Tech & Gear Accessories The 10 Best Tanning Oils of 2023 for Every Skin Type By Krystin Arneson Krystin Arneson Instagram University of Edinburgh Krystin Arneson is a writer and editor based out of Berlin, Germany. She covers an array of hotels, products, and destinations for TripSavvy. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 09/30/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Tripsavvy / Chloe Jeong When it's time to head to the beach for some water sports or sunbathe by the pool, a little tanning oil can go a long way to help enhance a golden glow. There are various products on the market, such as spray oils, organic formulas, and oils with SPF (many don't have sunblock in them, so be careful), so it's often hard to decide. Luckily, we've scoured the internet and interviewed dermatologists for the top options to help you get a natural-looking glow while protecting you underneath the sun. Here are the best tanning oils available. The Rundown Best Overall: Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil at Amazon "Ideal for enhancing existing tans." Best Non-Greasy: Australian Gold Exotic Oily Spray at Amazon "Easily absorbed, leaving behind a non-greasy formula." Best for High SPF: Sun Bum Moisturizing Tanning Oil at Amazon "Has an SPF of 15—a high number for a tanning oil." Best Water-Resistant: Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Oil at Sephora "Its water-resistant formula offers protection of up to 80 minutes." Best Natural: Art Naturals Glow Tanning Oil at Art Naturals at Walmart "Contains a mixture of natural botanical oils such as jojoba, safflower, and olive." Best for Fair Skin: Maui Babe Browning Lotion at Amazon "Results in a natural-looking, fast dark tan." Best for Dark Skin: St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse at Amazon "A lightweight mousse that gives the skin a subtle lit-from-within glow." Best Shimmer: Caribbean Cool Natural Bronzer at Amazon "Leaves a subtle shimmery glow on the skin." Best Self-Tanner: Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Body Oil at Dermstore "This fast-absorbing body oil soaks in quickly so you don't have to wait around." Best Drugstore: Banana Boat Ultra Mist Deep Tanning Dry Oil at Amazon "This wallet-friendly spray can be more evenly applied than lasting oils." Best Overall: Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil Buy on Amazon Buy on Hawaiiantropic.com What We Like Affordable Moisturizing Enhances tan What We Don't Like No SPF While some tanning oils can get pretty expensive (particularly organic oils), the Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil provides a golden tan at an affordable price. The 8-ounce bottle of oil contains a variety of natural scents such as coconut oil, passion flower, papaya, mango, and guava fragrances for a pleasant odor, as well as cocoa butter and aloe to soothe and moisturize the skin while you bathe underneath the sun. This tanning oil is ideal for enhancing existing tans; however, it does not contain sunblock, so be cautious with staying in the sun for long periods. If you do, it is best to layer underneath sunscreen for protection. Buyers appreciated that the oil left skin soft without remaining greasy and that it was a budget-friendly purchase. Plus, it will surely last multiple trips. Price at time of publication: $21 SPF: None Best Non-Greasy: Australian Gold Exotic Oily Spray Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart We We Like No sticky residue Absorbs easily What We Don't Like No SPF Made with sunflower seed oil, olive oil, and tea tree oil, the Australian Gold Exotic Oily Spray is easily absorbed, leaving behind a non-greasy formula. The reasonably priced tanning oil comes in an 8-ounce spray bottle and features a color-enhancing formula to add a touch of instant bronzer for even more glow. Additional sunscreen is recommended since it does not contain any SPF protection. Reviewers loved the glow they received from the oil and the scent and that it left behind no sticky residue. Price at time of publication: $9 SPF: None Best Sweat-Resistant: Sun Bum Moisturizing Tanning Oil Buy on Amazon Buy on Ulta What We Like Contains SPF Sweat-resistant Moisturizing What We Don't Like May not tan easily For an oil that yields a golden tan while still keeping harmful rays from your skin, opt for the Sun Bum Moisturizing Tanning Oil. The 9-ounce bottle has an SPF of 15—a high number for a tanning oil (though still a relatively low amount compared to sunblock). This Sun Bum tanning oil is made of organic coconut, argan, marula, and avocado oils and moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, green tea butter, and Kona coffee plant extract, creating a pleasant scent. The oil is sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Price at time of publication: $15 SPF: 15 The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for High SPF: Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Oil Courtesy of Sephora Buy on Sephora What We Like High SPF Water-resistant Lightweight What We Don't Like Pricey The Bum Bum Sol Oil by Sol De Janeiro may be pricier, but its water-resistant formula (with protection for up to 80 minutes) means you can reapply it less often than other formulas. Lightweight and non-greasy, this tanning oil contains SPF 30 and can also be used at night to give your skin an extra luminance boost. The scent features notes of salted caramel, pistachio, and jasmine. SPF: 30 Best Natural: Just Nutritive Body Nutritive Serum Buy on Amazon What We Like Natural ingredients Accelerates tanning process Hydrating What We Don't Like No SPF Pricey The Just Nutritive Body Nutritive Serum is an excellent option if you're looking to give your skin a healthy glow without worrying about the ingredients inside. It contains natural vitamin-rich oils to nourish and hydrate the skin, such as kukui, hazelnut, avocado, and peach kernel oil and accelerates the tanning process while ensuring that your tan is long-lasting. It also has no artificial fragrances and color, so its tropical scent is all thanks to its natural ingredients. Price at time of publication: $35 SPF: None The Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Fair Skin: Maui Babe Browning Lotion Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Ulta What We Like Provides a fast tan Works well with all sunscreens What We Don't Like No SPF Suitable for all skin types and tones, the Maui Babe Browning Lotion uses a secret Hawaiian formula with natural ingredients, including aloe, Kona coffee plant extract, and more. The result: a natural-looking, fast dark tan. The Maui-imported lotion is especially loved by reviewers who usually don't tan easily. Price at time of publication: $13 SPF: None Best for Dark Skin: St. Tropez Self Tan Dark Bronzing Mousse Courtesy of Sephora Buy on Amazon Buy on Sephora What We Like Easy to apply Long-lasting Leaves no streaks What We Don't Like Expensive Most tanning products target people with fair to light skin tones, which overlooks a vast section of people with darker skin who also like to get a glow. This lightweight mousse is great for adding a slight tan from the comfort of your own home—no UV rays required. While it’s on the pricey side, you can rest assured that you won’t see streaks with this formula—it dries evenly for glow all over. Price at time of publication: $44 SPF: None Best Shimmer: Caribbean Cool Natural Bronzer Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart What We Like Leaves a subtle glow Doesn't stain What We Don't Like No SPF Pricey If you’re seeking a tan that leaves you shining, the Caribbean Cool Natural Bronzer is an excellent choice. The oil is infused with a small amount of “glitter,” leaving a subtle shimmery glow on the skin. Ingredients include coconut milk, argan oil, and hemp seed oil. The tanning oil creates a dark golden tan and won’t stain clothing. Be aware that it does not contain any sunscreen (SPF), so you may want to consider applying sunblock for more prolonged exposure to the sun. Price at time of publication: $23 SPF: None Best Self-Tanner: Josie Maran Argan Liquid Gold Self Tanning Body Oil Courtesy of Dermstore Buy on Dermstore Buy on Sephora Buy on Ulta What We Like Beginner-friendly Dries quickly Has a number of skincare benefits What We Don't Like Expensive Doesn't Last Long While you might have to hold out for the results a little longer than anticipated, the glow that comes from this self-tanner is worth the wait. Made from a blend of regular and light pure argan oils, the oil feels just like the stuff you'd put on to bake under the sun, but it's much safer. The tan dries quickly (no need to wait around for it to absorb) and lasts about three days. It's also vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it. SPF: None Best Drugstore: Banana Boat Ultra Mist Deep Tanning Dry Oil Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Buy on Riteaid.com What We Like Has SPF Applies evenly Water-resistant What We Don't Like Could have higher SPF Tanning oils in spray bottles generally can be more evenly applied than lasting oils. The Banana Boat Ultra Mist Deep Tanning Dry Oil is a wallet-friendly option that sprays on dry with an SPF of 4 or 8. It has a pleasant fragrance of coconut and grapeseed oil, is lightweight, and can be applied at any angle, making it easy to cover all areas. Banana Boat's tanning spray is water-resistant, too, so you can take a quick dip in the ocean if you get too hot in the sun. However, after several trips, it should be reapplied. Unlike other sprays, it leaves your skin soft but moist (instead of a dry, crisp feel) and doesn't discolor clothing or fabrics. Price at time of publication: $32 SPF: 4 and 8 What to Look for in Tanning Oil SPF Many tanning oils don’t have SPF protection in the formulations, but that doesn’t mean you have to go without SPF. Some come with the most basic levels of sun protection—we’re talking SPF 5 here—while others get up as high as SPF 15, which is high for a tanning oil. Consider your skin’s needs, and remember that adequate protection should always be prioritized. Cost Depending on how much you plan to use tanning oil—whether you’re hoping for a pre-vacation glow or it factors heavily into your summer beauty routine—you’ll want to do a quick cost-per-use evaluation. After all, tanning oil—like most other beauty products—will expire after a time, so don’t spend a ton of money on something you might not use more than two or three times a year. Waterproofness If you're hanging out on the beach or poolside with little mind to take a dip in the water, there's not a lot of need for a super-waterproof sunscreen. However, if you're hopping between boat and lake or lounger and waves, you'll want to look for some waterproofing. Frequently Asked Questions What SPF should I look for in a tanning oil? “The recommended SPF number you are looking for is in the SPF 15 to SPF 30 range,” says Dr. Orit Markowitz, a dermatologist and skin cancer specialist at Optiskin Medical in New York City. “The key with SPF is proper application. I recommend my patients wear SPF 30 and reapply every two hours.” Most tanning oils don’t come in formulations above SPF 15, says Dr. Daniel Belkin, a New York City-based cosmetic dermatologist—it kind of defeats the purpose. “A traditional tanning oil will likely not have an SPF over 15 because the goal is to enhance penetration of UV rays and not protect from them.” What are the risks involved with using tanning oils? “The number one risk of using tanning oil is developing skin cancer and melanoma,” says Markowitz. She adds: “The number one cause for skin cancer is cumulative UV exposure over time, and this occurs with tanning and burning. While a sunburn has the added immediate discomfort, tanning has the same negative long-term side effects as a sunburn does. Even if you don't develop skin cancer over time, sun exposure can lead to premature aging and skin damage.” “I can't, in good conscience, recommend any tanning oils,” says Belkin. “Truly, the best behavior vis-a-vis the sun is to use sunscreens with SPF 50 or higher, cover up with hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing, and seek shade. If you want a tan, the only truly safe way for your skin health is to use sunless tanner or bronzers.” What happens to your skin when it tans? “As a dermatologist, we always promote that the natural color of your skin is the most beautiful,” says board-certified dermatologist Scott Paviol. “‘Tanning’ is really your skin adapting to injury, specifically DNA damage, which increases the likelihood of future skin cancers by making more melanin. Therefore, any activity that you engage in where the goal is to tan the skin via sun exposure or a tanning bed is increasing your risk for skin cancer, and I don't advocate that.” How can I use tanning oils responsibly? Is it possible? “If you are talking about a tanning oil that does not contain UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection and has an SPF that is 15 and under, then the answer is no; there is no way to use this kind of tanning oil responsibly,” says Markowitz. “However, there are many newer sunscreens that now come in an oil format. Many people don't love the texture of sunscreens, and this oil formulation is a great way to get that glowing finish that comes with tanning oils, but you are still protecting your skin. If you love the bronzed, tan look, the safest way to achieve this is by using a sunless self-tanner.” Why Trust TripSavvy Krystin Arneson is a freelance writer and editor based out of Berlin, Germany, who has been covering travel products for five years. Besides TripSavvy, Arneson's work has appeared in many travel publications, including Conde Nast Traveler, Jetsetter, National Geographic Traveler, Oyster.com, and more. She is also the editor at Glamour.com. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 10 below. Continue to 9 of 10 below.