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Best Non-Toxic Tanning Bed Lotion in 2024
Written by Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medically reviewed by Olushola Awoyemi
PhD Environmental Toxicology
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What you should know when choosing non-toxic tanning bed lotions on Welpr:
- Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
- We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
- The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
Find Non-Toxic Tanning Bed Lotion
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Browning Lotion with Coconut Oil - Maui Babe
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$21.99
Product Details
- All natural alternative to the original Browning Lotion
- Made with natural Hawaiian ingredients for skin protection and moisturizing benefits
- Contains coconut oil and aloe to prevent burning
- Not a self-tanner
- Can be used with all sunscreens
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Smells
- Effective
- Emollient
Cons Mentioned
- Oily
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Sunflower Oil, Safflower Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Aloe Vera, Kona Coffee Plant Extract, Antioxidants Vitamin E, C, A, Potassium Iodide
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion - Australian Gold
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$7.37
Product Details
- Accelerates the tanning process whether exposed to the sun or using a tanning bed.
- Formulated with Biosine Complex to promote dark color development.
- Does not contain sunscreen but increases skin pigmentation for quicker tanning.
- Contains Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E, powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals and nourish the skin.
- Incorporates native oils, vital nutrients, and Aloe Vera for ultimate skin hydration and nourishment.
- Has a pleasant fragrance combining Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla.
- Vegan, Gluten Free, and Cruelty Free formulation.
- Includes Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil to enhance skin radiance and promote an instant radiant tan.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Hydrating
- Non-greasy
- Effective
Cons Mentioned
- Mangled
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Wateraqua, Glycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Cetyl Alcohol, Peg-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Dilaurate, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Edta, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Tocopherol, Limonene, Fragrance, Coumarin, Linalool, Benzyl Alcohol, Citral, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Tanned Intensifier Dry Spray - b.tan
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$9.97
Product Details
- Contains tan accelerating actives to speed up tanning, providing deeper, darker results with less sun exposure.
- Includes ultra-moisturizing oils to keep skin hydrated.
- 100% vegan and free from parabens.
- 100% cruelty-free, not tested on animals.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Effective
- Fast-acting
- Pleasant-scent
Cons Mentioned
- Uneven
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua, Eau), Glycerin, Dihydroxyacetone, Algin, Calcium Citrate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Powder, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol, Peg-8 Dimethicone, Fragrance (Parfum), Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Browning Lotion - Sun Bum
Certifications
Highlights
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$16.49
Product Details
- Natural browning lotion designed to accelerate the tanning process with prolonged sun exposure.
- Contains moisturizing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Kona Coffee Plant Extract, Marula, Argan, Coconut, and Avocado Oil.
- Features a tropical coffee scent.
- Water resistant and compliant with Hawaii 104 Reef Act, free from Octinoxate and Oxybenzone.
- Application process includes applying sunscreen first, waiting ten minutes, then applying the browning lotion.
- Reapplication is recommended during prolonged sun exposure; caution advised as the brown tint may stain fabrics.
- Free from Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty, and Parabens to ensure skin protection and moisture retention.
- Developed for high efficacy in intense sun conditions.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Moisturizing
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons Mentioned
- Staining
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Ethylhexyl (Octyl) Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Coffea (Kona) Arabica, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Caramel, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyl Dimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Triethanolamine, Fragrance (Parfum), Isohexadecane, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Algin, Magnesium Sulfate, Polysorbate-60, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Manganese Sulfate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Leaf/Seed Extract, Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Caffeine, Argania Spinosa Kernal (Organic Argan) Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Aleurites Moluccana Seed (Kukui Nut) Oil, Yellow 6 / Ci 15985, Macadamia (Nut) Ternifolia Seed Oil, Glycerin, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Red 4 / Ci 14700, Magnesium Aspartate, Oleyl Alcohol, Zinc Gluconate, Panthenyl Triacetate, Copper Gluconate, Ethyl Linoleate, Red 33 / Ci 17200, Ascorbyl (Vitamin C) Palmitate, Blue 1 / Ci 42090
Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.
Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.
User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.
Hypoallergenic Natural Bronzer - Pro Tan
User Satisfaction
Est. Price
$15.99
Product Details
- DHA-free dark bronzing blend including Henna, Black Walnut Shell, and Caramel Extracts, combined with natural tan enhancers, provides a dark bronze glow.
- Enriched with natural calming extracts such as Oatmeal to soothe and comfort dry skin.
- Contains Mango Seed Butter to hydrate and smooth skin, promoting a radiant glow.
- Non-greasy, lightweight formula absorbs quickly into the skin.
- Includes Aloe Vera, Oat Kernel Oil, Chamomile Extract, and Vitamins A, C, and E to nourish the skin.
- Free from parabens and gluten, suitable for sensitive skin.
- Incorporates Odor Shield technology.
- Fragrance profile described as sweet and fresh.
Pros & Cons
Pros Mentioned
- Soothing
- Effective
- Moisturizing
Cons Mentioned
- Scent
Ingredients
Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.
Ingredients: Mango Seed Butter, Aloe Vera, Oat Kernel Oil, Chamomile Extract, Black Walnut Shell, Caramel Extracts
Our Product Rating System
First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.
Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.
Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.
Welpr Rating:
5.0/5
Part 1: Product safety
We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.
Part 2: Consumer satisfaction
We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).
Part 3: Ethics & Environment
When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.
Common Harmful Chemicals in Tanning Bed Lotion
Chemical Name
Why it’s harmful
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Sodium laureth sulfate, derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, is a surfactant used in sudsy products like toothpaste, detergents, and shampoos. While it acts as a cleansing and emulsifying agent, it can sometimes contain toxic impurities such as 1,4-dioxane. This chemical has raised health concerns due to its potential to cause skin, lung, and eye irritation, organ toxicity, and, primarily because of contamination by 1,4 dioxane, cancer.
Sources:
The Dirty Dozen: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, 15 Toxic Trespassers, SKIP PRODUCTS MADE WITH SLES (AND SLS, TOO!), Campaign for Safe Costmetics: 1,4-DIOXANE, WHAT IS SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE: CHEMICAL FREE LIVING, A new formula for a mild body cleanser: sodium laureth sulphate supplemented with sodium laureth carboxylate and lauryl glucoside,
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is recognised as a skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant according to ICSC. It may cause allergic reactions and eye irritation as stated by the HSDB. Exposure may even result in eye burns, as per CAMEO. Depending on its form - which may range from a solid (90-98% purity), to a paste (30-41%), or an aqueous solution (28-50%) - it can significantly irritate skin and eyes, with adverse effects escalating with increased concentration. Despite these hazards, it is not a skin sensitizer according to CHEMINFO, while eChemPortal: ERMA and MSDSonline endorse its classification as an irritant.
Triclosan
Triclosan is a synthetic pesticide with antibacterial properties commonly added to detergents, soaps, and various personal care products such as deodorants and toothpastes. Although it lacks the ability to combat viruses causing colds and flus, it's used in products like body washes, disinfectants, and some toothpastes to resist bacterial growth. In 2016, the FDA limited its use in antibacterial soaps, but the compound is still permitted in other products. The European Union prohibited its presence in food-contact items in 2010. Exposure to triclosan has been associated with hormone disruption, increased breast cancer risk, liver damage, and the development of resistant super-germs.
Sources:
Triclosan Exposure, Transformation, and Human Health Effects, Are antibacterial products with triclosan fueling bacterial resistance?, Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, The Effects of Triclosan on Puberty and Thyroid Hormones in Male Wistar Rats, Triclosan is a potent inhibitor of estradiol and estrone sulfonation in sheep placenta, The in Vitro estrogenic activities of triclosan and triclocarban, Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water, Environmental Exposure of Aquatic and Terrestrial Biota to Triclosan and Triclocarban, Triclosan: Environmental Fate and Effects, Chemical Profile: Triclosan / Triclocarban, 5 Things to Know About Triclosan, Underarm Harm? Whats So Bad About Antiperspirants?, Some flame retardants and the antimicrobials triclosan and triclocarban enhance the androgenic activity in vitro, Triclocarban Enhances Testosterone Action: A New Type of Endocrine Disruptor?, Triclosan, a commonly used bactericide found in human milk and in the aquatic environment in Sweden
Polyethylene Glycol
Ingestion or dermal absorption of the chemical at more than 800-1000 mg/kg/day can lead to central nervous system depression and liver and kidney changes in animals, despite there being no significant developmental toxicity. The chemical acts as an eye irritant; however, it is poorly absorbed through the skin. Unanticipated side effects are unlikely unless there is exposure to mists of heated liquid. Notably, animal feeding studies have shown that the chemical could damage the CNS, liver, kidneys, red blood cells, and the reproductive system.
Retinol
Oral administration of high doses in adults causes ciricrhosis, hemorrhage, anorexia, jaundice, and dermatitis. The use of this substance is contraindicated in pregnancy at doses larger than the FDA recommend daily allowance. Ingesting 25,000 IU/d over a period of 2-3 weeks may result in toxicity, symptoms of which include liver injury and increased intracranial pressure, leading to blurred vision, headaches, and changes to mental status. The substance is also found to be an irritant and harmful if ingested, with teratogenic effects observed in experimental animals.
Methylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone can reportedly cause allergic contact dermatitis in workers who interact with products containing it. This substance is recognized as a contact allergen for consumers using cosmetics that include it. It can cause skin burns and sensitization, and inhaling it may lead to corrosive injuries in the upper respiratory tract and lungs. Ingesting this substance is harmful, and inhalation is toxic. This preservative is linked to the category of isothiazolinones.
Sources:
Antimicrobial agents, triclosan, chloroxylenol, methylisothiazolinone and borax, used in cleaning had genotoxic and histopathologic effects on rainbow trout, Methylisothiazolinone toxicity and inhibition of wound healing and regeneration in planaria, Methylchloroisothiazolinone and/or methylisothiazolinone in cosmetic products, Isothiazolinone Biocides: Chemistry, Biological, and Toxicity Profiles, Methylisothiazolinone and isothiazolinone allergy, Analysis of isothiazolinones in environmental waters by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, Methylisothiazolinone induces apoptotic cell death via matrix metalloproteinase activation in human bronchial epithelial cells, EU REGULATIONS , Methylisothiazolinone contact allergy: a review, Effects of methylisothiazolinone and octylisothiazolinone on development and thyroid endocrine system in zebrafish larvae, Two Cases of Chloromethylisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone-associated Toxic Lung Injury, An update of the risk assessment for methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) with focus on rinse-off products, Effects of a mixture of chloromethylisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone on peripheral airway dysfunction in children, Isothiazolinone preservative: cause of a continuing epidemic of cosmetic dermatitis, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics: Methylisothiazolinone and Methylchloroisothiazolinone
Butylated Hydroxytoluene
BHT, a toluene-based ingredient, serves as a preservative in food and personal care products. Safety assessments have noted toxic effects in lung tissue when BHT was applied to rats' skin but considered the low concentrations in cosmetics safe. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) suggests moderate evidence of BHT being a respiratory irritant in humans.
Toluene
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid that naturally occurs in crude oil and the tolu tree. It's prominent in the production of gasoline, coke from coal, and various consumer products like paints, adhesives, and nail polish. Toluene is even added to gasoline, used to create benzene, and acts as a solvent. However, exposure to toluene, especially from inhalation, can have serious health effects. It primarily targets the central nervous system, inducing symptoms like fatigue, nausea, headaches, and in chronic cases, can cause severe dysfunction. Exposure has also been linked to developmental effects in children, but there isn't enough evidence to conclude its carcinogenic potential. Abuse of toluene can cause permanent brain damage, liver injury, and even potential birth defects or increased risk of spontaneous abortions in pregnant women. Despite these risks, cognitive deficits from toluene exposure below a threshold limit value (TLV) of 50 ppm remain extremely low.
DMDM hydantoin
DMDM hydantoin is a substance used in cosmetics that has the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, although rinse-off products generally have a low risk. According to various reports, skin sensitization patch testing has yielded positive results.
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