Let’s talk about Solid Black tanning lotion reviews. Because if you’ve ever set foot in a tanning salon (or just Googled “how to get dark FAST”), you’ve 100% seen this bottle. Jet black, shiny, claims like “100X bronzing,” and people swearing it turned them into a bronzed goddess overnight. But here’s the real tea: What’s even in this lotion? Is it really the best tanning lotion or is it all hype? Is it going to leave you streaky and orange? And is there a reason it smells like a bottle of sweet cologne had a baby with a cupcake? Let’s break it down, ingredient by ingredient, because the label is full of fancy words, but you deserve to know what’s actually going on your skin.
Key Ingredients in Millennium Solid Black: What Makes It Work?
DHA (DIHYDROXYACETONE)
This is the main ingredient behind most bronzing lotion – and that “just got back from vacation” look. DHA is a type of simple sugar that reacts with amino acids in the top layer of your skin (a.k.a. the stratum corneum). This reaction is called the Maillard reaction (yep, same process that browns toast) and it produces those golden-brown pigments on your skin. The tan usually develops over 2 to 6 hours and lasts around 3 to 7 days. It’s not coloring your skin like dye. It’s a chemical reaction with your dead skin cells. Which also means it fades as your skin naturally sheds.
But here’s the deal: if your skin is dry, patchy, or not exfoliated? DHA will grab onto the rough bits and go darker there. That’s why people sometimes end up with weird knees, elbows, or ankles. Exfoliate and moisturize first or regret everything later. Oh, and that weird, slightly musty “fake tan” smell? That’s not the lotion going bad. It’s literally the chemical reaction happening on your skin. Some products try to mask it with fragrance, but if your nose is sensitive, you’ll still catch a whiff of Eau de Biscuit.
Related: How Do Tanning Lotions Work?
SILICONES
If you’ve ever thought, “Wow, this lotion feels too smooth,” that’s the silicones. Specifically dimethicone, which coats the skin in a breathable film that locks in moisture and gives that silky, glidey feeling. It’s great for spreading the lotion evenly and stopping you from feeling sticky after tanning. But here’s the thing: it can trap stuff on your skin (like sweat, oil, or leftover makeup), so if you’re acne-prone, especially on your chest or back, maybe do a patch test. And definitely rinse off before bed if you’re not trying to marinate in your own breakout juice.
Related: Do Silicones Really Suffocate Skin?
The Rest Of The Formula & Ingredients
NOTE: The colours indicate the effectiveness of an ingredient. It is ILLEGAL to put toxic and harmful ingredients in skincare products.
- Green: It’s effective, proven to work, and helps the product do the best possible job for your skin.
- Yellow: There’s not much proof it works (at least, yet).
- Red: What is this doing here?!
- Water (Aqua/Eau): The base. Helps dissolve all the other stuff and makes the lotion spreadable.
- Propanediol: A gentle hydrator that helps your skin absorb all the good ingredients more effectively.
- Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer: Basically a thickener. Gives the lotion that nice creamy consistency so it’s not runny.
- Cetyl Alcohol: Not the drying kind of alcohol. This one softens your skin and makes the lotion feel nice.
- Isopropyl Myristate: Makes everything glide on smoothly, but it can clog pores for some people (especially if you’re acne-prone).
- Glyceryl Stearate: An emulsifier that helps oil and water stay mixed. Keeps the formula stable.
- Glycerin: Classic humectant. Pulls water into the skin so you don’t get that tight, dry feeling after tanning.
- Juglans Regia (Walnut) Seed Oil: Moisturizes and might help deepen your tan. Natural bronzers often include walnut oil.
- Carya Illinoensis (Pecan) Seed Oil: Softens skin, adds moisture, and contains fatty acids your skin loves.
- Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil: Packed with vitamin E, it helps condition and protect the skin barrier.
- Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil: One of the best moisturizers out there. Soothes irritated skin and supports hydration without clogging pores.
- Tyrosine: An amino acid that might help your skin make more melanin (aka the pigment that makes you tan).
- Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5): Super hydrating and calming. Keeps your skin from flipping out post-tan.
- Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil: Full of antioxidants. Helps protect your skin and adds a bit of glow.
- Acetyl Tyrosine: A souped-up version of tyrosine, meant to help boost your skin’s tanning process even more.
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Helps calm the skin and fight free radical damage.
- Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract: Moisturizes and nourishes. Also smells kinda nice.
- Potassium Caproyl Tyrosine: Another tanning enhancer that works with your skin’s melanin to deepen color faster.
- Sorbitol: A sugar-based humectant. Pulls in moisture to keep your skin feeling soft.
- Aleurites Moluccanus (Kukui Nut) Seed Oil: Deeply moisturizing and helps soothe stressed-out, dry skin.
- Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10): Antioxidant that supports your skin’s repair processes and protects against damage.
- Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Fruit Oil: Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. Nourishes skin while giving it a little glow.
- Arginine HCL: An amino acid that supports healthy skin function and healing.
- Ornithine HCL: Helps with skin regeneration and supports overall skin health.
- Silica: Helps absorb oil and gives your skin a smooth, matte finish.
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-1: A peptide that may improve skin tone and reduce signs of aging. Fancy stuff.
- Melanin: Yep, actual melanin. Meant to support your natural tanning process and possibly give your color a boost.
- Methylsilanol Acetyltyrosine: Another tyrosine derivative aimed at increasing melanin production.
- Oleoyl Tyrosine: Fatty-acid-linked tyrosine that helps your skin tan faster and deeper.
- Luffa Cylindrica (Loofah) Seed Oil: Moisturizing and softening. Think of it like a skin treat, not an exfoliant.
- Oleic Acid: A fatty acid that helps condition skin and allows other ingredients to absorb better.
- Butylene Glycol: Solvent and humectant. Helps everything spread and hydrates your skin at the same time.
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein: Adds a little strength and smoothness to the skin – more common in hair products, but nice here too.
- Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): Fancy term for cellular energy. Supposed to help skin stay healthy and renew faster.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Protects your skin from damage and keeps it soft.
- Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract: Brightens, hydrates, and adds a fresh feel.
- Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract: May help increase melanin production. Basically a tanning booster.
- Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract: Hydrating and antioxidant-rich. Helps cool and soothe.
- Caffeine: Helps tighten skin and reduce puffiness. Makes everything look a little more firm.
- Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: Like the other green tea extract – antioxidant, calming, and protective.
- Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract: Gentle exfoliant with anti-inflammatory benefits. Can help with skin clarity.
- Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract: Soothes the skin and helps reduce irritation.
- Soy Amino Acids: Support hydration and may help with skin firmness.
- Saccharomyces Lysate Extract: Fermented yeast extract. Sounds weird, but it revitalizes skin and supports repair.
- Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide: A stable form of vitamin C. Brightens skin and fights off free radical damage.
- Citric Acid: Balances the product’s pH and gives a mild exfoliation effect.
- Phenoxyethanol: Preservative to keep bacteria from growing in the bottle.
- Ethylhexylglycerin: Works with phenoxyethanol to keep things fresh. Also conditions skin.
- Parfum: Fragrance. The scent you either love or can’t stand. Can irritate sensitive skin.
- Benzyl Benzoate: Used to help dissolve and carry fragrance in the formula. Smells strong, sticks around. Can be irritating on sensitive or broken skin.
- Coumarin: Adds a sweet, almost vanilla-like scent. Common in perfumes. Can cause allergic reactions or irritation, especially if you’ve got eczema or reactive skin.
- Hydroxycitronellal: Synthetic floral scent. Smells clean and soft. One of the top fragrance allergens. If your skin gets red, itchy, or patchy after fragranced products, this might be the culprit.
- Limonene: That fresh, citrusy smell you love? That’s this. Harmless at first, but once it hits air and oxidizes, it can irritate skin. Not great if you’re prone to redness or rashes.
- Linalool: Gives products that classic floral-soap scent. Found naturally in lavender. Can be irritating to sensitive skin, especially after it’s been exposed to air for a while.
- Blue 1 (CI 42090): Synthetic blue dye. Doesn’t do anything for your skin – just makes the lotion look cool. Rare, but can cause reactions in people allergic to artificial dyes.
- Green 5 (CI 61570): Synthetic green colorant. Again, just for looks. Usually fine, but could be irritating if you’ve got ultra-sensitive skin or react to colored products.
- Red 33 (CI 17200): Adds a reddish tint so the lotion looks more “tan” going on. Can cause irritation if your skin’s already compromised or reactive.
- Red 40 (CI 16035): Super common red dye, used in everything from lip gloss to candy.
- Yellow 5 (CI 19140): Also called tartrazine. A bright yellow pigment. Rare, but can trigger reactions in people sensitive to food dyes or with dye-related allergies.
- Yellow 6 (CI 15985): Adds a warm, orangey tone to balance the overall color of the product. Like Yellow 5, safe for most, but may be irritating if your skin reacts to synthetic colorants.
Texture
This stuff goes on thick. Not in a gross, sticky way. More like a rich body lotion that means business. It spreads super easily thanks to all the silicones, and it doesn’t take forever to rub in. You’re not standing there massaging your leg for five minutes like with some of those sticky, greasy formulas.
Fragrance
Ok, let’s talk about the smell. This stuff is loud. It’s sweet. It lingers. It’s giving “guy who wears way too much body spray.” Some people think it has a pleasant smell. Some people gag. If you’re picky with scents? Sniff before you commit. Oh, and if you have very sensitive skin, beware. It may irritate it.
How to Use It
If you’re new to indoor tanning lotions, listen up. This isn’t one of those casual “rub it on and go” moisturizers. Here’s how to do it properly so you don’t end up streaky or orange:
- Exfoliate first. Like, really exfoliate. Dead skin and dry patches = blotchy tan.
- Apply evenly. Work in sections (arms, legs, etc.) and don’t rush it. This lotion is dark right out of the bottle.
- Wash your hands immediately. Unless you want your palms to look like you rubbed Doritos on them.
- Let it dry. Give it a few minutes before getting dressed. It’s not super sticky, but you don’t want to risk staining clothes – especially anything light-colored.
- Tanning bed time. This is not for outdoor use. It’s designed for indoor UV exposure, so don’t slather this on and lay out in the sun.
Optional: if you’re pale or nervous, mix it with a regular lotion for a lighter application. It’s strong.
Packaging
The bottle is very on brand. Matte black, shiny lettering, and a name like “Solid Black 100X”. It’s basically screaming, “Get ready to be dark.” It definitely stands out, but not in a subtle way. It’s the kind of bottle that makes you feel like you’re about to get a serious tan… or summon a demon. No in-between. It comes in a squeeze bottle with a flip-top cap. Easy to use, no pump, no mess. Just be careful if you’re heavy-handed, because this stuff is pigmented. One good squeeze is more than enough for most people. And yes, it’s travel-friendly if you’re headed to a tanning salon or packing for vacation. No frills, no nonsense. Just black bottle, bold claims, and product that means business.
Performance & Personal Opinion
This stuff does exactly what it promises: gives you an instant bronzed glow and helps you get darker, faster, under UV light. The color payoff is strong. You’ll walk out of the tanning bed looking like you’ve been on a weeklong beach trip, even if it’s Tuesday and you haven’t seen sunlight in three months. It’s not orange. It’s not patchy (if you prep right). And it does give that hydrated, glossy, natural glow thanks to all the oils and silicones. Plus, the combo of DHA and erythrulose means your tan lasts longer than just one day.
That said, it’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for something gradual or barely-there, this ain’t it. This is bold, bronzy, and kind of addictive once you see the results. Personally? I think it’s one of the better tanning lotions out there for the price. No weird shimmer, no sticky aftermath, and you actually get what the label promises: color that shows up, fast. Just… don’t wear your nice sheets to bed right after. Trust me.
What I Like About Millennium Solid Black
- It works. Like, actually works and gives you quick results. You walk out of the tanning bed noticeably darker. No guessing, no waiting three days to maybe see results.
- The texture is chef’s kiss. Smooth, thick, glides on like expensive body butter. Feels luxe without being greasy.
- Immediate color. The bronzers give you that “I’ve already been on holiday” look before you even start tanning.
- Longer-lasting tan. Thanks to the DHA + erythrulose combo, it fades more evenly and sticks around longer than most.
- Moisturizing AF. Hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, all the skin-loving ingredients. You don’t feel like a piece of toast afterward.
- No shimmer. Thank god. Just a natural-looking glow. No glittery nonsense.
What I Don’t Like About Millennium Solid Black
- The smell is intense. It’s not bad, just strong. Kind of sweet and cologne-y. If you’re scent-sensitive, it might be too much.
- Can stain clothes/sheets. Especially if you don’t give it time to dry or overapply. This is not a “throw on and go” situation.
- No SPF. Not really a downside if you’re using it properly (indoors), but just a reminder: do not use this outside thinking it’s sun-safe.
- Not great for very fair or sensitive skin. It’s powerful. If you’re new to tanning or prone to irritation, start slow or mix it with a plain lotion.
- Color transfer. Those bronzers are no joke. Wash your hands, and don’t wear white. Ever.
Who Should Use It?
- You want a dark tan fast (even if half of it washes off)
- You tan indoors and want something hydrating that doesn’t feel sticky
- You don’t mind a strong scent or a bit of transfer
- You like that bronzed, glowy, kinda dramatic look
Does Millennium Solid Black Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| 100X Ultra Advanced Silicone Bronzer Auto-Darkening Tan Technology. Luxury meets Technology in Solid Black™. This advanced dark tanning lotion will surpass all others! Blended with extreme bronzers and ultra moisturizers to drive your tan into darkness immediately. There is no other competition… | It’s very hyperbolic and it does contain extreme bronzers and ultra moisturisers to create a quick dark tan. The rest is an opinion. |
| Millennium Tanning offers Solid Black 100X Lotion that contains L-tyrosine, allowing you to achieve a healthy glow within one hour after using it with a tanning bed. | True, but it is DHA that darkens and tans skin. |
| This product even includes essential oils to keep your skin hydrated and nourished. | True. It contains natural oils that moisturise skin. |
| The lotion also glides smoothly on your skin, thanks to the included silicone! | True. |
Price & Availability
$29.95 at Walmart
Verdict: Should You Buy It?
Is Solid Black overrated? Nah. It does what it says. Is it messy? Yep. Is it the best formula ever? Not really, but it’s a favourite self-tanner of many for a reason. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it gets you dark quick. Just exfoliate, moisturize, wash your hands and don’t wear white. You’re welcome.
Water/Aqua/Eau, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dihydroxyacetone, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin, Juglans Regia Seed Oil,Carya Illinoensis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil,Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tyrosine, Panthenol, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Acetyl Tyrosine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Potassium Caproyl Tyrosine, Sorbitol,Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil, Ubiquinone, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Arginine HCL, Ornithine HCL, Silica, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Melanin, Methylsilanol Acetyltyrosine, Oleoyl Tyrosine, Luffa Cylindrica Seed Oil, Oleic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Adenosine Triphosphate, Tocopherol, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Caffeine, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Soy Amino Acids, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate, Coumarin, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Linalool, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Green 5 (CI 61570), Red 33 (CI 17200), Red 40 (CI 16035), Yellow 5 (CI 19140), Yellow 6 (CI 15985)
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
