Top 5 Outdoor Tanning Accelerators: Quick Review

Do you dream of achieving that perfect sun-kissed glow without spending hours baking in the sun? Many of us chase that beautiful bronze look, but often, the results are less than ideal. You might spend a long day outside, only to see a faint hint of color, or worse, an unwanted sunburn. Itโ€™s frustrating when your efforts don’t match your tanning goals!

Thatโ€™s where an Outdoor Tanning Accelerator comes in. These products promise to speed up your natural tanning process, helping you deepen your color faster. But how do you choose the right one? The market is flooded with confusing labels and ingredients. You worry about finding something that actually works, smells good, and keeps your skin happy. You want results, not regret!

This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what these accelerators do and how to pick the best one for your skin type. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which accelerator can help you reach your dream tan safely and efficiently. Get ready to unlock the secrets to faster, deeper outdoor tanning!

Top Outdoor Tanning Accelerator Recommendations

No. 1
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera |...
  • 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
No. 2
Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel | Browning Tan Accelerator | Non-Greasy, Water-Resistant with Carrot...
  • Sun Tanning Accelerator: Powered by the Infinite Tan System, featuring naturally derived carrot and coconut oils, it accelerates the tanning process for a rich, long-lasting bronze (SPF0).
  • Instant Sun-Kissed Glow: Achieve a flawless, even tan instantly with our powerful blend of tanning oils, crafted for radiant results.
  • Water-Resistant: This dual-action protectant and tanning blend of natural oils provides instant and even tanning results while remaining resistant to water. Perfect for any vacation!
  • Nourishing & Hydrating: A powerful combination of Vitamin A and E for enhanced skin nourishment and protection. This tanning lotion moisturizes skin leaving it soft and smooth during tanning.
No. 3
Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula,...
  • ACHIEVE A DEEPER, DARKER TAN - This dark tanning accelerator lotion with instant bronzer intensifies your bronze glow & helps you achieve a darker tan. Blends effortlessly and absorbs quickly, allowing for an even sunless tanning or outdoor sun tanning
  • BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - A rich blend of Kakadu Plum extract with highest content of Vitamin C, and Tea Tree Oil, a powerful antioxidant, fights off free radicals and gently cleanses your skin leaving it healthy and smooth
  • BIOSINE COMPLEX FOR A LONG-LASTING TAN - This tanning intensifier contains an advanced combination of ingredients that prepare your skin for a dark color development while soothing, smoothening & nourishing your skin. It does not contain sunscreen
  • HYDRATION & SUPERIOR SKIN BENEFITS - Enriched with Vitamin A & E and Natural Oils, this accelerator & bronzer not only helps build a flawless tan but also supplies essential nutrients to the skin, while moisturizing & hydrating it for a soft & supple feel
No. 4
b.tan Best Tanning Oil | Get Tanned Intensifier Dry Spray - Fast, Dark Outdoor Sun Tan From Tan...
  • 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.
No. 5
Maui Babe Browning Lotion - Natural Hawaiian Tan Accelerator with Vitamins & Antioxidants -...
  • All natural-Featuring an old family formula packed with Hawaiiโ€™s most splendid natural ingredients, the Maui Babe browning lotion does not only support getting a glowing tan faster but it even moisturizes and nourishes your skin for an all-over charming summer look.
  • Maui Babe Browning lotion is NOT a self tanner or bronzer. You do need to be in the sun in order to acquire a tan. While Maui Babe Browning is brown in color and not a stain, if contact is made with clothing, towels, furniture, it MAY cause staining. We recommend if contact made with these items, to rinse immediately to avoid staining. Do not allow to sit and dry.
  • Apply an SPF of your choosing first. We recommend an SPF30 and above. Let sit on skin for 5-10 minutes and then apply your Maui Babe Browning lotion.
  • Bottle size is 4 ounces, shake well before each use.
No. 6
Onyx Strongest Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion - Effective Tan Enhancer for Indoor & Outdoor Sun -...
  • Faster, bronzer-free tan: Unlike typical bronzing lotions, this formula accelerates melanin production, helping you achieve a dark, golden tan quickly without the mess or artificial color.
  • Perfect for indoor tanning beds or sun exposure: Whether you're indoors or outdoors, this lotion boosts your tan, ensuring quick results and a rich, even glow every time you tan.
  • Streak-free & no stains: Get a flawless tan with no streaks or stains, leaving your skin smooth and clean after every use. No more worrying about the mess of bronzers.
  • Non-greasy & fast absorption: This lightweight lotion absorbs rapidly, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and non-greasy. Enjoy a comfortable, moisturized feel while you tan.
No. 7
BYROKKO Shine Brown Tan Accelerator Cream 7.1 Fl Oz, Outdoor Sun or Indoor Tanning Oil or Tanning...
  • ๐—ง๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ป๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—”๐—ฐ๐—ฐ๐—ฒ๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ฆ๐˜‚๐—ป & ๐—ง๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ป๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—•๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐˜€: Achieve a natural, darker, and long-lasting tan with less exposure to the sun or tanning bed using Shine Brown Original tanning oil cream. Effective tanning gel for both indoor and outdoor.
  • ๐—™๐—ฎ๐˜€๐˜ ๐——๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ธ ๐—ง๐—ฎ๐—ป๐—ป๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜‚๐—น๐˜๐˜€: Works for all skin types to enhance natural bronzing while hydrating and nourishing your skin. Made without harsh chemicals and cruelty-free.
  • ๐—ข๐—ถ๐—น-๐—•๐—ฎ๐˜€๐—ฒ๐—ฑ ๐—™๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—บ๐˜‚๐—น๐—ฎ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐— ๐—ฎ๐˜…๐—ถ๐—บ๐˜‚๐—บ ๐—ฅ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜‚๐—น๐˜๐˜€: Unlike tanning lotion that contains mostly water, this premium blend of oils ensures better tanning results with less product.
  • ๐—ฆ๐—ธ๐—ถ๐—ป-๐—ก๐—ผ๐˜‚๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐—œ๐—ป๐—ด๐—ฟ๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐—ถ๐—ฒ๐—ป๐˜๐˜€: Formulated with 100% natural carrot oil for sun-ready skin, extra virgin olive oil to enhance tanning, walnut oil for a golden glow, and cacao butter for hydration.
No. 8
Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Spray Gel, 8 Ounce | Moisturize & Hydrate Skin | New...
  • ACHIEVE A DEEPER, DARKER TAN - This dark tanning accelerator spray gel helps intensify your golden glow & lets you achieve a darker color payoff. Blends effortlessly with the skin, imparting a beautiful sun-kissed look out on the beach or on a sun bed
  • BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - A rich blend of Kakadu Plum extract with highest content of Vitamin C, and Tea Tree Oil, a powerful antioxidant, fights off free radicals and gently cleanses your skin leaving it healthy and smooth
  • BIOSINE COMPLEX FOR A LONG-LASTING TAN - This tanning intensifier contains a proprietary blend of premium ingredients that prepare your skin for a dark color development. It does not contain sunscreen
  • ULTIMATE HYDRATION AND SKIN BENEFITS - Loaded with Vitamin A & E and Natural Oils, this spray gel not only helps build a flawless tan but also supplies essential nutrients to your skin, while moisturizing & hydrating it for a soft & supple feel

Your Guide to Glowing: Choosing the Best Outdoor Tanning Accelerator

Want that deep, golden tan faster? Outdoor tanning accelerators are special lotions designed to help your skin bronze more quickly when you are out in the sun. But not all bottles are created equal! This guide helps you pick the perfect accelerator for your next sun session.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping, look for these important features. They make a big difference in how well the product works and how your skin feels.

  • Fast-Acting Ingredients: Good accelerators contain ingredients that boost melanin production. Melanin is the natural pigment that makes your skin tan. Look for names like Tyrosine or specific plant extracts.
  • Hydration Power: Tanning dries out your skin. A quality accelerator must include moisturizers like Aloe Vera or Shea Butter. Dry skin tans unevenly and peels faster.
  • Scent Profile: Since you will be wearing this outside, the smell matters! Some smell fruity, others tropical, and some are unscented. Pick one you enjoy.
  • Texture and Absorption: The lotion should spread easily. It should sink into your skin quickly. You do not want a sticky, greasy feeling that just sits on top of your skin.

Important Materials Inside the Bottle

The ingredients list tells you everything. You want natural boosters and skin-soothing agents.

Natural Tanning Boosters

These are the workhorses. They signal your skin to start making that tan color.

  • Tyrosine: This is an amino acid that helps your body produce melanin faster.
  • Carrot Oil or Walnut Oil: Natural oils can sometimes help deepen the color.
Skin Conditioners (The Good Stuff)

These keep your skin happy while you tan.

  • Aloe Vera: It cools and soothes skin exposed to the sun.
  • Vitamin E: This helps protect the skin from environmental stress.
  • Coconut Oil: A fantastic natural moisturizer.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

The quality of an accelerator depends on what it containsโ€”and what it leaves out.

Quality Boosters:

Lotions with higher concentrations of active tanning boosters often work better. Also, products that use natural, recognizable ingredients usually offer a smoother experience. If the lotion feels lightweight and absorbs instantly, that is a sign of good formulation.

Quality Reducers:

Be careful of accelerators that feel extremely heavy or leave a thick white residue. This often means they use too much filler instead of active ingredients. Also, avoid products that list many harsh chemicals if you have sensitive skin. Too much alcohol in a formula can dry out your skin rapidly, which reduces the longevity of your tan.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you use the accelerator affects your results. These lotions are designed to be used *before* or *during* sun exposure.

Use Case 1: Quick Beach Day: Apply the accelerator generously about 15 minutes before you lay out. Reapply after swimming or heavy sweating. Remember, most accelerators do NOT contain SPF (Sun Protection Factor). You MUST apply a separate, broad-spectrum sunscreen over the top of the accelerator for safety.

Use Case 2: Deepening an Existing Tan: If you already have a base tan, accelerators help you push that color deeper without needing to stay out as long. Users often report feeling a warming sensation when the product starts working.

Important Note on Safety: Tanning accelerators help you tan faster, but they do not protect you from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Always wear sunscreen! Never use these products in a tanning bed unless the label specifically says it is safe for indoor use.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Outdoor Tanning Accelerators

Q: Do tanning accelerators really work faster than regular lotion?

A: Yes, they usually do. They contain ingredients that signal your skin cells to produce more tanning pigment (melanin) quickly when exposed to sunlight.

Q: Should I use sunscreen with an accelerator?

A: Absolutely! This is the most important rule. Most accelerators do not contain SPF protection. You must apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen over the accelerator to prevent burning.

Q: Are tanning accelerators safe for sensitive skin?

A: Some are. Check the ingredients list carefully. Look for hypoallergenic formulas or those rich in Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, which help soothe the skin.

Q: Can I use this product in a tanning bed?

A: Only if the packaging specifically states it is designed for indoor tanning. Many outdoor formulas react poorly to the intense UV light in beds.

Q: What is the best time of day to apply an accelerator?

A: Apply it right before you go into the sun. You want the product active when your skin starts receiving UV rays.

Q: Why does my skin feel warm after applying the lotion?

A: Many accelerators create a “tingle” or warming effect. This means the active ingredients are stimulating blood flow and melanin production. If it burns painfully, wash it off immediately.

Q: How often should I reapply the accelerator?

A: Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming, toweling off, or heavy sweating, just like you would with regular sunscreen.

Q: Will this product stain my swimsuit?

A: Some darker oils or bronzers in the lotion might transfer slightly, especially when wet. Allow the lotion to soak in fully before putting on your suit if possible.

Q: What is the difference between an accelerator and a bronzer?

A: An accelerator helps your skin produce its own tan over time. A bronzer often contains cosmetic dyes that give you an instant, temporary color boost upon application.

Q: How long should I use the accelerator before I see results?

A: Results vary by skin type. People with fairer skin might see the start of a tan in one or two sessions, while deeper skin tones might notice deeper color after three or four uses.