Which products help you tan faster?
HLN, 8 June 2025
In HLN, Dr Griet Voet assesses ten products for tanning faster and explains why self-tanner is the safest choice.
Social media is full of products that promise a faster tan. In HLN, Dr Griet Voet and a research doctor in cosmetic dermatology assess ten of them, from oils and capsules to tanning shots.
For most of these products there is little scientific evidence. Substances such as beta-carotene tend to give an orange tint, and caution is needed with the colourant canthaxanthin. Sunbathing without sunscreen does make you tan faster, but Dr Voet strongly advises against it given the rising number of skin cancer cases.
Tanning is always harmful to the skin. If you still want some colour, she says the safest option is a self-tanner containing DHA, although that tan does not protect against UV.
Key advice
Never sunbathe without sunscreen; use SPF 50.
Moisturise your skin after sunbathing with body lotion or after-sun.
Test your tanning products, and then do not exceed the recommended amount.
A self-tanner containing DHA is the safest way to get some colour.
“Skin cancer figures in our country are still rising: I absolutely advise against sunbathing without sunscreen.” — Dr Griet Voet