10 Best Tanning Lotions For Tattoos

Keep your tattoos from fading in the bright sunlight by using these protective tanning lotions.

Reviewed by Anna Misztela, Licensed Esthetician Anna Misztela Anna MisztelaLicensed Esthetician facebook_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Baishali Bhattacharya, MA (English) Baishali Bhattacharya MA (English) linkedin_icon
Edited by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) Monomita Chakraborty MA (Journalism & Mass Communication) linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Last Updated on
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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.

Top Picks
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Best Long-Lasting Tan:Millenium Tanning Paint It Black 50X Auto-Darkening Tanning Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best Even Tan Finish:Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Dark Tanning Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best For Indoor-Outdoor Use:Dolce Black Extreme Black Bronzing Tanning Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best Bronzer-Free Formula:Dark Tans That’s What Sea Said Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best Indoor Tanning Formula:Rule Breaker Plateau Busting Triple Bronzer Dark Tanning Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best Bronzer:Millenium Tanning Solid Black Coconnut Vibes Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best For Deep Color:Ed Hardy Triple BLACK XXX Dark Tanning Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best For Pore Tightening:Devoted Creation Turquoise Temptation Dark Tanning Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best Skin-Nourishing Formula:Onyx Tattoo Power Bronzer
Price on Amazon
Best Color Fade Protection:Devoted Creations White 2 Black Ink Tattoo & Color Fade Protecting Lotion
Price on Amazon

10 Best Tanning Lotions For Tattoos

1. Best Long-Lasting Tan:Millenium Tanning Paint It Black 50X Auto-Darkening Tanning Lotion

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4.3
Paint It Black 50X Auto Darkening Tan Technology Dark Tanning Lotion Image: Millennium Tanning

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.

Skin Type: Combination | Product Dimensions: 5.91 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches | Weight: 14.11 Ounces

Pros

  •  Non-sticky
  •  Pleasant fragrance
  •  Suitable for all ages
  •  Non-tingling
  •  No streaks

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Quick tip
Exfoliate and cleanse before you apply the tanning lotion to remove dead skin cells and avoid a patchy look.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 2,761 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

2. Best Even Tan Finish:Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Dark Tanning Lotion

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4.3
Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion Image: Tanning Paradise

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.

Skin Type: Sensitive

Pros

  •  Pleasant fragrance
  •  Suitable for sensitive skin
  •  Long-lasting
  •  Visible results after each use
  •  Ideal for both indoor and outdoor tanning

Cons

  • None

protip_icon Quick tip
Apply a light moisturizer at least 2 hours before applying the tanning lotion. Let the lotion stay on your skin for at least 6-10 hours for an even and luxurious look.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 548 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

3. Best For Indoor-Outdoor Use:Dolce Black Extreme Black Bronzing Tanning Lotion

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4.2
Dolce Black Extreme Black Bronzing Tanning Lotion Image: Dolce Black

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.

Skin Type: Combination, Dry, Normal

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
Reviews2,7615482,161
Price$29.95$27.99$34.95

4. Best Bronzer-Free Formula:Dark Tans That’s What Sea Said Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion

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4.3
Dark Tans Exclusive That’s What Sea Said Extreme Dark Tanning Lotion Image: Dark Tans Exclusive

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.

Skin Type: All

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.

Skin Type: All

Pros

  •  Non-sticky
  •  Fast-drying
  •  Affordable
  •  Pleasant fragrance
  •  Long-lasting

Cons

  •  May stain

6. Best Bronzer:Millenium Tanning Solid Black Coconnut Vibes Lotion

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4.3
Millennium Tanning Solid Black COCONUT VIBES Dark Tanning Activators Image: Millennium Tanning

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.

Skin Type: Combination

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

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4.3
Ed Hardy Triple BLACK XXX Dark Tanning Lotion Image: Ed Hardy

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.

Skin Type: Dry

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

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4.4
Devoted Creations 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.

Skin Type: All

Pros

  •  Lightweight
  •  Pleasant fragrance
  •  Fast-drying
  •  Value for money

Cons

  • None

9. Best Skin-Nourishing Formula:Onyx Tattoo Power Bronzer

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4.3

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.

Skin Type: All, Combination, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 7 inches | Weight: 7 Ounces

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

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4.4
Devoted Creations White 2 Black Ink Tattoo & Color Fade Protecting Lotion Image: Devoted Creations

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.

Skin Type: All

Pros

  •  Even color distribution
  •  Long-lasting
  •  Indoor/outdoor formula
  •  Paraben-free
  •  Sulfate-free
  •  Color protector technology

Cons

  • None
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

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!

Special Features Of Tattoo Lotions & Their Benefits (infographic)

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.

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Anna Misztela
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 Stanford Center for Health Education and then develop and successfully market her product to improve hair, skin, and nails.

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Baishali Bhattacharya
Baishali BhattacharyaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
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 to this, she was a part of a digital marketing company in Kolkata where she wrote stories on travel, beauty, and home décor.

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Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli 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, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Monomita Chakraborty
Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Monomita 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 University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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