It’s time to flaunt tanned skin by adding these best tanning oils to your cart. We have picked a few tanning oils that will give you tanned skin quite effortlessly. Tanning oils speed up the tanning process by attracting UV rays to the skin. Some of these oils also moisturize the skin and help keep it flexible. So, plunge into this list to check out the best tanning oils and pick your favorite.
How Do Tanning Oils Work?
Tanning oils aid in the natural process of melanin production and speed up the process of getting tanned. When tanning oils are applied, the chemical dihydroxyacetone, popularly known as DHA, reacts with dead skin cells and darkens the skin temporarily. They are also considered a safer option than spray tan booths, which may cause respiratory toxicity (1). Gabrielle Richens, a London-based skin therapist and clean beauty blogger, says, “Tanning products have improved considerably in the last decade. Gone are the unhealthy, toxic lotions with bad smells that turned your skin orange. Using a tanning oil with SPF is a great multitasking beauty step in the summer. Get an even tan without having to sunbathe while protecting your skin.”
13 Best Tanning Oils
1. Best For Pale Skin: Sun Bum Moisturizing Tanning Oil
Bring home the best tanning oil for the beach, nourish your tan skin and protect the skin with SPF 15. It also suits pale skin. The product is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is said to be free of harmful chemicals and is dermatologist-tested. Pros
Tans easily without burning the skin Pleasant fragrance Easy to apply
Cons
Might dry the skin in some cases Could feel greasy
2. Best For Sensitive Skin: Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning oil
Pamper your sensitive skin with dark tanning oils. Hawaiian tanning oil soothes the skin and provides coconut fragrance,adding rich moisturization to your skin. You may check out this video for a better understanding of this product. Pros
Has a pleasant smell Good moisturizing capacity Long-lasting tanning effect Comes with skin conditioners
Cons
Low sunburn protection May not be suitable for pale complexion
3. Best Broad-Spectrum Protection: Australian Gold Dark Tanning Oil
Bring home Australian Gold Dark tanning oil,one of the best sun tanning oils. It has broad-spectrum protection and protects you from UVA and UVB rays. You can stay up to 80 minutes in water after applying this oil. Pros
Has antioxidant properties Blends nicely into your skin Quicker tanning effect
Cons
May feel greasy Tanning effect might take time to show
4. Best For Moisturizing: Art Naturals Tanning Oil
This is one of the best oils for tanning beds. Use this tanning oil to obtain a deeper tan while moisturizing your skin. This paraben-free tanning oil helps in toning the skin and tightening it as well. Pros
Helps to achieve a long-lasting tan Moisturizes and smoothens the skin well Helps in toning the skin
Cons
Might leak in some cases
5. Best Water-Resistant: Banana Boat Tanning Oil
This suits if you are planning to hit the beach in the early morning hours when the sun intensity is less. Banana Boat tanning oil comes with a low SPF value. It offers 80 minutes of water resistance. Apply this oil 15 minutes before you go out into the sun. Pros
Greasy and suitable for dry skin Quick tanning effect
Cons
May not be suitable for sensitive skin
6. Best Toxin-Free: Dr. Mercola Tanning Oil
Dr. Mercola tanning oil is claimed to be free from toxins and artificial fragrances. It comes with a nice blend of natural ingredients. Pros
Has a soothing effect Chemical-free formulation Makes your skin feel fresh
Cons
Takes long to apply
7. Best Quick-Absorbing: Moroccanoil Sun Oil
Tired of tanning oils that absorb slowly? Moroccanoil sun oil is a fast-absorbing lightweight oil that comes with 80 minutes of water resistance. It nourishes your skin and hydrates it. Pros
Has a pleasing fragrance Non-greasy and sprays evenly
Cons
Some may not like the fragrance
8. Best For Hydration: James Read Tan Oil
Spray this self-tanner oil that contains vitamin-E and coconut oil. It keeps your skin hydrated for a longer time. Watch this video to get a detailed review of this product. Pros
Easy to apply Provides a good tanning effect on a single application
Cons
Some may find it greasy
9. Best Organic: Isabella’s Tanning Oil
This organic tanning oil is free of toxins and formulated to remove the dead cells of your skin. The tanning oil protects the skin by repairing the damage caused due to exposure to the sun. Pros
Prevents sunburn Prevents dehydration Contains antioxidants
Cons
Tiny bottle
10. Best Even-Toned Tan: Tanning Indoor Oil
Enjoy a bronze tan with this vitamin-rich tanning oil. The oil helps in keeping your skin soft, silky, and even-toned. Also, the oil is free from parabens and artificial fragrance. Pros
Keeps your skin soft Well-suited for fair skin Works well both indoors and outdoors
Cons
Might smell like cooking oil Thick consistency
11. Best Lightweight: Exotic Tanning Oil
Stay hydrated with this all-natural and lightweight oil formulated to help prevent premature aging. Enjoy a deep, enduring tan with the pleasant smell of coconut oil. Pros
Smoothly absorbs into the skin Contains organic ingredients
Cons
Might be greasy for some
12. Best Long-Lasting: Bondi Sands Tanning Oil
One of the best self-tanning oils for all skin types, Bondi Sands is formulated for a long-lasting tan effect. The tanning effect starts showing after two hours of application. To obtain a stronger tanning effect, you may re-apply the oil after 30 minutes. Pros
Dries out quickly after applying Pleasant fragrance Tan lasts long
Cons
Stays sticky
13. Best Smelling: Natural Tanning Lotion and Accelerator
Enjoy quicker and darker tanning effects irrespective of your skin color and shade with Fox Tan lotion and accelerator. Ensure the lotion is used one week before the application of the tanning oil. Pros
Has a pleasant smell No irritation found on sensitive skin Feels smooth Provides a rich moisturizing effect
Cons
Some may find it greasy
How To Choose A Tanning Oil?
Here are a few points to consider while buying tanning oil.
SPF: Tanning oils have less SPF values than sunscreens. Yet, it is good to choose a tanning oil that comes with a good SPF. Also, if you are planning to go out on hot days, your tanning oil needs to have SPF. Low SPF-based tanning oils are best used when you are going out in morning hours, when the temperature is bearable and not hot.
Moisturizing effect: The tanning oil needs to contain moisturizing ingredients to prevent dullness and dehydration.
Need-based: An indoor tanning oil may not work when you are heading to the beach or while staying in the sun for a long time. Every brand offers tanning oils that are prepared to satisfy specific needs. Indoor tanning oils work well when used indoors, while outdoor tanning oils work better when used outdoors.
Ingredients: Look for the list of ingredients used in the tanning oils. Make sure you are not allergic to any of them. A few tanning oils claim to use natural ingredients but they do not seem to have a proper SPF value.
Skin type: People with dry skin need more hydration and oil to stay protected. Oily skin people can do good with less oil.
Safety Tips To Follow When Using Tanning Oils
Never use tanning oils on broken or damaged skin. Do not apply tanning oils near your eyes. Exfoliate your skin before tanning. Avoid staying outside during peak hours of sun rays. Breastfeeding mothers must take additional steps. Ensure you are not feeding your baby after applying the tanning oil. Your baby may have skin irritation.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a fashion and beauty enthusiast who conducts extensive research to recommend the most popular and reliable products for her readers. Hence, she has analyzed numerous user reviews to compile this list of the best tanning oils in the market. In addition, she has shared some essential safety measures to keep in mind while using tanning oils and some factors to consider, such as moisturizing effect, skin type, and ingredients, before buying one.
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