5 Best Tanning Lotions Without Bronzers

Sometimes you put on tanning lotion, but you end up getting your clothes and fabrics darker than your skin! Even if you wait for it to dry, lotion can still rub onto your clothes and cause unsightly stains.

The main culprits here are the bronzers. These agents instantly add color to the skin (and are functionally makeup), but that color can also transfer to your clothes and other fabrics — particularly light colors.

The solution is to choose tanning lotions without bronzers. By skipping the bronzer, you don’t get instant color. But the tan generated by the tanning lotion is still the same.

In this article, we’ll look at why you may want to choose a Tanning Lotion Without Bronzers, and show you several of the Best Tanning Lotions Without Bronzers.

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Best Tanning Lotions Without Bronzers

After many hours of tanning in the sun, we’ve put together our selection of the best tanning lotions without bronzers. See below for detailed reviews of these products.

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Tanning Lotion Without Bronzer

Bronzers are great if you want to see immediate color when applying a tanning lotion or sunless tanner. Some even use the bronzer as a guide so you’ll they’ll know where you’ve already applied the tanning lotion, and what spots you’ve missed.

Useful as it may seem, it can still be annoying to get your clothes stained with bronzers. You just can’t rock a white or lightly colored outfit when you just got your skin tanned with a tanning lotion with bronzer. If you don’t need instant tanning right at that minute, skipping the bronzer can be a great idea.

Picking the right lotion can be tricky, though. This is because the bronzers in tanning lotions are defined differently by brands.

Bronzers are great if you want to see immediate color when applying a tanning lotion or sunless tanner. Some even use the bronzer as a guide so you’ll they’ll know where you’ve already applied the tanning lotion, and what spots you’ve missed.

Is DHA a Bronzer?

Some brands claim DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) as a bronzer, but we would consider DHA as the active ingredient in self-tanners.

Other brands consider bronzers those chemicals that instantly color the skin, which is how we use the term.

Some call products with DHA as “self-tanners”. The laws and regulations created by the FDA don’t define either of the terms so they are loosely used in the tanning industry.

Confused yet? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

To clarify things, we define bronzers in this article as those chemicals that impart an instant color on the skin. These can be washed away easily and are also known as cosmetic bronzers.

Note: Tanning lotions without cosmetic tanners, but with DHA, can still stain your clothing. The reaction between DHA happens on the epithelial cells but the epithelial cells can still shed off and rub on your clothes.

Although this can also stain, the color is only minimal compared to products with cosmetic bronzers.

Who Should Buy a Tanning Lotion Without Bronzer?

Tanning lotions without bronzers are useful for many people. The main function of tanning lotions is to provide enough moisture to the body to make it suitable for tanning evenly. Therefore, this product is ideal for those who want to get a tan, either through the chemical reaction of DHA or through the UV rays of a tanning bed or the sun.

They are ideal for those who want to tan by using self-tanning lotions without excessively staining their clothes.

Although self-tanners may still rub off on the clothes, the stain is minimal and is not as excessive as those with bronzers. It is also great for those who don’t mind not having a tan instantly upon application.

Some people may use the bronzer as a guide to tanning because it changes the color of the skin it is applied to. This may not be needed by people who already have lots of experience in spreading a tanning lotion all over their bodies. In this case, a tanning lotion without bronzer is a great choice.

Tanning lotions without bronzers can also be used by those who are going to have a session at a tanning bed.

These are less likely to color the tanning bed, which can also be difficult to remove and lead to tanning bed rash.

Similarly, some tanning salon owners would also prefer their clients to use tanning lotions without bronzers to better protect their machines.

Important Features to Consider

Before you focus on the features of a tanning lotion without bronzer, you should know that they come in many forms. There are self-tanners, accelerators, maximizers, and tingle lotions, just to name a few.

Each would be formulated differently because they also function differently. Some may have features that others don’t have because they are of different forms.

Note: Some tanning lotions can produce a tan without UV exposure, while others won’t work unless you tan under a tanning bed or under the sun.

In that light, we’ve come up with a list of features that are suitable across all forms. Such features include the following:

List Of Ingredients

One of the first things to look at when buying products is the ingredients list. Many of them contain a lot of ingredients. It can be hard to read some of them, but reading them gives us an idea about what they are made up of.

If you see DHA on there, you’re looking at something that’s going to give you at least something of a fake tan, so plan around that.

Those who are looking for natural products can see if most of those listed are names of plants rather than names of chemicals.

Aside from checking the ingredient list, some products intentionally boast some of the ingredients that they use to gather more interest. Make sure that these ingredients are really high-quality and are really what they claim to be.

Compatibility With All Skin Types

Tanning lotions cause reactions to the skin, whether it is only on the outer skin layer or the deeper layers where melanin is produced. Some people have sensitive skin that may react negatively to the lotion. If an incompatible lotion is used, it can cause redness, rashes, or inflammation.

In response to sensitive skin, some companies develop formulations that are more gentle. A careful selection of ingredients is used to make sure even those with sensitive skin can tolerate them

Similarly, there are also products that offer extra moisturization. These are best for those who have very dry skin. It helps hydrate the skin to make it suitable for tanning.

Moisturizing Power

The main function of tanning lotions without bronzers is to moisturize the skin. It prepares the skin for the tanning session that is about to happen. Some tanning lotions are better at moisturization because they are designed around extra moisture, which is great when tanning.

The moisturization power of the products will depend on the ingredients used and the percentage of moisturizer to the rest of the ingredients.

Regardless, it is best to find a tanning lotion that is moisturizing rather than drying.

Drying products will produce dry patches and these don’t tan as well as moisturized skin. Eventually, you’ll end up with an uneven tan if the skin is not properly moisturized.

Drying products will produce dry patches and these don’t tan as well as moisturized skin. Eventually, you’ll end up with an uneven tan if the skin is not properly moisturized.

Scent

Scent is a minor issue for some and a major issue for others. It is best to find unscented products, especially if you’re buying them online where they still haven’t invented a way to convey scent online.

Additionally, people with sensitive skin can also be sensitive to fragrances found in many of these lotions.

If your skin isn’t sensitive to fragrance, then you should at least choose a scent that you love. You’d be lathering the lotion all over your body so choose a scent that relaxes you.

Also, keep in mind DHA is pretty smelly, and if your lotion has DHA in it, it will probably use some additional fragrances to cover the DHA smell.

Additional Benefits

Apart from moisturizing benefits, there are also other benefits that tanning lotions feature. This includes anti-aging benefits, skin-firming benefits and the presence of tattoo fade protectors. Depending on your skin, you may or may not need these additional benefits.

Can you apply sunscreen over tanning lotions without bronzers?

Yes, you can apply sunscreen over tanning lotions without bronzers. Just make sure that the product is already completely dry, or else you can dilute the tanning lotion and end up with a streaky tan.

Also, remember that although you’re protecting your skin from UV rays, tanning beds may not work as efficiently as they would without sunscreen.

Are tanning lotions without bronzers okay to use on the face?

Some tanning lotions without bronzers have a gentle formula that can be used even for sensitive skin. This makes some people confident enough to use it on their face.

If you have sensitive skin or are unsure of how your face will react, start with your body and make sure it’s good there, then consider applying to your face.

The skin on the face is more fragile.

It is thinner than the other parts of the body, especially near the eye area. Plus, if you use other skincare products for the face, the tan you get out of the tanning lotions will probably fade much faster than the body, especially if you’re using micro-exfoliating or peeling products.

Can You These Lotions From Staining Clothes and Sheets?

Due to the absence of bronzers, these tanning lotions won’t stain fabric very much. But there is still a chance they can stain your clothes and sheets if you’re unlucky.

To lessen that chance, make sure you let it dry up completely first before putting your clothes on.

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Best Tanning Lotion Without Bronzer: Devoted Creations Tanning Butter

Key Points at a Glance

• Suitable for Sensitive Skin
• Ultra-moisturizing
• Anti-aging and Skin-firming
• Protects tattoos from fading
• Volume 12.25 fl. oz
• Consistency: Thick Lotion

Overview

The Devoted Creations #Tanlife Tanning Butter comes close to the top but remains as the first runner up. To achieve a tan with this product, you still need to go under a tanning bed.

What’s great about this is the shea butter content. This is an excellent moisturizer and a lot of users stand by the statement that it really moisturizes even the dryest skin to make it soft and smooth. Additionally, it also contains substances that help protect your tattoos from fading.

Also included in the formula is matrixyl synthe 6, which helps prevent premature aging of the skin. Along with Aquacell, it helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles all over the body.

It’s a great choice for both men and women, and isn’t particularly flowery-smelling.

This lotion comes in a thick formula, due to the shea butter present. It softly melts into the skin until it becomes spreadable all over the body. Many customers also love that the formula isn’t greasy or sticky at all but is very moisturizing to the skin.

For the scent, most customers say it has a clean citrus scent. After tanning with it on a sunbed, some customers were still able to smell a faint bad odor characteristic of tanning lotions used on a sunbed. Some prefer it over other competing products because the smell is mild.

Devoted Creations Tanlife Tanning Butter is free from SPF, DHA, and Bronzers. It’s great for a tanning bed or the beach (but apply sunscreen too!)

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Runner-Up: Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Tanning Lotion

Key Points at a Glance

• Boosts Tanning
• Wonderful Scent

The Ed Hardy brand is quite popular when it comes to tanning lotions, and judging by the number of Amazon reviews, Coconut Kisses tanning lotion is the most popular Ed Hardy lotion around.

It works well, smells great, and is an excellent choice for a tanning lotion.

We’ve got a full review of Coconut Kisses here.

Apart from boosting melanin to tan the skin, it uses coconut oil and coconut milk to hydrate the skin. Those moisturizers always help when tanning!

These also help with the wonderful scent that makes you feel like your on a tropical paradise. It has a thicker consistency but it is still spreadable.

There are many customers who have already purchased this product and most of them rate it highly. They loved the product for its nice scent, moisturizing effect, and melanin-boosting capabilities.

Many agree that it has helped them achieve a deeper tan without looking orange. Still, some didn’t see any boosting effect and just considered it as a fragrant and good moisturizer.

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Best for Sensitive Skin: Hempz Hypoallergenic Tanning Lotion

Key Points at a Glance

• 100% Natural Pure Hemp Seed Oil
• Hydrates Skin
• Includes Calming Extracts
• Lightweight Formula
• Odorless
• Volume: 9 fl. oz

Overview

Many products can claim that they are hypoallergenic and can be used even for sensitive skin but only a few hold on to that promise. Hempz Tanning Lotion performs as promised. It is great for sensitive skin because of the natural ingredients in it.

Plus, it’s also unscented so it doesn’t have any of the chemical fragrances that can be brutal on sensitive skin.

The hemp seed oil, which is 100% pure and natural, helps in making sure that the skin is adequately moisturized to make sure your tan lasts. Additional mango seed butter is also used for even more hydration so that the skin can look radiant and glowing.

To soothe and calm the skin, an oatmeal extract is also included in the formula. This product is meant to be used before going under a sunbed. It can also be used under the sun but make sure to use sunscreen to protect the skin.

Many customers love the product because it doesn’t irritate even those with very sensitive skin. Some find that this is really just a good moisturizer for the skin but it doesn’t really help deepen the tan you ought to get when using a tanning bed or basking under the sun.

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Budget Pick: Australian Gold Tanning Lotion

Key Points at a Glance

• Cocoa Dreams Fragrance
• Contains Vitamin A and E
• Non-greasy Formula

Overview

The tanning lotion by Australian Gold maximizes your tan with it’s non-bronzer and non-tingle lotion. It helps achieve a beautiful tan without turning the skin orange. The formula includes a blend of natural oils that stimulates the production of melanin upon UV exposure.

While it deepens the tan, it also helps protect the skin cells from UV damage with Vitamin A and E content. This product is suitable for indoor tanning or outdoor tanning but it doesn’t contain any SPF so sunscreen is still needed for outdoor use.

Although there are many customers that agree about its effectiveness in stimulating the production of melanin, there are still some who are not fans of the product. Many describe the smell as similar to an orange creamsicle. Some love it while others hated it.

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Great for Tattooed Skin: Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion

The Paradise Black Coconut Love tanning Lotion By Tanning Paradise is an excellent DHA and brzoner-free tanning lotion that gives you a luscious dark tan without any extras.

It’s fantastic for those with tattoos, and will provide them some protection while nourishing the skin and amplifying your tan. Note that you should still wear a tattoo sunscreen with this tanning lotion, if you”ve got a tattoo’re inked up!

The Coconut Love lotion is pretty easy to spread and is usable both in indoor tanning settings or at the beach.

It gets you dark quickly, but your tan may not last as long as some of the other lotions on the market.

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Conclusion

The Devoted Creations Tanning Butter is the Best Tanning Lotion Without Bronzer. This lotion effectively moisturizes the skin plus provides anti-aging functions. Those with tattoos will also love this because it protects tattoos from fading.

Our runner-up choice is the always-outstanding Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses. It’s also an excellent bronzer-free dark tanning lotion, and you won’t go wrong with it!

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