The 10 Best Tanning Oils to Enhance or Fake a

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1

Best Gel Formula

Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15

1

Best Gel Formula

Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15

Credit: Courtesy

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.”

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2

Best for Dry Skin

Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil Spray SPF 15

2

Best for Dry Skin

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.”

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3

Best Instant Glow

SOL DE JANEIRO Rio Sunset Glow Oil

3

Best Instant Glow

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!”

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4

Best Value

Tanning Dry Oil Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 15

4

Best Value

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!”

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5

Best Smell

Cay Skin Isle Body Oil SPF 30 with Sea Moss and Squalane

5

Best Smell

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.”

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6

Best For Sensitive Skin

Sublime Sun Sheer Protect SPF 30 Oil Spray

6

Best For Sensitive Skin

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.”

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7

Best Reef Safe

Sun Bum Tanning Oil SPF 15

7

Best Reef Safe

Sun Bum Tanning Oil SPF 15

Credit: Courtesy

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!”

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8

Best Cruelty-Free

Pacifica Sea & C Glow Bronzing Oil SPF 20

8

Best Cruelty-Free

Pacifica Sea & C Glow Bronzing Oil SPF 20

Credit: Pacifica

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.”

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9

Best for a Pro-Level Tan

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body Mist

9

Best for a Pro-Level Tan

St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Body Mist

Credit: Courtesy

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!”

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10

Best Dry-Down

Vacation Baby Oil SPF 30

10

Best Dry-Down

Vacation Baby Oil SPF 30

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.”

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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.

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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.

Beauty Editor

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.

Beauty Director

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. 

Beauty Commerce Editor

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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