13 Best Tanning Oils You Must Try In 2021
Tanning parlors are good. But you don’t want to look like you sat on the top of a lasagna tray and got out looking like the freshly baked crust. So, what else can help you with that gentle but beautifully sun-kissed texture? And while at it, how do we bring the intensity down without compromising on the glow? Tanning oils are the answer. A lot of tan lovers are turning towards these. The oils help reduce the intensity of the UV rays while holding on to the golden glow. Let us look at some of the best tanning oils on the market right now. Read on.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Tanning Oil? How Does It Work?
Having a sun-kissed tan can never go out of style as nothing can beat the beauty of a bronzed suntan. Does that mean we have to sit for hours in the sun to get that darkened hue? Not really! Getting that perfect beachy tan is now comfortable with tanning oils.
Tanning oils are usually considered a summertime staple used to get a quick suntan. They work on your skin to develop a tan quicker. According to the Indoor Tanning Association, catching some rays may lengthen your life (1).
Here is how tanning oils work:
- A tanning oil attracts and focuses the sun rays onto the skin to give a deep, dark tan. Even though the skin receives enough UV rays to create a tan, a tanning oil accelerates this process by intensifying the rays. The UV rays penetrate the skin and increase the ability of the melanocytes to produce melanin. The greater the presence of melanin in your skin, the more suntan you will receive.
- Tanning oils also use bronzers to accelerate the tanning process. A standard bronzer used in a tanning oil is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless natural sugar, which, along with the natural amino acids, reacts chemically on the outer layer of your skin. It gives a natural bronzing effect on your skin, which wears off as the affected skin cell layer naturally dies and peels off.
- Another added perk of using tanning oils is that they are packed with moisturizing ingredients. Tanning can quickly dehydrate your skin. Tanning oils contain vitamin E and glycerin that maintain the moisture balance of your skin.
The following are the top tanning oils on the market. Take a look.
13 Best Tanning Oils You Must Try In 2021
1. Hampton Sun SPF 4 Oil
If you are looking forward to enjoying a refreshing experience of sunbathing, try out the Hampton Sun SPF 4 Oil. Using this tan oil will give you the right amount of tan and protect your skin from the harmful effects of the UVB rays. This nourishing body oil has a silky texture. Its formula is a combination of vitamin E, walnut oil, and aloe vera. It makes your skin healthy and gives it a deep, even, and sun-kissed glow. The formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feeling.
Pros
- Silky texture
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suits all skin types
- Non-greasy
Cons
None
1. Bondi Sands Self Tanning Dry Oil
The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Dry Oil will leave your skin hydrated and gradually helps develop a golden glow. The tanning liquid has a touch dry formula. To build a gradual, natural-looking tan, you can use the tanning oil on a daily basis. The tanning oil is infused with the fresh scent of coconut oil and hydrating argan oil. The product has a pump spray nozzle that allows for a mess-free application.
Pros
- Buildable tan
- Moisturizing
- Pump spray nozzle for mess-free application
- Easy to use
Cons
None
2. Cocosolis Choco Sun Tan & Body Oil
The Cocosolis Choco Sun Tan &Body Oil provides a quick and deep tan to your skin. It can also be used as a body oil for dry skin. Tanning oil is formulated with organic ingredients. It is suitable for delicate and sensitive skin. The oil comes with SPF that will speed up the tanning process. The tanning oil contains coconut oil, cocoa butter, and avocado oil that help moisturize the skin too.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- SPF protection
- Easy to use
- Formulated with organic ingredients
Cons
None
3. Sun Bum Moisturizing Tanning Oil
The Sun Bum Moisturizing Tanning Oil is nourishing and provides a golden brown tan. The tanning oil provides protection from UV rays. It works great for all skin types. It is formulated with natural ingredients like aloe vera, green tea butter, and coconut and avocado oils. The oil is hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Provides UV protection
- Ideal for all skin types
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Not water-resistant
4. Eda Taspinar Bronzing Bomb
The Eda Taspinar Bronzing Bomb will give you a great bronzed look. The tanning oil has an amazing scent and includes anti-aging supplements. It is formulated with roucou oil, carrot oil, and walnut oil that provides a Mediterranean dark tan. The oil also contains vitamins A and E that protect the skin and offer anti-aging benefits. The tanning oil is paraben-free.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Anti-aging
- Paraben-free
Cons
None
5. Existing Beauty Self Tanner Oil
The Existing Tanning Self Tanner Oil will give you a bronzed and beautiful exotic glow. The tanning oil takes 2-3 hours to develop and lasts about a week. It is formulated with all-natural ingredients. The ingredients have a dry oil formula and hydrate the skin. The tanning oil is safe for women and men of all ages and skin tones.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Formulated with all-natural ingredients
- Safe for both men and women
- Hydrates the skin
Cons
None
6. Coconut Joe’s Exotic Deep Dark Tanning Oil
The Coconut Joe’s Exotic Deep Dark Tanning Oil is lightweight and mineral-oil free. It has a unique blend of exotic oils and extracts. The tanning oil is formulated with the world’s finest virgin coconut oil. The oil deeply moisturizes your skin while giving it a deep, dark tan. The oil is formulated without any harsh chemicals.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Lightweight
- Mineral oil-free
- Formulated without harsh chemicals
Cons
None
7. Aloe Gator Dark Tanning Oil Spray
The Aloe Gator Dark Tanning Oil Spray is a customized oil that provides a deep, dark tan to your skin. The oil has a non-greasy texture. It is formulated with exotic coconut oil and cocoa butter. The moisturizing effect of the oil comes from aloe vera, and vitamins A and E. These ingredients keep the skin hydrated and help prevent skin peeling and dryness.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Non-greasy texture
- Hydrates skin
- Prevents skin peeling and dryness
Cons
None
8. Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil
The Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil will drench your skin with moisture. Its formula will pamper and soothe the skin. The oil contains a blend of rich oils and exotic island botanicals. The product has a classic coconut fragrance. It also protects from UV rays.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Formulated with natural ingredients
- Classic coconut fragrance
- Protects from UV rays
Cons
None
9. Dr. Mercola Natural Tanning Oil
Dr. Mercola Natural Tanning Oil is formulated without any artificial fragrances and toxic ingredients. It is hypoallergenic and vegan. The tanning oil is 100% biodegradable and planet-friendly. It comes in a sprayer bottle that makes for even and effortless application. The product is also waterproof.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Biodegradable
- Hypoallergenic
- Vegan
- Easy to use
- No artificial fragrances
- No toxic ingredients
Cons
None
10. Arizona Sun Tanning Oil
The Arizona Sun Tanning Oil is made with plant extracts. It provides a deep, dark, and long-lasting tan. The oil has a desert floral fragrance. The oil absorbs easily into the skin and is recommended for people who rarely burn or tan.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Made with plant extracts
- Easily absorbs intothe skin
Cons
None
11. BaliBody Watermelon Tanning Oil
The Bail Body Watermelon Tanning Oil is enriched with watermelon seed oil. It naturally enhances your tan. The oil is lightweight and moisturizing. It is packed with minerals and antioxidants that nourish and replenish the skin. The tanning oil has a fruity and fresh fragrance.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Moisturizing
- Naturally enhances skin tan
- Fruity and fresh fragrance
Cons
None
12. Absolutely Natural Platinum Tanning Oil
The Absolutely Natural Platinum Tanning Oil is a biodegradable and vegan product. It has a blend of macadamia, rose hip, kukui, and squalane. The tanning oil has an SPF 8 that protects sun-sensitive areas.
Pros
- Biodegradable
- Vegan
- SPF protection
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Expensive
These are the top tanning oils available on the market. The following section discusses how you can apply tanning oils.
How To Apply Tanning Oils?f
The right application process can give you a goddess-like glowy suntan. Have a look at the step-by-step guide on how to apply tanning oils:
- Make sure your skin is clean, smooth, and exfoliated. Get rid of your skin dryness and flakiness by exfoliating it and bringing it back to life. This process will help you get the darkest tan.
- A little amount of oil can go a long way. Take the desired amount of your favorite tanning oil, rub it well on your palms, and apply it evenly to all parts of your body.
- Sit in the sun for some time to catch some rays.
- Tanning oils can be applied overnight to get maximum nourishment and hydration. They are ideal for skin rejuvenation.
Are Tanning Oils Safe?
Getting that golden sun-kissed glow is a trend nowadays. In Europe and the United States, about 37-49% and 17-29% of people, respectively, engage in deliberate tanning (1).
The Indoor Tanning Association claims that a base tan can act as the body’s natural protection against sunburn (1).
However, there are risks associated with suntanning as it may cause permanent damage to our skin. Exposure to the sun and harmful UV rays can be hazardous for your skin. Though tanning oils contain SPF, the exposure may still have adverse effects on your skin.
You can lower this risk by picking the right tanning oil. The following buying guide should help you.
How To Choose A Tanning Oil – A Buying Guide
- Calculate Time Spent In The Sun: Choosing the best suntan oil depends on the amount of time you like to spend in the sun. For those who like to spend long hours in the heat every day, a tanning oil that stays on the skin for a long time after application is ideal.
Also, the oil should have a higher SPF. A broad spectrum tanning oil with SPF 15 or above is recommended to offer sun protection. A tanning oil with a lower SPF could suffice if you would only spend a shorter duration in the sun.
- Check For Common Tanning Oil Ingredients: The best tanning oils are formulated with naturally-derived ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamins A, C, and E. These ingredients ensure skin protection and prevent any kind of irritation or redness.
- Check For Any Skin Conditions: People with sensitive skin must be careful while choosing their oils. Those with eczema should choose an oil that has hydrating and moisturizing benefits, while those who tend to develop allergic reactions should use oil formulated with natural ingredients.
- Consider Your Skin Type: Tanning oils are usually formulated considering a specific skin type. People with dry skin can use tanning oils as they absorb well into the skin and keep it hydrated and moisturized. Those with oily skin can go for a suntan lotion as it does not make the skin as greasy.
Lighter/fairer skin tones usually burn faster and take longer to tan. A long-lasting tanning oil with a high SPF will work better in this case. On the other hand, people with darker skin can rely on lower-SPF tanning oils for faster and better results. Darker skin tones have a lower risk of sunburn.
Conclusion
Tanning oils must moisturize your skin without feeling sticky. Some essential oils are known to have a natural tanning effect. Hence, look for a tanning oil that is natural, organic, and hypoallergenic. Pick your favorite product from this list. Try it out to get a beautiful, natural-looking tan.
Expert’s Answers for Readers Questions
What is a tanning oil made of?
Tanning oils are usually made of aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, argan, fruit extracts, coffee extracts, and other naturally-derived ingredients.
Which is the ideal tanning oil to apply?
The Bondi Sands Self Tanning Dry Oil, Cocosolis Choco Sun Tan & Body Oil, and Sun Bum Moisturizing Tanning Oils are among the best you can use.
Can a sunscreen and a tanning oil be used together?
Many people often ditch sunscreens and apply only tanning oils to get tanned faster. However, using both together can offer better protection against the hazardous UV rays. Alternately, you may use a tanning oil with a higher SPF.
Can you use tanning oil during pregnancy?
Skin tanning oils contain ingredients that are generally harmless. Hence, the oils can be used during pregnancy. However, it always is better to consult a doctor first.
How long should you lay in the sun with a tanning oil?
You can lay in the sun for 1-2 hours after applying a tanning oil.
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