A tanning accelerator (some US brands say intensifier or maximizer) is the bronzer-free half of the indoor tanning lotion family. It does not add color of its own. Instead it keeps skin hydrated and soft through the session, usually with tyrosine, an amino acid, in the formula.
In the UK these are simply called accelerators, and MEGATAN stocks more than 250 of them, from entry-level lotions under £10 to professional formulas from Devoted Creations, Tan Incorporated and Swedish Beauty.
Tanning accelerators in stock now
2bTanned
2bTanned Black Cherry Tanning Accelerator Cream
£24.99
2bTanned
2bTanned Extreme Cherry Face Gel
£15.00
2bTanned
2bTanned Extreme Plus Melano Booster Cream (200ml)
£25.00
2bTanned
2bTanned Extreme Plus Tyrosine Accelerator Cream (200ml)
£25.00
2bTanned
2bTanned Extreme Tan Accelerator Lotion - Charm & Glow Collection
£35.00
2bTanned
2bTanned Extreme Watermelon Intensifying Gel
£24.99
2bTanned
2bTanned For Him Extreme Intensifying Cream
£22.99
2bTanned
2bTanned For Him Intensifying Gel (100g)
£35.00
2bTanned
2bTanned Mango Shimmer Intensifying Cream
£25.00
2bTanned
2bTanned Peach Tanning Accelerator Cream with Thalitan
£24.99
2bTanned
2bTanned Sweet Apple SPF0 Carrot Oil Dry Tanning Oil
£18.00
2bTanned
2bTanned Vanilla Bomb Protect & Tan SPF0 Dry Tanning Oil
£16.00
A sample of what is in stock. Browse the full range: Tanning accelerators · Best for beginners · Fragrance-free.
Accelerator, intensifier, maximizer: what is the difference?
Mostly branding. All three describe a lotion without bronzer whose job is to prepare skin for a tanning bed session. Brands use maximizer for their richer, more premium formulas and intensifier for products with a stronger dose of tyrosine and skin conditioners, but there is no regulated definition. Read the ingredient list, not the adjective.
What does vary is the base. Lotion and cream accelerators suit dry and normal skin. Gel accelerators are lighter and absorb fast, which many men and oily-skinned tanners prefer. Oil-gelée accelerators sit between the two.
Who should use an accelerator
Beginners usually start here. An accelerator is a simple first indoor tanning lotion: it adds nothing that can streak or stain and no tingle agent. It is also what experienced tanners return to on days they want a lotion without added color.
If you already have a base tan and want to go darker, move to a DHA or hybrid bronzer. If you want an accelerator that also gives a hint of color, look for natural bronzers, which use cosmetic tints rather than DHA.
Key ingredients
Each link is an ingredient page built from manufacturers' own ingredient declarations.
Glossary
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 |