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With summer here, it’s time to flaunt glowing and tanned skin. So, we have compiled a list of the best tingle tanning lotions that can give you a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow. These lotions give you a deeper and more even tan by hastening the tanning process, so you won’t have to spend too much time under the sun for the desired results. They are also enriched with beneficial ingredients that moisturize and nourish the skin.
With various options available, choosing a suitable lotion for your skin type may be challenging. So, learn more about the features and pros and cons of each tanning product listed below. Choose one to enjoy a streak-free, polished look.
Top Picks
Benefits Of Using Tingle Tanning Lotion
- The foremost benefit is that it hastens the process of tanning with a very natural approach. It increases the production of melanin by increasing the blood flow to skin, so you are able to achieve a natural tan.
- It reduces your exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun. It also ensures you get a streak-free tan.
- They are moisturizing in nature as most of these tanning lotions contain moisturizing agents like vitamin E and shea butter, which also fight the aging process. This also helps to keep your tan nice and even.
- Tingle tanning lotions make your skin feel soft and supple and so the tan remains for a long time. Some come with tattoo color shield technology to protect your tattoos.
- Many experienced tanners feel that tingle lotions offer a spa-like experience and are very relaxing.
- Tingle tanning lotions are very effective on hard to tan areas such as one’s legs.
21 Best Tingle Tanning Lotions
1. Best Organic: Beauty By Earth Self Tanner
Image: Beauty By Earth If it’s time to hit the beach or go for a swim or on a cruise, but your pale skin is holding you back, this is the tanning product for you. It contains organic shea butter, green tea extract, and coconut oil, aloe vera leaf juice, DHA, pomegranate extract, witch hazel extract, cranberry fruit extract, jojoba seed oil, argan oil, radish root ferment filtrate, and vanilla fruit extract.
The dermatologically tested tanner contains no parabens, phthalates, and chemical-based active ingredients that can be absorbed by your skin. Get ready to get a beautiful tan without streaks, dark spots, orange color, or blotches. This video by a tester will help you make an informed decision about this natural bronzer.
Pros
- Helps prevent breakouts
- Hydrates skin
- Contains protective non-nano minerals
- Gluten- and fragrance-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
- Gives you a tan without sun damage
Cons
- May transfer to fabrics
- May have an orange tint
"I am impressed by the way this tanner gives me a nice glow. It may leave an orange hue if not allowed to dry completely. It has a slightly thick consistency, but the result it offers is worth it."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 18,710 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
2. Best Alcohol-Free:Brown Sugar Double Dark Black Chocolate Hot Tingle Bronzer
Image: Brown Sugar The Brown Sugar tingle bronzer is available in lotion form and is suitable for all skin types. It is infused with a blend of coconut and avocado that nourishes the skin. With a 400x black chocolate impact, it imparts a rich chocolaty tan and is made in small batches for maximum effect. This tingle tanning lotion with a soothing fragrance is all you need for a flawless tan in the comfort of your home.
Pros
- Refreshing
- Has a softening effect
- Feels lightweight
- Alcohol-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for first-time users
- May not be suitable for extremely sensitive skin
3. Best Natural Looking: Dolce Vita The Sicilian 200X Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion
Image: Dolce Vita This deep, dark bronzing blend has very high levels of DHA along with a self-tanner, moisturizer, and antioxidants to let you attain a natural-looking tan. It contains silicone, which softens your skin and extends your tan, and walnut and macadamia nut oils to give you a natural bronze tan and softer skin.
Also, the acai berry infused into the tanner offers potent antioxidant benefits and boosts melanin for a quicker, darker, and longer-lasting tan. Further, this skincare with Co-Q10 may help boost the production of collagen for younger, healthier-looking skin. The after-tan odor eliminator keeps you smelling fresh.
Pros
- Can be used on tanning and non-tanning days
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Suitable for all skin types
- Promotes skin health
- Helps in creating an instant dark bronze tan look
Cons
- May require time to absorb
- May be slightly drying
"I was attracted to the immediate result this tanning lotion offered me. Next, I felt the color was more intense than tan, though thankfully, it was not orange. I would suggest this one if you want intense and immediate results."
CautionWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 4,607 positive reviews on Amazon.
Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Best Organic | Brown Sugar Double Dark Black Chocolate Hot Tingle Bronzer Best Alcohol-Free | Dolce Vita The Sicilian 200X Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion Best Natural Looking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | All, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal | All |
| Dimensions | 2 x 2 x 7 inches | 2 x 2 x 7 inches | - |
| Weight | 8 Ounces | 8 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 18,710 | - | 4,607 |
| Price | $32.91 | - | $32.95 |
4. Best For Advanced Tanners: Onyx Hot Action Original Tingle Bronzer
Image: Onyx Achieve a flawless dark tan with the Onyx Hot Action, which is ideal for advanced tanners. This professional hot tingle tanning lotion instantly tans the skin with a tingling feeling and provides visible results. It is a blend of natural ingredients with hydrating properties, thus leaving the skin smooth and nourished. This professional-grade hot, tingle bronzer generates a warming feeling in the skin to tan it instantly with no stains and streaks. The tanning bed lotion is not tested on animals and is free of parabens, SLES, and SLS.
Pros
- Makes the skin soft
- Provides a sizzling tingle effect
- Suitable for tanning beds
- Offers a dark tan
- Tolerable tingle factor
- Quality screw cap and foil seal
Cons
- Some may find the smell intense
- May not be easy to apply due to the watery consistency
"I am impressed by this product's ability to maintain my medium tan. The post-tan redness and itchiness can be slightly inconvenient, but it's bearable and fades as my tan develops. It's my go-to tanning lotion now, and I find it a good alternative to some expensive options."
5. Best For Dark Tan: Ed Hardy Obnoxious Extreme Bronzing Tingle Tanning Lotion
Image: Ed Hardy The bronzing formula of this tingle tanning lotion takes tanning to the next level with an extremely hot powerful tingle. This formula contains natural hemp seed oil which moisturizes and softens the skin, giving you a dark tan, and mangosteen, which provides antioxidants to help slow down the aging process of your skin. It’s also infused with vitamins C and E, which moisturize and repair dry and damaged skin.
The tingle formula of this tanning lotion causes immediate reddening and warming of the skin and has dark bronzers in it. The bronzers are both natural and cosmetic, which means that your tan will continue to deepen till hours later. You may check out this review video for a better understanding of this product.
Pros
- Delivers delayed bronzing results
- Moisturizes and nourishes skin
- Emits a pleasant mango fragrance
- Can be used as a tan enhancer
Cons
- May not suit first-time tanners
- May stain your hands
"I love the aroma of this tanning lotion and the way it tans my body. I noticed that it is even more beneficial for those with a base tan. Though it isn’t my favorite, I would still use it again."
6. Best For Dry Skin: Dolce Vita Bella Black 100X Black Bronzer Dark Tanning Lotion
Image: Dolce Vita This amazing tanning lotion is designed for those who want to enjoy bronzed skin without overexposure to the sun. Its lightweight and smooth formula is easy to apply for visible results and suitable for all skin types so everyone can enjoy an even, streak-free tan. The intense tanning lotion is enriched with silicone and banana fruit extract that hydrate and soften the skin for instant and deep long-lasting tan results. The two ingredients also help restore and repair dry skin for an even tanned look. Safe and effective, this professional-grade DHA bronzer also contains Co-Q10 that boosts the production of collagen.
Pros
- Delivers quick results
- Suitable for everyday use
- Helps deliver delayed tanning results
- Comes in a shrink-wrapped bottle to reduce exposure
- Gives your skin an irresistible chocolatey look
Cons
- May not suitable for indoor use
- May not protect skin from sunburn
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,542 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
7. Best Intense Tanning: Ed Hardy Body Shots Double Shot Tanovations Dark Tanning Lotion
Image: Ed Hardy Try this tingle tanning lotion for the most intense tanning experience with higher amounts of DHA, silicone, bronzers, and double the heat. It produces deep and dark, immediate and progressive bronzing results for an instant as well as a delayed tan. The quad tyrosine blend and melanobronze increase the formation of melanin to quicken the tanning process. Advanced matrixyl synthe 6 tightens and tones the skin. Melactiva acts as a melanin synthesizer for darker, and longer-lasting results. With several positive reviews, this product also prolongs the life and brightness of your tattoos, and has a refreshing citrus fragrance.
Pros
- Locks in tanning result for a long period of time
- Strong tingle effect
- Firms skin and reduces cellulite appearance
- Made of organic ingredients
- Suitable for medium deep skin tone
Cons
- May not suit first-time tanners
- May not be suitable for the face
"I like the natural-looking tan this tingle tanning lotion offers. Though it is slightly thick, it spreads easily. And just a tiny amount helps me achieve the desired tanning effect. It is even more effective when paired with a bronzer."
Do remember8. Best Long-Lasting: Designer Skin Dark Tanning Lotion
Image: Designer Skin The Designer Skin dark tanning lotion with bronzer is formulated for medium deep skin tone and gives an impressive bronzing effect. It is a tingle or hot sensation lotion with a pleasing fragrance that keeps the skin smelling good with a breathable formulation. The bronzer cum tanning lotion can be used once or twice a week and it comes in a stylish screw-open bottle.
Pros
- Leaves the skin feeling soft and supple
- Deep long-lasting tan effect
- Gluten-free formulation
- Travel-friendly bottle
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin type
"This lotion offers a deep tan color. On the whole, it is ideal if you can handle a tingle. For effective results, I recommend shaking the bottle before applying the product."
9. Best Bronzer-Free: Devoted Creations White 2 Bronze Tingle Tanning Lotion
Image: Devoted Creations The White 2 bronzer from Devoted Creations is one of the best darkening lotions that comes in the capacity of 8.2 oz. With a pleasing fragrance of rain-kissed leaves, the tingle tanning lotion keeps your skin feeling fresh and pleasant-smelling. The bronzer-free formula targets melanin formation for tanning results with a flawless finish.
Pros
- Leaves the skin three shades darker
- Melanin enhancer
- Blended with multiple accelerators
- Fast tanning results
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Some may find the tingle a little intense
"The tingle sensation this product produces can be intense for beginners, but for me, it is just right, and it delivers the right tan I want. Its creamy texture ensures easy application. I recommend this tanning lotion if you are looking for quick results."
10. Best Anti-Aging: Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Dark Tanning Lotion
Image: Tanning Paradise The tanning lotion has dark tanning activators and intensifiers that give your skin a golden tan without the use of DHA or bronzing agents. Multiple dark tan activators and melanin enhancers help you achieve a darker, longer-lasting tan. Coconut milk, coconut butter, and cocoa oil give rich hydration to your skin, keeping it soft and smooth. Formulated with anti-aging and firming properties, it not only provides the perfect tropical tan, but also tightens, tones, and protects your skin. This professional-grade product also prolongs the life and brightness of your tattoos and prevents them from fading.
Pros
- Stimulates tyrosine for even color production
- Can accelerate tanning process upon application
- Cruelty-free
- Perfect for indoor and outdoor
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- May not suit existing tanned skin
- May not moisturize skin
"I love the smell of this tanning lotion. The product offers a subtle yet striking golden effect with no orange hues, glitter, or stains."
Do remember11. Best Cruelty-Free:Just Nutritive Tanning Indoor Lotion
Image: Just Nutritive This indoor tingle tanning lotion not only enhances your tan but also prolongs it. It also protects your tattoo so that it doesn’t dull or fade. The indoor tanning lotion is enriched with aloe vera and mango butter that help hydrate, condition, and nourish your skin. Avocado, hazelnut, and coconut oils deeply penetrate and moisturize your skin to make your tan last longer. Coffee extract fights free radicals, UV damage, and soothes inflammation. Enriched with antioxidants, vitamins B5 and E, it rejuvenates your skin.
Andiroba, commonly known as a miracle ingredient, and natural moisturizers such as kokum, avocado, and hazelnut keep your skin soft, supple, and youthful. This cruelty-free tanning bed lotion is suitable for all skin types and contains no artificial colors, parabens, and fragrances.
Pros
- Accelerates, extends, and maintains your tan
- Comes with tattoo color shield technology
- Helps in preventing skin from becoming dry
- Can be used while using a tanning bed
- Guava and papaya extracts help make skin smooth
- Helps in the regeneration of the skin cells
Cons
- Some may not like the peculiar smell after applying
- May not absorb effectively into the skin
"This indoor tanning lotion is worth buying because of its effectiveness in offering the right tan while hydrating the skin. Though the scent isn't my favorite, adding my favorite essential oil did the trick. I'm inclined to purchase it again."
12. Best Fragrance:Tame The Beast Nutt Butter Extreme With Menthol
Image: Beast Here’s an intense tingle lotion that contains eucalyptus, cocoa, and menthol and over 69,000 Beast Tingle Units or BTUs. This botanically bountiful lotion prevents chafing, dryness, and sagging. It gives you an extreme tingle with its heightened levels of menthol and delivers the ultimate tan.
It also contains essential oils and botanical extracts such as aloe vera, jojoba, calendula, comfrey root, chamomile, cocoa, shea butter, mango butter, rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, and vitamin E, for a great fragrance and rejuvenation of your skin. This lotion is completely cruelty-free and free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors, dyes, paraffin, and gluten, making it safe to use.
Pros
- Effectively targets hard-to-tan areas
- Specially formulated for men
- Emits a natural fragrance upon usage
- Can deliver an exhilarating tanning experience
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance to be overpowering
- May require a patch test before usage
"This lotion gives me an intense icy feel at first, but as it starts to set, the sensation turns to a thrilling cooling experience. If you want to enjoy the tan, be prepared for the initial tingle."
13. Best Nourishment:Ed Hardy Die Hard Black Maximum Strength Black Bronzing Lotion
Image: Ed Hardy Ed Hardy’s Die Hard darkening formula will take your tanning level to new heights. It contains fast-acting DHA and melano bronze, which stimulate melanin production to help you achieve your dream dark tan, faster. This cosmetologist-approved product also contains several other ingredients. Wheat protein instantly tightens the skin upon application, while caffeine and green tea energize, firm, and tighten the skin. Acai berry and pomegranate are powerful antioxidants that fight free radical damage caused by the UV rays of natural sunlight. Hemp seed oil, macadamia nut oil, and almond oil offer added hydration, nourishment, and conditioning to your skin.
Pros
- Apt for extreme bronzing results
- Melanin enhancer lotion
- Energizes skin with a firm finish
- Rich in anti-aging agents
- Can be used in a tanning salon
- Sweet pomegranate fragrance
Cons
- Some may find the lotion to be runny
- May leave streaks upon usage
"This tanner stands out with its streak-free, naturally bronzed color. The scent, while not gross, isn't to my taste. Overall, it's an excellent choice for a quick, beautiful tan."
14. Best Easy To Apply:Millennium Insanely Black Dark Tanning Lotion
Image: Millennium Tanning Products The 60X mega tingle formula of this tanning lotion is a combination of ultra-dark bronzers and a luxurious silicone emulsion. It gives you an extreme tingle, which is not for the faint-hearted. It delivers an ultra-dark tan and is sold in a set of three bottles. This tingle lotion increases blood circulation and produces deeper and darker tanning results. As per reviews, it’s easy to apply and gives even coverage without leaving a sticky or greasy residue on the skin.
Pros
- Gives a glistening effect once used
- Delivers an authentic summer-like dark bronze tan
- Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use
- Rich in essential oils to promote skin health
- Goes well with advanced tanning technology devices, including tanning beds
- Keeps skin cells healthy and nourished
- Has a delightful fragrance of blackberry
Cons
- Some may find the formula a bit intense
- Some may not like the after-smell
"This tanning lotion has taken my tan to another level with no hint of orange. The tingle was intense at first, but as it took time to set, it faded away. I enjoy its long-lasting effects."
15. Best For Combination Skin Types:Onyx Magma Ultra Tingle Triple Black Bronzer
Image: Onyx The Onyx Magma hot tingle tanning lotion is what you need for an intense and dark tanning. The professional-grade formulation comprises anti-cellulite oil and cocoa butter that leave the skin feeling supple. Other useful ingredients, such as aloe vera, keep the skin nourished and hydrated and condition the skin. Safe and effective, the soothing and softening lotion is suitable for use on oily, dry, normal, and combination skin types.
Pros
- PAraben-free formulation
- Cruelty-free
- SLES -and SLS-free
- Promotes skin firmness
- Strong tingle effect
- Supports skin regeneration
- Alcohol- and silicone-free
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin type
- May leave a hot tingle sensation on the applied area
"I loved that this tanning product gave me a darker tan after only one application. It stains a little, so scrub the bronzer immediately. I would recommend this to seasoned tanners."
16. Best For Long-Lasting Tanning:Designer Skin So Shameless Bronzing Lotion
Image: Designer Skin The Designer Skin So Shameless bronzing lotion comes neatly packaged in an attractive bottle. It has a pleasing fragrance and helps make the skin darker while imparting a long-lasting tanning effect. It is formulated with 17x bronzer and has 400x sizzle and tingle for deep-reaching bronzing effect on the skin. Formulated for normal skin type, it can be used on the arms and legs for a flawless dark tan.
Pros
- Great bronzing effect
- Leaves the skin soft
- Subtle tingle
- Faint fragrance
Cons
- May not have warmth or heat to it
17. Best Anti-Orange Technology:Tanning Paradise Sun Of A Beach Dark Tanning Lotion
Image: Tanning Paradise This tingle tanning lotion with its super soft silicones, dark DHA, and ultra-dark bronzing formula will give your skin a beautiful, deep, and long-lasting tan. It is made with deep penetrating hydrators that help keep your skin smooth, supple, and soft, providing visible results. Its anti-orange technology ensures you get a rich bronzed tan without that unsightly orange color. In addition, the dark bronze color has a fade protection that keeps your tattoos bright and stops them from fading.
It is infused with vitamins A, C, and E, which reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, scars, and stretch marks, and give your skin a soft and even texture. It also comes with an after-tan odor eliminator and a fragrant tropical scent of coconut colada that transports your senses to the beach.
Pros
- Moisturizes and nourishes skin
- Retains the luster of tattoos in the long run
- Delivers a smooth skin complexion
- Enriched with skin-refreshing ingredients
- Works as a natural and cosmetic bronzer
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin type
"Unlike other standard tanning lotions, this product offers a lovely scent. I was surprised by its ideal tan look. This product is perfect if you are looking for a subtle tan."
18. Best Easily Absorbed:Onyx Magnifique Tingle Tanning Lotion
Image: Onyx This tingle tanning lotion is a blend of powerful bronzing ingredients such as DHA, erythrulose, and tyrosine and tan accelerating oils such as sesame oil, tamanu oil, and walnut extract to enhance your tan. Its push-up complex, combined with the cellulite-fighting ingredients of vitamin E, coffee, and yerba mate, helps keep your skin firm and youthful. Lemon grass gives a fresh and soft feeling to your skin, and the lotion is easily absorbed by your skin. It has a magical fragrance of jasmine with a hint of white musk and grapefruit.
Pros
- Makes the skin smooth and young-looking
- Does not stain the skin or clothes
- Improves flexibility of the skin
- Lightweight and non-greasy texture
Cons
- May not suit those who tan frequently
"I tried this product and found my tan was enhanced. Without making me appear orange, the lotion offered me a beach-fresh tan. The sweet scent is not my favorite, but I felt pampered after using it. So, I’d consider buying it again."
19. Best Antioxidants:Tanning Paradise 365 Shades Of Black Dark Tanning Lotion
Image: Tanning Paradise The ultra-dark black bronzing formula of this tanning lotion contains accelerators, DHA, and bronzers to provide a deep and dark tan. Proven to deliver visible results, its superior soft silicone formula adds to the long life of this tan. Co-Q10 penetrates deeply and provides antioxidants to boost the production of collagen and elastin. Charcoal extracts detoxify the skin and remove impurities. Blue tansy gives your skin the most natural, dark bronzed tan so that you never have to worry about that unpleasant orange look.
This lotion also protects the color and brightness of your tattoos. MelaTime boosts melanin production for faster, darker results. Banana fruit extracts, which are rich in antioxidants, fight free radical damage and protect your skin from the UV rays of the sun. It also has deodorizing and skin freshening ingredients so that there is no after-tan odor, and you are left with a midnight mandarin fragrance.
Pros
- Aids in toning and firming of skin
- Melanin enhancer lotion
- Gives a long-lasting dark bronze finish
- Tones, tightens, and protects skin
- Goes well with tanning beds
Cons
- May not protect skin from sunburn
- May stain the hands and give them an orange tint
"I like this tanning lotion as it is easy to apply and offers quick results. Dispensing the needed amount seemed a bit challenging due to the dispenser's design, but regardless, I'd recommend this product. It has a lovely scent and offers a stain-free result."
20. Best Soft:Onyx Very Sexy Legs 8th Dimension Bronzer And Lotion
Image: Onyx This tanning lotion is formulated for the legs and other hard-to-tan places with its thermoactive complex that immediately reddens and warms your skin for faster and deeper tanning. Made with a special blend of bronzing ingredients, it gives your skin a stain-free and streak-free tan. Its blend of avocado, macadamia oil, green tea, and black pearl extract help reduce cellulite, and firm and tone your skin. Aloe vera, panthenol, and shea butter deliver essential nutrients and hydration to your skin, keeping it soft and healthy looking.
Furthermore, vitamin-rich mango extract, spearmint, and melon ease inflammation to soothe its strong tingle effect and help keep your skin smooth and soft, while jojoba oil and algae extract improve the overall appearance of your skin. Its soft musk fragrance known as red carpet star is a combination of sandalwood, tonka beans, and cedar wood and is extremely pleasing.
Pros
- Delivers results in a single session
- Provides anti-aging benefits
- Rich in anti-aging properties
- Goes well with all skin tones
- Suitable for advanced tanners
- Paraben- and SLS-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May not suit those with pale skin tone
- May be smaller than expected
"While being mildly tingly, this tanning lotion offers gradual yet noticeable results. Its non-staining formula impressed me, and the smell is not overwhelming. It is worth buying if you like a tanned look."
21. Best Ingredients:Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam – Dark
Image: Coco & Eve This tingle tanning lotion offers you a 100% natural DHA self-tan body treatment without any streaking or blotches, for a beautiful golden tan with no distasteful orangey tones. The lightweight mousse gives an instant bronze glow to your skin, is fast drying, non-sticky, and develops in just two hours for a deep long-lasting tan. Infused with coconut extracts, botanicals, and amino acids, it hydrates your skin, so that you have perfect-looking skin.
Created with cellushape technology, it’s enriched with powerful natural antioxidants such as banana, fig, papaya, and cocoa so that your skin always looks youthful. This professional-grade tanning lotion has a fragrance of mangoes and guavas that gives you the feel of a tropical retreat. It comes with a kabuki brush and mitt for easy and even application. Its all-natural formula uses only the best quality ingredients and moisturizes your skin while giving you that stunning tan.
Pros
- Rich in anti-cellulite and anti-aging properties
- Content lasts up to 20 tanning sessions
- Fast-drying and non-sticky formula
- Velvet mitt for easy coverage upon usage
- Suitable for tricky-to-tan areas such as ears
- Cruelty-free and vegan-friendly
Cons
- May leave streaks if not applied properly
- Result may be lighter than expected
"This product offered the right tanning effect without any streaks. The brush and gloves came in handy. I'd recommend this for its long-lasting glow and simple application."
How To Choose The Right Tingle Tanning Lotion?
Keep these factors in mind to choose the right product and achieve the perfect tan.
- Active ingredients: A tingle tanning lotion may contain either methyl nicotinate or benzyl nicotinate or a combination of both that makes the skin tingle. Methyl nicotinate increases blood circulation to the skin. The increase in oxygen to the skin causes tingling and UV light exposure increases melanin production, which darkens the skin. Benzyl nicotinate acts in a similar way, but it opens up the capillaries, resulting in a burning or hot tingle sensation and a deep tan. All tingle lotions also contain moisturizing ingredients with anti-aging benefits.
- Tingle intensity: Some tingle tanning lotions offer a subtle heat and mild tingle, which is ideal for beginners. Others offer an extreme tingle–these types of tanning lotions should be used by experienced and seasoned users.
- Accelerator or maximizer: All tingle tanning lotions are either an accelerator or a maximizer. Accelerators are used by beginners or those who don’t want too deep a tan while maximizers are for seasoned users who already have a base tan and are now looking for a deeper tan.
- Bronzer: Bronzing agents in a tingle tanning lotion are basically for a fake tan that looks realistic and is used by beginners who haven’t yet got an actual tan. A bronzer tanning lotion contains DHA that gives an instant tan, and the skin continues to darken till hours later. Bronzing lotions are ideal when you want an instant tanned look.
- Strength of tanning: Tingle tanning lotions are available from slightly sun-kissed to almost black. Decide and choose according to your tanning goals and based on your skin’s tanning plateau stage. The tingle will depend on the strength of the tanning. Lighter tanning will induce a subtle heat and mild tingling sensation, but for a darker tan, you will feel a burning sensation.
- Anti-aging and caffeine: Many tingle tanning lotions contain anti-aging agents that are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals that nourish your skin while tanning. Caffeine helps to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness and gives your skin a smooth texture.
- Tattoo protection: Some tingle tanning lotions feature a tattoo color shield technology to offer additional protection to tattoos and prevent them from fading or getting dull.
Dr. Schwarzburg, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Unless your tanning lotion contains SPF, it will not protect your skin from sun damage. Always apply sunscreen with SPF when outdoors. Also, wear gloves when applying tanning lotion to ensure your hands don’t get stained.” He adds, “Do a patch test before using any tanning lotion to ensure it doesn’t irritate your skin, and avoid tanning lotions that contain alcohol if you have dry skin.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our writer, Poulami Nag, is a makeup and skincare enthusiast and reviewer. To create this list of the best tingle tanning lotions, she has studied the ingredient list of all the products in the market to compile the best ones. Apart from the ingredients, she also prioritized the application method, quality, and effectiveness. Our list also includes the benefits of tingle tanning lotions and a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should I wait to take a shower after using a tingle lotion?
It’s best to avoid showering until the tingle remains. If the tingle lotion contains a bronzer, you need to wait 4 to 6 hours to bathe, so that the tan has a chance to develop on the skin.
2. What is the difference between tingling tanning lotion and the regular one?
Tingling tanning lotions cause your skin to tingle upon applying it. It is more intense as compared to regular tanning lotions. A tingling tanning lotion increases blood circulation to the skin, which means there is more oxygen, and as a result more melanin production for an instant tanning effect. A regular tanning lotion needs more time to give a tan.
3. Can I put tingle tanning lotion on my face?
One should completely avoid tingle lotions on one’s face. Tingle lotions stimulate the production of melanin, and facial skin is finely textured with a lot of tiny capillaries. When the tingle tanning lotion stimulates blood flow to the skin, the tiny blood vessels rapidly expand, and can leave a permanent red mark on your face.
4. Will tingle tanning lotion make me darker?
Due to the presence of active ingredients like methyl nicotinate or benzyl nicotinate, tingle lotions increase the blood circulation by dilating blood vessels. Due to this increased blood circulation, melanin production is enhanced, making your skin darker than with a regular tanning lotion.
5. How often should I use tingle tanning lotion?
Since tingle tanning lotions contain active ingredients, it is recommended to have a gap of one to two days between sessions.
6. Can tingle lotions make my skin burn?
As with any product containing active ingredients, always do a patch test before using it. Typically, tingle lotions only tingle while they are working. However, it is advised to always keep a gap of one or two days between sessions to avoid skin sensitivity.
7. How do I stop the itching after using tingle tanning lotion?
Typically, people do not experience itching after using tanning lotion. However, if you have sensitive skin, you might experience itching. In that case, apply aloe gel, any cooling and calming lotion, or a topical cream to stop the itching or any kind of irritation.
The best tingle tanning lotions may help you get a tanned look seamlessly by helping your skin produce more melanin by boosting the oxygen supply. They also protect your skin from the effects of UV rays. The best ones are formulated with extracts from natural ingredients and do not contain harsh chemicals that may cause skin irritation. To narrow down on a suitable one, you might want to consider a dermatologically tested lotion that suits your skin, so pick one after understanding your needs and wants. Also, factor in the level of tan you are willing to achieve, as it will determine the tingling sensation you might end up facing when you get a tan.
Infographic: What You Need To Know About Tingle Tanning Lotions?
Tingle tanning lotions are specially formulated to enhance blood flow, intensifying the tanning experience and resulting in a deeper, longer-lasting tan. However, it is essential to understand certain aspects of these lotions before using them. Refer to the following infographic to learn more about these factors to keep your skin safe and protected.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Sunless Tanners & Bronzers
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/sunless-tanners-bronzers
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