanning results are indeed apparent, especially for those who don’t have extremely sensitive skin but have a tough time making that bronze sun-kissed color stick to their skin. And the amazing summer aroma makes us want to put it on after sunset and a shower too.

PROS

• Super fast tan without the burn
• Preserves color and prevents skin flaking
• Heavenly scent

CONS

• Needs to be applied several times a day
• Not recommended for long sun exposure
• May dry skin slightly, depending on skin type and exposure time

This sinfully soft lotion comes in at number two on our list because it does the fast tanning job while keeping the skin relatively protected and fresh. With all of its sinful properties and some stellar reviews by others, this has to be our pick for the best outdoor tanning lotion to get dark fast. While overexposure isn’t recommended with any of the lotions in this particular category, this one offers a little added protection by doubling as a berry-scented moisturizer. Triple the tan, double the pleasure!

PROS

• Super fast tan
• Fast tanning and moisturizer in one
• Lovely bronze color, even after just one application

CONS

• Needs to be applied several times per day
• Not ideal for longer sun exposure
• Somewhat slower than other fast tanning lotions

For those headed for a beach destination vacation who have just a couple of weeks to get a tan, do some sightseeing, and rest up before going back to work, this may very well be the best tanning lotion for beach goers. Not only is this lotion packed with natural and organic ingredients that improve tanning, like olive oil and green tea, but it also contains no parabens, no petrolatum and is GMO-free. We mentioned the importance of vitamin D for the body and the fact that overexposure to UV rays, especially for those not used to a lot of it. This lotion, literally, has you covered on all fronts and provides natural anti-fungal, anti-bacterial properties, all through natural elements, keeping the vitamin D in and harmful amounts of UV rays out.

PROS

• All natural ingredients
• Adequate protection
• Fast tanning

CONS

• Needs to be applied several times
• Not recommended for all-day exposure
• May turn solid in the packaging and needs to be melted in warm water before application

AZ

Admittedly, we were a little skeptical about this one. Because, you know, not everyone is a fan of the whole coconut thing. But the coconut scent isn’t nearly as overbearing as we expected it to be and the reason the lotion bears the name is that there are actual, honest-to-goodness coconut oil and coconut milk in it. Both are notoriously good for the skin and great for improving bronzing. With added elements that we can barely pronounce, like quad tyrosine and melanobronze, these all stimulate melanin production in the skin to accelerate tanning. At least one of those also leaves the skin super soft, so we’re happy to recommend it and, compared to other similar lotions, this one comes at a fraction of the average price.

PROS

• Enhanced fast tanning using natural agents and the skin’s own melanin
• Provides a natural, even tan
• Leaves the skin soft and hydrated

CONS

• Mild coconut scent that might bother those who aren’t fans of it
• Should be reapplied every couple of hours

Long Exposure Tanning Lotions

People who work outdoors or tend to spend most of their free time outdoors don’t need enhanced, fast tanning and they know it. What these people are looking for is to protect their skin while keeping their tan even, bronze, and well-preserved. There are countless lotions out there that claim to do all of the above, but very few pass the test of a full day out in the sun. Here are a few that passed with flying (bronze) colors.

This is a long-time favorite of people who spend a lot of time outdoors and, after trying a few others that claim to do the same thing, Reimann’s P20 still took the top slot on this list. This is a very simple, barely scented lotion that does exactly what it’s supposed to – protects the skin for up to 10 hours after just one application. It’s waterproof, smooth, durable, and offers an even tan while keeping skin from burning or other damage due to overexposure. Safe for both adults and kids, it’s a winner for most families and hikers. For those looking for the best outdoor tanning lotion for pale skin, this is by far your best pick. Users with fair skin not only stand behind it with raving reviews, but some of them have gotten a solid, even tan for the first time – minus the burn.

PROS

• Unquestionably waterproof
• Safe day-long protection
• For all skin types, including very sensitive and pale

CONS

• No fast tanning on the go
• Almost neutral scent
• Bulky packaging

We bring you the entire Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen collection and not just a single tanning lotion. The brand is an expert in all things tanning-related, so they have formulated several products that are just right for lots of hours spent in the sun and even for the most sensitive skin. While we have selected to feature their SPF 50 Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray, there are also SPF 30 and other variants of the spray, allowing everyone to choose the right fit. The product can be used by both adults and children, and is waterproof, sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The lotion is also free of parabens, oil, while it’s hypoallergenic and appropriate for vegans. This is the ideal combination for those who would like to get a solid tan with the best outdoor tanning lotion for fair skin.

PROS

• Great for sensitive or pale skin
• Tanning and high protection in one
• Practical spray on application

CONS

• Needs to be applied several times over the day
• Not recommended for all-day exposure
• Water-resistant for only 80 minutes

Jack Black Sunguard Sunscreen is just one of a slew of products from A Jack Black sunscreen line that was obviously created for people who spend plenty of time in the great outdoors. Although the entire line is clearly intended more for men, the oil-free and very water-resistant outdoor tanning lotion is equally fitting for women who prefer to spend long days out in the sun. The lotion is very lightweight, non-greasy, non-sticky and only requires one or two applications throughout the day. Perfect for those who have other things to think about while they’re outdoors.

PROS

• Non-greasy, non-sticky – perfect for those who don’t like lotions!
• Highly waterproof
• Day-long, vitamin-enriched protection

CONS

• Leaves a filmy residue
• Takes a while to absorb and needs to be applied 15 or more minutes before any outdoor activity
• Difficult to wash out

This is the only name-brand outdoor tanning lotion that made it onto this list, and with reason. Neutrogena’s Ultra Dry Touch Sunscreen really gets the job done and without much fuss. The lotion is lightweight, perfectly appropriate for all skin types, men and women, adults and children. It also includes some new fancy technology that we can’t remember how to pronounce, but that makes sure the stuff gets under the skin and protect it, while allowing just the perfect amount of rays to penetrate for a nice, even, healthy tan over time.

PROS

• Fast-absorbing and lightweight
• Leaves no residue and blends into all skin colors perfectly
• Waterproof and appropriate for all skin types

CONS

• Small packaging
• Needs to be reapplied several times for all-day exposure
• Not ideal for the face