Summer, is that you? After months of staying indoors, bundled under heavy layers, it’s finally time to reunite with the sun. If this winter left you looking a little pastier than usual and you’re in need of a fast glow, opting for a tanning oil will help maximize your efforts this summer.
Best Tanning Oils
Are Tanning Oils Safe?
The experts we consulted aren't fans of tanning oils because they attract the sun's UV rays and make your skin darker. They prefer self-tanners for days when you want to look bronze, and recommend applying sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
“Tanning oils promote increased absorption of the sun's rays and allow increased sun damage. Sunscreen, on the other hand, reflects UV — or has ingredients to absorb UV rays — to prevent damage to the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Farber, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group.
And get this: Even though some contain sun-blocking ingredients, most tanning oils contain an SPF of less than 15, which is too low to protect you from the sun's harmful rays. So, you can't safely use them as substitutes for traditional broad-spectrum sunscreens.
If you're still keen on using tanning oils, however, use one that's formulated with skin-healthy ingredients that boost moisture. This way, your skin can live its best bronzy life while you’re catching some rays.
Sun-bathing not your vibe? There are self-tanning oils available that let you skip the sun completely and achieve the same fresh-from-vacation glow with their gradual and easy-to-apply formulas. They even have that yummy sunscreen smell, bringing the beach to your bathroom without any of the messy sand or sunburn.
How We Chose
Just like the rest of our beauty and wellness routines, we take tanning very seriously. This means always hitting the beach with a bag filled with glow-boosting and skin-protecting products in order to get to our best sun-kissed level.
Below, you’ll find formulas that contain good-for-you ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E, plus added bonuses like broad-spectrum SPF protection. We also made sure that these tanning oils offer easy-to-use and mess-free applications, excluding any drippy, leaky, and takes-forever-to-dry products from the list, and only including ones that deliver the best results. And, of course, they all smell amazing.
Ready to get your gorgeous summer glow back? Here are the 11 best tanning oils that will add a bronzed look to your complexion all summer long (and beyond!).
1
Best Overall
Tanning Oil SPF 15
Sun Bum earned the top spot on our list because of its impressive formula, relatively affordable price point, and noteworthy reviews.
It's made with a nourishing blend of marula, argan, coconut, and avocado oils that will help protect your skin as you tan. Just apply about 15 minutes before any outdoor activity.
More: Doctors Love These Cellulite Creams
2
Best Fruity Scent
Watermelon Tanning Oil SPF 6
Get a summer-ready glow with this tanning oil. It's ultra lightweight, so there's no sticky or tacky feel once you apply it, and it contains organic watermelon seed oil to naturally amplify the look of your tan while it replenishes and hydrates the skin. Plus, it actually smells like watermelon!
3
Best for Deep Color
Dark Tanning Oil
One of our favorite drugstore buys for a rich tan, Hawaiian Tropic's tanning oil really enhances your tan as it moisturizes your skin.
Enriched with smoothing cocoa butter and soothing aloe vera, this exotic blend builds off your beachy foundation to illuminate its sunny glow.
4
Best for Sensitive Skin
Dark Tanning Oil
Coral Safe's tanning oil is great if you’re on the hunt for an environmentally safe tanning option. This coral reef-safe tanning oil is free from synthetic mineral oil and contains antioxidant-rich green tea extract to quench thirsty skin as it basks in the sun.
Plus, it's biodegradable, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic, so anyone can use this tanning oil without worrying about irritating their sensitive skin.
5
Most Moisturizing
Tanning Oil
Panama Jack's tanning oil will seriously amplify your tan. It's a combination of fruit and nut extracts, along with moisturizing oils and a light tropical fragrance that'll have you daydreaming about an exotic island ... no matter where you're tanning.
And if you love pets as much as we do, you'll be pleased to know that Panama Jack doesn't test on animals. The tanning oil is also free from harmful synthetic preservatives, dyes, and parabens.
6
Best Spray
Deep Tanning Oil Spray
The Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Spray is another solid tanning oil we recommend. Formulated with carrot and banana extracts, this reef-safe spray oil will give you a deep tan and silky skin.
We also love the convenient spray bottle that's perfect for when you want to mist hard-to-reach areas, such as your back.
7
Best Non-Greasy Formula
Bronzing Dry Oil Spray Intensifier
Take your tan to the next level with Australian Gold's bronzing oil. Uniquely developed with banana extract to ensure a richer color, this beach-inspired oil has been enhanced with vitamins A and E to soften skin while you're catching some rays.
The dry oil formula is particularly enticing because you won't have to worry about a thick and sticky substance transferring onto your clothing.
8
Best Self-Tanner
Wonder Oil Illuminating Self-Tan Oil
If you'd rather go the sunless-tan route, this oil is exactly what you need. It has a rich, luxurious feel that absorbs into your skin almost instantly, and its cooling rollerball applicator glides evenly for a streak-free finish.
It comes with two finishes to choose from: light/medium for a subtle glow, and medium/dark for a more intense bronze.
9
Best Gradual Tan
Gradual Tan Dry Body Oil
For a streak-free tan without the actual sun, give this self-tanning oil a try. Its mist applicator allows you to evenly spritz this tanning oil from head to toe, and it leaves you with a dewy, sun-kissed glow that lasts for up to 3 days.
This is a great option if you're looking for a temporary glow for a big event like a wedding, engagement party, or birthday blowout.
10
Fast-Acting
Monoi Body Glow
Monoi Body Glow provides skin with a pretty tint, while its deliciously nourishing ingredients keep your body looking (and feeling) healthy.
Infused with French Polynesian Monoi de Tahiti and tiare-flower-steeped coconut oil, as well as decorated with golden shimmer, it's the perfect illumination for skin that needs a color boost.
11
Best Natural-Looking Glow
Argan Liquid Gold Self-Tanning Oil
Turns out you can have your tan and be hydrated, too: Josie Maran's signature oil is making its tanning debut for the brand in this self-tanner made of 100% pure argan oil. It provides a fast-drying, ultra luxurious matte shade for natural-looking bronze.
Enhanced with coconut water and aloe juice, your skin gets a major refresh, while the plush mitt guarantees a streak-free application — so you'll feel good and look even better.
Emily Belfiore
Contributor
Emily is a contributor for BestProducts.com, where she’s searching the web for the greatest finds in fashion, beauty, and wellness.
Jennifer Hussein
Beauty Editor
Jennifer is the Beauty Editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse.
Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the Beauty Editor at BestProducts.com, where she oversees coverage on all things beauty.
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