What is the difference between a nasal tanner and a tan accelerator?

A nasal tanner is a spray applied via the nostrils that works systemically from within the body to support melanin production when combined with UV exposure. A tan accelerator is a topical lotion applied to the skin before UV sessions that works on the skin surface to enhance the UV tanning response. They work through different mechanisms and are often used together.

Which is better — nasal tanner or tan accelerator?

Neither is universally better — they serve different purposes. A tan accelerator is beginner-friendly and the right starting point for most UV tanners. A nasal tanner is the next step for experienced users who want to push results further. For maximum depth, experienced tanners use both together as part of a stacked routine.

Should I use a nasal tanner or tan accelerator if I have fair skin?

Start with a tan accelerator for fair skin — it is topical, beginner-friendly, and available in a formulation specifically designed for lighter skin types. Do not begin on a nasal tanner until you have built UV tolerance over several comfortable sessions with a topical product first.

Nasal Tanner vs Tan Accelerator: Which Do You Need?

Both nasal tanners and tan accelerators are used before UV exposure to support deeper tanning results — so it is completely understandable if you're not sure which one you need, or whether you need both. They work differently, suit different preferences, and are often used together. This guide explains the distinction and gives you a direct answer on which fits your situation — including when you should consider using both.

What is a nasal tanner?

A nasal tanner is a cosmetic spray applied via the nostrils. It is absorbed systemically — meaning it works from within the body as part of a tanning routine rather than being applied to the skin surface. It requires UV exposure to activate tanning results and works best with consistent daily use during a loading phase. For a full explanation, read our guide on what nasal tanners are and how they work. Browse the full nasal tanning spray range for available options.

What is a tan accelerator?

A tan accelerator is a topical lotion or cream applied directly to the skin before UV exposure — either on a sunbed or outdoors. It works externally, supporting the skin's natural melanin production response to UV light with active ingredients like tyrosine and inositol. It is applied to the skin surface 5–10 minutes before a session and requires no tolerance-building period. It is beginner-friendly and suited to any UV tanner. Browse the sunbed tan accelerator range and tanning accelerator for sunbeds collection, or the tan accelerator for fair skin range for lighter skin types.

Nasal tanner vs tan accelerator — side by side

Here is how the two products compare directly:

	Nasal tanner	Tan accelerator
Format	Nasal spray — applied via the nostrils	Topical lotion or cream — applied to skin
How it works	Absorbed systemically, works as part of a tanning routine from within	Applied to skin surface, supports UV response topically
UV required?	Yes — works best paired with UV exposure	Yes — designed specifically for use before UV
Who it suits	Experienced users building a consistent tanning routine	Any UV tanner — beginner-friendly, no tolerance period required
Application timing	15–30 mins before UV session	5–10 mins before UV session
Fair skin?	Standard strength only — build UV tolerance first	Yes — specific fair skin formulation available
Can be combined?	Yes — used together for maximum results	Yes — standard approach for experienced tanners

Which one do you need — a decision guide

Here is the direct answer by situation:

You use sunbeds and want to maximise results. Start with a tan accelerator applied before each session. Once you are comfortable and have built a routine, add a nasal tanner as the next step.
You are new to tanning products and want to keep things simple. Tan accelerator only to start. It is beginner-friendly, topical, and easy to build into a session routine without any tolerance period.
You have been using a nasal tanner for several weeks and want faster colour. Keep the nasal tanner and add a tan accelerator applied before each UV session. These two products work best in combination.
You tan outdoors in natural sunlight. A tan accelerator works outdoors; a nasal tanner also activates with natural UV. The accelerator is the simpler starting point. Read what to put on skin before a sunbed for the full pre-session routine.
You have fair skin. Start with the tan accelerator for fair skin — a topical formula designed for lighter skin types. Do not begin on a nasal tanner until you have used a topical product comfortably and built UV tolerance over several sessions.
You want the maximum results possible. Use both together as part of a stacked routine. Apply the nasal tanner 15–30 minutes before your UV session, then apply the tan accelerator to skin 5–10 minutes before getting on the sunbed. Both are activated by the same session.

Can you use a nasal tanner and tan accelerator at the same time?

Yes — using both together is the standard approach for experienced tanners who want maximum results. They work through different mechanisms and do not interfere with each other. The nasal tanner works systemically from within; the tan accelerator works on the skin surface. Both are activated by the same UV session.

The correct order of application:

Apply the nasal tanner 15–30 minutes before your UV session.
Apply the tan accelerator to skin 5–10 minutes before getting on the sunbed or going into the sun.
Complete your UV session as normal.

Some experienced tanners also add a sunbed tan cream in place of or alongside the accelerator for additional skin conditioning and bronzing. This three-product approach — nasal tanner, topical accelerator, sunbed cream — is the routine used by regular sunbed tanners who want the deepest, most consistent colour. For full application timing guidance on the nasal spray step, read the how to use a nasal tanning spray guide.

If you want to try both together without buying separately, the tanning bundles are the easiest way in.

Quick summary — which product for which goal

Your goal	Best product
Simple, beginner-friendly UV tanning boost	Tan accelerator only
Experienced sunbed user wanting deeper results	Nasal tanner + tan accelerator together
Fair skin, new to UV tanning	Fair skin tan accelerator only to start
Maximum depth — experienced tanner	Nasal tanner + tan accelerator + sunbed cream
Try both without committing to separate purchases	Tanning bundle

The tan accelerator is the right starting point for most UV tanners — beginner-friendly, topical, and immediately effective. The nasal tanner is the next step for those who want to go further. For experienced tanners who want maximum depth, using both together is the standard approach. Browse the nasal tanning spray range, the sunbed tan accelerator collection, or the tanning bundles to try both together.