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Best Non-Toxic Tanning Bed Lotions
We vetted tanning bed lotions against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.
Here's what we look for:
- Thoughtful formulas made with natural or safe synthetic ingredients
- Free from parabens, PEGs, phthalates, harsh sulfates, BHA/BHT, artificial dyes, formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, and undisclosed synthetic fragrance (unless certified safe)
- Minimal, well-chosen preservatives
- Trusted third-party certifications when available
- Transparent sourcing, ingredient lists, and manufacturing practices
Best Non-Toxic Tanning Bed Lotions
On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.
Welpr Blueprint: Go Non-Toxic Mini-Course
The 80/20 guide to going non-toxic the easy way.
How to Swap to Non-Toxic tanning bed lotions:
Here's how to swap to non-toxic tanning bed lotions:
What to know about tanning bed lotion
Tanning bed lotions are designed to stay on your skin for extended periods while your pores are open from heat and UV exposure. This means your skin may absorb more of what's in the formula compared to a regular lotion. Welpr focuses on the formulation — the ingredients, fragrances, and preservatives — to make sure what sits on your skin is as clean as possible.
- Because these lotions stay on warm, exposed skin for a prolonged session, the quality of ingredients matters more than with a quick rinse-off product.
- Many tanning bed lotions rely on synthetic fragrances, harsh preservatives, and unnecessary additives that don't need to be there.
Review what you already use
Check the lotion you currently use before your next tanning session. Use the Welpr Personal Care and Cosmetic Scanner to take a picture of the ingredient label and see what's flagged.
- Look for "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label — these are synthetic fragrance blends that don't disclose individual ingredients.
- Check for parabens, PEGs, or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, which are common in conventional tanning bed lotions.
Use your current tanning bed lotion more safely
If you're not ready to replace your lotion right away, a few small adjustments can help reduce what your skin takes in. These steps won't make a problematic formula clean, but they can make a difference while you transition.
- Apply only the amount you need for even coverage — using extra doesn't improve your tan but does increase what your skin absorbs.
- Shower shortly after your session to rinse off residual product rather than letting it sit on your skin for hours.
Choose a cleaner tanning bed lotion
Look for tanning bed lotions with simple, purposeful formulations. Fragrance-free options or those scented only with essential oils or plant extracts are a better starting point. Trusted certifications like EWG VERIFIED™ are a good signal, but Welpr reviews every formula beyond just certifications.
- Skip products with long ingredient lists full of synthetic fragrances, parabens, PEGs, or harsh preservatives — a cleaner formula keeps it simple and intentional.
- Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved tanning bed lotion.

Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....

Olushola M. Awoyemi
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...




