The best tan accelerators for a perfect golden glow
Updated: 16/05/2025
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
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
Why should I use a tan accelerator?
Unlike
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
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!
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RRP: £24.99Current price: £19.99
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.
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£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.
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RRP: £24.00Current price: £19.20
Makeup Revolution Beauty Rapid Tan Active SPF 20
Boost your tan with Makeup Revolution Beauty Rapid Tan Active SPF 20, a coconut and watermelon scented cream offering medium protection. It enhances your golden glow while SPF 20 shields against UV rays, and nourishing actives keep skin hydrated and supple during tanning for a bronzed look.
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RRP: £11.99Current price: £9.59
My large family of mainly women has made me passionate about all things beauty from a young age: from routines passed down from my grandmother, to trying the latest products and trends. After training as an MUA at MAC Cosmetics, my love for makeup has now evolved into making sure my skincare creates the perfect canvas for any look. I love anything that can make my base feel fresh & bright while accentuating my features – Bobbi Brown's Face Base is my holy grail at the moment!
