Australia's Beauty Authority · April 2026 Newsletter Join Now Sign in
Vol. 01 · Issue 04 Glow. Australia · Est. 2014
Editorial Ranking · Tan · 2026

Best After-Tan Lotions in Australia (2026)

After-tan moisturisers tested for tan extension, skin nourishment, and how they prevent fade. The product most self-tanners skip.

6 products tested April 2026 editorial visit 5-axis Glow Score 0 paid placements
Full ranking · 1 to 6

Glow's full ranking.

After-tan lotion is the difference between a 7-day and a 4-day tan. The picks below earn their place by extending tan rather than fading it.

№ 1 Glow 9.4
Tan · Bondi Sands $20

Tan Extender Body Lotion

Best for cult extender
Top PickBest Value

Lightweight, hydrating, performance-grade. Genuinely extends tan.

№ 2 Glow 9.1
Tan · Loving Tan $28

Gradual Tan Body Lotion

Best for tan + extend
Glow Verified

Maintains and gradually adds tan. The pick for clients who tan weekly.

№ 3 Glow 9.0
Tan · St. Tropez $32

Tan Hydrator

Best for premium formula
Best for Luxury

Premium formulation, strong on tone preservation.

№ 4 Glow 8.6
Tan · Sukin $15

Glow Body Lotion

Best for australian-made
Best Value

Plant-based, fragrance-pleasant. The right choice for sensitive-skin tan users.

№ 5 Glow 8.5
Tan · The Body Shop $22

Coconut Body Butter

Best for hydration-led

Heavy-hydration body butter. Doesn't extend tan but doesn't fade it either.

№ 6 Glow 8.4
Tan · Skinny Tan $18

Tan Boosting Body Lotion

Best for budget extender
Best Value

Budget after-tan lotion. Reliable.

Frequently asked

Common questions.

Should I moisturise during a self-tan?

Yes — the day before and the day after, generously. Moisturised skin extends tan from 4 days to 7-8.

Can I use any moisturiser after self-tan?

Most are fine. Avoid heavy oils for the first 24 hours (they break down the bronzer guide). Plant-based is fine after that.

How long should I moisturise daily during a tan?

Daily until the tan fully fades. Even one day off accelerates patchy fade.

Does after-tan lotion contain DHA?

Most don't. They're moisturisers, not tan extenders chemically. Tan-Luxe and Loving Tan offer gradual-tan options that do contain DHA.

More from Glow.

For more tan editorial, see our Tan hub, or browse all brands and brand reviews. For our annual edit, see The Glow 100.