Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Tanning Lotion 13.5oz
Overview
The Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Tanning Lotion 13.5oz is a salon-grade indoor tanning lotion built for people who want serious color from their tanning bed sessions, not just a subtle glow. Ed Hardy's tattoo-culture brand identity runs through every detail, from the bold packaging to the formula itself. The headline differentiator is a triple bronzing system that layers DHA, natural bronzers, and cosmetic bronzers in one lotion. Worth clarifying upfront: this is not a sunless self-tanner or an outdoor sunscreen replacement — it is formulated specifically for UV bed use. At its mid-range price, it sits comfortably above drugstore options without crossing into luxury territory.
Features & Benefits
What sets the Ed Hardy bronzing lotion apart is how its bronzing layers actually work together. An immediate cosmetic bronzer tints skin the moment you apply it — handy for spotting uneven coverage — while the natural bronzer adds skin-toned depth, and the DHA kicks in over the next several hours for a longer-lasting result. A Quad Tyrosine complex pushes melanin production further under UV light, which helps users develop noticeably darker color over time. Blue Tansy keeps orange undertones in check, Matrixyl Synthe 6 adds a quiet anti-aging bonus, and the alcohol-free base hydrates skin throughout the session.
Best For
This triple bronzer makes the most sense for regular tanning bed users who have grown frustrated with lotions that leave skin looking orange rather than genuinely bronze. If you have dry skin, the hydrating formula means you are not stripping moisture during sessions, which is a common issue with cheaper alternatives. Tattoo owners will appreciate the dedicated color-fade protection — it is one of the few tanning lotions that actually addresses that concern directly. People who dislike the sour DHA smell typical of bronzing lotions will find the Midnight Rush fragrance and built-in odor eliminator a real step up.
User Feedback
Buyers consistently highlight depth of color and fast visible results as the strongest positives — many report noticing a difference after just a couple of sessions. The scent draws frequent praise too, which is genuinely rare for a DHA-heavy formula. On the flip side, a handful of first-time users mention mild tingling, so patch testing beforehand is worthwhile if you have sensitive skin. Very fair skin tones may also need additional sessions to reach the deeper results shown in product photos. Against salon-exclusive brands at steeper price points, most buyers feel this tanning lotion delivers solid everyday value without compromise.
Pros
- The triple bronzing formula delivers immediate color plus gradual DHA development, so results keep improving between sessions.
- Blue Tansy keeps undertones genuinely bronze rather than the orange cast common with cheaper DHA lotions.
- The built-in after-tan odor eliminator makes a real difference — the Midnight Rush scent holds up well after a session.
- Quad Tyrosine complex actively supports melanin production, which helps deeper color develop faster under UV light.
- Tattoo owners get dedicated ink-protection ingredients rarely found in standard tanning lotions at this price.
- The alcohol-free, hydrating base makes this triple bronzer a reasonable option for people with dry or easily irritated skin.
- Matrixyl Synthe 6 adds a quiet anti-aging benefit that most competing tanning lotions simply do not include.
- At its price point, it consistently outperforms salon-exclusive brands costing significantly more per ounce.
- The 13.5 oz size provides plenty of product for extended use without needing to reorder constantly.
- Acai Berry extract provides antioxidant support, adding a minor but genuine skin-care benefit during sessions.
Cons
- Results vary considerably depending on skin tone — very fair users may need many sessions to see the darker results shown in photos.
- Some first-time users report mild tingling on application, which can be uncomfortable for those with reactive skin.
- This is strictly a tanning bed lotion; buyers expecting it to work as a standalone self-tanner will be disappointed.
- The bold Ed Hardy branding is polarizing — it is not a subtle or neutral product aesthetically.
- DHA results still take several hours to fully develop, so patience is required even with the instant cosmetic bronzer layer.
- Skin hydration benefits are moderate; people with very dry or flaky skin may still need a separate moisturizer post-session.
- The cosmetic bronzer can transfer onto clothing or tanning bed surfaces if skin is not given adequate time to absorb the lotion.
- Those who prefer fragrance-free products will have no option to opt out of the Midnight Rush scent.
Ratings
The scores below for Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Tanning Lotion 13.5oz were generated by our AI after analyzing thousands of verified global buyer reviews, with spam, bot activity, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out. We weighted feedback from regular tanning bed users most heavily, since that is the audience this formula is built for. Both the genuine strengths and the recurring frustrations are reflected honestly in every scorecard.
Color Depth & Darkness
Anti-Orange Performance
Scent Quality
Skin Hydration
Tattoo Protection
Longevity of Results
Texture & Application
Sensitivity & Skin Tolerance
Anti-Aging Benefit
Value for Money
Packaging & Portability
Bronzer Transfer & Mess
Consistency Across Skin Tones
Ingredient Transparency
Suitable for:
The Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Tanning Lotion 13.5oz is best matched to committed tanning bed users who want noticeably deeper color than entry-level lotions can deliver. If you tan regularly — whether to maintain a year-round base or to ramp up color before a vacation — the triple bronzing system gives you both an immediate visible result and gradual DHA development that builds over time. Dry skin users will appreciate that the alcohol-free, hydrating formula does not leave skin feeling stripped after a session. Tattoo owners get a specific bonus here: the color-fade protection is one of the few formulas that genuinely addresses ink vibrancy as a real concern rather than a marketing footnote. Anyone who has switched away from cheaper DHA lotions specifically because of the sour after-tan smell will also find the Midnight Rush fragrance and built-in odor eliminator a meaningful upgrade.
Not suitable for:
The Ed Hardy BLACK XXX Tanning Lotion 13.5oz is not the right pick for anyone looking for a sunless self-tanner or an outdoor tanning product — it is formulated specifically for UV tanning bed use, and using it outside that context will not deliver the intended results. People with very fair or sensitive skin should approach it cautiously, as some users report mild tingling, and the depth of color developed is heavily dependent on existing melanin levels and session frequency. Those expecting dramatic results after a single session may be disappointed; like most DHA bronzers, it rewards consistency over time. If budget is a primary concern, there are cheaper single-bronzer options that deliver basic color, though without the anti-orange or tattoo protection features. Anyone who dislikes bold, lifestyle-forward branding may also find the Ed Hardy aesthetic a bit much for a bathroom shelf staple.
Specifications
- Brand: Manufactured and marketed by Ed Hardy, a brand known for its tattoo-inspired aesthetic and lifestyle positioning.
- Net Weight: Each bottle contains 13.5 oz (383g) of lotion, providing a generous supply for extended tanning routines.
- Package Size: The bottle measures approximately 6.1 x 4.02 x 1.85 inches and weighs 1.04 pounds as shipped.
- Product Form: Formulated as a smooth lotion designed for even skin application before or during tanning bed sessions.
- Bronzing Type: Uses a triple bronzing system combining DHA (delayed reaction), natural skin-tone bronzers, and an instant cosmetic bronzer.
- Tan Activator: Quad Tyrosine complex is included to stimulate natural melanin production and support deeper UV-activated color development.
- Anti-Orange Agent: Blue Tansy extract is used to neutralize unwanted orange undertones, promoting a more natural bronze result.
- Anti-Aging Ingredient: Matrixyl Synthe 6, a peptide compound, is incorporated to help reduce the visible appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Skin Type: Formulated to be compatible with dry skin, with moisturizing agents to support hydration during UV exposure.
- Alcohol Content: The formula is alcohol-free, reducing the risk of skin dehydration or irritation common with alcohol-based tanning products.
- Fragrance: Scented with the brand-exclusive Midnight Rush fragrance, which incorporates Acai Berry extract for a fruit-forward aromatic profile.
- Odor Control: Contains a proprietary after-tan odor eliminator designed to counteract the sour smell that DHA-based bronzers typically produce.
- Tattoo Protection: Includes a dedicated color and luster fade protector formulated to help maintain the vibrancy of tattoo ink during tanning sessions.
- Antioxidant Source: Acai Berry extract provides antioxidant activity to help defend skin against free radical damage associated with UV exposure.
- Intended Use: Designed exclusively for indoor tanning bed use; it is not formulated as an outdoor sunscreen or a standalone sunless self-tanner.
- Model Number: The manufacturer model number is EH-EHTRBLKXXX13, which can be used to verify authenticity and product variant.
- UPC: The registered UPC for this product is 813396029636.
- Amazon Rank: Holds a Best Sellers Rank of approximately #21 in the Tanning Oils and Lotions category on Amazon at time of review.
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