Overview

The Onyx Anti-Aging Face Tanning Lotion 1.7oz is one of those rare tanning products that actually tries to do two things at once — speed up your tan and care for your skin while it's happening. Most tanning lotions are designed for the body and get applied to the face as an afterthought. This one is built specifically for facial skin, which is thinner and tends to show UV damage faster. At 1.7oz, it fits easily in a gym bag or salon tote. Worth clarifying upfront: this is a tanning accelerator, not a self-tanner. Without UV exposure from a tanning bed, you won't see results. Onyx is a niche brand focused squarely on indoor tanning care, and this formula sits at a mid-range price that feels accessible without cutting corners.

Features & Benefits

The active ingredient lineup is what separates this anti-aging tanning formula from a basic body lotion slapped with a tanning label. DHA and Erythrulose work in tandem to stimulate melanin production, while Tyrosine gives that process an extra push — the result is supposedly faster, more even color development during UV sessions. The brand's TanTouch technology is said to improve skin texture over repeated use, though independent verification of that claim is limited. On the hydration side, Aloe Vera and Sesame Seed Oil keep things comfortable without leaving a greasy film. The formula is also free from parabens, SLS, and SLES, which matters quite a bit for anyone with reactive facial skin. It absorbs quickly, meaning no waiting around before stepping under the lamps.

Best For

This face tanning lotion makes the most sense for people who tan regularly in beds and have been frustrated by body lotions drying out or irritating their facial skin. It is a particularly strong fit for mature skin types who still want to tan but are cautious about adding oxidative stress to already-aging skin — the anti-aging ingredients at least offer some counterbalance. The 1.7oz size is practical for salon-goers who want something compact; realistically, it should last several weeks of regular use. Those with surfactant sensitivities will appreciate the cleaner formula. It is less suited for casual tanners or anyone expecting bronzing results without UV time — this formula needs a tanning bed to do its job.

User Feedback

Feedback on the Onyx face lotion tends to split fairly predictably. On the positive side, many users highlight noticeably softer skin after the first few sessions — the hydration angle seems to land well, especially among those who previously dealt with tightness or flaking post-tan. Tan development is frequently praised as more even than what users got from generic body lotions applied to the face. On the flip side, some reviewers take issue with the scent, describing it as stronger than expected for a facial product. A handful mention they would prefer a pump dispenser over the tube format for hygiene reasons. Anti-aging results are rarely the headline of any review — tanning performance dominates the feedback — so if collagen improvement is your primary goal, expectations should be tempered accordingly.

Pros

  • Specifically formulated for facial skin, not a body lotion repurposed for the face.
  • The clean formula skips parabens, SLS, and SLES — a real plus for sensitive or reactive skin.
  • Absorbs quickly with no greasy residue, so you can get into the tanning bed without waiting.
  • Compact 1.7oz size is genuinely travel-friendly and easy to toss into a gym or salon bag.
  • Aloe Vera and Sesame Seed Oil combination keeps facial skin hydrated throughout tanning sessions.
  • Users frequently report noticeably softer skin and less post-session tightness compared to generic lotions.
  • Handles hydration, tanning acceleration, and skin-conditioning in a single step.
  • Mid-range pricing makes it accessible without the steep cost of premium salon brands.
  • Tyrosine, DHA, and Erythrulose trio is a well-regarded combination for supporting faster tan development.

Cons

  • Results depend entirely on tanning bed UV exposure — useless as a standalone bronzing product.
  • The 1.7oz size runs out relatively quickly for anyone tanning multiple times per week.
  • Anti-aging improvements, if any, tend to be subtle and are rarely the standout outcome users report.
  • Some users find the scent stronger than expected for a product intended for the face.
  • No SPF included, which means zero protection if mistakenly used outdoors.
  • Pump-style dispensing is not available — the tube format can feel less hygienic for some users.
  • TanTouch technology lacks independent third-party verification of its skin-texture claims.
  • Not a practical option for casual or occasional tanners given the repurchase cost over time.

Ratings

The Onyx Anti-Aging Face Tanning Lotion 1.7oz scores here reflect AI analysis of verified global buyer reviews, with spam, bot activity, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out before scoring. Ratings are calibrated to surface honest patterns — including where this formula consistently delivers and where real users have run into frustrations. Both the strengths and the trade-offs are represented transparently across every category below.

Tanning Acceleration
83%
Most regular tanning bed users report noticeably faster color development within the first few sessions compared to using no lotion or a basic body formula. The DHA, Erythrulose, and Tyrosine combination gets credit for producing a more even, natural-looking result rather than splotchy color.
Results are meaningfully tied to baseline skin tone and tanning bed strength — some lighter skin types report only modest acceleration even after consistent use. A minority of users expected bronzer-level instant color and felt the gradual nature of the results was underwhelming.
Hydration & Moisture
88%
The Aloe Vera and Sesame Seed Oil pairing earns consistent praise for keeping facial skin comfortable throughout and after sessions — users with a history of post-tan tightness particularly notice the difference. The hydration feels immediate without any of the heavy, film-like sensation that richer body lotions leave behind.
For users with very dry or mature skin that needs intensive replenishment, the hydration level may not fully satisfy on its own between sessions. A handful of reviewers noted they still needed a separate evening moisturizer to maintain comfort on drier days.
Texture & Absorption
91%
The lightweight, fast-absorbing formula is one of the most frequently praised aspects — users who tan before work or on a lunch break appreciate being able to apply it and get into the bed within minutes without any greasy residue on the skin or the tanning bed surface. It layers well under nothing, which suits a minimal routine.
Occasionally, users applying a slightly heavier amount report a faint tacky feeling that lingers briefly before fully absorbing. This seems more user-application dependent than a formulation flaw, but it is worth noting for those who tend to over-apply.
Anti-Aging Efficacy
61%
39%
Some users with mature skin report incremental improvements in skin softness and a slight reduction in the tight, papery feeling that tanning can sometimes exacerbate over time. For those with modest anti-aging goals, the collagen-support ingredients offer a reasonable bonus alongside tanning performance.
Anti-aging results are rarely the headline of any positive review — tanning performance dominates feedback, and visible improvements in fine lines or elasticity are neither consistent nor dramatic across the user base. Buyers expecting meaningful wrinkle correction will almost certainly be underwhelmed.
Fragrance
58%
42%
Some users find the scent pleasant and associate it with the familiar sensory experience of a tanning session, which adds to the ritual appeal of the product. It does not appear to linger extensively after absorption, which reduces complaints for those who are mildly sensitive.
A recurring thread in negative feedback centers on the scent being stronger than expected for a product marketed specifically for the face. Users who prefer fragrance-free or lightly scented skincare find this a genuine drawback, and it has been a dealbreaker for a small but vocal segment of buyers.
Skin Sensitivity Compatibility
84%
The paraben-free, SLS-free, and SLES-free profile makes this anti-aging tanning formula one of the more thoughtfully formulated options for people with reactive facial skin. Users who had previously experienced redness or irritation from standard tanning lotions report a notably cleaner experience with this formula.
Despite the cleaner ingredient list, the fragrance component remains a potential irritant for highly sensitive skin types. A small number of users with known fragrance sensitivities reported mild reactions even after patch testing.
Packaging & Dispensing
54%
46%
The slim tube format is genuinely compact and slips easily into a gym bag or small salon pouch without taking up space. The squeeze design gives reasonable control over how much product comes out per application.
Multiple users express a clear preference for a pump dispenser, citing hygiene concerns and the inconvenience of squeezing from a tube with lotion-coated hands in a tanning bed environment. Toward the end of the tube, extracting the remaining product becomes frustratingly difficult.
Value for Money
76%
24%
At its mid-range price point, the Onyx face lotion undercuts most salon-brand equivalents while delivering comparable tanning acceleration and a cleaner ingredient list. Buyers who previously spent significantly more on branded salon lotions frequently describe this as a satisfying and more affordable alternative.
The 1.7oz size means more frequent repurchasing for regular tanners, and the cost-per-session calculation becomes less favorable if you tan more than three times per week. Value perception drops for casual tanners who do not go through product quickly enough to justify a specialty face formula.
Ease of Application
86%
The lotion spreads evenly across the face without much effort and does not require aggressive rubbing or blending to look uniform. Users note it feels intuitive to apply even in the rushed pre-session routine most tanning bed regulars follow.
The tube opening can dispense slightly more product than needed with a firm squeeze, leading to occasional waste or uneven over-application, particularly for first-time users still figuring out the right amount for their face size.
Tan Evenness
79%
21%
The combination of DHA and Erythrulose supports a more gradual and blended color build-up that users describe as looking natural rather than patchy or streaky. This is especially appreciated around the hairline and jawline, areas where uneven color tends to be most visible.
A subset of users with uneven skin texture or active breakouts report slightly inconsistent color in those areas, which appears to be an inherent challenge of applying any tanning accelerator on acne-prone skin rather than a product defect.
Post-Session Skin Feel
85%
Skin consistently feels soft and comfortable immediately after a session, which is a meaningful improvement over the dry, tight feeling many users experienced before switching to a face-specific formula. The hydrating agents seem to hold up well through the heat of a standard tanning bed session.
For longer tanning sessions — 15 minutes or more — some users feel the moisturizing effect is partially diminished by the end, suggesting the formula performs best for shorter, more frequent sessions rather than extended single sessions.
Product Size & Longevity
63%
37%
The focused 1.7oz volume is intentionally compact for facial-only use, and users who apply a conservative amount report the tube lasting four to six weeks with regular tanning schedules. It is a practical size for those who prefer buying fresh product more often.
For high-frequency tanners or those who apply more liberally, the tube can run out in as little as two to three weeks, making the overall cost-per-week higher than it initially appears. Many buyers wish a larger format option was available.
Formula Transparency
72%
28%
The clear callout of parabens, SLS, and SLES exclusions gives ingredient-conscious buyers immediate reassurance without having to decode a full INCI list. The inclusion of recognizable skin-care staples like Aloe Vera and Sesame Seed Oil also signals formulation intent clearly.
The TanTouch technology, while positioned as a differentiating feature, is not supported by any publicly available third-party research or clinical data, which makes it difficult to evaluate independently. Skeptical buyers reasonably treat it as marketing language rather than a verified ingredient benefit.

Suitable for:

The Onyx Anti-Aging Face Tanning Lotion 1.7oz is a strong pick for dedicated indoor tanning regulars who have grown tired of using body-formulated lotions on their face and dealing with the dryness or irritation that often follows. It makes particular sense for anyone in their 40s or beyond who still enjoys tanning but wants a formula that at least tries to offset some of the skin-aging effects that come with repeated UV exposure. The clean ingredient profile — no parabens, no SLS, no SLES — is a genuine advantage for people with reactive or sensitive facial skin who have to be careful about what they put on their face before a session. If you prefer keeping your routine minimal, this face tanning lotion handles hydration, acceleration, and a degree of skin conditioning all in one small tube. The compact size is also genuinely practical for people who tan at a gym or salon and want something that slips into a bag without taking up space.

Not suitable for:

Anyone expecting the Onyx Anti-Aging Face Tanning Lotion 1.7oz to deliver a tan on its own will be disappointed — this is an accelerator, not a self-tanner, and it does nothing without UV exposure from a tanning bed. Outdoor tanners should also look elsewhere, since this formula is optimized for controlled indoor UV environments and contains no SPF whatsoever, making it a poor and potentially risky choice for sun exposure. If your primary goal is meaningful anti-aging correction — reducing deep wrinkles or achieving visible skin lifting — the anti-aging claims here are modest at best, and dedicated skincare products will serve you far better. The 1.7oz size, while convenient, does mean you will be repurchasing more frequently than with a standard full-size tanning lotion, which could add up for very regular tanners. Those who strongly dislike scented facial products may also find the fragrance level more noticeable than expected for something intended for the face.

Specifications

  • Volume: Each tube contains 1.7 fl oz (50ml) of lotion, sized for facial application use.
  • Dimensions: The tube measures 1.75 x 1.75 x 3.75 inches and weighs approximately 1.76 ounces.
  • Form: Lightweight lotion with a fast-absorbing, non-greasy finish suitable for everyday pre-tan application.
  • Skin Type: Formulated for all skin types, with particular suitability for mature or sensitivity-prone facial skin.
  • Key Actives: Contains DHA, Erythrulose, and Tyrosine to support melanin stimulation and accelerate tan development.
  • Technology: Features TanTouch, a proprietary ingredient blend claimed to improve skin texture with repeated use.
  • Hydrating Agents: Infused with Aloe Vera and Sesame Seed Oil to maintain moisture levels during and after tanning sessions.
  • Free From: Formula is free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
  • SPF: Contains no sun protection factor — this product is intended exclusively for indoor tanning bed use.
  • Use Case: Designed specifically for use in indoor tanning beds; not formulated or recommended for outdoor sun exposure.
  • Fragrance: The formula includes fragrance; scent intensity has been noted by some users as moderate to noticeable.
  • Packaging: Dispensed via a squeeze tube format; no pump mechanism is included.
  • Finish: Absorbs quickly into skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue after application.
  • Claimed Benefits: Product claims include tanning acceleration, melanin stimulation, collagen support, improved elasticity, and anti-aging protection.
  • Manufacturer: Produced by Onyx Products, Inc, a niche manufacturer focused on indoor tanning care formulations.
  • Model Number: Listed under item model number 1050-001 by the manufacturer.
  • Sales Rank: Ranked #85 in Tanning Oils and Lotions on Amazon at the time of this review.
  • Discontinued: The manufacturer has confirmed this product has not been discontinued and remains in active production.

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FAQ

No — this is a tanning accelerator, not a self-tanner or bronzer. It works by helping your skin produce melanin more efficiently during UV exposure. Without a tanning bed session, you will not see any color change from using this lotion alone.

The formula is free from parabens, SLS, and SLES, which are common irritants in many tanning products, so it is generally a friendlier option for reactive skin. That said, everyone's skin responds differently. If you have a history of sensitivity, do a patch test on a small area before applying it to your full face.

For most people, a pea-to-dime-sized amount covers the face adequately per session. At that rate, the tube should last somewhere between 20 and 35 sessions depending on how generously you apply it. If you tan multiple times per week, expect to repurchase every four to six weeks.

It is not recommended. This formula contains no SPF and is specifically designed for the controlled UV environment of indoor tanning beds. Using it outdoors without sun protection could increase your risk of sun damage and burns, especially on the face.

No, there is no bronzing agent or cosmetic color in this formula. The color you develop comes entirely from your skin's own melanin response to UV light, which this lotion helps stimulate. If you are looking for instant color, you would need a product that includes a cosmetic bronzer.

It is actually one of the more appropriate options for mature skin in this category. The formula includes ingredients that may support collagen and elasticity over time, which is a reasonable counterbalance to the oxidative stress that tanning can place on aging skin. Results vary, but the anti-aging angle is not just marketing filler here.

Layering is generally fine, but for best results apply this lotion about 15 to 20 minutes before your tanning session on its own, so it can absorb fully. Applying heavy creams on top could dilute or interfere with the active ingredients. Post-session, your usual moisturizer is fine.

Some users do flag the scent as stronger than they expected for a facial product. It is not universally described as overwhelming, but if you are sensitive to fragrance or prefer unscented skincare on your face, it is worth keeping that in mind before purchasing. The scent does not appear to linger long after absorption.

Body tanning lotions are typically formulated for thicker skin and may contain heavier oils, stronger fragrances, or surfactants that are too harsh for facial skin. This anti-aging tanning formula is designed with thinner, more delicate facial skin in mind — lighter texture, cleaner ingredient list, and added anti-aging support that body lotions rarely include.

Applying it about 10 to 15 minutes before your session is a reasonable approach, giving it enough time to absorb properly without sitting on the surface. Avoid applying it immediately before stepping into the bed, as unevenly absorbed lotion can sometimes lead to patchy results.