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These 10 Products Will Give You the Perfect Tan
Oils, butters, and one very important prepping step.
As summer draws near, most people are on the hunt for one thing and one thing only: tanning oil. If pictures or videos serve as a record of our existence (pics or it didn't happen, amirite?), then surely a bronzed tan is the hallmark of a summer well spent.
Tanning oils are the easy fix for those who love to fake a vacation glow year-round, but especially during the warmer months when those dwindling PTO days call for more domestic excursions than tropical ones. As you rub the oil onto your body, the sun quickly gravitates toward your skin to begin the bronzing process, although many options already include golden specks to speed up your gilded glow. Even better, you don't have to forgo sun protection in the name of goddess-like skin, thanks to a plethora of tanning oil offerings packed with SPF.
Shop our top picks for tanning oils in 2023
Before applying tanning oil, it's recommended to apply sunscreen. Yes, it may take a little longer to tan; however, you will protect your skin from sun damage, including wrinkles and dark spots. A bronze glow isn't worth the premature aging of your skin. After the sunscreen dries, then apply your layer of tanning oil. Don't forget other delicate skin areas, including the neck and hands.
Now that you know how to apply tanning oil in conjunction with sunscreen, it's time to delve into the best options. We scoured the internet and thousands of customer reviews to find the 10 best tanning oils to stock up on ahead of the summer season.
Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15
Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15
Pros
- Imparts an instant glow
Cons
- Low SPF protection
This deep-bronze oil is a trifecta of perfection. Carmel gives you an instant tan (literally the moment you put it on!), while SPF and antioxidants Kakadu plum and tea tree oil protect skin from the sun and free radicals. It also helps your tan last longer by keeping your skin hydrated.
Amazon star rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “This is my favorite sunscreen. I like the instant bronzer. The smell makes me feel like I’m on a beach vacation. Also, I have never got a sunburn while using this. I would recommend.”
| Sun protection | SPF 15 |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 fl oz |
SOL DE JANEIRO Rio Sunset Glow Oil
SOL DE JANEIRO Rio Sunset Glow Oil
Pros
- Imparts a healthy sheen
Cons
- Can feel sticky
Picture this: You’re lounging by the pool, limbs gleaming. An amazing scent wafts by—and oh wait, that’s also you. This luxurious oil is inspired by the epic tans of Brazilian women—and you’ll be able to get one, no plane ticket needed.
Amazon star rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “It makes your skin look radiant!”
| Sun protection | None |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.5 fl oz |
Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil Spray SPF 15
Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil Spray SPF 15
Pros
- Spray cap makes for a mess-free application
Cons
- Low SPF protection
Generations of sunbathers have used this tanning oil for a reason—the formula is spiked with SPF 15, along with vitamins A, E, and C, to condition skin the moment you smooth it on. And the scent—coconut—is an absolute classic.
Walgreen star rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Walgreens reviewer said: “Ladies and gents, all I have to say is this is the ONE! If you want to look like you just came back from a 2-week Caribbean vacation, go buy this! I also have super sensitive skin and had no breakouts or rashes! 6 stars. I’ll never use a different brand again.”
| Sun protection | SPF 15 |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.0 fl oz |
Tanning Dry Oil Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 15
Tanning Dry Oil Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 15
Pros
- Continuous spray applicator gets in hard to reach places
Cons
- Cap can be faulty sometimes
Yes, you may be on island time during your vacay, but your tanning oil doesn’t have to be. Coopertone Tanning Dry Oil Sunscreen is quick-drying, so you don’t have to worry about it transferring onto your clothes or swimsuit.
Amazon star rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “I used this product at the beach and it might have worked a little too well. It’s easy to apply and you tan super quick. I would recommend it!”
| Sun protection | SPF 15 |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.5 fl oz |
Cay Skin Isle Body Oil SPF 30 with Sea Moss and Squalane
Cay Skin Isle Body Oil SPF 30 with Sea Moss and Squalane
Pros
- Deeply nourishing formula
Cons
- Pump can deposit a lot of product
Sunbathing is no fun when you’re left with sore, burnt skin due to a lack of proper sun protection. Cay Skin’s Body Oil not only nourishes the skin with skin-loving squalane and sea moss—both great for hydrating and softening the skin—but it also protects against the sun with SPF 30, so you can lounge for a longer period of time and not feel like a crispy potato chip after.
Sephora star rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: “This is a BEAUTIFUL oil and a little goes a long way. I love how it settles into the skin to make it glisten all day without being greasy. Lovely scent, excellent coverage. I will be buying more products from this line.”
| Sun protection | SPF 30 |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.7 fl oz |
Sublime Sun Sheer Protect SPF 30 Oil Spray
Sublime Sun Sheer Protect SPF 30 Oil Spray
Pros
- Gives a dewy glow
Cons
- Can be feel really greasy
One of the biggest fears with tanning oil is burning your skin and irreversible sun damage. This formula contains SPF 30, giving you an extra dose of protection. It's non-greasy and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can worry less about your skin and more about fun in the sun.
Amazon star rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “This sunscreen is so gentle I can use it on my sensitive face and scalp. I love L’Oreal Sunscreen. It costs more, but the quality and effectiveness is high. I cannot use another after using this product.”
| Sun protection | SPF 30 |
|---|---|
| Size | 5 fl oz |
Sun Bum Tanning Oil SPF 15
Sun Bum Tanning Oil SPF 15
Pros
- Moisturizes the skin
Cons
- Not best for sensitive skin
Sprays are the easiest way to ensure your entire body is evenly coated. And this reef-safe formula has aloe vera, green tea butter, and four types of oils (argan, marula, coconut, and avocado) to super-moisturize and nourish the skin.
Ulta star rating: 3.5/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “This smells amazing. The spray nozzle works great and didn’t leak. That was my fear. This oil worked great! I didn’t burn and I was out in the sun for a couple of hours. I would definitely buy it again!”
| Sun protection | SPF 15 |
|---|---|
| Size | 8.5 fl oz |
Pros
- Quickly absorbs into the skin
Cons
- Pour spot can make a mess
You can always count on Vacation to make applying sunscreen fun. The Baby Oil has a nostalgic, powdery baby oil scent that’s not as greasy or slippery as traditional baby oil, and melts into the skin without a trace.
Vacation star rating: 4.9/5 stars
A Vacation reviewer said: “I used to work at a tanning salon in high school and have since become an esthetician. I love that warm skin flush that happens when tanning and for years, I have avoided it for the sake of my already damaged skin. This nostalgic baby oil made me feel so confident in catching a few rays. It offered me protection but also gave me that warm tanning feeling out in the sun. Not to mention the beautiful powdery soft scent that takes me right back to my younger days.”
| Sun protection | SPF 30 |
|---|---|
| Size | 3.4 fl oz |
Pacifica Sea & C Glow Bronzing Oil SPF 20
Pacifica Sea & C Glow Bronzing Oil SPF 20
Pros
- Infused with vitamin C
Cons
- Can leave an oily residue
You can glow like a goddess and protect the environment. Pacifica Sea & C Glow Bronzing Oil with SPF 20 is 100% cruelty-free, vegan, and made with 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. While this formula has a thicker consistency than its counterparts it quickly thins out and absorbs into your skin for a beautiful glow.
Ulta star rating: 3.8/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “This bronzer smells fantastic and feels awesome on my skin. Resulted in a nice even tan.”
| Sun protection | SPF 20 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4.0 fl oz |
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body Mist
St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body Mist
Pros
- Infused with vitamins C and D
Cons
- No SPF
If you want to skip the sun, this skincare-like self-tanner is the way to go. The lightweight, clear formula won’t stain your clothing, and the vitamin-enriched formula gives you an even, customizable tan that lasts for days.
Ulta star rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “Finally a self-tanner that is little effort with great results! It gives me just a little color with one application and looks super natural. Doesn’t stain hands or feet and you can get right in bed after applying!”
| Sun protection | None |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.7 fl oz |
How do you use a tanning oil?
A tanning oil accelerates the tanning process by attracting the sun's UV rays to give the skin a deeper tone. When applied to the skin, the oil activates the melanocytes in the skin, which are responsible for producing melanin. It's best to evenly distribute the tanning oil to the desired area for maximum results, be it with a tanning mitt or your own hands. However, if you opt for your hands, ensure the tanning oil has a stain-free or transfer-proof formula.
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Since joining ELLE.com in 2017, she has interviewed countless skincare professionals and has personally tested the latest and greatest products across makeup, skincare, and hair care.
Margaux Anbouba loves to try it all, which makes her a perfect beauty editor for ELLE. She's not afraid to chop, slather, dye, swipe, or inject—and if it's worth your dollars, she'll tell you about it here.
As ELLE’s beauty editor, Margaux wants to try it all and do it all…and she does. She's not afraid to chop, slather, dye, swipe, inject, and more—and if it's worth your time and money, she’ll rave about it here.
Danielle James is the Digital Beauty Director of ELLE.com. Previously, she was the Fashion and Beauty Director of HelloBeautiful.com and MadameNoire.com. She’s bylined for The Cut, InStyle, Allure, Business of Fashion, Nylon, Essence, Good Housekeeping, The Grio, and Huffington Post. Danielle enjoys sailing, thrifting, Japanese whiskey, Naomi Campbell’s runway walk, and Rihanna in the comment section.
Nerisha is the beauty commerce editor at ELLE.com, covering all things beauty (and fashion and music). She has a penchant for sneakers and nude lip glosses, and spends way too much time re-watching 90s sitcoms.
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