Ever dream of a deep, golden tan that looks like you spent weeks on a sunny beach, but find yourself leaving the tanning bed with just a faint hint of color? You’re not alone! Many tanners feel frustrated when their hard-earned sessions don’t deliver the rich bronze they desire. The world of tanning accelerators is packed with confusing terms like Melanin Boosters and Tyrosine, making it tough to pick the right product.
Choosing the wrong intensifier can lead to slow results or even disappointing streaks. You want a product that works hard so you don’t have to waste time or money. That’s why understanding what a Tanning Intensifier truly does is your secret weapon to unlocking your best color yet.
In this guide, we will break down exactly how these powerful lotions speed up your natural tanning process. Keep reading to learn which ingredients truly matter, how to choose the perfect formula for your skin, and finally achieve that gorgeous, long-lasting glow you’ve been aiming for.
Top Tanning Intensifier Recommendations
- GIVE YOUR SKIN A NATURAL, BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN GLOW without applying any bronzers or skin darkening products. Australian Gold's Rapid Tanning Intensifying lotion speeds up the tanning process while you bask in the sun or use a tanning bed
- BE SUMMER READY - Formulated with Biosine Complex, a proprietary blend of premium ingredients, it prepares your skin for dark color development. It does not contain sunscreen but increases the pigmentation so your skin gets a quicker tan
- BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - Enriched with Tea Tree Oil and the goodness of Vitamin E, both of which are powerful antioxidants, this tanning intensifier fights off free radicals, gently nourishes and cleanses your skin leaving it smooth and fresh
- ULTIMATE HYDRATION - The exotic combination of native oils, vital nutrients and Aloe Vera provide naturally soothing and deeply nourished skin that remains hydrated for long. Available in a delectable Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla fragrance
- SPECIALLY FORMULATED - Australian Gold's time-tested formula is designed to be Vegan, Gluten Free, while being loaded with the goodness of Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil for an instant radiant tan
- ✅ Dark tanning activators deliver golden results without the use of DHA or bronzing agents.
- ✅ Multiple Tan Intensifier + Melanin Stimulators - Stimulate and increase melanin formation to accelerate the tanning process.
- ✅ Ultra-tan Activator - Stimulates tyrosine activity and promotes even and long lasting color production. Skin Tightening - Reduces the appearance of cellulite and promotes firmness.
- ✅ Coconut Milk, Coconut Butter & Cocoa Oil - Provide intense, deep skin hydration.
- ✅ Tattoo & Color Fade Protector - Prolongs the life and radiance of your tattoos and tanning results.
- Pre-Tan Accelerator: Enhanced with dark tanning activators, Turbo Tan Intensifier works as a tanning primer to speed up the tanning process for fast results and a deep, long-lasting bronze.
- Deep, Radiant Sun-Kissed Glow: Infused with carotenoids and Vitamin E to help enhance the look of a deeper, longer-lasting tan while supporting a healthy-looking, even glow.
- Lightweight, Quick-Drying & Hydrating: Smooth spray-lotion texture applies evenly and absorbs fast without heaviness. Leaves skin feeling hydrated with a scent of summer, great for year-round use.
- 2-Step Tanning Ritual for Enhanced Results: Apply Turbo Tan Intensifier first to prime the skin and prepare it for tanning. Follow with Carroten Tanning Gels or Carroten Oils to achieve a deeper, healthier-looking golden tan.
- Easy Application: Spray evenly and apply liberally over face and body before sun exposure. Reapply frequently, especially after swimming, toweling, or perspiring. After lotion absorbs, apply an SPF sunscreen product for UV protection.
- TINTED TANNING OIL. im perfect for when you want your tan dark but dont want to lay out allllll day
- FAST RESULTS. tan accelerating actives speed up the tanning process, which means less time in the sun for deeper, darker tanning results
- HYDRATING FORMULA. im packed full of ultra hydrating coconut, argan, and jojoba oil to keep your skin hydrated too
- EASY TO USE. apply generously to skin when sun tanning to get yourself a hydrated, deep, bangin bronze glow.
- VEGAN FRIENDLY. we love animals so no, we do not test on them. and we love your bod so we keep all the nasties out of our products, so you know your skin is getting well looked after and while youre looking hot af. simple.
- 100X BRONZING POWER - Get a deep, dark and long-lasting tan with this dark tanning accelerator. This powerful formula is designed to enhance your natural tan and give you 100 times more bronzing power. Say goodbye to pale skin and hello to a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow!
- ULTRA-DARK INDOOR/OUTDOOR TANNING LOTION - Achieve a deep, natural tan with this powerful tan oil. Formulated for use both indoors and outdoors, this lotion contains a silicone bronzer to enhance your tan and leave your skin glowing. Experience 100X dark results with this easy-to-use tanning lotion.
- INTENSE, DEEP, AND LONG-LASTING TAN RESULTS - Achieve the ultimate bronzed glow with our Indoor-Outdoor Tanning Accelerator. This powerful lotion will enhance and extend your tan for a darker, richer, and longer-lasting result. Perfect for those seeking intense and deep tanning results.
- SUITABLE FOR USE IN TANNING BEDS AND OUTDOORS - Achieve a deep, dark tan both indoors and outdoors with this specially formulated lotion. Its silicone bronzer and Tan Enhancing properties make it the perfect choice for those seeking a dark tanning bed lotion.
- ENHANCED WITH SKIN-NOURISHING VITAMINS - This Tan lotion is infused with vitamins to nourish your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth while achieving a deep, dark tan.
- GIVE YOUR SKIN A BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN GLOW - Australian Gold's Bronzing Intensifier Dry Oil Spray contains immediate bronzers such as Melanin, Caramel, Walnut Shell and Carrot Oil that impart an immediate natural looking glow for a summer-ready body
- CONVENIENT TO USE - This lightweight, non-greasy and quick-absorbing dry oil come in an easy to use spray bottle. Spritz some oil mist onto your exposed skin and let the bronze look set in. It does not contain sunscreen but gives a quicker brown tan
- BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - Enriched with Tea Tree Oil, a powerful antioxidant, this oil spray, gently nourishes and cleanses your skin leaving it smooth and fresh
- ULTIMATE HYDRATION AND SKIN BENEFITS - Loaded with Aloe Vera to naturally soothe and deeply nourish your skin, this oil spray ensures proper hydration and moisturization to give it a soft and supple feel
- SMELLS LIKE YOU ARE ON THE BEACH - Take an instant vacation with the signature Cocoa Dreams fragrance that comes with a delectable mix of Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla scents that, keeping you fresh all day long
- Changes color when placed in UV light! Formulated Hypoallergenic, Nut Free, Vitamin E Free, Wheat Free, Vegan Formula
- Plateau Breaking Dark Tanning Optimizer – Deeply intensifies tanning results for superior dark color without the use of added bronzer.
- pH Balancing & Formulated for use in all light units - Maximize your session in red light, blue light or UV light with pH balancing agents that allow for optimal light absorption.
- Light Activated Photosomes – Used with any light therapy and helps protect the skins immune system.
- Utilizes gentle exfoliating to help shed off dead skin build up to reduce the signs of aging and provide vital nutrients to the skin.
- Indoor/Outdoor Bronzing Blend with low levels of DHA combined with high levels of Natural bronzers allow the skin to develop natural, long lasting bronzed results.
- Guava Extracts are rich in antioxidants that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while providing a glowing complexion.
- Watermelon Extracts provide 24-hour hydration while improving the skins tone and deeply improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dry spots of the skin.
- MelanoBronze stimulates melanin activity to allow for longer lasting, darker tanning results.
- Tattoo & Color Fade Protection protects the color and luster of your tan and tattoos.
Choosing Your Perfect Tanning Intensifier: A Buyer’s Guide
Ready to boost your tan? Tanning intensifiers are special lotions you use before sunbathing or visiting a tanning bed. They help your skin produce more melanin, the natural color in your skin. This means you can get a deeper, faster tan. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you choose the best tanning intensifier for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at the bottle. Certain features make an intensifier work better for you.
- Melanin Stimulators: These are the most important ingredients. Look for names like Tyrosine or Accelerators. They tell your skin to start tanning faster.
- Moisturizers: A good intensifier keeps your skin soft. Check for ingredients like Aloe Vera or Vitamin E. Dry skin tans unevenly.
- Fragrance: Intensifiers often smell strong. Decide if you like fruity, tropical, or unscented lotions. Some people are sensitive to strong perfumes.
- Bronzers (Optional): Some intensifiers include bronzers (like DHA). These give you an instant color boost. If you want a very gradual tan, skip the bronzers.
2. Important Ingredients Matter
What’s inside the bottle truly makes a difference. You want ingredients that work hard for your skin.
- Natural Oils: Ingredients like Coconut Oil or Sunflower Seed Oil help the lotion spread smoothly. They also nourish your skin.
- Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, and E protect your skin a little bit. They also help keep your tan looking fresh longer.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Always check the label. Try to avoid very harsh alcohols or heavy synthetic dyes if you have sensitive skin.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the intensifier affects your results. Some things boost the product, and others hurt it.
What Improves Quality:
- Freshness: Tanning lotions have a shelf life. Always check the expiration date. Old lotion loses its power.
- Skin Type Matching: If you have very fair skin, choose an intensifier made for beginners. Darker skin tones can use stronger formulas.
What Reduces Quality:
- Improper Storage: Heat and sunlight break down the active ingredients. Do not leave your bottle in a hot car or direct sun.
- Using Sunscreen with It: Tanning intensifiers *do not* contain SPF. You must wear sunscreen separately if you are tanning outdoors. Never rely on the intensifier for sun protection.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product changes your experience. Think about where and when you plan to tan.
Use Cases:
- Tanning Beds: Intensifiers designed for beds often have powerful accelerators. They work quickly under UV light.
- Outdoor Tanning: If you tan outside, you must apply a separate, broad-spectrum sunscreen *after* applying your intensifier. This protects your skin from burns.
User Experience:
Most users report a warm, tingling feeling when using strong intensifiers. This feeling means the ingredients are working. If the tingle becomes painful, wash it off immediately. A good intensifier absorbs quickly. It should not feel greasy or sticky after a few minutes.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Tanning Intensifiers
Q: What is the main difference between a tanning lotion and a tanning intensifier?
A: A tanning intensifier focuses only on speeding up your body’s natural melanin production. Some lotions might also contain bronzers for immediate color.
Q: Do tanning intensifiers have SPF protection?
A: No, they almost never do. Tanning intensifiers do not protect your skin from burning. You must always use a separate sunscreen outdoors.
Q: Can I use an intensifier if I have very pale skin?
A: Yes, but start slowly. Look for “Beginner” or “Sensitive Skin” formulas. These have milder accelerators so you do not burn easily.
Q: How often should I apply the intensifier?
A: Apply it right before every tanning session, whether it is indoors or outdoors.
Q: Will an intensifier help me tan faster than normal?
A: Yes, that is their main job. They help your skin reach its natural maximum tanning potential more quickly.
Q: Why does my skin feel warm or tingly after applying the lotion?
A: This warm feeling often means ingredients like Tyrosine are activating your melanin production. This is usually normal for accelerators.
Q: Should I use an intensifier on my face?
A: Be careful. Many facial skin areas are more sensitive. Use a lotion specifically made for the face, or skip the intensifier on your face entirely.
Q: Does the smell of the lotion affect how well it works?
A: No. The smell is just fragrance. It does not change the tanning power of the active ingredients.
Q: Can I use an intensifier if I am using self-tanning products?
A: It is best not to mix them. Intensifiers are for UV tanning. Self-tanners work differently on the top layer of your skin.
Q: How long should I wait after applying the intensifier before going under the light?
A: Wait just a few minutes. Rub the lotion in completely until your skin feels dry. Then you are ready to tan.