9 Best Tan Accelerators to Enhance Sun-kissed Skin

Is there anything better than a sun-kissed tan? We don’t think so. In the pursuit of a golden, natural-looking and speedy bronze, we've chosen the best tan accelerators and enhancers to soothe and moisturise as you glow. How do they work? Well, tan boosters use ingredients that speed up your skin’s melanin production (which is the pigment that makes your skin appear darker). This ensures a tan that’s both deeper and more long-lasting. Available in a variety of finishes - lotions, creams and oils - tan accelerators work equally well on fair skin that struggles to tan naturally as well as adding extra depth to deeper skin tones.

Top tip: if you’re heading out and about, sun cream is a must. There’s no such thing as a ‘healthy tan’ unless it comes from the bottle, so make sure you never leave home without applying SPF.

How we choose our best tan accelerators

To bring you our round-up of the best tan accelerators, we looked for the key elements of a great booster: moisturising and hydrating ingredients (to soften skin and avoid peeling), ease of application, non-greasy and quick-absorbing textures and, of course, formulas that enhance and prolong your natural tan. We also review the experts’ opinions as well as your customer reviews - when a product racks up a lot of praise, we pay attention. Find plenty of options below, from gentle and fragrance-free to rich and nourishing.

What is a good tan accelerator and how does it work?

Tan accelerators help speed up your skin’s natural tanning process. Made with active ingredients that encourage your skin cells to produce melanin, they usually come in the form of a hydrating after sun lotion or are built into an SPF formula. Although suitable for all skin types, they work particularly well on fairer skin tones that struggle to tan naturally. Not only do tan accelerators help deepen your tan and give it longevity, but they’re also often enhanced with skin-nourishing and youth-boosting ingredients to keep your limbs looking glowy and supple with a silky-soft feel.

When and how to use a tan accelerator

For best results, it’s recommended that you start using a tan accelerator every day two weeks before your stint in the sunshine. This will help your skin build up its melanin levels and ensure a deeper and longer-lasting bronze. You should also continue to use a tan enhancer after sun exposure to prolong your radiant glow. Most often available in moisturising lotion formulas, all you need to do is massage your chosen booster into skin once a day. If your tan accelerator is combined with an SPF, make sure to regularly re-apply if you’re outside for an extended period of time.

Do tan accelerators work?

Yes. The results show that tan accelerators effectively deepen your natural tan as well as help it last for longer. Especially when used in the run-up to a sun-soaked holiday, tan boosters are proven to leave skin in peak condition to build a natural, rich and golden glow. Keep your deep tan from fading with some of our best tanning accelerators.

What ingredients are in a tan accelerator?

The specific ingredients can vary between different brands and formulations, but in a typical tan accelerator you might find amino acid Tyrosine and Psoralens. It's believed Tyrosine supplements in tan accelerators can stimulate natural melanin production, potentially leading to a faster and darker tan. The same goes for Psoralens, which can make the skin more sensitive to UV light, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and Copper. One to keep in mind: according to a cohort study, while it's sometimes used in combination with UVA light therapy to treat Psoriasis and Vitiligo, Psoralens has been reported to increase the risk of skin cancer, so should be used with caution.

To help moisturise the skin and potentially aid the tanning process, natural oils like Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, and Jojoba Oil should be used to keep skin hydrated. Tan accelerators often contain moisturisers like Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, or Glycerin, which prevent skin from becoming dry and flaky, contributing to a more even and longer-lasting tan. And for potential protective, nourishing effects on the skin? Look for antioxidant ingredients like Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as various botanical extracts.

Some tan accelerators also include a low level of sunscreen to provide a degree of UV protection. But it's important to note that a tan accelerator is not a substitute for sunscreen, especially if you're spending extended time in the sun (we see you sun worshippers). So, even if you're using a tan accelerator with SPF, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before heading outside. If you're considering using a tan accelerator, be sure to talk to your doctor or dermatologist first to make sure it's safe for you.

By Sephora UK Skincare Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 03 April 2024