10 Best Tanning Oils Reviewed in 2024

Best Tanning Oils Reviewd

So, how does tanning oil work? What rules apply when you need to apply sunscreens and tanning oil to children? It’s all simple. There are few rules about applying the best tanning oil on your screen or that of your kids. But these rules are very straightforward. Keep reading and you will learn how to pick quality tanning oils, how to use tanning oils for best results and a few cautions to keep in mind.

Learn more about tanning oils and the best ones to invest in for the deep tan with my buying guide!

What is a Tanning Oil?

Tanning oils are a type of sun protection oil that focuses the sun’s UV rays onto your skin to enhance melanin production. The process through which tanning oils focus UV rays onto your skin is referred to as the tanning process. Tanning oils were popularized in the early 1920s by Paris based fashion icon, Coco Chanel. People use tanning oils for different reasons. However, a majority use the oils to moisturize the skin and reduce dry skins. Modern types of oil screens contain nutrients such as essential oils and nutrients that tremendously improve the skin’s outlook.

Top 10 Best Tanning Oils Comparison Table

PictureProductFeaturesOveral ReviewBuy
Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Review1. Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning LotionPowerful anti-aging Peptide★★★★★ (5)Check Price
Maui Babe Browning Lotion Review2. Maui Babe Browning LotionAccelerator / Tingle / Bronzer★★★★★ (5)Check Price
Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil Original Review3. Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil Original
Accelerator / Bronzer★★★★★ (5)Check Price
Body Nutritive Serum by Just Nutritive Review4. Body Nutritive Serum by Just Nutritive
Powerful anti-aging Peptide★★★★★ (5)Check Price
Australian Gold Dark Tanning Oil Intensifier Review5. Australian Gold Dark Tanning Oil IntensifierContains Tea Tree Oil★★★★★ (5)Check Price
Sun Bum Tanning Oil Moisturizing Review6. Sun Bum Tanning Oil MoisturizingHypoallergenic, Paraben Free & Gluten Free★★★★★ (5)Check Price
Australian Gold Bronzing Dry Oil Spray Intensifier Review7. Australian Gold Bronzing Dry Oil Spray Intensifier
Powerful anti-aging Peptide★★★★★ (5)Check Price
Cocosolis Choco Tan Sun and Body Oil Review8. Cocosolis Choco Tan Sun and Body Oil

Contains Only Natural Cold-pressed Oils★★★★★ (5)Check Price
Banana Boat Sunscreen Protective Tanning Oil Review9. Banana Boat Sunscreen Protective Tanning Oil
Contains Carrot Extract, Vitamins A & E and Aloe Vera★★★★ (4.5)Check Price
Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Spray Review10. Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Spray
Made without Oxybenzone and Octinoxate★★★★ (4.5)Check Price

The Benefits of Using Tanning Oils

You’re probably wondering: Why bother using tanning oils when you can just use lotions or tan without any products? These products actually have a lot of value and benefits you can reap from them! These are some of the benefits tanning oils offer:

  • Tans the Entire Body Quickly: Tanning oils have no UV protection, as it would reflect light and increase tan speed, giving you the darker tan. They also have more ingredients to further speed up tanning, especially those that contain melanin, which is a natural compound producing skin color.

    There are other oils that have “tingling” ingredients, producing a slight burning sensation as you tan. This would also accelerate the melanin production and speed of tanning.
  • Hydrates and Moisturizes: Moisturized skin will tan better, especially when you’re tanning during the spring and summer, since winter would dry your skin out.

    With the right tanning oil, it helps your skin become more flexible and pliable, which helps provide a deeper and even tan. These products make it beneficial for those who have dry skin, creating a protective layer that moisturizes the skin while improving its look and how it feels.

    That’s why the right tanning oil should have moisturizing agents like sodium PCA, sodium isethionate, panthenol, or glycerine. I recommend sodium PCA, which is a natural element that binds better.
  • Protects Your Skin: Tanning oils may also come with other essential oils, which improve your overall skin health when used regularly. They don’t only just moisturize, but supply your skin with necessary nutrients! That’s why it’s best to select tanning oils that contain hemp seed oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, cocoa butter, argan oil, vitamin E, green tea, among other natural ingredients known to help you get better tan and skin.

How to Pick the Best Tanning Oils

Tanning oils may come in multiple brand names, by different fragrances and packages, but quality tanning oils will always be judged by the same simple rules. The next time you think about spending some quality time on the beach, on a boat tour or where it gets sunny a lot, think about these factors and purchase ideal tanning oils.

Who’s It Best For

Tanning oil products are not created equal. Every manufacturer will make tanning oil for specific needs. There is tanning oil designed for use indoors and there is outdoor tanning oil. If you are headed to the beach, you might want to purchase tanning oil with added sunscreen protection. If you suffer from dry screen, seek for tanning oil with strengths in moisturizing. If you want to get the best value, look for a product that offers more than one service. There are several leading brands that make tanning oils with essential oils, sunscreens and normal tanning capabilities. Search around and you will find a great product.

The Bottle Size

It comes obvious that the price will differ depending on the tanning oil’s bottle size. A small bottle will probably be cheaper while the bigger bottles will come at a heftier price tag. However, don’t just pick a large bottle because the price seems reasonable. Keep in mind that quality should come first and everything else second. It’s better to pick an average sized bottle packed with quality tanning oil than a larger bottle with low grade oils.

How Much Is It?

No matter how good the ratings for a particular may seem, it won’t matter to you if you can’t afford it. Search for a tanning oil product that can offer the type of tanning and moisturizing you need, check the ratings and purchase it if it’s within your budget limits. Keep in mind that there are lots of great tanning oil products from the less known brands as well.

Additional Features and Considerations

If you have a kid who is sensitive to fragrances, you will definitely want a suntan that is fragrance free. If you love swimming, be specific about buying tanning oil for the beach. These types of oils will mostly be water resistant and more effective on the beach than typical suntans. Finally, the tanning oil should be offered in a form that is easy to use. Lotions and sprays work best for some, while gels will probably be better to others.

Furthermore, look into the ingredients list. As much as possible, you will want tanning oils made with natural ingredients and a unique formula that would further nourish your skin as you tan. Go for tanning oils with the following:

  • Aloe vera
  • Cocoa butter 
  • Coconut oil
  • Argan oil
  • Vitamin E
  • Seed oil
  • Green tea
  • Avocado oil

Among other beneficial oils and minerals usually used for optimum skin health.

Best Tanning Oils Reviews

Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion

Pros
✔ It comes at a more affordable price
✔ Has a non-greasy consistency for smoother application
✔ Made with coconut oil for better skin health and hydration

Cons
✘ The scent may not impress you if you have allergies for fragrances.
✘ The product would take time to give you results

Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion Review

Ed Ed Hardy is a high end tanning oil for pale skin made from coconut milk and coconut oil. If you are looking for a self-tanner, bronzer cum moisturizing skin product, this is one of the best products to purchase. Ed Hardy’s product looks like a premium product straight with its design. Continue reading to learn more about the features that make this product one of the best rated skin tanners on the Internet today.

The product’s imperfect oval shape, graced by the golden brown finish and a label that reads “Coconut Kisses” gives the perfect impression of what to expect from it. What’s better is that the product has a coconut milk scent that will improve the overall experience of the product on your skin. In general, the product’s first impression is great and the product’s bottle design is excellent.

Ed Hardy combines a list of natural ingredients and an attractive scent to lavish your skin with quality, skin-soothing moisturizing and intensive tanning. According to several trusted reviews, this product combines the ideal ingredients to eliminate skin dryness, redness, wrinkles and anything else that will make your skin not look youthful and glisten. If you have body tattoos, the coconut milk and tanning essential oils in this product will greatly enhance the radiance in the tattoos and evenly tan your skin in the shortest time possible.

Ed Hardy’s Coconut kisses tanning oil for tanning bed may be a low budget product, but it’s one of the bestsellers on Amazon today. The product’s strength lies in that it delivers quality skin tanning unlike most tanners today that simply offers moisturizing alone. Keep in mind though that the product takes time to tan. You may also want to purchase a sunscreen to stay protected while waiting for your skin to tan properly.

Although this product is less of a moisturizer and more of a suntan, it leaves your skin feeling fresh. That, combined with the quality design and low price tag makes it a great product to purchase. The attractive coconut oil scent and the fact that the suntan isn’t greasing are other benefits that increase the product’s value.

Maui Babe Browning Lotion

Pros
✔ Made best for the beach and outdoor tans, but great for indoors, too
✔ One of the cheapest tanning oils available yet still performs well
✔ Reduces the time you need to stay outdoors for tanning

Cons
✘ Maui babe lotion may stick on your clothes. However, customers also note that the product gets off your clothes instantly after cleaning.
✘ Does not come with an SPF rating for sunscreen protection.

Maui Babe Browning Lotion Review

Maui Babe tanning oil is an 8 ounce, 2 x 2 x 6 inches bottled sized product. Maui babe lotion is one of the best rated tanning oil products today, with a solid 4 star rating on Amazon.

The best feature about this product is that it enhances tanning in a faster amount of time than all of its competitors. According to reliable reviews, the average sized suntan can get your skin evenly tanned in almost half the time typical tanning oils take.

Maui Babe tanning oil is an 8 ounce, 2 x 2 x 6 inches bottled sized product. Maui babe lotion is one of the best rated tanning oil products today, with a solid 4 star rating on Amazon.

The best feature about this product is that it enhances tanning in a faster amount of time than all of its competitors. According to reliable reviews, the average sized suntan can get your skin evenly tanned in almost half the time typical tanning oils take.

Maui babe browning lotion is strictly a tanning product. It doesn’t offer moisturizing benefits or essential oils, but this is also reflected in its low price tag. Maui claims that the product is made from a ‘secret Hawaiian formula.’ All that matters though is that the product works, and offers great tanning value for just a low price.

Maui babe suntan is best used for tanning outdoors.  According to the manufacturer, this tanning product works well with all kinds of skin. The item’s biggest strength is reducing the amount of time you need to stay outdoors to have your skin tanned. It doesn’t come with sunscreen protection though, meaning you may want to limit the time you stay outdoors to the minimum.

The product comes in a quality plastic bottle, properly packaged and attractively designed on the exterior. The product’s ingredients are properly labeled. Additionally, the label warns against using the lotion for indoor reasons.

Maui babe browning lotion is certainly one of the most popular tanning oils for tanning beds. It’s a bestselling product on Amazon with a solid 4 star rating from almost 2000 reviews. Throughout the Internet where the product is sold, it’s one of the best rated. This should provide a great deal of confidence in the product, especially if you are only after a pure tan lotion.

For someone looking for a quality outdoor tanning product and not necessarily a tanning oil product with add-on features, Maui babe browning product is a great suntan. Coming in an 8-ounce bottle and designed to tan your skin in a short span of time, the less than $15 price tag is justified. Overall, Maui babe lotion is an efficient product that is trusted by thousands of people.

Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil

Pros
✔ It comes at a more affordable price for those on a budget
✔ Despite the price, it can still soften your skin and tan well
✔ You get a more attractive look and natural tan while getting nutrients

Cons
✘ This product does not offer any sunscreen protection and neither does it moisturize
✘ It takes some time to have the skin tanned

Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil Original Review

If you are already determined to get on a vacation but are limited budget wise, here is a product that almost everyone who has used it will recommend.

The Hawaiian Tropic natural ingredients’ made product is one of the best rated low budget suntans yet. The biggest benefit of this product is that it softens your skin and tans it in a way that leaves you feeling rejuvenated, fresh and happy.

The low budget tanning oil for sun is manufactured with antioxidants and vitamins that further improve the overall looks of your skin.

Although this Hawaiian inspired tanning oil product is a low budget item, it doesn’t look shabby.  The bottle has a conventional shape filled with 8 ounces of oil that should brighten your vacation mood. In total, the bottle measures 1.3 x 2.8 x 7.4 inches for easy transportation in any small bag.

Hawaiian Tropic, according to the dozens of people who rated this product above 4 stars, is a tanning oil product that offers more value than you pay for. The product packs together an array of skin conditioners and antioxidants to impart a dark tone color on your skin within the shortest time possible. The skin tanning product not only tans your skin, but it also leaves it soft, moisturized and youthful looking. Its Hawaiian inspired fragrance will also brighten your vacation mood.

Generally, cheap products attract low ratings. On the contrary, Hawaiian Tropic is one of the best rated tanning oil products on Amazon with an above 4 star rating from dozens of people. The general consensus from the product’s customers is that it performs efficiently in tanning your skin in a fast and efficient process. With the combination of proper sunscreen, most people say that the Hawaiian product will soften your skin, rejuvenate you and make you want to stay on the beach longer.

Since this product is a low budget tanning oil product, it provides more value than you would expect with its ability to soften your skin and tan it into a darker and more attractive look. The product also offers an attractive fragrance and not to forget vitamins and antioxidants that help improve the general health of your skin.

Just Natural Body Nutritive Serum

Pros
✔ Offers one of the best moisturizing capabilities for all skin types
✔ Can protect your skin well and prevents sunburns
✔ Good for protection from UV rays for all skin types

Cons
✘ Some customers complain that the product is not reliable in skin tanning as in skin moisturizing. The manufacturer does warn though that this is not a self-tanning product
✘ The skin product is a bit more expensive for an 8 ounce bottle product

Body Nutritive Serum by Just Nutritive Review

If you are looking for a tanning oil for a fair skin or a suntan product that can moisturize your dry skin, this might be the best tanning oil product for you. Body nutritive serum is advertised as a tanning product for those who wish to have a ‘youthful skin.’ And is it? Keep reading for a complete review about the product below.

Just Nutritive comes in a premium quality packed plastic bottle. The product weighs 8 ounces, and has a design that supports use as a spray. Just Nutritive is well protected against leakages by two caps, one of which covers up to the area around the bottle’s neck.

The Just Nutritive tanning oil product is designed to solve two major problems with the human skin: Skin drying and sun burning.

The product is really good at eliminating skin drying. Made from 13 natural ingredients that help moisturize the skin (such as aloe vera), applying Just Nutritive tanning oil will result in a more even, more moisturized skin. Regular moisturizing of the skin with a tanning skin will also replenish it with healthy nutrients and eliminate wrinkles.

According to the manufacturer, just nutritive is made from easily absorbed natural ingredients for the golden tanned appearance you probably dream about. Numerous reviews also backup the manufacturer’s claim, noting that the tanning spray has a 4 star rating from more than 1200 customers on Amazon.

Just Nutritive is a highly rated product on Amazon. The product is mainly respected for its moisturizing capabilities. The product is not a self-tanner though, and only helps you achieve some degree of tanning due to the ingredients used. All the same, many customers seem to agree that Just Nutritive is an efficient product that will moisturize your dry skin, eliminate wrinkles and offer an improved, fresh looking skin.

Sometimes when you spot a product that offers more than one service, it’s easy to get distracted by the extra services instead of the primary service you are after. Just Nutritive serum utilizes natural ingredients to offer both skin moisturizing and sun tanning in an efficient manner.

Australian Gold Dark Tanning Oil Intensifier

Pros
✔ One of the top tanning oils that offer sun protection and SPF 15
✔ The tanning oil SPF is good enough to keep your skin protected
✔ Can help tan your skin quicker and within 80 minutes

Cons
✘ You can’t use the product indoors
✘ It completely won’t work when used indoors

Australian Gold Bronzing Dry Oil Spray Intensifier Review

So, you love skin tanning products but hate the long time you spend outdoors for properly tanning? This Australian Gold spray intensifier is manufactured from a combination of natural ingredients that intensifies skin tanning to reduce the tanning process by up to 50%. Want a product that actually offers the heralded golden brown skin complexion after tanning? The same tanning oil to get dark fast has banana extracts as an ingredient to darken your skin tone to the intended sun kissed skin fast.

The Australian Gold skin tanner comes packed in a fancy looking, 1.5 x 2.3 x 7.9 inches. The product comes with 8 ounces of tanning oil and has a sprayer to make the oil applying process fast and efficient. Fortunately, the suntan doesn’t just sell a fancy looking bottle. 

Australian Bronze is primarily a tanning oil product. According to the manufacturer, the ingredients used to make the suntan are processed for quick absorption into the skin and enhanced to tan fast and efficiently. The product also focuses on darkening your skin into a desired dark tone. Additional features in the tanning oil product to love include the beach inspired scent and vitamin A and E ingredients that softens and smooths your skin.

This is one of the most recommended Australian tanning oil products. The most common benefit the product is praised for is the ability to tan the skin fast. The attractive fragrance and the added benefits of vitamins A and E in your body also contribute to its high ratings. Keep in mind that this is an outdoor only tanning oil product only.

The Australian Gold suntans lie at the very top of most recommended tanning oil products. That alone, plus the fact that this is a low budget product should make you consider purchasing it. If that’s not enough, you get 8 ounces of efficiently performing tanning oil that you could use multiple times while on the beach.

Sun Bum Tanning Oil Moisturizing

Pros
✔ Sun Bum moisturizing tanning oil is a popular and trusted brand for its self tanning properties
✔ Offers self tanner ingredients like green tea and argan oil for sun kissed skin 
✔ Suitable for fair skin to help you get a good base tan

Cons
✘ The dark tanning oil has a weird smell
✘ This Sun Bum product tends to streak

Sun Bum Tanning Oil Moisturizing Review

Sun Bum Moisturizing Tanning Oil is a dark tanning oil with SPF 15, suitable for those who plan to tan outdoors and require sun protection. It is designed as an oil spray, which makes it easier to use. Simply spray around your body, rub it in gently, and start to tan for a golden glow.

While it does protect your skin from the sun, it’s best that you use Sun Bum with regular sunscreen as well to get ultimate sun protection. With that in mind, you get a deep tan and sun kissed skin that stays hydrated the entire day, so you can focus on deep tanning and having fun!

Australian Gold Bronzing Dry Oil Spray Intensifier

Pros
✔ Water resistant up to 80 minutes to avoid constant reapplication
✔ Made with acacia extract and green tea extracts for antioxidants
✔ These tanning oils have a signature fragrance everyone loves

Cons
✘ Some complaints of the bottles of these tanning oils leaking
✘ Oil-free formula but it is runny and almost watery

Australian Gold Dark Tanning Oil Intensifier Review

The Australian Gold tanning oil is one of the best tanning oils available for its SPF 15 protection and the way it can deepen your tan! Similar to the Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil, it is formulated with antioxidants and other nutrients to further nourish your body as you stay under the sun achieving a darker glow.

The formula is water resistant and you can find results within a few hours, without having to reapply it as much, compared to other tanning oils out there. I got an even deeper tan than expected, and it looked natural, though a bit red for the first day. It would deepen over time and have a better glow, as long as you reapply it every day.

However, while it is advertised as a dry, oil free product, there are complaints of a watery and runny feel to it. As long as you are careful with handling the bottle and apply it evenly, you won’t have to worry about leaks or application.

Cocosolis Choco Tan Sun and Body Oil

Pros
✔ Moisturizing properties for healthier skin with its organic oils
✔ Natural moisturizer with anti-aging properties such as green tea
✔ Suitable for fair skin to help you get a good base tan

Cons
✘ These tanning oils need to stay in room temperature or it hardens when too cold
✘ There is no tanning oil SPF or water resistant properties ot help protect your skin

Cocosolis Choco Tan Sun and Body Oil Review

The Cocosolis Choco Tanning Oils come in an oil spray design for easy application, similar to Sun Bum. But what makes it a suitable choice is its natural ingredients. If you’re wary about ingredients, the oil contains six organic cold-pressed oils, including coconut oil, almond seed oil, and avocado oil, as well as nutrients including vitamin E and cocoa butter!

These ingredients make your skin stay silky smooth, while its antioxidants (like argan oil) help with anti-aging. While there is no tanning oil SPF protection, nor is it water resistant, it still does the job in giving you a good tan. You can see results within 80 minutes, giving you the deep tan you will love.

Banana Boat Sunscreen Protective Tanning Oil

Pros
✔ Water resistant properties with SPF 15 and easy application
✔ Oil spray bottle for easier and mess-free use
✔ Can be used by all skin types, the oil contains healthy ingredients

Cons
✘ Used more so as a sunscreen and not a dark tan
✘ Some complaints of the oil spray bottle pump being faulty sometimes

Banana Boat Sunscreen Protective Tanning Oil Review

If your main focus is something focused more on protecting yourself from the sun, you will appreciate the Banana Boat Tanning Oil SPF 15. The oil spray is made with Aloe Vera, vitamin E, and other nourishing seed oils to help keep your skin hydrated and nourished. Furthermore, it would also give your skin the nice tan it needs while feeling great with its water resistant properties, though do manage your expectations!

I believe that the tanning oil comes with great sun protection features like Sun Bum dark tanning oil, but it may not give you the dark tan you expect. It’s better made for fair skin and those who are still working on a base tan.

Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Spray

Pros
✔ Banana Boat is popular for its sun tanning oils, can be trusted
✔ Made with healthy seed oils and nutrients for better skin nourishment
✔ Gives a deeper tan and best used as a sun oil

Cons
✘ You will need to apply a lot more to achieve darker skin

Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Spray Review

The Banana Boat Tanning Spray contains ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa butter, among other mineral and seed oils to help ensure that your skin feels nourished while you tan. Its ingredients also help make sure that your skin is hydrated and speeds up the tanning process, giving you the nice, dark tan you deserve within 80 minutes!

While you need to apply a bit more to achieve a deeper tan, it works well and within the time frame expected. For a reputable brand like Banana Boat, I can say it’s well worth the price and you get what you pay for!

Using Tanning Oils Correctly

By now you have probably known that tanning oil for sun products are not created equal. As such, rules for how to apply your tanning oil will be different with those of your friends. The first thing you should do, therefore, is to read carefully and learn the manufacturer’s recommendation about the product. Most suntans for instance lack sunscreen protection. With that in mind, follow these dos and don’ts when using tanning oil to stay healthy.

Dos

  • Shave and Exfoliate before tanning: Tanning works best when the skin is properly shaved and exfoliated. If you don’t, you will only tan certain parts of the skin, leaving you with parts that are either partially tanned or not tanned at all. Regular skin exfoliation is also good for your skin as it ensures the skin breathes properly
  • Shower before Tanning: It seems obvious, but it’s important to stress that most skin products work best when your skin is clean. Taking a shower a few minutes to tanning will keep it moisturized and allow tanning oil for pale skin work even better.
  • Make sure that you reapply your tanning oil every two hours, especially when you are an active person or go into the waters or swim regularly. But if you don’t, avoid over-tanning quickly and reapply your tanning oil every three to five hours. With that in mind, this depends on your desired complexion and skin type

Don’ts

  • Don’t Bake your body for too long: Although your skin tans better as you continue to busk under the sun, it starts becoming counterproductive if the skin is burnt for too long. Most tanning oils don’t come with sunscreen protection, meaning that prolonged exposure to sunlight will begin to affect you
  • Don’t wear makeup before tanning: Makeup is not good for tanning. If you have to add some makeup on, start by tanning. Tanning oils work best when applied on clean, makeup-free skins. This way, the essential oils in the suntan can penetrate through your skin’s pores without getting blocked by your makeup
  • Avoid going over the top with adding too much tanning oils, or you may want to avoid reapplying, especially when you have sensitive skin. This may cause you to incur sunburns, allergies, or even acne, among other skin conditions
  • Do NOT go swimming or shower right after you applied the tanning oil, or after your tanning session. The water would wash off all your tanning oils and results. If you have to go into the waters, reapply the tanning oil.

How to Apply Tanning Oils the Right Way

When applying tanning oil to get dark or go outside, here is a guide that will result in an even, tanned skin.

  • Step 1: Take a Shower. Assuming you are at home and want to tan before going anywhere, take a shower and don’t wear any makeup. If you are already at the beach, dust off any sand.

    After the shower, do exfoliate your skin and use a scrubbing brush or an exfoliating paste, which will remove all dirt and dead skin cells. This is in preparation for your skin , as it smoothens it out and cleans pores for the tanning oil to work best. Plus, it lessens the dryness to affect your future tan.
  • Step 2: Apply a fair amount of tanning oil for a dark tan on your clean hands and rub them together. Slowly, in a massage-like manner, apply the oil onto your skin. It’s always best to have a friend who can apply the tan on your skin to get an even reach on those parts you can’t reach on your own.

    When using the tanning oil on delicate or sensitive skin, make sure that you do it more gently, focusing on evenness. Avoid being too harsh on your skin, especially around your face, softly rubbing and massaging it around.

    I recommend that you use tanning oil all over your body rather than on “main” body parts, as this may end up with an uneven complexion.
  • Step 3: If your tanning oil does not contain sunscreen, apply sunscreen 5 minutes after tanning. This timeline will allow your body to absorb the suntan. Apply sunscreen on your face in particular as this is the most sensitive part of your body.

    I highly recommend that you use at least SPF 15, which is good enough for the tanning oil to still work its magic and allow you to get a deeper tan quickly. But you can use SPF protection of at least 30, if you have sensitive skin.
  • Step 4: Repeat the above steps every time you want to tan. Coconut oil for tanning is one of the best tanning oil products, especially if your goal is to have your skin stay tanned for longer. Any of the tanning oils I mentioned above would work well for you really, as this would depend on your personal preference and skin needs.

Tanning Oil vs. Sunscreen

Contrary to popular belief, tanning oil and sunscreen are not similar products. If anything, the two products offer almost opposite services. Sunscreen contains ingredients that help reduce the impact of the sun’s rays on your skin. By contrast, tanning oil enhance tanning, the process through which the sun’s UV rays penetrate into your skin glands and enhance melanin production.

The sun’s UV rays contain high energy that occasionally cause skin burns on some people’s skins. Sometimes, excess exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause skin cancer. Prolonged exposure also darkens certain parts of the skin, giving it an unattractive outlook. To reduce these effects, sunscreens are manufactured with ingredients that reduce the strength of UV rays on your skin.

Tanning oil by contrast intensifies the impact of UV rays without causing burns on your skin. Tanning oil focuses the sun’s UV rays on the important parts of your skin where melanin is produced. Through this process, your skin gets a darker and more attractive tone. Tanning oil ingredients can be green tea, copper and non-alcoholic essential oils that moisturize your skin.

Because manufacturers tend to use similar terms when referring to sunscreens and tanning oil, it’s important to look keenly on the labels to ascertain you are purchasing what you intend to. In most cases, tanning products will have the word ‘tan’ in them. The word ‘suntan’ for instance, will refer to a tanning oil product whereas sunscreens will likely provide an SPF figure that shows how protective they are. Sunscreens have a sun protection factor (SPF) that ranges between 15 and 75: The higher the SPF factor, the more protective the sunscreen. Tanning oils with spf will have an SPF factor of between 0 and 20, with the higher the factor, the more protective they are.

Frequently Asked Questions: Tanning Oils

Are tanning oils or lotions better for tanning?

A lot of people have wondered about the effectiveness of tanning oils vs lotions, debating which the better choice is. The main difference is its consistency and texture, as well as the way it feels on your skin.

Tanning oils would feel slightly greasier on the skin, though people like this as it has their skin look suppler and shinier. But not everyone likes it for the greasy feeling it can leave, though tanning oils now have better ingredients to help reduce its heavy texture.

Tanning oils are better used for those who want a deep dark tan, those who have dark skin to begin with, or if you have a tan base you can build on. But if you have fairer or lighter skin, then you may want to consider getting tanning lotions, or tanning oils that are less potent.

Lotions are great for sun protection, as it has SPF to protect you from the sun. These are also useful for any skin type, but won’t give off as deep as a tan compared to tanning oils.

Do you tan faster when you use tanning oil?

Since the main benefit of tanning oils is its acceleration of tanning, we can say that you do tan faster with the addition of tanning oil. Furthermore, tanning oils also come with bronzers and other natural ingredients that not only encourage faster and even tanning, but healthier skin as well. 

However, the effectiveness of tanning oils may depend on the type of product you invest in. In general, expect tanning to come within hours, which is faster compared to tanning without anything on.

What does tanning oil do?

Tanning oils, as the name suggests, are available to assist natural tanning, whether you’re indoor or outdoor tanning. This is done with its unique formulas, which also act as a great addition to your skin care routine for healthier and clearer looking skin no matter your skin type.

Tanning oils accelerate the tanning process, and may also include bronzers to intensify it further. Most bronzers contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a colorless natural sugar which chemically reacts with your outer layer of the skin. The reaction will create the bronzing effect, though it would wear off in time as your skin cell layer dies and peels off naturally.

How do tanning oils work?

Tanning oils work by attracting and focusing the sun’s UV rays to your skin. While the skin would receive more than enough UV rays under sunnier climates for tanning, tanning oils have properties that accelerate the tan process through intensifying its rays.
When the UV rays penetrate through your skin, it would accelerate your melanocytes’ ability to create melanin, which is the pigment giving your skin color. The more melanin in your skin, the darker you become.

Conclusion

If you do not find the best tanning oil product from the above reviewed five products, you will have a hard time finding an ideal product anywhere else. However, if you have already identified the product to purchase, ready up for that vacation by purchasing all the necessary skin products that can make your vacation the best there can be. Skin care is one of the compulsory responsibilities in a woman’s life. And why not take care of your skin by using not only one, but several of the healthy, skin moisturizing, tanning and sun protecting products?

I hope that my buying guide on the best tanning oils gave you an idea on what you should invest in. So don’t wait any longer and start getting any of these reviewed products to help you get these dark tan you want while you protect your skin.