The 10 Best Tan Extenders
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in April of 2018. Whether you hit the spray booths, fake 'n' bake beds, or coastal shores regularly, you don't want your beautiful bronze to fade away the moment you get home. These after tanning lotions and extenders will help you maintain that hard-earned (or paid for) look, making you the envy of your pasty friends back at the office. They're easy to use and most offer several benefits for your skin. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Designer Skin Juicy
2. Australian Gold Moisture Lock
3. Golden Star Beauty Lotion
Editor's Notes
November 06, 2019:
Whether you use tanning oils out in the sun or spray tan at home or the salon, the changes you've made to your skin won't last long unless you maintain it in the days after. We selected extenders that contain hydrating elements to help skin recover after sun and water exposure, soothing components like aloe, and anti-aging ingredients to combat the harsh effects of UV rays. We prioritized formulations that are free of sulfates, parabens, vegan, organic, cruelty-free, and comedogenic.
When revisiting this list we decided to part with Devoted Creations So Naughty to make way for Norvell Prolong, which we favored due to its meticulously developed formulation and proven efficacy. We also liked that it boasts odor-trapping technology to rid it of the chemical smell that plagues other products that contain DHA, an active ingredient that any extender worth its salt will have.
If you have tattoos, consider Tanovations Ed Hardy Ink, but be aware that it has a musky honey and bourbon fragrance that is not for everyone. Another option that's a hit with users but has a powerful odor is Australian Gold Hemp Nation, which is strong enough to double as a perfume should you need it to.
While many of these selections contain natural ingredients, like Golden Star Beauty Lotion's aloe, argan, avocado, jojoba, and olive oils, they do still contain chemicals and ingredients that are hard to pronounce. If this makes you uneasy or you'd just rather opt for something with a shorter ingredient list, then consider Maui Babe After Browning.
Special Honors
Institut Esthederm After Sun Repair Formulated for the face and neck, this soothing, repairing anti-wrinkle cream rehydrates and calms skin following sun exposure. It has a fluid, fresh texture that works to restructure and smooth wrinkles and fine lines while restoring the ideal level of hydration to ensure a long-lasting tan. esthederm.com
Sisley Paris Super Soin Après-Soleil This extender from Sisley Paris boasts a formula rich in soothing active ingredients like andiroba oil and alpha-bisabolol, which reduce sensations of hot skin, while the hydrating and healing properties of shea butter, stevia leaf extracts, and plant glycerin nourish and soften. The combination of low-dosage self-tanning active ingredients DHA and erythrulose naturally improve your tan, and the non-greasy, fluid cream texture rapidly absorbs into skin. sisleyparis.com
4. Norvell Prolong
5. Skinerals Amber Glow
6. Tanovations Ed Hardy Ink
7. Maui Babe After Browning
8. Australian Gold Hemp Nation
9. Jergens Natural Glow
10. Devoted Creations Spa Luxury
Born in Arizona, Gia is a writer and autodidact who fled the heat of the desert for California, where she enjoys drinking beer, overanalyzing the minutiae of life, and channeling Rick Steves. After arriving in Los Angeles a decade ago, she quickly nabbed a copywriting job at a major clothing company and derived years of editing and proofreading experience from her tenure there, all while sharpening her skills further with myriad freelance projects. In her spare time, she teaches herself French and Italian, has earned an ESL teaching certificate, traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States, and unashamedly devours television shows and books. The result of these pursuits is expertise in fashion, travel, beauty, literature, textbooks, and pop culture, in addition to whatever obsession consumes her next.