White Vs Black Bronzers: The Best Tanning Lotions

As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain Amazon, Rewardstyle, and other affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.

Today, we’re diving into the world of bronzers. Bronzers are a great and popular tanning bed alternative without the risk of UV light and UV exposure.

Choosing the right bronzer is essential for achieving that perfect sun-kissed glow based on your skin type and tone, but with so many products on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

In this article, we’ll be going over the differences between white bronzers and black bronzers, the best brands for each type, as well as application tips and techniques to get the most out of these products and amplify your natural color!

A woman's tanned legs.

What are bronzers?

Before we get into the differences between white bronzers and black bronzers, it’s important to understand what bronzer is and how it works.

Tanning bronzer is a product designed to add warmth, dimension, and a glow to your complexion – either on your face or body. They can be found in various forms including powder, cream, lotion, or oil, making them a versatile and useful addition to enhance your appearance when used properly.

Bronzers come in a range of shades and undertones to suit different skin tones. The key to a natural-looking result is to select a bronzer with the appropriate depth and undertone for your individual complexion.

Furthermore, consider the finish, such as matte or shimmery, depending on your personal preferences and tanning goals.

A tan woman sunbathing outside on a lounge chair.

White Bronzer vs Black Bronzer

White Bronzers

White bronzers, especially in the form of lotions, have become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking a gentle, natural-looking tan. Unlike traditional bronzers, which often have an immediate color payoff, white bronzers are unique due to their lack of initial color. 

The tanning effect of these bronzers is primarily derived from an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with the amino acids on the surface of the skin to create a gradual, customizable tan.

Ideal for fair to light skin tones, white dha bronzers provide a subtle, buildable tan that can be tailored to your desired level of intensity. This gradual tanning process allows users to maintain better control over their tan’s depth, preventing the risk of over-darkening or an unnatural-looking result.

When using a white bronzer lotion, it’s essential to apply the product evenly, ensuring thorough coverage to achieve a consistent and streak-free tan. As the DHA develops over time, the tan will become more pronounced, allowing you to monitor the color and adjust the intensity.

A woman with tan skin touching her shoulder.

Benefits of White Bronzers

White bronzers offer a unique set of benefits that make them an appealing choice for many seeking a natural, radiant tan.

  1. Gradual Tanning: White bronzers provide a subtle, buildable tan, allowing users to control the intensity and achieve their desired shade without over-darkening the skin.
  2. No Color Transfer: Since white bronzers have no initial color, they won’t leave stains or transfer onto clothing.
  3. Suitable for Fair to Light Skin Tones: White bronzers are specifically designed to complement and enhance fair to light skin tones, creating a natural-looking, radiant glow.

Black Bronzers

Black bronzers are a great option for those seeking an intense, rapid tan.

Unlike white bronzers, black bronzers contain higher concentrations of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and added color or pigment, which deliver an immediate bronzed effect on the skin. This combination of potent DHA and additional color creates a stunning, darkened appearance in a shorter amount of time.

Ideal for medium to deep skin tones, black bronzer lotions provide a rich, warm tan that complements and accentuates the skin’s natural undertones. These bronzers are designed for those who desire a more noticeable and dramatic effect, without the need to wait for the tan to develop gradually.

A woman with tan skin touching her leg.

Benefits of Black Bronzers

Like white bronzers, black bronzers boast their own benefits which include:

  1. Instant Tan: Black bronzers provide an immediate bronzed effect due to their added color or pigment, allowing you to enjoy a sun-kissed appearance right away.
  2. High DHA Content: The potent concentration of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in black bronzers ensures longer-lasting results and a tan that develops over time, enhancing the skin’s natural warmth.
  3. Ideal for Medium to Deep Skin Tones: Black bronzers are specifically designed to complement and accentuate medium to deep skin tones.

Comparing White and Black Bronzers

When comparing white and black bronzers, the main differences lie in color intensity, skin tone suitability, and color development.

As already discussed, white bronzers offer a subtle and gradual glow for fair skin, while black bronzers provide an immediate deep tan.

Here’s how to choose the right bronzer based on your preferences and needs:

  1. Skin Tone: Skin tone is an important thing to consider when choosing a bronzer. In general, white bronzers are perfect for fair skin, while black bronzers work best for darker tones.
  2. Desired Results and Intensity: Think about the look you want to achieve. If you’re after a subtle, natural tan, white bronzers are the way to go. For a deep, rich color, opt for black bronzers.
  3. Clothing transfer: If you’re worried about color or pigment transferring to your clothing, definitely opt for a white bronzer over a black bronzer.
  4. Gradual Glow vs Instant: Consider how quickly you would like your tan to show. White bronzers are ideal for gradual more delayed color, while the tanning process of black bronzers can give you a more dramatic look in a fairly immediate amount of time.
  5. Sensitivity: Regardless of bronzer color and tone, if you have sensitive skin, choose natural bronzers with hypoallergenic ingredients.

Tingle Lotions

In your hunt for the perfect bronzer, you’ll likely come across tingle lotions. Tingle lotions are a specific category of tanning products that deliver an “tingling” sensation to your skin which increases the production of melanin working as a tanning accelerator.

These lotions contain active ingredients that stimulate circulation and bring oxygen-rich blood to the skin’s surface, promoting a faster, deeper tan.

What sets tingle lotions apart is the characteristic warm, tingling sensation they produce upon application. This sensation varies in intensity depending on the product and the individual’s skin sensitivity.

First-time users should start with a mild tingle lotion to test their tolerance, especially if they have more sensitive skin in general.

Application Tips and Tricks

To achieve a flawless result with your bronzer, follow these general tips for applying any type of self tanners:

  1. Exfoliate first: To achieve an even, streak-free tan, gently exfoliate your skin with a body scrub or exfoliating mitt before applying any bronzer. This will create a smooth canvas for the lotion to adhere to.
  2. Moisturize strategically: Apply a light, non-oily moisturizer to areas where the skin tends to be drier, like knees, elbows, and ankles. This helps prevent the bronzer from clinging too much to these areas and creating an uneven look.
  3. Use a tanning mitt: A tanning mitt will help you evenly distribute the product and avoid over-application.
  4. Blend well and evenly: Pay close attention to areas where the bronzer might look patchy or uneven, like the knees, elbows, and wrists. Use the mitt to blend the bronzer in a circular motion.
  5. Allow the lotion to dry: Give the bronzer enough time to dry after a tanning session before getting dressed or coming into contact with anything that might cause streaking or staining to the material. Generally, waiting for about 10-15 minutes is a good rule of thumb. If you’re using black bronzers, allowing it to dry fully will also prevent the color from transferring to your clothing.
  6. Layer for intensity: If you want a deeper tan, apply a second layer of bronzer once the first layer has fully dried. Just remember to blend well to avoid any patches or streaks! Also keep in mind that with dha lotions the pigment will continue to darken over time.
  7. Wash your hands: If you’ve used your hands to apply bronzer, be sure to wash them thoroughly with soap and water immediately after application to avoid orange skin on your hands.

Best White Bronzers

Jwoww Hypoallergenic White DHA Bronzer

This is a gentle bronzer that is a great choice for sensitive skin. It provides buildable coverage while nourishing with essential oils and amino acids.

Supre Tan Candy Toasted Coconut White Bronzer

This fragrant formula delivers a subtle, radiant tan while nourishing your skin with rich, hydrating ingredients like almond oil and sugar cane extracts. 

HEMPZ Truly Rose White Bronzer

This herbal moisturizing self-tanning lotion is infused with natural oils such as hemp seed oil and soothing rose extract for added nourishment with a beautifully bronzed glow. 

Best Black Bronzers

Australian Gold Sinfully Black

One of the most popular tanning lotions available, this bronzer offers instant color and long-lasting results. It features active ingredients like black walnut and beta carotene, making it perfect for a deep dark color.

Many users say it is the best tanning lotion they’ve ever used.

Millennium Tanning Insanely Black Tingle Tanning Lotion

Ideal for those seeking a deep, dark tan, these hot tingle tanning lotions increase melanin production for fast results, but are not suitable for sensitive skin. 

White 2 Black Extreme Advance Black Bronzer

This bronzer is made up of a potent formula designed to dramatically deepen your color while providing skin-nourishing ingredients for a dark, healthy glow. 

Dolce Black Bronzer Indoor Tanning Lotion

This bronzer not only provides a deep, even tan but also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, thanks to its skin-nourishing ingredients.

Conclusion

When it comes to white bronzer vs black bronzer, they both offer unique benefits to help you achieve your desired sun-kissed glow.

White bronzers, with their gradual tanning effects and lack of added color, are perfect for fair to light skin tones seeking a gentle finish with no color transfer to clothes. On the other hand, black bronzers contain high DHA’s with added color, catering best to those who want an instant tan with rich pigmentation.

Remember, the key to a flawless bronzed glow is selecting the right product and applying it with the proper technique.

By considering your skin tone, desired intensity, and tanning preferences, you can confidently choose the bronzer that will best provide the most natural glow for you!

More Posts You Might Like

Similar Posts