10 Best Tanning Lotions For Tattoos
Keep your tattoos from fading in the bright sunlight by using these protective tanning lotions.
Anna MisztelaLicensed Esthetician
Anna is a licensed esthetician and the founder and owner of Beauty and Cutie® hair, skin and nails vitamins from New York. Her interest in nutrition analysis and beauty propelled her to obtain a certification in Nutrition Science from the ... more
baishali bhattacharyaMA (English)
Baishali is a beauty and lifestyle writer and holds a master's degree in English from Assam University. She specializes in makeup and fashion and is also a certified Style and Image Consultant. Prior ... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
monomita chakrabortyMA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global Univers... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Tattoos are permanent art etched on your body that signifies something to someone. Hence, they must be well taken care of to prevent fading or discoloration. To help you do just that, you need the best tanning lotions for tattoos by your side.
While tattoos eventually fade and need to be retouched by your tattoo artist after they lose their color, you can postpone this by making sure the ink stays longer and brighter with these lotions. The biggest enemies of tattoo ink are UV rays and water corrosion. While you can keep control over when and how you wash your tattoo, protecting it against sunlight can be a real problem. To make sure your tattoo pigment stays intact, using one of these 10 highest-rated tanning lotions for tattooed skin will help you enjoy the best of both worlds.
In This Article
10 Best Tanning Lotions For Tattoos
1. Best Long-Lasting Tan:Millenium Tanning Paint It Black 50X Auto-Darkening Tanning Lotion
The Millenium Tanning Paint it Black 50X Auto-Darkening Tanning Lotion is an all-in-one accelerator, bronzer, and skin firming silicone emulsion. It is formulated with the unique Auto-Darkening Tan technology that gives you an extremely dark and bronze tan and delivers intense moisture all day long. This accelerator tanning lotion with bronzer makes your skin soft and smooth. If you want to know more about this tattoo-care tanning lotion, check out this video on YouTube.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Pleasant fragrance
- Suitable for all ages
- Non-tingling
- No streaks
Cons
- None
Quick tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 2,761 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best Even Tan Finish:Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Dark Tanning Lotion
If you are looking to get the most even tan, the Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Dark Tanning Lotion is the one for you. This tattoo-protective tanning lotion is formulated with tanning activators that deliver a luxurious golden radiance to your skin without any DHA or bronzing agents. It is enriched with a blend of coconut milk, coconut butter, and cocoa oil that keeps your skin hydrated all day long. Its multiple tan intensifiers and melanin stimulators speed up the tanning process. Furthermore, the ultra-tan activators enhance tyrosine activity and give you a long-lasting, even color. This golden tanning lotion formula also diminishes the appearance of cellulite while making the skin firm.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Long-lasting
- Visible results after each use
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor tanning
Cons
- None
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 548 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
3. Best For Indoor-Outdoor Use:Dolce Black Extreme Black Bronzing Tanning Lotion
The Dolce Black Extreme Black Bronzing Tanning Lotion is your best friend for an instant dark bronzer effect. The color deepens in just two hours, giving you a long-lasting and even natural skin tone, thanks to its high levels of DHA, natural and cosmetic bronzers. This lightweight indoor and outdoor tanning lotion with bronzer is designed to control excess oil, tighten the pores, calm inflammation, and protect the appearance of your tattoos. This tattoo-protective outdoor lotion for tanning serves as a strong anti-aging formula with powerful peptides that plump fine lines and wrinkles for an overall smooth complexion. Furthermore, it increases cell turnover, boosts collagen production, prevents photodamage, along with enhancing skin elasticity.
Pros
- Instant deep bronze
- Even color tan
- Mild fragrance
- Anti-aging
- Fast-drying
- Suitable for all skin types
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Toxin-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains silicone
| Millenium Tanning Paint It Black 50X Auto-Darkening Tanning Lotion Best Long-Lasting Tan | Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Dark Tanning Lotion Best Even Tan Finish | Dolce Black Extreme Black Bronzing Tanning Lotion Best For Indoor-Outdoor Use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Combination | Sensitive | Combination, Dry, Normal |
| Dimensions | 5.91 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 14.11 Ounces | - | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 2,761 | 548 | 2,161 |
| Price | $29.95 | $27.99 | $34.95 |
4. Best Bronzer-Free Formula:Dark Tans That’s What Sea Said Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion
The Dark Tans That’s What Sea Said Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion is formulated with a unique blend of tyrosines that stimulate melanin in your skin thereby boosting the natural tanning process. It contains hibiscus that nourishes the skin and evens out the overall skin texture. The passion fruit and coconut extract in the formula provide hydration to maintain the golden, natural glow. This natural tanning lotion is also enriched with aloe vera, coconut, and passion fruit that stimulate elasticity and reduce signs of aging.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Non-staining
- Vegan
- Dye-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Value for money
Cons
- None
5. Best Indoor Tanning Formula:Rule Breaker Plateau Busting Triple Bronzer Dark Tanning Lotion
The Rule Breaker Plateau Busting Triple Bronzer Dark Tanning Lotion is designed with a proprietary Quad tyrosine blend and MelanoBronzeTM that increase melanin production for faster tanning. The tattoo-safe sunless lotion for tanning also contains the melanin synthesizer called MelactivaTM, an active ingredient for long-lasting and deep color finish along with NouritanTM for boosting tyrosine function for an even color distribution. The brand’s Body FitTM is added to the formula for reducing cellulite and boosting firmness. This tattoo-enhancing indoor tanning lotion contains a tattoo and color protector that ensures your tattoo stays glossy for long. Furthermore, the acai berry provides antioxidant protection, and white birch boosts firmness while the blend of pomegranate and mangosteen helps fight free radical damage.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Fast-drying
- Affordable
- Pleasant fragrance
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May stain
6. Best Bronzer:Millenium Tanning Solid Black Coconnut Vibes Lotion
The Millenium Tanning Solid Black Coconnut Vibes Lotion has a luxurious bronzing formula with silicone enhancers. It is enriched with four dark tanning activators that boost melanin production and enhance the natural tan. It contains multiple melanin stimulants to give you a deeper and long-lasting beach-like tan. The formula contains a blend of coconut oil, coconut milk, and cocoa butter that deeply hydrates the skin making it silky soft. Its toning and skin tightening agents promote skin elasticity and reduce cellulite, while the tattoo and color fade protectors ensure a long stay of the luster of your tattoos.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Ideal for indoor and outdoor tanning
- Long-lasting
- Value for money
Cons
- None
7. Best For Deep Color:Ed Hardy Triple BLACK XXX Dark Tanning Lotion
The Ed Hardy Triple BLACK XXX Dark Tanning Lotion provides deep, dark, and long-lasting tan with its DHA, natural and cosmetic bronzers. It is enriched with quad tyrosine to develop the darkest possible and instant color along with anti-orange technology. The blue tansy in the formula counteracts orange tones to ensure natural results. It also has tattoo and color fade protectors that protect the lustrous appearance of your tattoos. This tanning lotion is enriched with natural oils and extracts that deeply hydrate the dry layers of your skin, including acai berry that fights free radical damage. It offers anti-aging and skin firming benefits as it is formulated with a powerful anti-aging peptide called advanced matrixyl synthe 6 that diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The tan odor eliminator ensures that your skin stays refreshed and deodorized post tanning.
Pros
- Deep color
- Even finish
- Anti-aging
- Skin hydration
- Pleasant fragrance
- Long-lasting
- No chemical odor
Cons
- May stain
8. Best For Pore Tightening :Devoted Creation Turquoise Temptation Dark Tanning Lotion
Image: Devoted Creations The Devoted Creation Turquoise Temptation Dark Tanning Lotion is a fast-acting tan enhancer with pore or skin tightening benefits. This deeply hydrating lotion is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. It is enriched with anti-wrinkle bakuchiol, a cooling blend of cucumber and aloe, along with an antioxidant-rich super smoothie complex that soothes your skin and provides skin hydration.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Fast-drying
- Value for money
Cons
- None
9. Best Skin-Nourishing Formula:Onyx Tattoo Power Bronzer
When you combine quick tanning results, an extremely dark color, along a groundbreaking tattoo protection formula, you get the Onyx Tattoo Power Bronzer! This tattoo-safe lotion contains intense bronzers in combination with tyrosine and TanOleoBooster that darken the tan for a long-lasting finish. The sesame oil, tamanu oil, and Lawsonia extract in the lotion work together to protect tattoo inks from fading. This product is ideal for all types of skin and protects black and colored tattoos from fading. The tattoo-moisturizing tanning lotion is enriched with a unique blend of pomegranate, grape, and avocado for anti-aging benefits. It also has peach extracts for preventing transepidermal water loss. The nourishing and natural extracts of melon, silk, aloe, and jasmine boost moisture in the skin, while the algae extract leaves the skin looking silky smooth, and younger.
Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Long-lasting
- Value for money
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- None
10. Best Color Fade Protection:Devoted Creations White 2 Black Ink Tattoo & Color Fade Protecting Lotion
If you are looking for a tanning lotion with tattoo protection, check out the White 2 Black Ink Tattoo & Color Fade Protecting Lotion by Devoted Creations. It is an instant color correcting, skin priming, toning, and darkening formula. This tattoo-enhancing tanning lotion nourishes, hydrates, and protects your tattooed skin. If you want a high quality product without any heavy-duty additives, this is the one for you. The tattoo-care after-tan lotion or tattoo color protector is enriched with naturally hydrating cocoa butter, shea butter, and acai oil to provide skin hydration and keep it feeling silky soft.
Pros
- Even color distribution
- Long-lasting
- Indoor/outdoor formula
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Color protector technology
Cons
- None
If you have tattoos, you will definitely need a tanning lotion specifically made for preserving tattoos. In the section below, let’s discuss in detail the ingredient benefits that make a formula worth investing in.
Ingredients To Look For In A Tattoo Tanning Lotion
1. Beeswax: With immense antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, beeswax creates a protective barrier around your skin. This helps heal the skin after a tan, calm inflammation, and soften the skin, ensuring that your tattoo stays looking new and fresh and your skin healthy.
2. Shea butter: It is an excellent moisturizer enriched in vitamin A that provides hydration to your skin in order to prevent any dryness that may occur after tanning.
3. Aloe vera: It is a powerful natural emollient that is added to the most effective skincare formulas for its hydrating, refreshing, and cooling benefits post-sun exposure.
4. Raspberry: This antioxidant-rich natural ingredient provides strong protection against free radical damage while also reversing any previous damage caused by UV rays.
Infographic: Special Features Of Tattoo Lotions & Their Benefits
A tattoo is an extension of your physical self. Naturally, you would want to do all it takes to safeguard it, and regular tanning lotions will not do! You need special tattoo-friendly formulas that will preserve the vibrancy of your body art. The below infographic shows what makes tattoo tanning lotions special and why they are so important. Scroll down to have a look! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Tattoos are art that can express something innate about your soul. However, sunlight and water can fade the tattoos over time, and then they require refilling. These tanning lotions are a popular tanning method and help maintain the color and brightness of your tattoo to stay longer. The lotions protect your tattoo against UV rays and hydrate the skin internally. The Millenium Tanning Paint It Black 50X Auto-Darkening Tanning Lotion is perfect for gradual darkening and skin nourishment, while the Ed Hardy Triple BLACK XXX Dark Tanning Lotion is for those seeking an intense tanning and bronzing experience. But if your goal is to achieve a deep tan with a vibrant tattoo, try the Onyx Tattoo Power Bronzer. Most of the products on our list are paraben-free, long-lasting, and cruelty-free. However, not all products suit every skin type. Go through the product reviews and ingredients to grab the lotion that suits your skin type. Do a patch test if you have extremely sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use tanning lotion on a tattoo?
Yes, you can apply tanning lotions on your tattoo once it has completely healed.
Are tanning lotions the same as tattoo sunscreens?
No, tattoo-protective sunscreens protect the skin from UV rays, whereas tanning lotions save the tattoos from discoloration or fading out. Ideally, you should use both SPF lotion for tattoos and tanning lotions to keep your tattoo protected. Alternatively, you can also use a lotion with bronzer and SPF for tattoos.
How long should you wait to go tanning after getting a new tattoo?
Avoid using tanning lotion for new tattoos. You can safely tan your tattoo after it has completely healed at around 12-14 weeks.
Does tanning fade the tattoo?
If you tan your tattoo before it’s completely healed, it will fade and can cause further damage to the skin.
What happens if you don’t moisturize your tattoo?
Not moisturizing your tattoo can make it dry which can lead to severe itchiness and burning sensations.
Are tanning lotions harmful to the skin?
No, tanning lotions are safe to apply and don’t lead to any skin conditions or allergies. However, do not apply it on broken skin or pre-existing skin conditions. Also, use tanning lotion on healed tattoos.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Baishali Bhattacharya, is an expert in makeup artistry and loves to experiment with new looks. She has a good understanding of tattoos and the products you require to prevent them from fading away. The author studied extensively and scrolled through hundreds of reviews to create our list of the best tanning lotions. These lotions protect tattoos against UV rays and water corrosion, besides helping them look brighter and last longer.
