In the pursuit of a golden, natural-looking and speedy bronze, we've chosen the best tan accelerators and enhancers 2023 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.
Remember: 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. Ahead, you’ll find plenty of options, from gentle and fragrance-free to rich and nourishing.
What is a tan accelerator and how does it work?
Put simply, 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 really work?
Yes. The results show that tan accelerators effectively deepen your natural tan as well as giving it longevity. 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.
Sun Soul Cream Gel Tan Maximizer, £20.00
Best for: Luxe feel
Comfort Zone’s Cream Gel Tan Maximizer intensifies and prolongs your already sun-kissed tan by stimulating its natural melanin. How? Acetyltyrosine (no prizes for pronunciation) enhances the natural tanning process, while Vitamin E and Argan Oil adds some antioxidant action to help care for your skin during sun exposure.
The hype: “The cream is silky and luxurious and really moisturised my skin. I used it for a couple of weeks before I went on holiday. My tan developed beautifully and is maintaining nicely, would definitely buy again.” - Karen, customer review
Tan Accelerating Lotion, £49.00
Best for: Youth-boosting
This one has a unique triple action that helps to prepare skin for sun exposure, boost your glow and prolong your tan. With a refreshing cream texture, it uses Vanilla Pod extract, Sweet Orange and Vitamin E to protect skin, while Daffodil extract soothes and relieves discomfort during and after sunbathing. Then there’s the brand’s signature ingredient Mélatogénine that stimulates cellular renewal to smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Apply for two weeks before sun exposure and expect a healthy-looking, long-lasting tan.
The hype: “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
Sun Tan Maximizer After Sun Oil, £24.00
Best for: Luminous glow
The magic ingredient in Lancaster’s Tan Maximiser is Buriti Oil which stimulates melanin to intensify and prolong your golden glow by up to a month. Not only that, but it also soothes and hydrates skin following sun exposure, reducing the risk of peeling. Spritz over limbs for a luminous veil that’s laced with Lancaster’s dreamy fragrance.
The hype: “You really don't need a lot and the glow isn't false or greasy, just very subtle. I pop some on my arms for sleeveless dresses, legs to maximise their length in shorts and a little across the decolletage... perfect!” - Corinne, customer review
Tan Booster After Sun, £24.00
Best for: Fair skin
Another of our best tan accelerators, this one’s perfect if your skin is stubbornly pale or you have a hard time tanning naturally. With a gel texture, Ultrasun’s tan-boosting After Sun uses 2% DHA to gently enhance and deepen your tan whilst caring for skin after sun exposure. Massage into skin for an instant cooling effect as well as lending a buildable golden glow to limbs (the colour will develop over four to six hours). It’s also free from mineral oils and emulsifiers, so it’s a great choice for sensitive skin types.
The hype: “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