Best Tanning Lotion for Men 2023 (Reviews and Buying Guide)

Assuming that tanning is only meant for women is wrong. Due to the number of tanning lotions advertised for women, some men feel intimidated while searching for the best tanning lotion for men. You don’t have to!

You probably want to feel handsome and attractive as well. With the right Tanning product, you achieve this and much more. We will review some of the best tanning products that works well for men’s skin. 

Our guide will also help you develop confidence as you buy a tanning lotion. We can help you decide by equipping you with every detail you should know regarding the best tanning lotion for men. 

Without wasting time, lets get started.

List of the  Best Tanning Lotion for Men

Camo King Black lotion

Camo king black tanning lotion has become extremely popular among men. The popularity of this product comes from its effectiveness and quality. 

It contains a lot of antioxidants that can fight free radicals in the body. If you are in search of lotion that you can use for indoor tanning, you should consider this one. It is designed for the tanning bed. The manufacturer also includes a bronzer that helps you get instant color and results fast. 

Camo King Black lotion also contains dark DHA which ensures that you get that perfect golden color you desire. It can guarantee long-lasting results. The product features Matrixyl Synthe 6 and RevitaFit technology which make your skin firm and prevent aging.

If you have dark spots in certain regions, this lotion can get rid of them and even out your skin tone. Since smell is a big concern for men looking for tanning lotions, you will like the subtle manly scent of this type.

It also incorporates the use of tattoo protection technology to prevent any fading. The lotion prevents the covering up of your tattoo after the tanning process. The deodorizing system of this lotion helps your skin smell fresh so that you don’t have to deal with an after tan smell.

The lotion contains moisturizers that penetrate deep into your skin to enhance softness and give you lust-worthy results. The cream also hydrates the skin and prevents it from a dull appearance. Though the lotion works well, it is not ideal for men with fair skin since it is quite dark.

Pros

• It gives you a natural tan
• You can use it even with a sensitive skin
• Has a great masculine cologne smell

Cons

• The lotion can stain your hands if you don’t use any gloves during application

Sun Gods tanning lotion

Whether you want to tan indoors using a bed or outdoors, you can use this lotion beforehand. This is a unisex lotion that men love. It comes with an irresistible manly smell and has a bronzer.

Apart from the bronzer, the lotion includes hydrating ingredients to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy. It protects your tattoo from fading thanks to the use of anti-fade technology. The best tanning lotion for men should include showerproof technology, and this specific brand does not disappoint.

This technology ensures that the ingredients of the lotion do not run off while bathing or create any streaks. It makes it a hassle-free lotion that most men prefer. This lotion can give you the desired tan within minutes.

The manufacturer includes silicone in the lotion to boost its effectiveness. Its versatility is also an added advantage since you can use it anywhere like indoor or outdoor. Some of the ingredients that make it a powerful tanning lotion for men are argan oil, coconut oil, and agave extract.

With this lotion, you will enjoy staying darker for longer. It not only tans your skin but also hydrates and moisturizes it. After use, it leaves a silky feel that makes you feel more confident and sexy.

.Sun Gods tanning lotion is paraben-free. It is, however, not the best for people with sensitive skin.

At the end, its a really high quality product worth checking out.

Pros

• It is not greasy or sticky
• Has a gender-neutral smell and is unisex
• It moisturizes your skin
• Has a light and soft texture

Cons

• The tan is lighter compared to other tanning lotions with bronzers

Thermalabs Organic self-tan lotion

Do you prefer self-tanning as opposed to using the sun or a tanning bed? You can get this self-tanner, which saves your time and gives you similar results. The tanner is versatile as it can be used on all types of skin. You dont have to buy seprate lotion for every member of your family. 

The self-tanner can help you achieve that perfect summer tan all year round. This product is gentle on your skin and moisturizes it to give it a smooth feel. You can use it on your body and face. It prevents you from buying more than one product for your skin.

Streaks occur from using the wrong tanning lotion. Thermalabs can give you a nice looking tan with no streaks. It also prevents the common orange color on your skin. Before you conclude this information as exaggerated, you should check out the ingredients used in the product.

The producer makes use of organic and natural compounds that can nurture your skin and boost its health. It contains plant-based elements such as aloe vera and healthy minerals like vitamin E that nourish the skin.

The natural fragrance of this self-tanner does not put you off. With this sunless tanner, you don’t have to spend hours tanning using the sun. It prevents you from intense UV rays that can damage your skin. Though the lotion has a thick texture, you may not like the smell of this tanner.

Pros

• It is easy to use
• The lotion does not stain your hands or clothes
• Provides a natural and long-lasting tan

Cons

• It is not cost-effective

H.I.M Titanium bronzer–

Devoted Creations is known to produce the best tanning lotion for men. They came up with yet another product that happens to be my favorite. H.I.M titanium bronzer is a non-greasy lotion that is low maintenance.

You can use this product both indoors and outdoors. It offers tattoo protection and prevents you from an after tan smell. The eliminator ensures that you continue smelling fresh even after using the tanning lotion. The scent is also decent and quite masculine. You may, however, find it a bit strong if you have smell allergies.

Every time you use this lotion, you should expect an even dark color that looks quite natural. It is a light-weight bronzer that is designed with black cashmere fragrance. You can also eliminate any aging spots on your face by applying this lotion.

Apart from its anti-aging properties, the lotion makes your skin firm. It can achieve this due to the inclusion of Vitamin E and C and Matrixyl Sythe 6. The avocado extract also forms part of the formula to prevent the skin from irritation or redness. 

The versatility of this lotion is unmatched. It works as an accelerator, tan enhancer, and a bronzer. The lotion also comes in a convenient tube that makes it easy to use. It also prevents wastage of the product. It does not leave stains on your clothes or hands.

You will also like the pocket-friendly price tag on this tanning lotion. Sadly, H.I.M titanium bronzer tends to streak. You should, therefore, be careful in applying the product to minimize such effects.

Pros

• Has great color and scent
• It does not leave your skin looking reddish
• It spreads with ease on the skin and moisturizes well
• Great value
• It is light-weight and non-greasy

Cons

• The lotion leaves an oily feeling on your skin after use
• It is not ideal for outdoor tanning
• The lotion does not suit every skin tone

Gentlemen G bronzer

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Are you in search of a tanning lotion that can also hydrate your dry skin? Gentlemen G bronzer is at your service. This lotion is designed to keep your skin looking fresh all through. It fulfills this due to the use of a coconut water-base.

The base also prevents the formation of streaks after application and makes the lotion give you excellent coverage. Due to even application, you can enjoy a dark looking tan within minutes. It also comes with a rugged smell that is not too strong or female-like.

The lotion is also formulated to prevent the fading of a tattoo. It ensures that your tattoo continues looking vibrant even after tanning the skin. Its ability to prevent fading of tattoos comes from the use of a powerful herb known as Tiger grass.

Do you dislike tanning lotions that come with fruity odors? This type has a pleasant fragrance of Cedarwood that makes it more masculine. It also delivers a natural tan without the orange effect. Unlike other tanning lotions, this will not leave your skin feeling too oily.

It absorbs well into the surfaces of the skin a does not leave streaks. The lotion also comes in a great texture such that it is not too thick nor too thin. This allows even distribution of the cream on your body, thus boosting the results

Though Gentlemen G bronzer cannot burn or irritate the skin, you may have to deal with the occasion tingle from the bronzer.

Pros

• It comes with a great smell
• Gives you an in-depth, impressive tan
• It is affordable
• Suitable for both outdoor and indoor tanning

Cons

• The lotion may not work on every skin tone
• It does not have SPF protection

A Guide to Helping You Find the Best Tanning Lotion for Men

Before we look at how to buy a good tanning lotion for men, we have to discuss the tanning process briefly. Initially, people use to spend time outdoors during the summer to tan their skin tones. The sun facilitates the process since it produces UV rays.

When these rays hit the body, they help in the production of melanin in the skin. This pigment is what causes the skin to become dark. The problem with these methods is that intense sun rays can damage the surface.

Apart from tanning using the sun, you can also use a tanning bed or booth to adjust your skin tone. The device shines some UVA rays over the body, triggering the production of more melanin in your skin. Indoor tanning goes hand in hand with the best tanning lotion for men.

Since tanning beds have different functions and settings, you should do thorough research and choose the right salon for the session.  If you don’t have the time, a self-tanner can also help you achieve the same results. This method works due to the presence of DHA.

The chemical in self-tanners for men reacts with amino acids to form a brown color. Since the amino acids are only present on the dead skin cell, very little DHA is absorbed into the body. The tan effect gets lost when dead skin cells shed off.

Is tanning safe?

A lot of people, including both men and women, have health concerns regarding tanning. Tanning through UV rays either outdoors with the help of the sun or indoors in a tanning bed can cause wrinkles, discoloration, dark spots, and skin cancer.

Before exposing your body to such rays, you should ensure that you use a tanning lotion. Sunscreen can also protect you from conditions such as skin cancer. Sunless tanning is safer than the rest of the techniques since it does not have any risks that are related to UV radiation.

If you choose sunless tanning, ensure that you cover your mucous membranes, eyes, and lips before applying the tanning lotion.

Why Do Men Use Tanning Lotions?

Like women, men have a lot of reasons for using tanning lotions. Most men tan to boost the appearance of their skin. Most of them feel that the golden tan makes them appear more attractive.

If you are a bodybuilder, you can make your body appear more athletic by using tanning lotions. Tan can make your muscles look more defined. Men also tan before heading for a vacation. Indoor tanning before a holiday can prevent your skin from sun exposure.

What You Should be Looking for to get the Best Tanning Lotion for Men

Regardless of the tanning technique you prefer, there is a need to use a tanning lotion. Choosing one does not have to be complicated. The smell is a significant factor in selecting a men’s tanning lotion. You don’t want one that smells like a woman’s perfume, do you?

For this reason, you have to be keen on the scent of tanning lotions. Though most of the tanning lotions are designed with women in mind, you can find one that has a neutral odor. If you don’t like scented tanning lotions, you can find one that is odorless.

The feel of tanning lotion is also a critical aspect to watch out for. No man wants a tanning lotion that feels slimy on the skin. You may not be able to identify the best based on this factor without testing a variety.

You should also be keen on the ingredients of the lotion. The best tanning lotion for gents is made of natural components that cannot harm the skin. Look for elements such as vitamins which can nourish the skin. The presence of antioxidants in a tanning lotion is also essential.

A good lotion should also have moisturizing ingredients. Some of the elements in this category include coconut oil, jojoba oil, tea extract, shea butter, and aloe vera. These can reintroduce sufficient moisture to your skin after tanning.

Preparing your Body for Tanning and How to use a Tanning Lotion

Before you use a tanning lotion, you need to prepare your body accordingly. The preparation for men is slightly different from that of women. Prepping your body before tanning can protect your skin from a bad experience.

Start by wearing the correct form of clothing. A lot of men make the mistake of wearing bathing suits before tanning. This can lead to nasty looking lines ones you are through with tanning. You should instead look for a speedo bathing suit. This is ideal for both indoor and outdoor tanning.

You can also tan your body while naked. If you are trying to tan for the first time, it is advisable to cover the private areas from the front and back part. This can prevent any discomfort or irritation during tanning.

If you are hairy, you need to shave your body before the procedure. Long hair can hinder the UV rays from reaching your skin correctly. The lack of shaving can also lead to dark spots.

You should also avoid tanning for too long. If you choose to tan using the sun or a tanning bed, you should not expose your skin to prolonged hours of radiation. The longer the tanning, the more you increase the risks of skin problems.

Once you have undergone the process, you should take some time before showering. For a sunless tan, you should take at least 24 hours before your next shower. This gives the adequate tan time to take effect and dry. It also prevents the tan from shedding off while bathing.

If your tanning lotion does not have moisturizing ingredients, ensure that you use a separate moisturizer. Keeping your skin hydrated can make the tan appear brighter. Take a lot of water to eliminate dry looking skin.

Putting on a tanning lotion depends on the type that you choose. If you prefer a self-tanner, you should use it after bathing. Give it at least 10 minutes to dry before you proceed with wearing clothes.

A sunless tan from the salon is easy since a technician does most of the work. All you need is to choose the right salon and show up. If you pick indoor tanning using the tanning bed, cover your body with the lotion some few minutes before your session.

You can also apply an after tanning lotion afterward to soothe and rehydrate your tanned skin. Ensure you go through the instructions in your tanning lotion so that you can avoid improper use.

Conclusion

Do you want to attract ladies with your golden skin? You need to find the right tanning lotion for men. Though the market tends to market tanning lotions to mostly women, this detailed guide on choosing tanning lotions for men should help.

We have discussed some of the best tanning lotions that men can use and reviewed how each one differs from the other. Our buying guide also covers most of the details you should know, starting from the forms of tanning, why men tan, and how to prepare your body in advance.

With that in mind, we will conclude by choosing a winner from our category. Camo King Black lotion takes the day since it gives you immediate results. It contains antioxidants and moisturizes to boost your skin’s health.

The incorporation of tattoo protection and RevitaFit technology also enhances its performance. What is your excuse for not using this tanning lotion?

Further reading

A man’s guide to self tanning – GQ magazine

Men’s tanning guide – nextluxury.com