The best tan accelerators for a perfect golden glow
Updated: 28/04/2026
For many, the suitcase isn’t complete with a tan accelerator. It's an easy way to improve your holiday glow and make the most of your time abroad – or a trip to the sunbeds! If you're not a huge fan of fake tan, you’ll love the effects of a tan accelerator. We're here to give you all the advice you need to nail that natural bronze without an inch of self-tanner in sight.
How does a tan accelerator work?
If you struggle to get your skin to tan naturally while sunbathing, a tan accelerator is perfect for you. Even though they feel like super luxurious moisturisers, they do a lot more than simply hydrate the skin.
Tan accelerators work by speeding up the skin's natural tanning process so that you get a bronze glow much quicker than usual, achieving your dream tan with less time in the sun – win, win! Packed with ingredients that encourage your skin cells to produce melanin (the compound responsible for tanning), the formulas are suitable for all skin tones.
However, it's important to remember that tan accelerators do not replace sunscreens. You must always use an SPF during any type of sun exposure.
Why should I use a tan accelerator?
Unlike fake tans, there’s no risk of tan accelerators leaving streaks or giving your skin that orange tinge because they contain no colour or DHA pigment. Instead, they’re packed with moisture-loving ingredients that help to hydrate the skin as you bronze, minimising the risk of dehydration, peeling and flaking while in the sun.
When should I use a tan accelerator?
To really allow your skin to build up its melanin production, start applying your chosen tan accelerator around 2 – 4 weeks before heading into the sun. With intense moisturising benefits, it can even replace your daily body cream during the summer months. Of course, if you don't want to give up your daily body lotion, just use over the top once it has absorbed.
Which are the best tan accelerators for a golden glow?
Discover our top picks of tan accelerators will give you that healthy, bronzed goddess glow and keep your skin hydrated as well.
The Fox Tan Rapid Elixir
Powered by the brand's exclusive FoxComplex®, this tan accelerator is a holiday essential for many now. Lightweight and fast absorbing, the formula is designed to prepare your skin for the sun while leaving you feeling soft, moisturised and nourished. Apply 3-5 day before sun exposure to support a deeper-looking tan. Always remember to pair with SPF when tanning!
£24.99
Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Oil
Revive sun kissed skin with Lancaster Beauty’s Sun Tan Maximiser After Sun Oil. This silky oil, enriched with six natural oils and Tan Activator Complex, soothes, hydrates, and extends your tan for a month. It supports skin recovery, reduces peeling, and leaves a velvety, scented finish for all skin types.
£27.00
Ultrasun Pre Sun Tan Activator
Enhance your tan with Ultrasun’s Pre Sun Tan Activator gel, designed to prep skin before sun exposure. Infused with antioxidant rich thalitan, it extends your natural glow while guarding against UV rays. This lightweight, non greasy formula absorbs quickly, being fragrance free and vegan for all skin types.
Recommended Retail Price: £24.00 Current price: £19.20
Garnier Ambre Solaire Ideal Bronze Tanning SPF30-50 Bundle
Boost your glow with the Garnier Ambre Solaire Ideal Bronze Tanning SPF30–50 Bundle, a trio designed to protect, hydrate, and enhance your tan. Featuring a nourishing oil spray with SPF30 for a natural-looking bronze, a lightweight SPF50 milk to shield and smooth, plus an after-sun lotion to refresh and maintain radiance, it’s an easy way to support a golden, even finish while keeping skin feeling soft and cared for.
£40.00
The Fox Tan Rapid Watermelon Shimmer
A glow-enhancing mist designed to boost your tan while adding a subtle shimmer to the skin. Infused with nourishing oils, it helps keep skin feeling smooth and hydrated, while the lightweight formula supports a more radiant, golden finish during sun exposure.
£14.99
Garnier Ambre Solaire Ideal Bronze Milk-In Tanning SPF 50
A lightweight, dual-action spray that protects while enhancing your natural glow, this SPF50 mist helps support a smooth, even-looking tan. Infused with vitamin E and beta-carotene, it keeps skin feeling hydrated and comfortable, making it ideal for face and body when you want protection without heaviness.
Recommended Retail Price: £14.00 Current price: £11.20
Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion
Extend your glow with this fast-absorbing after-sun lotion, designed to keep skin feeling soft and hydrated after sun exposure. Powered by Lancaster’s Tan Activator Complex, it helps maintain a sun-kissed look while soothing and replenishing skin for a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
£27.00
Ultrasun Tan Activator for Body SPF30
A hydrating SPF30 lotion that protects while supporting a natural-looking tan, this lightweight formula helps encourage a more even, golden finish. Fast-absorbing and non-greasy, it keeps skin feeling comfortable and moisturised during sun exposure.
£28.00
The Fox Tan Rapid Sunbed Accelerator
Created specifically for indoor tanning, this accelerator helps support a deeper, more even-looking tan during sunbed sessions. Lightweight and easy to apply, it works to enhance natural colour development while keeping skin feeling soft and conditioned.
£25.99
Lancaster Sun Beauty Satin Dry Oil Fast Tan Optimizer for Body SPF30
A silky dry oil that combines sun protection with glow-enhancing care, this SPF30 formula helps encourage a radiant, sun-kissed finish. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, it leaves skin feeling nourished with a soft, luminous sheen.
Recommended Retail Price: £34.00 Current price: £23.80
Shop Tan Accelerators or visit our new Tanning Room for the ultimate summer glow.
1. Revolution Tanning Rapid Tan Accelerator SPF20 200ml
£11.99
Your sunbathing secret weapon, this coconut and watermelon scented tan accelerator can be worn alone or layered with another SPF to enhance your natural glow for a soft, naturally bronzed finish.
- Why we love it: Enhances your natural tan
2. Comfort Zone Sun Soul Cream Gel Tan Maximiser 200ml
£21.00
Formulated with 85% natural ingredients, this gentle cream for the face and body helps to prepare, intensify and prolong your natural tan. Fortified with Biomimetic peptide DNA-defense, the non-greasy formula protects against the first signs of ageing caused by sun exposure, whilst deepening your bronze over just a few days.
- Why we love it: Fast absorbing and can be used on face and body
3. Piz Buin Tan and Protect Spray SPF 15 150ml
Recommended Retail Price: £9.99 Current price: £8.97
Providing broad spectrum protection with an advanced UVA/UVB sun filter system, this luxurious spray quenches skin with long-lasting hydration to prevent dryness and peeling, whilst a dose of Illumitone™ enhances the natural tanning process without staining clothes, swimsuits or towels.
- Why we love it: Doesn't stain clothing or towels
4. Bali Body Watermelon Tanning Oil SPF15 100ml
£19.95
A viral sensation for a reason, this nourishing, watermelon-infused oil offers all the glow-enhancing effects of a tan accelerator, alongside the hydrating benefits of a body moisturiser. Infused with a blend of sweet almond, grape seed and coconut oil, this lightweight formula provides a surge of antioxidants and helps to seal in moisture to extend tan longevity.
- Why we love it: Leaves a lovely shine for extra glow
5. Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion 400ml
£39.00
For those that want to prolong their summer glow, opt for this tan boosting lotion from Lancaster. Formulated with the brand's Tan Activator Complex, the lotion contains naturally-derived Buriti oil to intensify melanin production to maintain your golden, sun-kissed complexion. Suitable for use on both the face and body, this calming lotion rehydrates and softens skin to prevent premature peeling.
- Why we love it: Maintains your tan while soothing after sun exposure
6. Dr. Russo After Sun Body Repair Tan Maximizer 200ml
Recommended Retail Price: £28.95 Current price: £5.79
Cool and moisturise your complexion after a day in the sun with this lightweight, fast-absorbing formula from Dr. Russo. Created with vitamin E and Ferulic acid, skin is shielded from environmental aggressors and supported in its natural regeneration process. Locking in moisture, your golden goddess status is extended and maintained for as long as possible!
- Why we love it: Great for sensitive skin!
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