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, and with over 5.2 thousand posts on TikTok for #tanaccelerator, 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.
By Sephora UK Skincare Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 23 July 2025
This multi-tasking miracle helps to prepare skin for sun exposure, boost your glow, your mood, and prolong your golden tan. With a dreamy cream texture, Gatineau tan accelerator uses Vanilla Pod extract and Vitamin E to protect your skin, while Daffodil extract soothes post sunbathing. Not only will your tan stay deep for days, this tanning lotion also helps to plump skin while smoothing the look of fine lines. Healthy-looking, long-lasting tan? Sign us up.
Tried and tested: “I would never be without this wonderful moisturiser that helps you gain the most fantastic tan so easily you won’t believe it (but trust me you will).” - Christine, Customer Review
We love that this multi-award winning TAN-LUXE tan works flawlessly with your self-tan routine, helping it to last longer and look more even. Combining Raspberry Seed Oil, Vitamin E and other naturally hydrating ingredients, this tailor-made formula ensures each application is easy and effortless. No streaks, no smells, no drama.
Tried and tested: “Fantastic results every time! I now have this on repeat as I love it. Very easy to use. Just put a couple of drops into your usual moisturiser and you're all set. Don't forget to wash your hands though as it does stain. Highly recommend.” - Rebecca, Customer Review
Boost your tan and your moisture levels with this ultra-hydrating tan enhancer. At SPF 50, our best tan accelerator for sunbathing provides high-protection against UVA and UVA rays, making it ideal for those who want to stay safe in the sun and sport a glowing tan.
Tried and tested: “I purchased this last year and I've just bought a new bottle. The heat last year was extremely hot and with the added protection from both UVA & UVB rays this bottle was great for keeping my skin protected. You can apply it anywhere - your body and your face. The bottle is a squeeze top making application so easy and convenient. This product contains Vichy Mineralizing Water and Hyaluronic Acid, which leaves your skin both super soft AND hydrated. As it's water-based, it's suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. It absorbs fast into your skin, isn't greasy and doesn't cause any stains on your skin or clothes. I personally buy the SPF50 as I'm particularly pale skinned and I didn't get any sun damage to my skin last year. Literally magic in a bottle.” - Customer Review
This handy spray applies an even, golden tan in seconds as well as protecting against photoaging and sun damage. Whether you want to prep your skin for tanning, boost your natural tan or protect against UV rays, you’re just a spritz away.
Tried and tested: “An amazing product. Never burn in the sun, smoothes and moisturises skin. Takes a little longer to achieve the perfect tan but well worth the wait. Never use anything else now. More expensive than normal sun lotions but treats the skin well in the sun.” - Karen, Customer Review
We love a tan enhancer that is good for your skin and the environment. This SPF lotion is reef-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free, so you can soothe your skin and your soul. Enriched with Marula Oil, Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Green Tea Butter and Aloe Vera, you need this in your beach bag.
Tried and tested: “Excellent! Really good and I'm fair and didn't burn! And for the first time ever the bottom of my legs went a colour!” - Customer Review
Needing no introduction, this Lancaster Lotion is the best tan accelerator for outdoor tanning and indoor tanning alike. We love that your skin will glow on for weeks after your vacation ends. Promising a long-lasting tan that's more intense, luminous, and even, this refreshing after-sun lotion contains a repairing complex that instantly soothes your skin. Enjoy the endless summer sensation and reduced risk of peeling. Tried and tested: “Lovely glow. The Lancaster range is beautiful. It has all lovely products with easy application, is not thick or gloopy, and the quantity of product is worth the money, which makes it a great value. I pop this in the fridge before applying after a shower, so it soaks in perfectly without leaving a film.” - Georgina, Customer ReviewBest for a pre- and post-holiday glow
Give your skin a holiday flush whether you’re home or away. We love how this Ultrasun Tan Accelerator for Body optimises your natural tanning ability with its fast-absorbing, non-greasy and non-sticky UVA and UVB (SPF30) sun protection gel. For your most supple, soft and golden tan yet.
Tried and tested: “Protection and tanning in one. Great to be able to tan well and protect the skin at the same time.” - Zoe, Customer Review
Can’t let go of summer? Us neither. This magic Lancaster Tan Maximiser helps you to have a deep tan whatever the weather, prolonging your tan by up to month. Not only that, it also soothes and hydrates skin after a sun session, reducing the risk of peeling. Our best tan accelerator for holiday, spritz over limbs for a luminous veil that’s laced with Lancaster's dreamy fragrance.
Tried and tested: “Okay this is the BEST way to keep your skin hydrated after being in the sun all day!! Melts into the skin so well and leaves the most amazing summer glow! I have continued to use this even after my holiday as it's really helped to maintain my tan as well - a new fave!!” - Caileigh, Customer Review
One of our secret weapons for stubbornly pale skin, this tanning lotion will help even the fairest skin catch some rays. Ultrasun’s tan-boosting After Sun uses 2% DHA to top up your tan while keeping your skin calm after sun exposure. This buildable, gradual tan comes in a soothing gel formula and is free from mineral oils and emulsifiers - sensitive skin types rejoice. Use our Ultrasun Tan Activator before sun exposure to prep the skin perfectly for a longer, stronger tan.
Tried and tested: “This is nice and light, rubs in easily and gives a lovely glow whilst moisturising. I use it for three consecutive nights when I need a top-up. Doesn’t come off on clothes or bedding.” - Customer Review