14 Best Tingle Tanning Lotions as Efficient as Tanning Beds

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 23, 2024
Tingle Tanning Lotions
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Gone are the days when you had to soak in the sun for hours to attain that perfect sun-flushed glow. Now, you can slay the Brazilian beauty look in a few minutes with the best tingle tanning lotions. 

Although bronzers, self-tanners, tanning extender lotions, and tingling tanning lotions are siblings of the same family, they differ immensely in functions. Our firsthand usage of all these products has helped us understand that a bronzer helps to accentuate high points in a person’s face apart from providing a copper-brown complexion. Self-tanners leave no tan lines and bestow a uniform brown complexion all over the body, lasting 6-10 days. In contrast, tanning extender lotions, on the other hand, help to retain the existing tan for a considerable time.

Tingling tanning lotions, as the name suggests, tend to hasten melanin synthesis and pass a prickly sensation through the epidural cells of the skin, providing a natural-looking sun-browned complexion. However, these lotions tend to aggravate blood flow to the skin cells and forcefully exert melanin, for which they can often result in skin marring consequences like the appearance of scars, burns, and red patches in people with sensitive skin.

According to Octavia Lewis, a licensed esthetician, using tanning lotions is better than tanning beds because it helps control the intensity of the quantity and reduces the risk of injuries. 

Choosing the best tingling tanning lotions out of all the options can leave you bewildered; hence, our in-house experts have curated a list of the best ones that are easy to apply, non-messy, and safe on the skin. 

Scroll away to get the perfect forest goddess look in a few minutes. 

14 Best Tingle Tanning Lotions

Fool your workspace colleagues into believing you just returned from a beach vacation in the Maldives with the Ed Hardy tingle tanning lotion. The product has a hot tingling sensation that creates a warm sensation and boosts melanin production, providing an immediate uniform dark bronze tan. Moreover, it helps to keep the skin soft, conceals signs of aging like stretch marks, helps to repair dry and damaged skin, and delivers an overall luminous complexion. Furthermore, it contains mangosteen, vitamin C, vitamin E, and hemp seed oil that protects the skin from oxidative damage, moisturizes dry skin, and inhibits aging.  

Pros
  • Warms skin immediately
  • Alluring tropical fragrance
  • Keeps the skin soft and supple
  • Ensures uniform coloring
Cons
  • Not for sensitive skin
  • Editor’s Pick

    Tanovations Ed Hardy Body Shots DoubleShot

    Tanovations Ed Hardy Body Shots DoubleShot
  • Attain an irresistible chocolate-like complexion with the Tanovations tingler lotion. The prickly therapeutic tingles of the product blend effectively with the epidural layers of the skin and deliver a uniform brown complexion throughout the body. Addedly, it has a robust hydrating formula that prevents the skin from drying and flaking and provides an overall nourished complexion. In tandem, it contains peptides that reduce wrinkles, tone the skin, and impart a youthful glow and Melactiva, which provides an instant, long-lasting coppery brown tan. Lastly, it comes in a refreshing citrusy fragrance to provide an energizing browning experience. 

    Pros
    • Tightens saggy skin
    • Provides uniform complexion
    • Does not cause burns
    • Great for enhancing tattoos
    Cons
    • Inconsistent product packaging
  • Best for Skin Tightening

    Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion

    Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion
  • Glow like a goddess from the inside out without subjecting your skin to harmful UVA/UVB rays with the Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion by Tanning Paradise. It has a hot tingling sensation and helps to increase melanin production to deliver desired tanning results without the use of DHA or bronzing agents. The product also stimulates tyrosine activity, ensuring an even and long-lasting tan. Adding to that, it offers several skincare benefits — reduces the appearance of cellulite, promotes skin’s firmness, and provides intense hydration. The best part? The tanning lotion helps prolong the life of your tattoos and is suitable for sensitive skin types as well. 

    Pros
    • Suitable for sensitive skin
    • Intensively hydrating
    • Long-lasting
    • Antioxidant-rich
    • Smells good
    Cons
    • Bronzing effect could be better
  • Best for Instant Results

    Millennium Tanning Products Insanely Black

    Millennium Tanning Products Insanely Black
  • Relive the tingling sensation of being right under the sun on a cloudy afternoon from the comfort of your house with the Millenium tingle tanning bed lotion. Available in an alluring blackberry fragrance, this product is for someone who wishes to flaunt a terracotta hue complexion within minutes of application. It is infused with 5 x darkening technology that delivers extreme tan. It contains ingredients like nicotinate, melanin boosters like tyrosine, and bronzers like DHA that provide a uniform sun-kissed brown. Moreover, the product also has vitamin C, which protects the skin from sun damage. The best part is that the product was honored by BeautyMag as one of the top beauty picks in 2021. Lastly, the product helps conceal visible skin imperfections like freckles, scratches, and stubborn scars and is thus a loved choice among people of all ages.

    Pros
    • Immensely hydrating
    • Non-reddening
    • Great for experienced tanners
    • Revives dullness
    Cons
    • Not for beginners
  • Best for Enhancing Tattoos

    Devoted Creations IGNITE NOIR Hot Tingle Bronzer

    Devoted Creations IGNITE NOIR Hot Tingle Bronzer
  • Formulated with premium grade DHA, the Devoted Creations tingling tanning lotion with bronzers (natural and cosmetically manufactured) is a blessing in disguise for people who wish to flaunt the Brazilian beauty look throughout the year. Moreover, it works towards activating melanin instantly and helps to tighten skin wrinkles without leaving behind any obnoxious tan odor. To add on, it delivers an intensely pigmented pop of color without causing redness or inflammation. After using the product for a few days, our team members were amazed by the results because it helped combat discoloration, conceal skin scars, and enhance tattoo longevity. 

    Pros
    • Great for people in frigid
    • Climates Combats redness
    • Enhances natural tan
    • Boosts collagen production
    Cons
    • Tends to stain hands quickly.
  • Best for European Skin Tones

    DesignerSkin Bombshell Tanning Bed Lotion 100xx Hot Tingle w/ Bronzer

    DesignerSkin Bombshell Tanning Bed Lotion 100xx Hot Tingle w/ Bronzer
  • The DesignerSkin bombshell tingling tanning lotion is a Bombshell in real. We say this because the product has an extreme sizzle formula that imparts a passionate bronze hue on pale skin tone without making the skin look too dark. Moreover, it helps with better skin oxygenation, which allows them to accelerate the process of melanin synthesis and assures uniform distribution of color. Lastly, it comes with potent anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties that prevent the occurrence of allergies and infections and provide the skin with a mesmerizing finish. 

    Pros
    • Gluten-free
    • Warm intensity
    • Durable tingling
    • Non-messy application
    Cons
    • Not for sensitive skin
  • Best for Concealing Cellulite

    Onyx Very Sexy Legs - Tingle Tanning Lotion for Hard-To-Tan Body Parts

    Onyx Very Sexy Legs - Tingle Tanning Lotion for Hard-To-Tan Body Parts
  • Get perfect sun-flushed red carpet-worthy legs with the Onyx Indoor tanning lotion. The product has an intense tingling effect that provides results similar to prolonged exposure to the sun for umpteen hours. To add on, the product is curated with bronzing ingredients that are robustly pigmented and deliver an unwavering streak-free and stain-free tan without making the skin look patchy. Lastly, it works miraculously for hard-to-tan areas like obliques, calves, legs, and the lower stomach, providing an even-toned complexion. 

    Pros
    • Moisturizes dry skin
    • Cruelty-free
    • Paraben free
    • Reduces the appearance of cellulite
    Cons
    • Not for pale skin tone
  • Best for Medium Toned Skin

    Poison Extreme Tingle - Bronzer Collagen Base

    Poison Extreme Tingle - Bronzer Collagen Base
  • Be bronze beautiful instantly with the Poison hot tingle tanning lotion. The product has an intense tingling formulation that boosts melanin production and delivers a uniform copper-like complexion without making the skin patchy. It is best suited for medium and deep skin tones as it helps to improve skin luminosity without making the skin look too dark. The oil-like texture of the product penetrates quickly within the innermost layers of the skin and brings out a natural-looking complexion. Lastly, it helps to smoothen out uneven surfaces, conceal stretchmarks, and hide imperfections like bug bites and bruises. 

     

    Pros
    • Provides an illusion of slimming
    • Gives a silky-smooth finish
    • Intense tingling sensation
    • Suitable for all skin types
    Cons
    • Overpowering smell
  • Best Streak Free Formulation

    Fiesta Sun MANGO MELT Sizzling Hot Action Dark Tanning Lotion

    Fiesta Sun MANGO MELT Sizzling Hot Action Dark Tanning Lotion
  • Let your inner glow shine through with the Fiesta indoor tingle tanning lotion for a natural complexion boost. The product contains natural ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter that ensure appropriate moisture retention. Additionally, it provides the skin with a maximizing tanning formula that assures long-lasting retention of the durably pigmented. It has a subtle tropical mango fragrance, which makes its application an enjoyable process. Lastly, the product generates heat throughout the body uniformly without causing any red patches, itching, or inflammation, which makes it an ideal pick for normal to dry skin types. 

    Pros
    • Firms saggy skin
    • High pigmented
    • Long lasting tingles
    • Streak-free results
    Cons
    • Makes skin orangey
  • Best for Mature Skin

    Ultimate Inferno Hot Tingle Tanning Lotion

    Ultimate Inferno Hot Tingle Tanning Lotion
  • This product by Ultimate claims to be the "World's Strongest tingle tanning lotion.” This product delivers results of the most premium quality. The product first primes up your skin and then slowly accelerates the process of melanin synthesis. Moreover, it produces a dark, durable pigment that remains undeterred by repeated washing. Lastly, the product has immensely hydrating elements like hemp seed oil that help to keep the skin tissues moisturized, hydrated, and nourished. 

    Pros
    • Tightens fine lines
    • Improves skin laxity
    • Nourishes parched skin
    • Improves skin luster
    Cons
    • Not intensely hot
  • Best for Beginners

    Snooki Bonfire On The Beach Hot Tingle Bronzer

    Snooki Bonfire On The Beach Hot Tingle Bronzer
  • Feel the strong embrace of the morning winter sun on your body with the Snooki tingle tanning lotion. The product comprises skin-nurturing ingredients like cinnamon and cocoa extracts that prevent infections and ensure moisture retention. Moreover, the product also protects tattoos from fading or peeling. The product also contains DHA stimulators that deliver a robust color to the skin cells and assure long-lasting, darker results. Lastly, the product helps to improve the extrinsic layer of the skin cells and reduces redness and the chances of combating infections. 

    Pros
    • Assures perfect glow
    • Maintains skin vibrancy
    • Contains premium grade bronzers
    • Non-itchy
    Cons
    • Tingles may cause blisters in bodies
  • Tequila Sunrise Hot Tingle Tanning Lotion

    Tequila Sunrise Hot Tingle Tanning Lotion
  • Pros
    • Absorbs like a dream
    • Transient redness
    • Therapeutic warming sensation
    • Affordable Pricing
    Cons
    • Overpowering smell
  • John Abate Titanium 16 oz Tingle T3 Tanning

    John Abate Titanium 16 oz Tingle T3 Tanning
  • Create the illusion of a slimmer-looking body without hitting the gym with the John Abate Tingling tanning lotion. The product contains Vitamins A, E. F, and B complex and improves the proper synthesis of skin cell oxygen, accelerating the tanning process. Moreover, the product delivers a radiant, healthy-looking complexion and improves skin vibrancy, eliminating the need for a tanning bed. To add on, the product is devoid of skin irritants and gluten, which makes it a compatible choice for people with celiac disease. 

    Pros
    • Non-Itchy
    • Soothing tingles
    • Non- Messy application
    • Robust packaging
    Cons
    • Costly
  • Onyx Hot Action Tingle Bronzer

    Onyx Hot Action Tingle Bronzer
  • With two decades-old expertise in curating self-tanning essentials, Onyx brings you another intense tingle tanning lotion. Based on our product usage, we have discovered that it provides a soothing, warm, and reddening feeling and gives a flawless dark stain without any streaks or stains. It contains a scrumptious blend of high-quality natural ingredients that soften the skin and provide a healthy glow. Lastly, it has a fast-absorbing lightweight formulation, which makes it ideal for usage on a mundane basis. As a reviewer on Amazon rightly says, “You will want to buy more of this product after having bought it once.” 

    Pros
    • Intensifies color
    • Combats flakiness
    • Improves skin cell oxygenation
    • Suitable for all skin types
    Cons
    • Runny texture

    Choosing the best tingling tanning lotions out of all the alternatives that help to hold the sun-flushed complexion for a durable amount of time can be a difficult task. While the intensity of the tan may differ as per the preference of the individual, here are a few factors that we have taken into consideration that you can keep in mind while opting for a tingling tanning lotion. 

    How to Choose the Best Tingling Tanning Lotion?

    1. Composition of Ingredients: The tingling lotion should contain a robust amount of DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) that helps to accelerate the process of tanning and helps to produce the required level of melanin that is needed to give the skin the radiant sun-browned complexion without making the skin look too dark. Moreover, according to research published in NCBI, DHA also helps to maintain the required level of moisture within the skin cells as it contains an active ingredient called glycerol. It should be devoid of artificially manufactured skin allergens like sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, and alcohol, as it may make the skin prone to allergies and tamper the skin’s natural barrier, per another research paper published in NCBI. A tingling tanning body lotion should come with melanin synthesizers, color maximizers, and accelerators to provide streak-free coverage. It should also have anti-aging elements like vitamin C to prevent photo-aging. Lastly, it should also have tattoo protection elements like hemp extracts and jojoba oil to prevent fading due to exposure. 
    2. The Texture of the Product: The product should be in a lotion or oil-based formulation and should have an easily blendable texture so that it blends with the layers of the skin and accelerates the process of melanin synthesis. 
    3. Skin Type And Texture: The texture and composition of the tingling tanning lotion differ according to the skin texture of the individual. In contrast, dry skin will need a cream that contains more emollients and humectants; oily skin will need a formation that has potent anti-bacterial properties as oily skin has a lot of pores and is easily prone to acne, pimples, and clogging. Therefore, having anti-bacterial elements like tea tree oil will help strengthen the oily skin barrier and improve skin health. 

    While tingling tanning lotions may help you achieve the forest goddess look for a short span, there are many unforeseen advantages of the product, which directly and indirectly contribute to overall skin health; let us understand them in detail.

    What Are the Additional Benefits of Using a Tingling Tanning Lotion?

    1. Improves Oxygenation of the Skin Cells: A tingling tanning lotion causes the body temperature to rise and the blood vessels around the skin cells to dilate, thereby increasing the level of oxygen delivered to the epidermal cells. 
    2. Hydrates And Improves Skin: Since blood flow is increased to the skin cells, the skin tends to attain a more supple, youthful, and nourished appearance. 
    3. Provides a Natural Browning Effect: A proper tingling tanning lotion would offer the same intensity of results as it would provide when an individual is under the sun; hence, a tingling tanning lotion will help to make the skin look natural without gaslighting UV damage. 

    Conclusion

    Beauty comes in all shades, but when we speak of brown-skinned beauties, we see the largest palette of colors ranging from Beige browns to dark chocolate browns. When picking the right brown shade, it's crucial to match it with your natural skin tone while also considering how susceptible your skin is to UV damage, mechanical stress, and bacteria. When aiming for that naturally sun-kissed glow, the top-notch tingling tanning lotions are your go-to. They not only mimic a sun-kissed complexion but also ensure your skin stays hydrated and well-nourished.  However, it is advised to always opt for a patch test before implementing the product, as it may lead to burns and scars and cause your skin to break into hives. Please check out our buying guide before making a purchase. 

    FAQ's

    Does a tingle tanning lotion make your tan faster?
    A tingle tanning lotion consists of high-intensity tanners that increase the oxygenation of cells and promote faster melanin synthesis, thereby providing an instant tanning effect.
    How long should I wait to shower after using a tingle lotion?
    Although most of the tanning lotions suggested above are durably pigmented and are skin allergens, it is advisable to wait for 30 minutes before taking a shower to retain maximum results.
    How often should I use tingle tanning lotion?
    A premium quality tingle tanning lotion like the ones mentioned above would help retain results for as long as two weeks; hence, it is advisable to use tingle tanning lotions once a week.
    Can you put tingle tanning lotion on your face?
    It is not advisable to use tingle tanning lotions on your face as it may cause burns and blisters and lead to uneven discoloration.
    Can tingle tanning lotions be used on sensitive or easily irritated skin?
    Tingle tanning lotions have an intense and instantaneous tanning formulation and cause a slight tingling sensation that may lead to blisters and scars; hence, it is not advisable to use them on sensitive skin.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, our certified in-house expert, believes that brown shade is the only shade that has intensities and hues of varying degrees and, hence, can aesthetically complement all shades of lip colors and outfits. Therefore, she always recommends people include tingle tanning lotions into their self-care regime to flaunt the forest goddess-inspired look or the bronze bae look. She has been studying the composition of samples of the best tingle tanning lotions and suggesting options for people of all ages with skin tones and textures that provide a streak-free tan.  After weeks of in-depth research and innumerable trials, she brings you her most-priced picks. She has gone a step ahead and distributed free samples of the products mentioned above among her friends and taken note of the loopholes of the products in terms of nourishment and longevity. 

    She says, “A little bit of melanin always brings out a natural molten gold-like complexion; hence, using tingle tanning lotions in the appropriate quantities can lead to transformational results.”

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness on board to ensure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More