There are two types of people in this world: the ones who tan effortlessly the moment sunlight looks in their direction, and the rest of us who need a whole strategy, a prayer, and the right sun tanning lotion to avoid blotchiness and streaks. Whether you prefer a good sun tanning lotion, a sunless tanner lotion, or you’re hunting down the darkest self tanner on the market, figuring out the best product for your skin tone and goals takes a little more than guesswork.

So let’s break it all down. If you’ve ever wondered “What sun lotion is best for tanning?” or struggled with the difference between sun tanning lotions and sunless tanning lotion, you’re in exactly the right place. This is your clear, honest, easy-to-follow guide to achieving a deep, even tan without destroying your skin. We'll walk through formulas, ingredients, safety, application tricks, and some of the best picks for natural and ultra-dark results. No gatekeeping here.

Part 1: Understanding How Tanning Lotions Actually Work

Here’s the not-so-secret secret: not all tanning happens from the sun. In fact, more and more people are ditching UV exposure altogether and going for sunless tanning lotion, self tanner lotion, or even instant sun formulas that deliver color within hours. So before choosing the best sun lotion for tanning, let’s clear up what each type actually does.

1. Sun Tanning Lotion (With UV Exposure)

A traditional sun tanning lotion is used outdoors. These formulas usually include ingredients that:

• attract UV rays to the skin to deepen color faster
• moisturize the skin so the tan develops evenly
• sometimes add bronzers for an immediate glow

These products are great if you still want real sunlight to play a role in your tan. They don’t replace sunscreen. They don’t protect your skin from burning unless they specifically include SPF. So you still need to be careful.

2. Sunless Tanner Lotion (No Sun Needed)

Sunless tanning products have exploded in popularity. A sunless tanner lotion or self tan lotion uses DHA, a plant-derived ingredient that reacts with amino acids on the skin to create a tan-like pigment. DHA is found in nearly every self tanner, sunless tanning lotion, and self tanning lotion advertised today.

These tans develop in a few hours and can last up to a week depending on how well you prep and maintain your skin.

If you’ve heard of:

• ultra dark tanning lotion
• dark self tanner
• sun self tanner
• lotion with tanner
• tanner lotion
• self tanner cream

then you’re already familiar with this whole category.

3. Hybrid Tanning Lotions

Some companies mix bronzers, plant oils, gradual tanning ingredients, and hydrating complexes that work both with sun exposure and without it. They’re less common, but they do exist.

The most well-known brands that bridge both worlds include:

• Sun Laboratories (often shortened to Sun Labs)
• Sun Labs sunless tanning lotion
• sunlabs tanner
• sunlabs sunless tanner ultra dark
• sun self tanning lotion ultra dark

These are massively popular because they deliver deep, dark results that don’t require sun.

Part 2: Which Tanning Lotion Is “Best”? It Depends on Your Goals

Choosing the best sun lotion for tanning isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. Your ideal product depends on:

• your skin tone
• how dark you want to go
• whether you want sunlight involved
• whether you’re okay waiting hours for your tan
• your skin sensitivity
• your experience level

Let’s break it down.

If You Want a Natural Sun-Kissed Glow

Go with a sun tanning lotion or a gradual self tanner lotion.

These are typically lighter, easier to work with, and ideal for beginners.

If You Want a Deep, Dramatic Tan

You’re going to want an ultra dark self tanner or dark tanning lotion. The deeper shades often include higher levels of DHA, color-correcting pigments, and hydrating oils that make the tan richer and longer lasting.

If You Want Results Without Sun Exposure

Stick with sunless tanning lotion, tan lotion sunless, or self suntan lotion. Zero burning risk. Zero peeling. Zero sun damage.

If You Want the Fastest Possible Tan

Look for:

• instant sun formulas
• bronzer-infused self tan lotion
• fast-developing DHA blends

These give you instant color while the deeper tan develops underneath.

Part 3: The Big Debate: Sun Tanning Lotion vs Sunless Tanner Lotion

Both types have their fans. Both can give you amazing color. But they work totally differently.

Sun Tanning Lotion Pros

• you get a natural sunlight-based glow
• color often looks rich on medium to deeper skin tones
• good for people who tan easily

Sun Tanning Lotion Cons

• UV rays damage skin
• you have to be outside
• burn risk is real
• color is slower to develop than self tanning

Sunless Tanner Lotion Pros

• zero sun damage
• color develops fast
• nearly unlimited shade range (light to ultra dark)
• safe for most skin types
• consistent results

Sunless Tanner Lotion Cons

• requires proper prep to avoid streaks
• can transfer if not fully dry
• some formulas have a scent

If you want the safest tanning method, sunless tanning lotion best seller formulas are the clear winner.

Part 4: What to Look For in a High-Quality Tanning Lotion

Not all tanning products are created equal. Here’s what makes the difference between a patchy, orange nightmare and a sun-kissed masterpiece.

1. Hydrating Ingredients

DHA develops best on well-moisturized skin. Look for aloe, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, shea butter, or coconut oil in your sun tanner or sun tanning lotion.

2. Color-Correcting Pigments

Many dark self tanner formulas add violet, blue, or olive undertones to counter orange tones. If you’re aiming for the darkest self tanner, colour-correcting is essential.

3. Transfer-Resistant Technology

No one wants brown bedsheets. Good tanner lotion sticks to your skin, not your linens.

4. Clean Ingredients

If you have sensitive skin, a fragrance-free or organic-leaning formula is a good match. Some of the cleanest dark formulas come from brands like Sun Labs and Sun Laboratories.

Part 5: Why Sun Labs and Sun Laboratories Products Stand Out

If you’ve spent any time looking for the best sunless tanner, you’ve probably noticed the same thing everyone else does: Sun Labs dominates. Their sunless tanner best seller products consistently lead the market for people who want a serious tan without UV exposure.

Why?

The Advantages

• unreal depth of color, especially with the Sun Labs Ultra Dark and sunlabs sunless tanner ultra dark formulas
• clean, hydrating ingredients
• fast development
• long-lasting tans
• minimal streaking
• beginner-friendly application
• their sun self tanning lotion ultra dark is one of the deepest over-the-counter tans you can buy

People who want dramatic results go straight to Sun Labs because their ultra dark tanning lotion takes you from pale to tropical vacation in a few hours.

Part 6: How to Apply Tanning Lotion Like a Pro

Choosing the right lotion is only half the battle. Even the best dark self tanning lotion won’t look great unless you apply it properly.

Here’s the routine that never fails:

1. Exfoliate like your life depends on it

Dead skin makes tans patchy. Use a mitt or scrub to smooth everything out before applying your self tanner lotion dark.

2. Moisturize elbows, knees, wrists, and ankles

These areas soak up color quickly.

3. Use a tanning mitt

A mitt makes blending the self tanner even and streak-free.

4. Apply in circular motions

Long straight strokes create harsh lines.

5. Don’t shower too early

If your dark tanning lotion says 8 hours, give it 8 hours.

6. Moisturize daily

Hydrated skin = longer-lasting tan.

Part 7: Top Picks for the Best Sun Lotion for Tanning

Here’s what people swear by depending on the kind of tan they want.

Best Traditional Sun Tanning Lotion

Products that deepen sun-based tans and include bronzing oils.

Best Sunless Tanner Best Seller

The formulas that consistently top charts for color payoff, even results, and staying power.

Best Ultra Dark Self Tanner

This category is dominated by Sun Labs, Sun Laboratories, and a handful of luxury competitors. The sun labs sunless tanning lotion ultra dark is considered by many to be one of the deepest at-home tans available.

Best Tanning Lotion for Beginners

Look for light to medium sunless tanning lotion, gradual formulas, or tinted self tanner cream so you can see where you're applying.

Best Overnight Tanning Product

Anything marketed as overnight tanning or “sleep safe” tends to develop fully while you rest.

Best Tanning Kit

A self tanner kit that includes a mitt, exfoliating glove, and full-body lotion gives you everything you need to start.

Part 8: Final Answer: What Sun Lotion Is Best for Tanning?

Here’s the clear, simple truth:

• If you want a natural tan and don’t burn easily, go with a sun tanning lotion.
• If you want a deep, dark tan without sunlight, choose a sunless tanner lotion.
• If you want the darkest result possible, look for ultra dark tanning lotion, especially from sun labs tanner or Sun Laboratories.
• If you want beginner-friendly, choose a gradual self tan lotion or tinted sunless tanning lotion.

The best sun tanning lotion is the one that gives your skin the color you want with the least amount of effort and no damage. For most people today, that means a high-quality dark self tanner or sunless tanning lotion that delivers fast, consistent, glowing color.

If you want the deepest at-home tan you can get, Sun Labs Ultra Dark, sun self tanning lotion ultra dark, or sunlabs sunless tanner ultra dark are the top-tier choices that almost always outperform competitors.