Heavy Metal 20X Bronzer Tanning Lotion 10 ounces Review
Our verdict
Australian Gold's Heavy Metal 20X is a bronzer-boosted tanning lotion built to deepen color fast, and its 4.5 rating from 128 reviewers backs up its reputation among sun and tanning bed regulars. At $46 for 10 ounces, it's a premium price, so it makes the most sense for people who already tan regularly and want a proven accelerator.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Regular sunbathers or tanning bed users who want a bronzer-added lotion to intensify color and don't mind a higher price tag
Skip if
You're new to tanning accelerators, on a tight budget, or want a fragrance-free formula
- Priced 92% above the category median ($23.99 across 106 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 128 owner ratings
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Popularity0.3/5
128 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
This 10 ounce bottle from Australian Gold is positioned as a 20X bronzer lotion, a step up in bronzer intensity from the brand's entry-level formulas, designed to deepen an existing tan while sunbathing or in a tanning bed. At $46, it sits at the higher end of the lotions in this roundup.
The formula is nourishing and suitable for all skin types, with a medium deep skin tone listed on the specs. It's also labeled cruelty free and gluten free, which is a plus for buyers who care about those standards. There's no SPF built in, since bronzer accelerators like this one are meant to work with UV exposure rather than block it.
With 128 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, feedback is strong, though the review count is on the smaller side and there were no logged purchases in the most recent month, plus stock was running low at last check, so shoppers who want this exact formula may want to move quickly.
Pros
- 4.5 rating from 128 reviewers
- Bronzer-boosted formula for visible color deepening
- Nourishing, suitable for all skin types
- Cruelty free and gluten free
Cons
- $46 is a premium price for a 10 ounce lotion
- No SPF, offers no sun protection
- Smaller review pool than some competing brands
- Stock was limited at last check
Performance notes
The 20X naming refers to bronzer intensity in Australian Gold's lineup, meaning this formula leans on bronzing agents plus accelerators to push color further with each tanning session. The nourishing benefit suggests a moisturizer base that helps offset the drying effect repeated sun or tanning bed exposure can have on skin. Because there's no SPF, this is strictly a color-deepening product, not a protective one.
What buyers say
A 4.5 average from 128 reviews reflects a loyal following for this bronzer lotion, and Australian Gold has a long track record in the tanning category. The review count is modest compared to mass-market lotions, and the lack of recent purchase activity combined with limited stock suggests demand may be shifting toward newer formulas or seasonal timing.
More from Australian Gold
- Australian Gold
Deviously Bronze 45X Dark Bronzer | Skin Softeners | Hemp Seed Oil 8.5oz
$50.99View on Amazon
Similar women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers to consider
- Australian Gold
Deviously Bronze 45X Dark Bronzer | Skin Softeners | Hemp Seed Oil 8.5oz
$50.99View on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What does 20X mean on this lotion?
It refers to the bronzer intensity level in Australian Gold's tanning lotion lineup. Higher numbers generally mean a stronger bronzer boost, intended to deepen color more noticeably during a tanning session compared to the brand's lower-intensity formulas.
Does this lotion protect skin from the sun?
No, there's no SPF listed in the specs. This is a bronzer accelerator lotion meant to intensify color while you're already exposed to UV rays, whether outdoors or in a tanning bed, not a sunscreen.
Is this lotion cruelty free?
Yes, it's labeled cruelty free as well as gluten free, according to the product specs, which may matter if those standards factor into your purchasing decisions.