10 Best Sunbed Creams in the UK for a Dark, Fast Tan (2025)

Looking for the best sunbed cream to get that deep, golden tan quicker? Whether you’re a tanning pro or just starting out, using the right cream can make all the difference. I’ve tried loads over the years — some were amazing, some… not so much.

So here’s my personal roundup of the 10 best sunbed creams available in the UK right now, including a few So Damn Tanned favourites. Expect glowing results, faster tans, and skin that smells as good as it looks.

1. Velvet Vibes 200ml Tanning Lotion – So Damn Tanned

Best for: Super smooth skin & fast bronzing
This one’s a favourite for a reason. Velvet Vibes is peptide-infused, so it hydrates and firms your skin while you tan. It’s non-sticky, smells unreal, and doesn’t damage sunbed acrylics — bonus!

Why I love it:

• Helps you tan quicker with hexapeptides
• Feels like a luxury body cream
• Sinks in fast, no greasy mess

🛒 Shop Velvet Vibes Now

2. Mango Tango Peptide Tanning Lotion – So Damn Tanned

Best for: Deep glow + holiday vibes

If you’re chasing that rich, tropical bronze, Mango Tango is your best mate. With Octapeptide-5 and Hexapeptide-11, it’s like a cocktail for your skin. Think radiant tan and a soft, bouncy finish.

Why it works:

• Boosts melanin production
• Sweet mango scent = full holiday mood
• Ultra-moisturising without feeling heavy

🛒 Shop Mango Tango

3. CocoLoco Cream – So Damn Tanned

Best for: Coconut lovers & all-day hydration

Obsessed with coconut? CocoLoco is for you. It’s coconut oil-based but still sunbed safe (doesn’t mess with the acrylic). It glides on and helps you tan evenly without drying you out.

Why it’s a winner:

• Rich in fatty acids for glowing skin
• Smells like a beach day
• Great for sensitive skin too

🛒 Shop CocoLoco

4. Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator

Best for: Beginners on a budget

This one’s a classic. It’s been around for ages and still works. Great if you’re just starting out with sunbeds and don’t want anything too intense straight away.

Key features:

• No bronzers, so no staining
• Aloe vera + vitamin E combo
• Affordable and easy to find

5. ProTan Radically Hemp Ultra Moisturizer

Best for: Dry skin tanners

If your skin gets super dry under the lamps, this hemp-based cream is your new BFF. It nourishes deeply while helping you tan without flaking or patchiness.

Pros:

• Intense hydration
• Works well with fair skin
• Hemp seed oil smooths and calms

6. Life’s a Beach 350ml Melanoplex Lotion – So Damn Tanned

Best for: Long-lasting tans

This cream uses Melanoplex tech for a deeper, longer-lasting tan — perfect before a trip abroad. It smells like summer and glides on like a dream.

Why you need it:

• Contains Octapeptides for max bronzing
• Large 350ml size lasts ages
• Fast-drying formula

🛒 Shop Life’s a Beach

7. Cherry Good UV Lotion – So Damn Tanned

Best for: Sweet scent + fast tan

Not only does it smell like cherry sweets, but it gives you a golden tan after just a few sessions. It’s a great option for regular sunbed users who want quick results with a fun twist.

Standouts:

• UV-friendly formula
• Cherry scent is lush
• Light consistency = no build-up

🛒 Shop Cherry Good UV

8. Millennium Tanning Paint It Black

Best for: Super dark tans

This one’s strong. It’s for the experienced tanners who want to go several shades darker, fast. Just a heads-up — it’s got a bronzer, so it can stain your hands if you’re not careful.

Features:

• Intense bronzing complex
• Smells like fruit and spice
• Works well after a tanning plateau

9. Bad Girl Lotion – So Damn Tanned

Best for: Sass and serious colour

This lotion is cheeky but effective. It’s got hydrating ingredients and peptides that work together to give your skin a strong bronze and a soft finish.

Why it’s on my list:

• Designed for girls who love a glam tan
• Works fast with noticeable results
• Great for layering with nasal or oral tanning products

🛒 Shop Bad Girl Lotion

10. Bronze Satisfaction – Power Tan

Best for: Serious bronzing + skin firming

Another high-strength option. This one has firming ingredients like caffeine and CoQ10, so it helps keep your skin looking tight while you tan.

Good to know:

• Strong colour payoff
• Designed for regular tanners
• Works well under high-pressure beds

How to Choose the Best Sunbed Cream

Not all tanning creams are made equal. Here’s what I look for when choosing mine:

✅ Peptide-Enhanced Formulas

These speed up tanning by encouraging melanin production. So Damn Tanned is known for this — their creams are next-level.

✅ Skin Hydration

Tanning dries your skin out fast. You want shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera to keep it soft and glowy.

✅ No Acrylic Damage

Make sure the cream is sunbed safe — that means no ingredients that mess with the acrylic (like mineral oil).

✅ Scent

If you’re using it every few days, it needs to smell good. Fruity and tropical scents are always a win.

Do Sunbed Creams Really Work?

Yep — big time. A good sunbed cream can help you:

• Tan faster
• Go darker in fewer sessions
• Avoid patchiness and dryness
• Keep your skin looking healthy

Just don’t overdo the sessions — your skin still needs a break.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after the best sunbed cream in the UK, start with something from So Damn Tanned. The peptide formulas, lush scents, and rich hydration make them perfect for regular tanning, holidays, and that all-year glow.

✨ My top picks? Velvet Vibes, Mango Tango, and Life’s a Beach. You’ll see the glow after just a couple of uses — promise.

💬 Got Questions?

Drop me a DM on Instagram or send us an email if you need help choosing your cream — I’ve tried everything and love helping other tanning girls out.

🛒 Browse All Tanning Creams at So Damn Tanned