What Makes a Good Cream for Sunbeds? Ingredients to Look For (2025 Guide)

Not all tanning creams are created equal. If you’re wondering what actually makes a good cream for sunbeds, you’re not alone. Whether you’re prepping for holiday vibes or just want that sunbed glow all year round, the right cream can make a huge difference in your results.

So let’s break it down — no fluff, no jargon. Just straight-up facts about what to look for in a tanning cream that actually works.

Why You Should Always Use a Cream on the Sunbeds

First things first — yes, you do need to use a cream. Here’s why:

• Helps your skin tan faster by hydrating and activating melanin
• Reduces dry patches and uneven results
• Keeps skin smooth and glowing instead of flaky and tired-looking
• Can prolong your tan by protecting your skin barrier

Going without it? Risky. You’ll likely need double the sessions to get half the colour.

Signs of a Good Cream for Sunbeds

1. Peptides for Faster Tanning

If a cream contains Hexapeptide-11 or Octapeptide-5, you’re onto a winner. These peptides signal your skin to boost melanin production, which means you tan quicker and the colour lasts longer.

👀 Look for:

• Velvet Vibes – Peptide-rich and super hydrating
• Mango Tango – Includes Hexapeptide-11 for collagen support too

2. Shea Butter or Coconut Oil Base

These ingredients are gold for your skin. They help lock in moisture without damaging the sunbed’s acrylic surface. A good sunbed cream is always rich but non-greasy.

✅ So Damn Tanned creams use:

• Shea Butter (great for hydration + elasticity)
• Coconut oil (softens skin and smells unreal)

3. Sunbed-Safe Formulas

Some creams contain mineral oils or cheap fillers that literally melt sunbed acrylics. Big no-no. A good sunbed cream will say “sunbed safe” right on the label.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re using salon beds, this is a must — they’ll charge you for damage if your cream ruins the acrylic.

 Fast Absorbing, Non-Sticky Texture

We’ve all been there — standing half-naked in a tanning room with a greasy cream that won’t rub in. The best sunbed creams absorb quickly, dry smooth, and don’t leave you feeling sticky.

🧴 Top picks:

• Bad Girl Lotion – Soft, quick-absorbing formula with a bit of sass
• CocoLoco – Creamy but disappears into the skin in seconds

5. No Bronzer (unless you want one!)

Some creams contain bronzers to give you an instant tan. These are fab if you’re in a rush, but they can stain towels or clothes if you’re not careful.

🥇 Want colour straight away? Go for bronzer-enhanced creams like:

• Millennium Paint It Black
• Bronze Satisfaction

🥥 Prefer a clean, natural tan? Stick with:

• Mango Tango
• Life’s a Beach

Key Ingredients to Look For

Here’s a cheat sheet of what to spot on the label:

These aren’t just fancy-sounding words — they genuinely help you tan better, faster, and more evenly.

My Favourite Good Creams for Sunbeds (That Actually Work)

Let’s keep it real — I’ve tested loads. These are the ones I reach for again and again:

🧴 Velvet Vibes (So Damn Tanned)

Peptides, shea butter, and a luxury feel. Gives a deep tan fast without the stickiness.

🛒 Shop Velvet Vibes

🥭 Mango Tango (So Damn Tanned)

Super rich, tropical scent, and helps firm your skin while you tan. Melanin booster inside.

🛒 Shop Mango Tango

🥥 CocoLoco (So Damn Tanned)

Light coconut scent, creamy texture, sunbed safe. Perfect for sensitive skin or first-time tanners.

🛒 Shop CocoLoco

🍒 Cherry Good UV (So Damn Tanned)

Smells amazing, works with UV, and gives a noticeable glow after just a few sessions.

🛒 Shop Cherry Good UV

💅 Bad Girl Lotion (So Damn Tanned)

Flirty, fast-absorbing, and full of peptides. My go-to when I want serious glow with attitude.

🛒 Shop Bad Girl Lotion

What to Avoid in a Sunbed Cream

Just as important as what to look for — here’s what to avoid:

• ❌ Mineral oils (can damage sunbeds)
• ❌ Parabens (harsh on sensitive skin)
• ❌ Super heavy bronzers (can streak or stain)
• ❌ Perfumes that irritate (go for natural scents)

Always check reviews and ingredient lists before trying something new.

FAQs About Sunbed Creams

💬 Can I tan without a sunbed cream?

You can, but it’ll take longer and your skin might dry out and go patchy. Creams help activate melanin and keep your skin soft and healthy.

💬 How often should I apply it?

Every session. Apply evenly right before your session — don’t overdo it, but make sure you’re fully covered.

💬 Can I use regular body lotion instead?

Nope. Most regular body creams aren’t sunbed safe and won’t help you tan faster. They might even damage the sunbed surface.

Final Thoughts

A good sunbed cream isn’t just about smell or price — it’s about what’s inside. Peptides, moisturisers, and sunbed-safe ingredients are the real MVPs.

If you’re serious about getting a better tan with fewer sessions, go for creams that are:

• Rich in peptides
• Moisturising but not sticky
• Designed for use with sunbeds

✨ My top picks? Mango Tango, Velvet Vibes, and CocoLoco — they’ve never let me down.

🛒 View All Tanning Creams at So Damn Tanned

Want help picking the right cream? DM us or drop us an email — I’ll always reply 💕