# What Makes a Good Cream for Sunbeds? Ingredients to Look For (2025 Guide) Source: https://sodamntanned.com/what-makes-a-good-cream-for-sunbeds-ingredients-to-look-for-2025-guide/ Author: Ethan Published: 2025-04-21T12:15:00+01:00 Modified: 2025-04-16T17:52:46+01:00 --- 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: IngredientWhy it’s good**H[exapeptide-11](https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/hexapeptide-11)**Boosts melanin + supports collagen**[Octapeptide-5](https://cosmileeurope.eu/inci/detail/9588/octapeptide-5/)**Hydration, elasticity + skin plumping**She[a Butter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shea_butter)**Deep moisturiser, anti-inflammatory**Coconut Oil**Softens skin + sunbed safe**Aloe Vera**Soothes redness and irritation**Hyaluronic Acid**Plumps and hydrates deep layers**Vitamin E**Antioxidant to protect skin during tanning 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](https://sodamntanned.com/shop/tanning/velvet-vibes-tan-accelerator/) ### 🥭 Mango Tango (So Damn Tanned) Super rich, tropical scent, and helps firm your skin while you tan. Melanin booster inside. 🛒 [Shop Mango Tango](https://sodamntanned.com/shop/tanning-creams/best-mango-tanning-lotion/) ### 🥥 CocoLoco (So Damn Tanned) Light coconut scent, creamy texture, sunbed safe. Perfect for sensitive skin or first-time tanners. 🛒 [Shop CocoLoco](https://sodamntanned.com/shop/tanning-creams/best-coconut-tanning-lotion/) ### 🍒 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](https://sodamntanned.com/shop/tanning-creams/cherry-good-melanoplex-cream/) ### 💅 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](https://sodamntanned.com/shop/tanning-creams/bad-girl-melanoplex-tanning-cream/) ## 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? 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