16 Best Tan Extender Lotions to Remain Bronze Beautiful for Long

Publish date: 2024-05-15
Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer

Updated on Apr 01, 2024

Tan Extender Lotions to Remain Bronze Beautiful for Long The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

Tan extenders are the next big game changers in the beauty industry!  The best tan extender lotions not only enhance your tan’s life span, keep your skin hydrated, and protect it from harmful UV rays and other external irritants but also prevent aggravated pigmentation. 

Although tan extender lotions are a close cousin of bronzers, they are different in functions. While bronzers limit their color-inducing capabilities only up to the face, tan-extending lotions assure a uniform distribution of color throughout the body and leave no corner untouched.

Our contributor Dr. Anju Methil, a renowned dermatologist and cosmetologist who is associated with ClinicSpots, says, “There are tan-extending lotions for all skin types, including dry, oily, combination, acne-prone, and aging skin. Choosing a product that matches one's specific skin needs is vital to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.”

Based on our research, we have discovered that celebrity make-up artists and beauty aficionados do not recommend using a bronzer for the body because the skin on our body is different with respect to the skin on our face — it needs more hydration and more robust photodamage combating properties.

We present to you the best tan-extending creams that are immensely hydrating, non-greasy, non-comedogenic, portable, and easy on the pocket. Read on.

Our top picks

16 Best Tan Extender Lotions

Retain your tan as long as you wish with the Australian Gold tanning extender. The product is power-packed with natural ingredients like aloe vera juice to help treat chronic and photo radiation dermatitis. It also contains tea tree oil that helps soothe skin inflammation and has robust antimicrobial and antifungal activities (1). It also has extracts of olive oil which is a storehouse of vitamin E that inhibits the peroxidation of the skin cell tissues (2). Overall, its non-greasy and super hydrating formula not only preserves the bronze hue but also improves the water retention power of the skin, leaving it smooth and supple.

Pros

Cons

  • 2

    Best Non-Drying Formulation

    Maui Babe After Browning Lotion, Tan Enhancer & Healer

    Maui Babe After Browning Lotion, Tan Enhancer & Healer

    • Slay the Hawaiian beach body look without booking a vacation with this marvelous product by Maui Babe. It is one of the best after-tanning lotions because it contains nature's best skincare ingredients like aloe vera which helps to soothe dry patches along with macadamia nut oil which is a treasure trove of vitamin A1, B1, B2, and niacin, all of which reduce the appearance of the fine lines, stretch marks, skin sagging and wrinkles (3). Moreover, it not only assures a bewitching brown hue but also has a lightweight, fast-absorbing, potently moisturizing formula that lends the skin a smooth, beautiful firm skin for a prolonged period.

    Pros

    Cons

  • 3

    Best Non-Greasy Formulation

    Ed Hardy Moisturizer Tan Extender

    Ed Hardy Moisturizer Tan Extender

    • An amazing after-browning lotion that not only holds onto tan for a considerable amount of time but also provides ample nourishment to the skin is the Ed Hardy moisturizer. It is one of the best after-tan lotions as it contains lotus extracts which are a storehouse of oleic acid and linoleic acid that helps to control inflammation and aid in improving the skin texture and complexion (4). Additionally, it contains shea butter which is known for its anti-aging properties (5). Lastly, it prevents uneven distribution of tan and provides the skin with a gorgeous color without making it prone to sunburns.

    Pros

  • 4

    Best For Aging Skin

    GOLDEN STAR BEAUTY Tan Extender Lotion

    GOLDEN STAR BEAUTY Tan Extender Lotion

    • Achieve a Jessica Alba-like tan with the Golden Star Beauty tanning lotion. It has a robust fade-fighting formula. Composed of a nourishing blend of ingredients like argan oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and avocado oil, it helps moisturize the skin while extending the lifespan of your tan. It also contains a considerable amount of hyaluronic acid that helps maintain moisture levels, while simultaneously resolving concerns like collagen degradation, dryness, loss of elasticity, and wrinkling of the skin (6). Furthermore, it incorporates Vitamins B2, B5, and B12 that help treat acne, atopic dermatitis, skin aging, melasma, and skin hyperpigmentation (7).

    Pros

    Cons

  • 5

    Best Long-Lasting Results

    MILLENNIUM Solid Black Tan Extending Moisturizer

    MILLENNIUM Solid Black Tan Extending Moisturizer

    • A seductive sun-kissed tan is just a few rubs away with the MILLENNIUM after tan extender lotion. The product contains argan oil that helps to restore skin elasticity and promotes collagen synthesis (8). To add on, it contains extracts of macadamia nuts and walnut oils that contain a considerable amount of polyphenols that have potent free radical scavenging and anti-oxidant abilities (3), (9). Overall, the product prevents skin sagging, increases skin laxity, sheaths against sun damage, combats uneven color distribution, and provides a halo-like golden glow.

    Pros

    Cons

  • 6

    Best for Sensitive Skin

    TAN PHYSICS Ultra-Hydrating Tan Extender

    TAN PHYSICS Ultra-Hydrating Tan Extender

    • Personify your holiday tan and nourish your parched skin with the TAN PHYSICS hydrating browning lotion. The product is one of the best before and after tanning lotions as it is a powerful tonic that contains vitamin B that helps to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmented spots, blotchiness, and skin yellowing (10). Besides, it also has invigorating photo radical combating properties of vitamin C which prevents collagen destruction, fights discoloration, and prevents sunburn and epidermal mutations (11). Moreover, it also contains natural ingredients like aloe vera which helps skin cell water retention, and cocoa butter which is known to prevent the skin from drying and flaking by strengthening its natural barrier.

    Pros

    Cons

  • 7

    Best For Combination Skin

    ABSOLUTELY Natural Rose Hip Aloe After Sun And Every Day Moisturizer

    ABSOLUTELY Natural Rose Hip Aloe After Sun And Every Day Moisturizer

    • Toss away all fears of sunburns, skin inflammation, allergies, itchiness, and reddening with the natural self-tanning lotion. It was invented in Florida in 1992 and contains extracts of rose hips oil that are potently rich in polyphenols, vitamins C, E, and B, and carotenoids that prevent chronic aging caused by overexposure to UV radiation and provide dramatic skin hydration (12). Besides, it also contains safflower that helps soothe dermatitis and accelerate epidermis exfoliation thus enabling newer skin cells to emerge onto the surface (13). Overall, is one of the best lotions for tanning as it helps maintain soothed and hydrated skin.

    Pros

    Cons

  • 8

    Most Moisturizing Formula

    ST.TROPEZ PREP & MAINTAIN Tan Enhancing Moisturizer

    ST.TROPEZ PREP & MAINTAIN Tan Enhancing Moisturizer

    • Make your sun-kissed skin last extra long with ST.TROPEZ's Prep & Maintain Tan Enhancing Moisturizer – it's the best way to ensure that your tan is here to stay! It works amazingly well to keep your tan lasting longer while also ensuring that it fades evenly, without any awkward blotches and patches. Additionally, since it's crafted with dry skin in mind, it hydrates and pampers the skin, making it feel irresistibly velvety to the touch. So, whether you've just returned from a long tropical vacation or if you're trying to achieve a warm, beachy glow all year round, this lotion is bound to give you beautifully bronzed skin.

    Pros

    Cons

  • 9

    DESIGNER SKIN Angel After Tan Lotion Daily Moisturizer

    DESIGNER SKIN Angel After Tan Lotion Daily Moisturizer

    • A celebrity makeup artist's favorite for nailing the Brazillian goddess look is the DESIGNER SKIN after tanning moisturizer. This ultra-hydrating lotion prevents the skin from sagging and wrinkling by ensuring the required moisture within the skin cells of the epidermal layers. What's more, it revitalizes dull skin and provides a long-lasting smooth brown finish without making the skin prone to environmental stressors.

    Pros

  • 10

    Best For Discolored Skin

    NORVELL Self-Tanning Prolong Sunless Color Extending Lotion

    NORVELL Self-Tanning Prolong Sunless Color Extending Lotion

    • Enhance the copper-brown radiance of your skin with the NORVELL tanning extender lotion. It is fade-resistant and creates a seamless illuminating transition without causing any uneven discoloration. Furthermore, it is an impeccable self-tanning lotion as it ensures robust sun protection and prevents further darkening by increasing the natural protective barrier of the skin cells. Besides it boosts the overall hydration of the overlying skin cells and prevents moisture loss due to overexposure to environmental aggressors. Overall it is one of the most trusted products by beauty aficionados as it provides a natural-looking tan without making the skin look too dark.

    Pros

    Cons

  • 11

    Best Non-Itchy Formulation

    Jergens Natural Glow Tan Extender Daily Moisturizer

    Jergens Natural Glow Tan Extender Daily Moisturizer

    • With invincible anti-fade technology, the Jergens natural tan extending lotion is here to deliver game-changing results. It assures color protection for up to seven days and does not make the skin susceptible to further sun damage. Moreover, the product contains glycerin that provides superb skin hydration, amplifies cutaneous elasticity, and accelerates epidermal barrier repair (14). Besides, it assures overall even distribution of color throughout the skin without making the skin tone patchy in places. Furthermore, the product conceals imperfections like freckles, sun spots, blemishes, and body acne scars, combats inflammation, and bestows the skin with an alluring forest goddess finish.

    Pros

    Cons

  • 12

    Skinerals Amber Glow Tan Extender Lotion

    Skinerals Amber Glow Tan Extender Lotion

    • Ensuring that your tan has an extended lifeline is now easy with this mind-boggling product by Skinerals. It is one of the best lotions to use after tanning outside as it does not strip the skin of the natural brown sun-kissed hue. To add on, it contains avocado oil that has high levels of vitamin E which prevents loss of skin cell moisture and helps to regulate water balance in the skin cells (15). Furthermore, it also contains a scrumptious blend of coffee extracts that help to lower skin cell toxicity and boost cell proliferation along with soya bean oil that accelerates the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids from the skin cells (16), (17).

    Pros

    Cons

  • 13

    Designer Skin Awestruck Tan Extender

    Designer Skin Awestruck Tan Extender

    • Just as the name suggests this after sun tan extender indeed does leave you awestruck with the results. It has an invisible barrier that combats skin dehydration and assures a gorgeous brown hue for a considerable amount of time. It is durably pigmented and has luxurious hydrating superpowers that prevent skin flaking and scaling as it contains safflower oil. Safflower oil is rich in omega 6, an essential fatty acid that promotes the synthesis and production of ceramides that strengthens the semi-permeable barrier of the skin cells (13). Moreover, the product is devoid of artificial fragrances, synthetic dyes, and alcohol and is one of the best choices for sensitive skin.

    Pros

  • 14

    BITTERSWEET TAN EXTENDER BY DESIGNER SKIN NEW 2019 EDITION

    BITTERSWEET TAN EXTENDER BY DESIGNER SKIN NEW 2019 EDITION

    • Replicate the enticing hue of dark chocolate onto your skin with the Bittersweet after tan extender lotion. The magical property of this product is that it assures a durable pigmented brown finish without making the skin look too dark or tanned. Furthermore, it assures even distribution of color, reduces signs of aging, and hydrates the epidermal barrier of the skin cells without causing any redness, inflammation, itchiness, or blotchiness. A few gentle rubs of this product once in the morning before any prolonged sun exposure is more than enough to provide a natural unmatched hydrated glow.

    Pros

    Cons

  • 15

    Onyx Suncolada Outdoor Tanning Lotion

    Onyx Suncolada Outdoor Tanning Lotion

    • Formulated with a superb triple bronzing power is the Onyx Suncolada tan extender. It is one of the best lotions to keep tanning because it contains lush amounts of coconut oil which is known for its skin infection-combating ability with macadamia oils that helps to increase the skin’s water retention ability (18), (3). Moreover, the product also contains the choicest beneficial ingredients like apple, kiwi, raspberry, peach, papaya, and strawberry which are known for their skin-clearing and anti-UVB activities. In a nutshell, this tanning extender boosts overall skin health and holds onto color for a long time.

    Pros

    Cons

  • 16

    Maui Island Secret After Sun Tan Sealer

    Maui Island Secret After Sun Tan Sealer

    • Our list of recommendations for the best tan extenders will always remain incomplete without the mention of the Maui Island After Sun tan extender lotion. As the name indicates, the product indeed seals the sun-kissed tan and prevents uneven color fading. What's more, the product contains shea butter which is an amazing ingredient with potent skin barrier-repairing properties, that accelerates wound healing and combats premature aging (19). It also contains a powerful amalgamation of rose extracts that have anti-inflammatory properties and green tea extracts that curb and regulate the uncontrolled growth of acne vulgaris-causing bacteria (20), (21).

    Pros

    Cons

    Choosing the best tan extender out of all the options available can be a really difficult task. However in order to facilitate your purchase, we present you a few factors that you can keep in mind before making a purchase.

    How to Choose the Best Tan Extender?

    Our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Finding a tan-extending lotion that suits all skin types can be challenging, but products with hydrating, non-comedogenic, and anti-aging ingredients can be a good fit. Products enriched with natural emollients such as aloe vera and vitamin E that moisturize the skin, extend the tan, and are gentle enough for acne-prone and aging skin.”

    Benefits of Using a Tan Extender

    Tan extenders apart from helping to retain color for long have several other benefits on the overall skin health of an individual. Let us understand them in detail:

  • A tan extender not only ensures a long-lasting brown hue but also prevents the unnecessary loss of moisture from the skin cells due to excessive dehydration or exposure to environmental pollutants.
  • A tan extender does not tamper with the individual skin tone or undertone of the individual and gradually fades away without causing any patchiness and uneven discoloration.

    • For those who believe in being dusky to look lovely, tan-extending lotions indeed serve as a guiding light. But this entire process to flaunt the bewitching bronze hue should not be coupled with discoloration, increased risk of premature aging and susceptibility to photo-induced allergies and infections, hence given above are a few tried and tested recommendations of the best tanning extenders that not just increase the longevity of the brown hue onto your skin but also boost overall skin health. Please go through our buying guide before making a purchase.

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

    Dr. Anju Methil, Dermatologist and Cosmetologist - Clinicspots

    FAQ's

    Do tan extender lotions work?

    A proper formulation of the best tan extender lotion can actually help hold the tan longer than expected duration. It can also help boost overall skin health and improve texture.

    Do tan extender lotions make you look dark?

    Tan extenders help hold the sun-kissed appearance for a longer duration but there is no evidence that these lotions make the skin susceptible to further darkening.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, our skincare expert, is a fan of tan extender lotions for the affordable glamour they bring — well-tanned, sun-kissed skin is to die for, she believes! To make tans last and fade gently without appearing blotchy and to soothe sunburns and transmute them to a golden glow, you need the best of the lot. That’s why she set out to shortlist and curate the top after-tan lotions with great reviews and ratings. To finalize her list, she deeply analyzed the ingredients and took a close look at the pros and cons of each so her readers could make an informed choice and get the best bang for their buck. 

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

    Article Sources +

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    5. Effects of Topical and Dietary Use of Shea Butter on Animals 

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    8. The effect of dietary and/or cosmetic argan oil on postmenopausal skin elasticity 

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    10. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance 

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029679/

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    14. Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functions

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    15. Avocado Oil 

    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289919058_Avocado_Oil

    16. Effect of Coffee Berry Extract on Anti-Aging for Skin and Hair—In Vitro Approach

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    17. Quality Evaluation Indices for Soybean Oil in Relation to Cultivar, Application of N Fertiliser and Seed Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium japonicum

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    18. In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil

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    19. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils

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    20. Anti-bacterial activity of rose extracts 

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    21. Efficacy and Safety of Oral Green Tea Preparations in Skin Ailments: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies

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    Author BIO

    reviewer

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

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