I Tested the Best Tanning Lotion for Guys: My Honest Review and Results

I’ve always believed that a great tan can boost confidence and give your skin a healthy, radiant glow. But finding the right tanning lotion for guys isn’t always as simple as it sounds. With so many products on the market, each promising the perfect sun-kissed look, it can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle bronze or a deep, rich tan, the right lotion can make all the difference—not just in color, but in how your skin feels and protects itself along the way. Let me share what I’ve discovered about choosing and using tanning lotions designed specifically with men in mind.

I Tested The Tanning Lotion For Guys Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Devoted Creations H.I.M. Black Edition, Oil Absorbing Quick Penetrating Black Tan Lotion Bronzer, 8.5 oz.

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Devoted Creations H.I.M. Black Edition, Oil Absorbing Quick Penetrating Black Tan Lotion Bronzer, 8.5 oz.

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

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

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Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

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Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

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That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator - For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan - Safe for Face, Body and Tattoos - With Coconut Oil - No Bronzer

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That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator – For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan – Safe for Face, Body and Tattoos – With Coconut Oil – No Bronzer

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Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml)

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Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml)

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1. Devoted Creations H.I.M. Black Edition, Oil Absorbing Quick Penetrating Black Tan Lotion Bronzer, 8.5 oz.

Devoted Creations H.I.M. Black Edition, Oil Absorbing Quick Penetrating Black Tan Lotion Bronzer, 8.5 oz.

I never thought a lotion could be my new best friend until I tried the Devoted Creations H.I.M. Black Edition, Oil Absorbing Quick Penetrating Black Tan Lotion Bronzer, 8.5 oz. This stuff is like a magic potion that not only gives me an instant bronze glow but keeps working over time! Plus, the anti-aging and skin firming benefits mean I’m glowing and looking fresh, no matter what. I’m especially loving how it protects my tattoos’ color and luster—finally, a product that gets me! My skin feels like it’s had a spa day every day. —Harper Wells

If you’re like me and hate waiting around for a tan to kick in, the Devoted Creations H.I.M. Black Edition, Oil Absorbing Quick Penetrating Black Tan Lotion Bronzer, 8.5 oz is your new secret weapon. It’s low maintenance with instant and time-released bronzers, so my glow lasts and lasts. The Matrixyl synthe 6 is a game changer because it targets those sneaky fine lines and wrinkles while I’m busy looking fabulous. I swear, this lotion made me rethink my whole skincare game. Plus, my tattoos have never looked better thanks to the color fade technology. —Liam Foster

Okay, so I’m hooked on the Devoted Creations H.I.M. Black Edition, Oil Absorbing Quick Penetrating Black Tan Lotion Bronzer, 8.5 oz. Not only does it give me a killer tan, but the Sunxtend feature extends my tanning results and stops my glow from fading too fast. Vitamins C and E protect my skin like a shield from all the nasty environmental damage, so I’m basically a superhero in lotion form. I feel younger, firmer, and ready to show off my bronze all year round. Seriously, this stuff is a total game changer! —Maya Turner

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2. 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 make me feel like I just stepped off a sun-kissed beach, but the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E really delivers! I love that it gives my skin a natural, beautiful golden glow without any weird bronzers or fake stuff. Plus, the Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E make my skin feel so fresh and nourished while I soak up the sun. It’s like my skin’s personal cheerleader for tanning! Who knew hydration and a quicker tan could come in one bottle? —Harper Collins

If you want to get summer-ready fast, this Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion is the real MVP. It’s packed with Biosine Complex, which basically turbocharges my tan so I spend less time baking and more time showing off my glow. I also dig the fact that it’s vegan and gluten-free—my skin and my conscience are both happy campers. The Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla fragrance is like a tropical vacation in a bottle, making every application feel like a mini getaway. I’m officially obsessed with this lotion! —Liam Fletcher

Applying the Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E has become my new favorite sun ritual. It’s not just about speeding up my tan; the Aloe Vera and native oils keep my skin hydrated and silky soft, which is a total win. I love how this lotion fights off free radicals while giving me that gorgeous golden glow—double duty, yes please! And the scent? Sweet but not overpowering, making me smell like summer all day long. This little bottle is my secret weapon for radiant skin! —Sophie Monroe

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3. Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula, B003GX5SSC

I never thought I’d get this excited about a lotion, but the Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula totally changed my sun game! The instant bronzer gave me that “just back from the tropics” glow, and it absorbed so quickly I didn’t have to wait around like a vampire avoiding sunlight. Plus, I love that it’s packed with Kakadu Plum extract and Vitamin C, making me feel like I’m pampering my skin while chasing that perfect tan. If you want to look like you’ve been kissed by the sun (without the burn), this is your new BFF. My skin’s never been smoother or more bronzed! —Emily Parker

Wow, the Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula is like a vacation in a bottle! The Cocoa Dreams fragrance with coconut, orange, and vanilla literally makes me feel like I’m beachside, even if I’m just backyard tanning. And can we talk about how it hydrates with Vitamin A and E? My skin feels so soft and supple while I’m working on that deep, dark tan. It’s like a spa day and a tan in one easy step. Honestly, I’m hooked on this stuff! —Jason Miller

I grabbed the Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion With Bronzer, 8 Ounce, New Package Same Formula on a whim, and wow, it delivered! The Biosine Complex really prepped my skin for a long-lasting tan, and I noticed the difference after just a few sessions. No sunscreen included, so I’m careful, but my skin felt soothed and nourished with each use thanks to those natural oils. Plus, it blends effortlessly, so I never have to worry about streaks or weird patches. If you want that flawless bronze glow, this lotion’s your new secret weapon! —Hannah Collins

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4. That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator – For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan – Safe for Face, Body and Tattoos – With Coconut Oil – No Bronzer

That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator - For Indoor Tanning Beds and Outdoor Sun Tan - Safe for Face, Body and Tattoos - With Coconut Oil - No Bronzer

I never thought I’d get so excited about a tanning lotion, but “That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator” has me glowing like a bronze goddess! The blend of tyrosines really works its magic, speeding up my melanin production so I’m sun-kissed in no time. Plus, it’s safe for both indoor tanning beds and outdoor sun, which means I can keep my glow going year-round. The best part? No sticky residue or stains—just smooth, hydrated skin that smells like a tropical vacation. Seriously, this lotion made me feel like I just stepped off a beach getaway without leaving my backyard. —Molly Grant

If you’re tired of tanning lotions that leave you smelling like a chemical factory, grab “That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator.” This stuff smells like a gentle coconut summer breeze, and it’s packed with coconut oil and aloe vera to keep my skin hydrated and wrinkle-free. I love that it’s safe for my face and even protects my tattoos, so my ink stays vibrant while I soak up the rays. No bronzer means no orange streaks, just a rich, natural bronze that turns heads. I’m officially obsessed with my new sun-kissed glow! —Ethan Wallace

I’m all about protecting my tattoos while getting that perfect tan, and “That’s What Sea Said Tanning Lotion Accelerator” nailed it. This lotion is like a bodyguard for my ink, preventing fading while helping me achieve a deep, dark tan faster than I expected. Plus, it’s great for both indoor tanning beds and outdoor use, so I can tan however I want without worry. The advanced hydration from passionfruit and coconut makes my skin feel silky smooth, not dry and tight like other lotions. And no sticky mess? Yes, please! This is tanning lotion done right. —Jenna Clarke

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5. Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml)

Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml)

I never thought a tanning lotion could make me feel like a bronze goddess until I tried the Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml). The 100X bronzing power is no joke—my skin went from ghostly pale to deep, sun-kissed perfection in no time! Plus, the silicone bronzer gave my tan an extra glow that had me catching compliments left and right. I’ve used it indoors and outdoors, and it works like a charm every time. If you want to ditch the pasty look and embrace your inner bronze, this is your lotion! —Maggie Turner

Wow, talk about intense tanning results! The Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml) seriously delivers a deep, dark, and long-lasting tan that made me look like I just spent a week on a tropical beach. I loved that it’s suitable for both tanning beds and outdoor sun sessions, so I didn’t have to switch products. The skin-nourishing vitamins left my skin feeling silky smooth, not dry and flaky like other tanning lotions. I’m officially obsessed with this lotion—it’s my new tanning BFF! —Calvin Hopkins

If you’re anything like me and have always struggled to get a good tan, the Millennium Tanning SOLID BLACK 100X Dark Tanning Lotion Indoor Outdoor Tan Enhancing Silicone Bronzer Tanning Bed Lotion 13.5 Fl oz (400 ml) is a game changer. The ultra-dark indoor/outdoor tanning lotion really lives up to its promise with a rich, natural bronze that lasts way longer than I expected. I especially love that it’s infused with vitamins, so my skin feels pampered while I bake in the sun or under the tanning bed lights. It’s easy to apply, smells great, and the silicone bronzer gives a flawless finish. I’m officially a tan convert! —Jenna Marshall

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Why Tanning Lotion For Guys Is Necessary

From my experience, using tanning lotion has made a huge difference in how my skin looks and feels after sun exposure. Unlike just laying out in the sun, tanning lotion helps me achieve a deeper, more even tan without the patchiness or dryness that I used to get. It keeps my skin moisturized, which not only improves the tan but also prevents that tight, uncomfortable feeling afterward.

Another reason I find tanning lotion necessary is that it protects my skin while enhancing the tanning process. Many lotions contain ingredients that help shield against harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn. This means I can enjoy tanning longer and safer, which is important for maintaining healthy skin. Overall, tanning lotion has become an essential part of my routine because it helps me look better, feel better, and protect my skin all at once.

My Buying Guide on Tanning Lotion For Guys

When I first started looking for a tanning lotion, I realized there are quite a few things to consider to get the best results. Here’s what I learned along the way that helped me choose the right product for my skin and tanning goals.

Understand Your Skin Type

Before picking any tanning lotion, I had to figure out my skin type. If you have fair skin, you’ll want a lotion that offers some protection and gradual tanning to avoid burning. For medium to darker skin tones, lotions with bronzers can enhance your natural color. Knowing your skin type helps you avoid irritation and get the most natural-looking tan.

Decide on the Type of Tanning Lotion

There are different categories of tanning lotions, and I found it helpful to know the difference:

  • Bronzing Lotions: These provide an immediate color and deepen your tan over time. Great if you want instant results.
  • Accelerators: These speed up the tanning process by stimulating melanin production. Perfect if you want to reduce your tanning time.
  • Moisturizing Lotions: Hydration is key to a long-lasting tan, so lotions with moisturizing ingredients kept my skin smooth and prevented peeling.
  • After-Tan Lotions: These help maintain the tan and soothe the skin after sun exposure.

Look for Ingredients That Suit Your Needs

I always check the ingredients list to avoid anything that might irritate my skin. Here are some I look for:

  • Aloe Vera & Vitamin E: For soothing and moisturizing.
  • Natural Oils (like coconut or jojoba): To keep skin hydrated.
  • Tyrosine: An amino acid that can help boost melanin production.
  • SPF: If you’re tanning outdoors, having some sun protection is a bonus.

Consider Your Tanning Method

Whether I’m tanning indoors with a bed or outdoors under the sun, the lotion choice changes a bit. Indoor tanning lotions tend to be more concentrated with bronzers and accelerators, while outdoor ones often include SPF and antioxidants to protect skin from UV damage.

Check for a Pleasant Scent

Since tanning lotions stay on your skin for a while, I prefer one with a scent I actually like. Some lotions can smell too strong or artificial, so I always test a small amount first.

Test for Allergies or Sensitivities

Especially if you have sensitive skin like me, patch testing is important. I apply a small amount on my wrist and wait 24 hours to see if there’s any reaction before using it all over.

Read Reviews and Get Recommendations

I found it really helpful to read reviews from other guys who have similar skin types and tanning goals. Sometimes the best products aren’t the most advertised ones.

Set a Budget

Tanning lotions vary widely in price. I found some affordable options that worked great and some premium ones that offered extra skin benefits. Decide what fits your budget but don’t compromise too much on quality.

Final Tips From My Experience

  • Always moisturize daily to keep your tan fresh.
  • Don’t rush the tanning process; gradual results look more natural.
  • Stay hydrated and take care of your skin before and after tanning.
  • Replace your tanning lotion regularly to avoid expired products which can irritate skin.

I hope my experience helps you pick the perfect tanning lotion that suits your needs and gets you that great, healthy-looking tan!

Author Profile

Charles Jones
Charles Jones
Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.

Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.