Tan Extender Lotion: After-Tan Moisturizers Shipped to the USA

A tan extender (UK: tan extender or aftercare) is the lotion you use after a tanning bed session, not in it. Its job is to keep the skin hydrated so the tan fades evenly and slowly, and many extenders add a low dose of DHA that keeps the color looking fresh from one session to the next.

This is the family most people skip, and the one that makes the biggest difference to how long a tan lasts.

Tan extenders in stock now

A sample of what is in stock. Browse the full range: Tan extenders · Aftercare · Hempz.

Extender, after-tan or moisturizer?

An after-tan moisturizer is a rich body lotion, often with aloe and vitamin E, designed for skin that has just been exposed to UV. A tan extender is that plus a gradual self-tan ingredient, usually DHA at a lower level than a bronzer, so the color builds slightly with daily use. Hempz's hemp seed oil moisturizers are the best-known US example; the UK adds lines from Devoted Creations, Australian Gold and Tan Incorporated.

None of these are indoor tanning lotions. Do not use an extender in the bed; use your accelerator or bronzer in the bed and the extender at home, daily.

Key ingredients

Each link is an ingredient page built from manufacturers' own ingredient declarations.

Glossary

Guides

Best tan extenders

US and UK tanning words

In the USA	In the UK (and on this site)
Tanning bed	Sunbed
Indoor tanning lotion / tanning bed lotion	Sunbed cream / sunbed lotion
Intensifier / accelerator	Accelerator
Bronzer (DHA or natural)	Bronzer
Tingle lotion	Tingle
Tan extender / after-tan	Tan extender / aftercare
Tanning lotion packet	Sachet
Tanning salon	Tanning shop / studio