If you’re choosing a sunbed cream, you’ll probably come across three main types: accelerators, bronzers and tingles. They’re designed for different tanning preferences, so choosing the right one depends on your experience level and the result you’re looking for.
What Is a Tanning Accelerator?
A tanning accelerator is designed to support your skin’s natural tanning process during UV exposure. Many formulas contain ingredients such as tyrosine alongside moisturising oils, butters and skincare ingredients. Accelerators don't usually provide an instant cosmetic colour, making them popular if you prefer a more natural-looking result.
What Is a Bronzer Tanning Lotion?
A bronzer combines tanning-lotion ingredients with ingredients that give the skin additional colour. Some provide an immediate cosmetic effect, while others contain ingredients such as DHA that develop colour over several hours.
What Is Tingle Tanning Cream?
Tingle lotions are generally intended for experienced tanners. They contain ingredients that create a warming, tingling and often reddening sensation on the skin. Depending on the formula, this can be quite intense.
Accelerator vs Bronzer vs Tingle
Choose an accelerator if you want to support your natural tanning process without adding an instant cosmetic bronzer. Choose a bronzer if you want additional colour or an immediate bronzed appearance. Choose a tingle if you’re an experienced tanner and specifically want the warming sensation associated with tingle formulas.
Which Sunbed Cream Is Best for Beginners?
For someone new to tanning lotions, we’d generally recommend starting with a non-tingle accelerator. Once you know what you like, you can explore bronzers, hybrid formulas and more advanced products.
Browse All Sunbed Creams & Tanning Lotions
Do Sunbed Creams Contain SPF?
Not necessarily. Most products specifically designed for indoor tanning do not provide sun protection unless SPF is clearly stated on the product. If you’re spending time outdoors, use an appropriate broad-spectrum sunscreen according to its directions.
Shop Sunbed Creams at The Tanning Company
At The Tanning Company, you’ll find tanning accelerators, bronzers, tingles and skincare from brands including Australian Gold, Power Tan, Devoted Creations, Pro Tan, Soleo and more.