What are the best sunbed creams?
The best sunbed cream depends on your tanning experience, the type of colour you want to develop and the kind of formula you prefer. Some people want a straightforward accelerator, while others prefer a maximiser, bronzer or more advanced tanning lotion.
To make choosing easier, we have brought together 10 of the best-selling tanning lotions currently available through Sahara Sands. The selection updates automatically based on sales, so the products shown reflect what customers are actually choosing.
Our 10 best-selling sunbed creams
Jellybean Tanning Intensifying Cream - Coconut Edition
Devoted Creations White 2 Bronze Pomegranate Tanning Lotion
Money Talks - New Formula with 5% THALITAN, Tyrosine, Carotene and Shea Butter
Even More Black Tanning Accelerator Cream
Power Tan Black Onyx SIREN 24 Hour Tanning Accelerator
Power Tan Ultima Dark Collagen 250ml
Devoted Creations Pacific Pearl Body Moisturiser
Devoted Creations Nantucket Nectar
Devoted Creations Blonde Obsession Tanning Lotion Sachet 15ml
2bTanned Peach Tanning Accelerator Cream with Thalitan
How do you choose the right sunbed cream?
Not every tanning lotion is designed to do the same thing. Understanding the main types can make it much easier to choose a product that suits your tanning routine.
Accelerators
Accelerators are a popular starting point and are designed to support the skin's natural tanning process while helping to keep the skin conditioned and moisturised.
They are often chosen by newer tanners or anyone who prefers to develop colour without relying heavily on cosmetic bronzers.
Explore Accelerators
Maximisers
Maximisers are generally aimed at regular tanners who already have some established colour and want to get more from their tanning routine.
Many advanced maximisers contain tanning-support ingredients alongside moisturisers and skin-conditioning ingredients.
Explore Maximisers
Bronzers
Bronzing lotions combine tanning ingredients with cosmetic colour enhancers. This makes them a popular choice for people who want a darker-looking finish as well as continued development of their natural tan.
Bronzer strength can vary considerably, so it is worth checking the individual product description before choosing one.
Explore Bronzers
Plateau breakers
If you have been tanning regularly and feel as though your colour is no longer progressing, you may want to look at a more advanced maximiser or plateau-breaking formula.
These lotions are typically aimed at experienced tanners and may contain advanced tanning-support ingredients designed to complement an established tanning routine.
Explore Plateau Breakers
What ingredients should you look for in a tanning lotion?
Tanning lotions can contain a wide variety of ingredients depending on the type of product. Moisturising ingredients are particularly common, as keeping the skin well conditioned can help maintain a smoother, more even-looking tan.
Some more advanced tanning lotions also contain ingredients associated with the skin's natural melanin process, including tyrosine and specialist tanning actives such as Thalitan.
If you have seen these ingredients listed on a tanning lotion and want to understand what they do, read our dedicated guide.
Learn About Thalitan & Tyrosine
Should beginners use strong tanning lotions?
If you are new to tanning lotions, it is usually easier to begin with a straightforward accelerator or lighter formula before moving on to more advanced products.
Strong bronzers, tingle lotions and specialist plateau-breaking formulas are generally more suited to people who already understand how their skin responds and have an established tanning routine.
Are expensive sunbed creams always better?
Not necessarily. Price can reflect the ingredients, formulation and brand, but the most expensive lotion is not automatically the best choice for every person.
A good tanning lotion is one that suits your experience level, the type of colour you want to achieve and the way you prefer to tan. That is why it can be more useful to compare the type of formula rather than simply choosing the most expensive product.
Do sunbed creams contain SPF?
Most tanning accelerators, maximisers and bronzers should not be assumed to provide sun protection unless an SPF is specifically stated on the product.
Always follow the instructions supplied with the product and follow the guidance provided by your tanning salon or equipment provider.
Want to see more best sellers?
Explore more popular tanning lotions, accelerators, maximisers, bronzers and customer favourites.
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