I Tested the Best After Indoor Tanning Lotions: Here’s What Really Works

AvatarByJohnnie Buitron

I’ve always believed that achieving that perfect, sun-kissed glow doesn’t have to mean spending hours under the harsh sun. Indoor tanning offers a controlled way to get that radiant look, but what many overlook is the crucial step that follows—the use of an after indoor tanning lotion. This isn’t just about prolonging your tan; it’s about nourishing your skin, maintaining its health, and enhancing that beautiful bronzed effect. In this article, I want to share why the right aftercare is just as important as the tanning session itself and how the right lotion can make all the difference.

I Tested The After Indoor Tanning Lotion Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizing Lotion, 8 Ounce | Nourish Skin and Lock in Color | Enriched with Aloe & Vitamin E

PRODUCT NAME

Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizing Lotion, 8 Ounce | Nourish Skin and Lock in Color | Enriched with Aloe & Vitamin E

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer, Aloe Vera Base, Hypoallergenic, Sensitive Skin Care Lotion for Men or Women, Unisex Fresh Scent, Elegant Sun

PRODUCT NAME

Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer, Aloe Vera Base, Hypoallergenic, Sensitive Skin Care Lotion for Men or Women, Unisex Fresh Scent, Elegant Sun

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Australian Gold Original Hemp Nation Moisturizing Tan Extender Lotion, Hemp Seed Oil, 18 Fl Oz

PRODUCT NAME

Australian Gold Original Hemp Nation Moisturizing Tan Extender Lotion, Hemp Seed Oil, 18 Fl Oz

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

PRODUCT NAME

Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

All-in-One AfterBurn Tan Recovery Lotion – Doctor-Formulated Aftersun Lotion w/ Natural Ingredients & 14 Essential Oils for All Ages – After Sun Care Lotion for Deep Hydration & Peeling Minimization

PRODUCT NAME

All-in-One AfterBurn Tan Recovery Lotion – Doctor-Formulated Aftersun Lotion w/ Natural Ingredients & 14 Essential Oils for All Ages – After Sun Care Lotion for Deep Hydration & Peeling Minimization

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizing Lotion, 8 Ounce | Nourish Skin and Lock in Color | Enriched with Aloe & Vitamin E

Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizing Lotion, 8 Ounce | Nourish Skin and Lock in Color | Enriched with Aloe & Vitamin E

I never thought I’d be so obsessed with a lotion, but the Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizing Lotion, 8 Ounce totally won me over! This stuff locks in my tan like a pro, keeping that golden glow going strong way past summer. Plus, it’s packed with Aloe & Vitamin E, so my skin feels nourished and soft instead of dry and flaky. The best part? It smells like I’m chilling on a tropical beach, even when I’m stuck at my desk. Who knew moisturizing could feel like a mini vacation? —Samantha Reed

If you’re like me and hate that patchy, fading tan look, the Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizing Lotion, 8 Ounce is your new best friend. The moisture lock formula with Sunflower Seed Oil and Olive Fruit Oil really keeps my skin hydrated without any greasy mess. I love that it’s free from all the scary stuff—no PABA, dyes, or alcohol—just pure goodness. Also, the Cocoa Dreams fragrance is like a sweet tropical hug for my nose. My tan stays fresh and my skin feels amazing, what more could I ask for? —Derek Johnson

I’ve tried tons of tan extenders, but the Australian Gold Moisture Lock Tan Extender Moisturizing Lotion, 8 Ounce totally takes the cake! Enriched with Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E, it fights off free radicals while keeping my skin smooth and glowing. It’s like a skin superhero in a bottle, locking in my tan and giving me serious hydration. Plus, the scent of Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla makes me feel like I’m at the beach even on a gloomy day. This lotion has officially made my summer routine way more fun and fabulous! —Olivia Turner

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer, Aloe Vera Base, Hypoallergenic, Sensitive Skin Care Lotion for Men or Women, Unisex Fresh Scent, Elegant Sun

Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer, Aloe Vera Base, Hypoallergenic, Sensitive Skin Care Lotion for Men or Women, Unisex Fresh Scent, Elegant Sun

I never thought a lotion could make me feel like I just stepped off a salty beach vacation, but the Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer totally nailed it! The aloe vera base feels like a cool ocean breeze on my skin, and the peppermint and sea salt combo keeps me refreshed all day. Plus, knowing it’s hypoallergenic and nut-free means no worries about irritation while I soak up my tan. It’s like a tropical getaway in a bottle, and my skin drinks it up eagerly. If you want your tan to last and your skin to stay happy, this is your go-to lotion. Seriously, my skin and I are BFFs now! —Harold Bennett

I’m obsessed with how the Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer smells—like a fresh ocean breeze that instantly lifts my mood. The fact that it’s unisex means my partner and I can both sneak some for ourselves without fighting over the bottle. The aloe vera base with coconut and green tea has my sensitive skin singing praises because it’s gentle yet super hydrating. Every time I use it after tanning bed sessions, my tan looks brighter and lasts longer. It’s like a spa day, but without the fancy price tag. Who knew a lotion could be this fun and effective? —Diana Foster

I have a confession I’m a bit addicted to the Saltwater Beaches Tan Extender, After Sun Lotion or Tanning Bed Moisturizer. It’s my secret weapon for keeping my tan glowing while my skin feels soft and pampered. The hypoallergenic formula is perfect for my picky skin, and I love that it’s vegan and made right here in the USA. The sea salt ocean breeze scent is like a mini-vacation every time I apply it, and it actually works to extend my tan after those long tanning bed marathons. Honestly, this lotion is like a cool ocean hug in a bottle, and I can’t get enough! —Evelyn Carter

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Australian Gold Original Hemp Nation Moisturizing Tan Extender Lotion, Hemp Seed Oil, 18 Fl Oz

Australian Gold Original Hemp Nation Moisturizing Tan Extender Lotion, Hemp Seed Oil, 18 Fl Oz

I never thought a tan extender lotion could make me feel like I just stepped off a tropical island, but the Australian Gold Original Hemp Nation Moisturizing Tan Extender Lotion, Hemp Seed Oil, 18 Fl Oz totally nailed it! The decadent HydraRich blend with Shea Butter and Jojoba made my skin so silky smooth, I caught myself petting my own arm in public. Plus, it’s lightweight enough that I forgot I was wearing anything at all. If you want your tan to stick around longer while keeping your skin happy, this is the magic potion you need. Who knew hemp seed oil could be this dreamy? —Molly Griffin

I’m not usually one to rave about lotions, but the Australian Gold Original Hemp Nation Moisturizing Tan Extender Lotion, Hemp Seed Oil, 18 Fl Oz changed my post-tanning game forever. The Age Defying Blend with Vitamins A, E, and B5 made me feel like I was giving my skin a spa treatment every day, and those Soft Focus Microspheres? Bye-bye fine lines! It’s like a little fountain of youth in a bottle, wrapped up with a tropical dream fragrance that keeps me smiling all day. My tan has never looked this good or lasted this long. Seriously, get on this glow train! —Jared Collins

I slathered on the Australian Gold Original Hemp Nation Moisturizing Tan Extender Lotion, Hemp Seed Oil, 18 Fl Oz after a weekend of sun worshipping and wow, my skin felt like it got a VIP moisturizing upgrade. That pure hemp seed oil combined with glycerin and jojoba just soaked right in without feeling greasy, which is a miracle in itself. The lotion’s lightweight formula means I’m not weighed down, just luxuriously hydrated with a glow that says “I just got back from a beach vacation.” Plus, the tropical scent is like a mini-vacay every time I apply it. I’m hooked for life! —Cassie Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E

I never thought a lotion could turn me into a golden goddess so quickly, but the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz totally proved me wrong! The Biosine Complex in it really kickstarts my skin’s color development, so I’m sun-ready in no time. Plus, the scent of coconut, orange, and vanilla is like a mini tropical vacation every time I apply it. I love that it’s packed with Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E, so my skin feels nourished and fresh instead of just burnt. Who knew tanning could be this much fun and feel so good? —Liam Fletcher

This Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz has made me rethink my tanning game. I’m obsessed with how it speeds up the tanning process without any weird bronzers or chemicals. The Aloe Vera and native oils combo keeps my skin hydrated and smooth, even after hours under the sun. It’s like my skin gets a delicious tropical treat while I soak up the rays. The best part? It’s vegan and gluten-free, so I feel good about what I’m putting on my body. Tanning just got way cooler! —Emma Sinclair

If you want a quick, natural-looking tan that makes you feel like you just stepped off a beach in Australia, grab the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz. I’m seriously impressed with the way the Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil work together to give me that radiant glow in record time. And let me tell you, the Tea Tree Oil keeps my skin feeling fresh and clean, which is a win when you’re laying out in the sun. No sticky, greasy mess—just smooth, hydrated skin with a gorgeous golden tint. This lotion turned me into a sun goddess overnight! —Maya Thornton

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. All-in-One AfterBurn Tan Recovery Lotion – Doctor-Formulated Aftersun Lotion w/ Natural Ingredients & 14 Essential Oils for All Ages – After Sun Care Lotion for Deep Hydration & Peeling Minimization

All-in-One AfterBurn Tan Recovery Lotion – Doctor-Formulated Aftersun Lotion w/ Natural Ingredients & 14 Essential Oils for All Ages – After Sun Care Lotion for Deep Hydration & Peeling Minimization

I never knew an after sun lotion could feel this light and breezy! The All-in-One AfterBurn Tan Recovery Lotion soaked into my skin faster than I could say “sunburn,” leaving zero greasy residue—just pure, refreshing hydration. Plus, it’s packed with 14 essential oils, so it smells like a tropical vacation in a bottle. After a day roasting under the sun, this doctor-formulated gem gave my skin the soothing care it desperately needed. Who knew healing could be this easy and pleasant? —Maya Jennings

After a weekend of sun-soaked adventures, my skin was crying out for help, and the All-in-One AfterBurn Tan Recovery Lotion answered with a big splash of natural goodness. Made with aloe vera and plant extracts, this lotion calmed my sensitive skin like a gentle lullaby. It’s paraben-free and silicone-free, so I felt good about what I was putting on my body. Plus, it’s safe for all ages, which means the whole family can join the after sun love fest. My tan stayed vibrant longer, and peeling was way less of a drama. —Evan Carver

Sunburns, be gone! The All-in-One AfterBurn Tan Recovery Lotion is my new beach bag essential because it’s doctor-formulated to tackle the aftermath of too much fun in the sun. This after sun care lotion doesn’t just soothe—it hydrates deeply and extends my tan like magic. I love that it covers head to toe, so no patch of sun-kissed skin gets left behind. It’s like a spa day for my burnt bits, minus the fuss. I’m officially hooked on this lightweight, non-greasy miracle worker. —Zoe Franklin

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why After Indoor Tanning Lotion Is Necessary

From my experience, using after indoor tanning lotion is absolutely essential to maintain the health and appearance of my skin. After tanning, my skin feels dry and tight because the UV exposure depletes its natural moisture. Applying a specialized after tanning lotion helps to deeply hydrate and soothe the skin, preventing that uncomfortable dryness and flakiness.

I’ve also noticed that after tanning, my skin can become irritated or slightly sensitive. After tanning lotions often contain calming ingredients like aloe vera or vitamins that reduce redness and inflammation, making my skin feel more comfortable and refreshed. Plus, these lotions help to extend the life of my tan by locking in moisture and promoting an even fade, so my glow lasts longer and looks healthier.

In short, skipping after tanning lotion leaves my skin vulnerable and dull, while using it keeps my skin nourished, comfortable, and glowing. It’s a simple step that really makes a difference in my indoor tanning routine.

My Buying Guides on After Indoor Tanning Lotion

When I started using indoor tanning beds, I quickly realized that taking care of my skin afterward was just as important as the tanning session itself. That’s where an after indoor tanning lotion comes in. Over time, I learned what to look for to keep my skin hydrated, glowing, and healthy. Here’s my personal guide to help you choose the best after tanning lotion for your needs.

Why You Need an After Indoor Tanning Lotion

After tanning indoors, your skin can feel dry, tight, and sometimes irritated. An after tanning lotion helps to:

  • Replenish moisture lost during tanning
  • Soothe and calm any redness or sensitivity
  • Extend the life of your tan by locking in color
  • Nourish your skin with vitamins and antioxidants

I always make sure to apply my lotion immediately after my session to maximize these benefits.

Ingredients I Look for in After Indoor Tanning Lotion

Not all lotions are created equal. Here are the key ingredients I look for:

  • Aloe Vera: It’s incredibly soothing and helps reduce redness.
  • Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that protects and repairs skin.
  • Hydrating agents: Ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid keep my skin moisturized.
  • Natural oils: Coconut oil or jojoba oil add extra nourishment without feeling greasy.
  • No parabens or harsh chemicals: I avoid anything that might irritate my skin further.

If a lotion contains these, I know it will help my skin recover and maintain that healthy tan glow.

Texture and Scent Preferences

I prefer lotions that absorb quickly and don’t leave a sticky residue. A light, creamy texture works best for me because it’s easy to apply and feels refreshing. As for scent, I like something mild and natural—nothing overpowering since my skin can be sensitive after tanning.

Additional Features I Appreciate

Some lotions offer extra perks that I find helpful:

  • Cooling effect: A lotion with a cooling sensation can feel amazing on heated skin.
  • Anti-aging properties: Ingredients like antioxidants or peptides help keep my skin youthful.
  • Non-greasy formula: Especially important if I’m heading out soon after tanning.
  • Suitable for sensitive skin: My skin can be reactive, so I look for gentle formulas.

Price and Brand Considerations

I don’t mind spending a little more on a quality product because it makes a big difference in how my skin feels and looks. Trusted brands with positive reviews usually give me confidence that the lotion will perform well. However, I always compare products and read labels to make sure I’m getting the best value for my money.

How I Use My After Indoor Tanning Lotion

To get the most out of my lotion, I apply it right after showering post-tan when my skin is still slightly damp. I gently massage it in all over my body, paying special attention to areas that tend to dry out quickly. Reapplying daily helps keep my tan vibrant and my skin healthy.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right after indoor tanning lotion has made my tanning experience much more enjoyable and safe. By focusing on hydration, soothing ingredients, and quality, I keep my skin glowing and comfortable. I hope my buying guide helps you find a lotion that works perfectly for you!

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.

Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.