What’s Inside Your Tingle Tanning Lotion?

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When shopping around for new tanning lotions, it is important to choose a product that will both meet your tanning goals and protect your skin. In order to do this, you must be sure to read and understand their manufacturer labels. The type of lotion you eventually decide on will depend on your level of tanning experience, your skin type, and your personal preferences.

A popular option for the more advanced tanning bed user is called a tingle lotion. Colloquially referred to as “tinglers”, they are the most intense tanning products on the market. You can purchase tingle tanning lotions at almost any tanning salon, beauty store, or online vendor. And just like all skin care products, they range in intensity, quality, and price.

If you have never used a tingler before, it is highly recommended to understand how they work before using them. A great place to start is by reviewing some of the common ingredients found in most tingle lotion formulas. Continue reading to do just that!

How They Work

Tinglers work by increasing the circulation of blood and oxygen to the surface of the skin. The application of a tingler amplifies the effect of ultraviolet rays in tanning beds. This creates a reaction in the skin by producing more melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin color. Following application, tinglers will cause tingling sensations, reddening, and slight inflammation of the skin as a result of the intense oxygen circulation. These reactions generally reside after about one hour or so.

Common Tingler Ingredients

Tingle tanning products contain a wide range of ingredients. However, the fundamental constituents for all tinglers include Methyl Nicotinate or Benzyl Nicotinate, as well as various moisturizing elements.

Methyl Nicotinate – Methyl Nicotinate is a nicotinic acid methyl ester used as rubefacient (a substance for topical application) to increase microcirculation to the skin. This exposes more oxygen to melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes, which are located in the skin’s epidermis. Upon exposure to UV rays, a process called melanogenesis is triggered, causing skin cells to produce more melanin and become darker.

Benzyl Nicotinate -Benzyl Nicotinate is an ester of benzyl alcohol and nicotinic acid. It works in a very similar way to Methyl Nicotinate by increasing the circulation of blood and oxygen to the surface of the skin. When applied, Benzyl Nicotinate causes capillaries in the epidermis to open up. As a result, skin tingles, reddens, and produces more melanin upon UV ray exposure.

Moisturizers – In order to achieve a good-looking tan, skin must be moisturized, which is why virtually all tanning lotions contain moisturizing agents. As for tingle products, the common types of moisturizing additives include Vitamin E (or tocopheryl acetate), black currant, hemp seed oil, avocado, shea, cocoa butter, white tea extract, silicon, and various essential oils.