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Best Tanning Lotions for Tattoos: Buying Guide & Reviews

by  Kin Liu -  Last updated on February 8, 2022
Best Tanning Lotions for Tattoos

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Your tattoos are art. Like the masterpieces in the museum, they need to be protected from the sun’s UV rays. Every time you catch sun rays or sun exposure, make sure you use the best tanning lotion for tattoos. Then you can relax knowing the colors won’t fade.

The tattoo tanning lotion that is best at preventing tattoos from fading will add plenty of moisture that your skin needs. When you use a tanning lotion it allows you to get a healthy-looking bronze while keeping the ink bright and clear.

If you’re still concerned, you could cover your skin with a bandage, some fabric, or sunscreen. Just be sure that the lotion you use won’t fade the ink.

Quick Comparison

If you don’t want to read the full article then check out our favorite products in the table below.

20 Top Tanning Lotions for Tattoos (Guide 2021 Update)

Selecting a tanning lotion might be a cumbersome task, to keep it simple, we selected the best tanning lotions for tattooed tanners. We hope you find what you need in the reviews below.

1. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion

Ed Hardy Lotion Coconut Kisses Black Label Black DHA Skin Hydrating Bronze 13.5z, Antioxidant, Medium
  • Black DHA Skin Hydrating Bronzer Melanin Stimulating Quad Tyrosine Blend Tattoo & Color Protecting Coconut Oil, Coconut Milk and Cocoa Butter Coconut Paradise Fragrance
  • High levels of DHA, Natural & Cosmetic bronzers for immediate bronzed results.
  • Stimulate and increase melanin formation to accelerate the tanning process.

The Coconut Kisses tanning lotion is one of the top picks for beginning tanners. It sure to help you go from winter pale to summer bronze in only a few sessions. It contains a color and tattoo fading protection technology along with other specific elements like BodyFit, Melactiva, Nouritan, and MelanoBronze + Quad Tyrosine Blend. It also contains cocoa butter and coconut oil which acts as an excellent moisturizer.

If you’re not familiar with the Ed Hardy or Tannovations products, we’ll take moment to describe what those components are. For example, BodyFit makes cellulite less noticeable. Next, Melactiva stimulates the production of pigment in your skin.

Then, Nouritan produces more tyrosine to help your skin cells retain color making it long lasting. And finally, MelanoBronze + Quad Tyrosine Blend also promotes more melanin production to make your skin darker, faster. To sum it up this is one of the best tanning lotion available out there.

2. Ed Hardy Sorry Not Sorry, Extreme 50X Black Bronzer

Ed Hardy Sorry Not Sorry, Extreme 50X Black Bronzer, 10 Ounce
  • CAUTION, Wash hands after applying. Insanely Dark, High Levels of DHA, Natural and Cosmetic Bronzers for immediate and prolonged bronzing results.
  • Tattoo and Color Fade Protection, Protects the color and luster of tattoos and tanning results.
  • Avocado, Aloe Vera and Cucumber Extracts, Provides calming, soothing, anti reddening, de-puffing, and moisturizing properties.

The Sorry Not Sorry bronzing lotion also mattifies the skin to leave you feeling fresh, clean, and soft. It has high levels of cosmetic bronzers and DHA. In other words, from the moment you apply it you’ll look like you’ve been tanning. Then, hours later, you’ll be even darker.

It contains the standard Tattoo and Color Fade Protection blend found in most Ed Hardy lotions. Moreover, it soothes the skin with aloe vera, cucumber, and avocado.

 

3. Devoted Creations CAMO KING Black Bronzing Lotion

Devoted Creations CAMO KING Black Bronzing Lotion - 12.25 oz.
  • Dark DHA, Natural and Cosmetic bronzers provide instant and time released color to the skin. * BB Cream Formula
  • Provides anti-aging and skin firming benefits with RevitaFit, and advance Matrixyl Synthe 6.
  • Very rich in powerful antioxidants

The guys’ version is Camo King. The only difference we could find between it and the one above is the fragrance. There’s also the fact that they say it has a body deodorizing system.

4. Devoted Creations #TANLIFE Hydrating Tanning Butter

Devoted Creations Hydrating Tanning Butter, 12.25 Fl Oz, Natural, Paraben Free, Sensitive Skin Shea Butter Formula, Hypoallergenic, Anti-aging, Firming, Unisex, Tattoo & Color Fade Protectors
  • Super soft tanning butter build and maintain skin's natural glow.
  • Sensitive Skin Shea Butter Formula.
  • Provides anti-aging and skin firming benefits with RevitaFit, Body Fit and Advanced Matrixyl Synthe 6.

The #TANLIFE Tanning Butter is made for sensitive skin. Not only is it hypoallergenic, but it’s based on shea butter, one of nature’s best moisturizers. The formula has tattoo fade protection making the tattoo long lasting, wrinkle reduction from AcquaCell and RevitaFit, and other anti-aging benefits.

5. Ed Hardy #Beachtime Tanning Lotion

Ed Hardy #Beachtime Dark Indoor Outdoor Coconut Infused Tanning Lotion 13.5oz
  • Indoor/Outdoor Dark Tanning Lotion
  • Hibiscus, Seaweed & Passion Fruit Extracts
  • Coconut Oil & Coconut Milk Skin Softeners

The #Beachtime lotion is perfect for both indoor and outdoor tanning. There are no bronzers so any tattoo color you achieve is all-natural and all yours. This one relies on coconut oil and coconut milk, seaweed, and hibiscus.

Those ingredients not only ensure ultra advanced tattoo protection but also detoxifies and firm your skin to make it look younger and healthier. Meanwhile, the Tattoo and Color Fade Protector ensures that your skin and tats stay crisp and clear and ensures that the tattoo stays on for a long time.

6. Jwoww Shore Nights Bronzer Tanning Lotion

The Jwoww natural black Bronzer shelters your tattoos with the Ink Drink Complex of raspberry and beeswax shea butter, and vitamin E. At the same time, erythrulose, black walnut, and DHA work together to bronze you now and deepen your color later. Also, caffeine, avocado, fruits, and yogurt nourish the skin to help you look stunning.

7. Devoted Creations Color Karma

Devoted Creations Color Karma 12.25 oz
  • Tiger GrassTM - Color-correcting ingredient that reduces redness and helps protect skin from environmental stress and blemishes.
  • Japanese RoseTM - Refines pore size while boosting collagen production and reducing excess oil.
  • Champagne Infused with Crushed Gems - Skin toning and tightening leaves skin soft and smooth, while contouring and highlighting glamorous features.

Get your glitter on with Color Karma. It’s an instant bronzer with golden sparkles. Best of all, it’s excellent for reducing shine on oily skin and reducing redness. Tiger Grass and Japanese Rose prevent skin blemishes and shrink pores. Additionally, while the tanning lotion prevents your tats from fading, it literally makes you sparkle with crushed gems,  this lotion is also compatible for use with tanning beds.

8. Ink By Ed Hardy Tattoo & Color Fade Moisturizer Tan Extender

Ed Hardy INK Tattoo & Color Fade Moisturizer Tan Extender 18.75 Ounce
  • Hypoallergenic - Oil * and wheat * product
  • Tattoo & Color Fade Protector - Protects the life and luster of your tattoos and tanning results
  • Lotus Extract - Powerful anti-aging benefits along with high levels of antioxidants

The Ink tanning lotion is a tan extender to apply after you’ve finished the session and showered. It’s rich in shea butter which is a natural extract that helps to moisturize the skin without making it greasy. It also has anti-aging superpowers from lotus extract and vitamins C and E. Users say they like the tasty fragrance, the lightweight whipped texture, and how it makes their tattoos look fresh and bright.

 

9. Australian Gold G Gentlemen Black Bronzer Tanning Lotion

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Australian Gold designed this lotion specifically for guys with tattoos. It has a manly scent called “Rugged.” Besides preventing the ink from fading, it also provides instant color and firms the skin. It also comes with a tattoo fading complex that extends the life of your tattoo.

10. European Gold Dark Star 100X Ultra Indoor Tanning lotion

European Gold Dark Star 100X Ultra Indoor Tanning Deep Wave Bronzing Technology Tattoo Enhancing Complex 13.5 Ounce
  • European Gold Dark Star 100x Ultra Indoor Tanning Lotion 13.5 fl oz
  • Salon formula
  • DeepWave bronzing technology

The European Gold Dark Star lotion promotes something they call a “tattoo enhancing formula.” It makes your tattoos look more vivid. That’s a bonus as tanning could muddy their appearance, especially if the lotion contains bronzers.

11. Devoted Creations Camo Queen Bronzing Lotion

Devoted Creations Camo Queen Bronzing Lotion, 12.25 Fluid Ounce
  • Dark DHA, natural and cosmetic bronzers provide instant and time released color to the skin
  • Provides anti-aging and skin firming benefits with revita fit, body fit and advanced matrixyl synthe
  • Very rich in powerful antioxidants

The Camo Queen does a little bit of everything all at once. To begin with, cosmetic bronzers make you look ready for the beach. Next, high levels of DHA makes sure your color deepens to the max and ensures it quickens the tanning process. At the same time, it prevents tattoos from fading while it tightens the skin to reduce fine lines and cellulite. In other words, it manages to moisturize and mattify while it boosts your beauty.

12. Self Tanner & Tanning Mitt Set

Self Tanner Kit - USA Made with Organic & Natural Ingredients, Tanning Lotion with Glove & Exfoliating Mitt, Non Toxic Gradual Tan Lotion, Sunless Tanner for Fake Tan, Streak Free & No Orange Tones
  • NO ORANGE TONES: Say goodbye to orange hues and hello to a natural-looking tan with our gradual tanning lotion, proudly 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐒𝐀. Perfect for beginners, this easy-to-use formula provides a smooth, even color, delivering a sun-kissed glow that’s never streaky—just flawless and radiant.
  • DYE FREE, TOXIN FREE: Achieve a natural-looking tan with our sunless tanner, formulated with the best 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 and 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 for a radiant glow and hydrated skin. As a small business, we ensure our formula is free from toxins, providing a safe and effective tanning solution you can trust.
  • MESS-FREE TANNING & NO STREAKS: Enjoy a flawless, 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐧 with our lightweight tanning lotion, designed for smooth, even application without any sticky residue. The non-staining formula ensures a clean, bronzed glow that won’t transfer to your clothes or sheets.

The natural tanning lotion acts like a BB cream with additional benefits. It instantly bronzes you and perfects skin tone, shrinks pores, and firms texture. At the same time, it protects tattoos and helps you get tan as fast as possible. It has a floral fragrance and a creamy texture that sinks in quickly to leave your skin velvety soft. This is considered as one of the Natural as it is made from natural ingredients and best tanning lotion for tattoos.

Some of the specific features include tan extenders and color fade protectors plus an anti-reddening complex. Lastly, it is a complete tanning kit and comes with an exfoliator and gloves.

 

13. Panama Jack Tanning Lotion – SPF 4

Panama Jack Sunscreen Tanning Lotion - SPF 4, PABA, Paraben, Gluten & Cruelty Free, Antioxidant Moisturizing Formula, 6 FL OZ (Pack of 1)
  • MULTI-ACTION FORMULA: Panama Jack sunscreen lotion SPF 4 delicately combine antioxidants with moisturizing oils and a tropical fragrance in a one-of-a-kind, oxybenzone and octinoxate free formula to help you reach your tanning potential
  • DESIGNED FOR SUN LOVERS: Helping to achieve a deep, luxurious tan, this multi-functional suntan lotion is Cruelty Free with NO animal testing and DOES NOT contain: Gluten, Parabens, PABA, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Retinyl, Palmitate, BHT, PBA, or Dyes
  • CONTAINS MINIMAL SUNSCREEN: With SPF 4 (Sun Protection Factor), this Panama Jack water resistant (80 minutes) sunscreen lotion is best for use by skin types that rarely or never burn

This lotion also incorporates a tropical fragrance and comes in handy to prevent the after-tanning smell. Besides that, it offers protection for your tattoos and diminishes skin redness caused by blemishes. Tanning accelerators like tyrosine speed up pigment production while Advanced Matrixyl Synthe 6 slows down the skin’s aging process.

14. Devoted Creations MERMAID MAJESTY Cooling Bronzer

Devoted Creations MERMAID MAJESTY Cooling Bronzer - 12.25 oz.
  • Perfectly hand crafted DHA bronzer to allow for just from the beach color every time.
  • Counteracts orange tones in skin to provide deepest bronzed results with Blue Tansy flower extract.
  • Hawaiian Seaweed & Starfruit provide powerful antioxidants and nutrient rich skin conditioners.

The Mermaid Majesty is a cooling lotion with bronzer. Instead of a hot tingle, it soothes and refreshes your body. The instant bronzers take care of that pasty complexion while providing that tattoo protection to keep your body art vivid and clear.

Other exotic ingredients to note include Hawaiian seaweed, Sea Buckthorn, and starfruit. These three pamper your skin with moisture and nourishment.

15. Dave’s Dark Self Tanner Sunless Tanning Lotion with Bronzer

Dave's Dark Self Tanner Sunless Tanning Lotion with Bronzer - For All Skin Types
  • Darker version of Famous Dave's best-selling Moisture Tan self tanner
  • Loaded with Aloe Vera, Sesame, and Jojoba - softens and adds moisture
  • Creamy dark lotion which is easy to distribute evenly on your body

Dave’s Dark tanning lotion is a professional tanning lotion. It hydrates your skin to keep colors vibrant. While you enjoy the fruity floral fragrance, aloe vera and sesame combine with jojoba oils to keep your body touchably soft. Even after you leave the tanning bed, DHA deepens your skin color.

16. Hempz MEN EXCLUSIVE BLACK BRONZER

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Hempz created this vegan tanning lotion with everything you need in it. It’s lightweight and non-greasy. That’s because it relies on hemp seed oil to condition your skin. A natural black bronzer DHA and bronzing blend gives you a boost of color before and after you tan. And the Tattoo ColorShield Technology keeps ink from fading. By the way, it also has skin firming and anti aging ingredients like black bamboo, hempseed oil, and mushroom extracts to prevent photodamage because guys get wrinkles, too.

17. Supre SNOOKI SKINNY GIRL BOSS Ultra Dark Bronzer

Supre Tan Snooki Girl Boss Dark Black DD Bronzer
  • Ultra Dark Black DHA Bronzers combine a rich blend of instant and delayed bronzers for immediate color that continues to develop after UV exposure.
  • Tattoo ColorShield Technology combines essential Minerals, Aloe Vera and Algae to help maintain the color and vibrancy of tattoos.
  • Rich moisturizing blend of Shea Butter, Coconut and Almond Oil penetrates the skin with deep hydration for a longer lasting tan.

The Girl Boss tanning lotion features very dark bronzers that look best if you already have a base tan. It has DHA that continues to deepen color for hours afterward. Of course, tattoo-protecting ingredients like aloe vera, essential minerals, and algae keep body art bright. In addition, age-defying ingredients like hibiscus and lotus reduce fine lines and provides anti aging and skin firming benefits.

You must try the Supre Snooki Skinny Streak-Free Bronzer Tanning Lotion.

18. SunGodz Indoor Tanning Lotion

Indoor Tanning Lotion with Bronzer for Indoor Tanning Beds - Dark Tan Accelerator and Pro Tan Lotion Uses the Best Bronzer & is the Luxury Sunless Tanning Lotion for Skin Tanning - Highest Quality
  • SUPERIOR SHOWER PROOF TECHNOLOGY – Your Premium bottle of indoor tanning lotion is specifically engineered with Anti-Run Off ingredients so you can Shower with peace of mind (your new tan accelerator not only lasts in the shower, but also Feels Silky Smooth!). Did we mention that your New Sexy Dark Tan shows up Extra Fast!? You’ll get a Dark Tan in no time. You wanted a Sexy , Fast , Silky , and Top Quality silicone tanning lotion with bronzer…and now you have it!
  • LUXURY HYDRATION WITH EVERY MOISTURIZING DROP – If you want to Feel Smooth with Softer Skin then you’ve found the Right Choice…Your new bottle has the best bronzer so it Feels Rich and also gives you an Ultra Pro Tan ! If you’ve ever used cheap suntan lotion you know they feel cheap…Congratulations because Now you found the best indoor tanning bed lotion so you’ll always feel great! With your dark tan accelerator your Skin will Turn Heads and Radiate Beauty… Just Click Add to Cart!
  • GUARANTEED TATOO SAFE & ANTI FADE – We’ve got you covered! With your new lotion for tanning (equipped with tattoo protectant) your Beautiful tans will Last Longer and keep your tattoos Flawless…AND there’s More! Say goodbye to quickly fading tans and say hello to Sexy Dark Tans that Last. It’s not magic, it’s quality… We’ve scientifically constructed a lotion for tanning beds that keeps your skin in its Gorgeously Tanned state for an Extended Period of time… Plus, you’ll never turn orange!

SunGodz covers all the bases. It has a clean fresh scent that appeals to both men and women. Along with that, the product is guaranteed to be protective of tattoos. The natural black bronzer won’t streak or turn you orange, and it won’t run off in the shower. That means if you’re in a rush to go somewhere after tanning, you don’t need to worry about cutting short the benefits of your new lotion.

19. Tan Asz U TANIJUANA BLACK 200XXX Bronzer

Tan Asz U has a Tattoo Enhancing Complex with ultra-moisturizing hemp seed oil to make your tats pop. Instant bronzers and DHA give you a rich bronze before and after you tan.

20. Australian Gold SPF 50 Tattoo Stick

If you’re not certain that tanning lotion will be enough to protect your tattoo, cover them up with SPF 50. The convenient pocket-size stick prevents discoloration of the ink. It’s also safe to use indoors in a tanning bed.

Conclusion

Having a tattoo doesn’t mean you should avoid UV rays. There are plenty of tanning lotions for tattoos that give protection and prevent the ink from fading.

It’s smart to let new tattoos heal before you expose your skin to ultraviolet radiation. But after that, you can enjoy bronzing indoors or outside with any of our top picks today.

Also Read: Tanning with Tattoos: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Last update on 2025-02-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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