If you're looking for that golden tan, then you'll know it's gonna take some time in the sun. Whether that's getting outside, or going to the tanning bed, you'll need some UV. Additionally, to get tan you have the option to use tanning oil. Using tanning lotion, cream, or oil will give moisturize your skin to absorb the sun and get you tan.
Here's a quick list of our top picks for the best tanning oil:
Who Needs To Use Tanning Oil?
Anyone who wants to get a great tan can use a decent tanning oil. Whether you’re outside or in a tanning bed, an oil will help promote the development of your tan. Additionally, your skin type will determine the level of results you can expect.
How do I know what my skin type is?
Source: FDA.gov
How Does Tanning Oil Work?
Tanning oil helps to promote the natural process of melanin production. This is what gives your skin a tan color. Bronzers also use a chemical called DHA, to speed up the tanning process. This reacts with the amino acids on your skin for the bronzing color effect (source). Sun or UV exposure will tan your skin in varying levels, regardless of tanning oil use. Oils help to increase the speed at which you tan. They keep your skin moisturized and ready to absorb solar rays.
Below is a link to a short YouTube video that explains how to get tan:
Some people do tan more than others depending on their natural level of melanin. Different people can endure unique levels of exposure for different results. A lighter skinned person will get different results from someone with darker skin.
What Are The Risks Of Using Tanning Oil?
Using a tanning oil, or the act of getting a tan has it’s risks. By pursuing a tan via UV radiation, you are increasing your risk of getting skin cancer. According to Melanoma.org, “As many as 90% of melanomas estimate to ultraviolet (UV) exposure”. Moreover, tanning beds have the carcinogen label by the FDA. When exposing your skin to UV with the sun, you’re also giving yourself the same risks and exposure.
To mitigate the damage of UV radiation you can also use sunscreen, in combination with a tanning oil. Sunscreen can help to slow the process of UV radiation. Yet, there is no sunscreen that can protect 100% of skin from all UV rays and radiation (source).
To remove the risk, you can opt to use a sunless tanning lotion that doesn’t need the use of UV radiation for a tan. In this roundup of the best tanning oils, there is one lotion that works without the exposure of UV.
In short, people need to consider their natural skin tones as well. The DNA of how much melanin is in your skin can also affect your risks. Regardless of natural skin tone, UV exposure still damages the skin. According to the FDA, those with lighter skin will have more damage than someone with darker skin.
How Do I Choose Tanning Oil?
One of the most important parts of choosing a tanning oil is the level of moisturizing agents. This could be anything from aloe to sodium PCA, which helps to bind water to the skin. This helps your tan last longer, and keep your skin healthy in sun exposure.
Buy a tanning oil with natural ingredients. The higher quality the oil, the less sticky it will feel. Not to mention, natural oils are less likely to irritate the skin or cause any breakouts.
Choose a tanning oil that is well made so it lasts. Low quality tanning oils do not work well, and tend to irritate the skin. Additionally, you want your tan to last longer. The ingredients in your tanning oil determines the quality, and effect of your tan.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a tanning oil:
- Ensure the oil has moisturizing qualities.
- Buy an oil with natural ingredients.
- Choose a tanning oil that is well made.
What Is The Best Tanning Oil?
We’ve looked at a range of tanning oils that work for all skin tones and have selected five oils. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and the ingredients used. We’ve reviewed these five tanning oils and listed some pros and cons for each oil.
our #1 rated
Maui Babe
Browning Lotion
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Maui Babe browning lotion is available in an 8 oz bottle. The lotion features an easy-open bottle with a secret Hawaiian formula. The lotion also contains natural ingredients such as aloe. This keeps the skin moisturized during sun exposure.
Customers who purchased this lotion liked the product's smell of coffee beans. People also said to make sure to wear sunscreen as well when using the oil. Customers also said that the oil works well to develop a warm golden caramel tan.
A few customers who used this tanning oil said the product does discolor your towel and fabrics. Some people also said the oil leaves residue on your hands, and to use a baby wipe for removal. Some customers said the oil comes out of the bottle kind of thick, yet rubs smooth.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
Ed Hardy
Coconut Kisses
Quality
Price
Our rating
This coconut kisses tanning lotion from Ed Hardy is available in a 13.5 oz container. The lotion features both coconut milk and oil, along with tanning intensifiers. Additionally, the lotion includes a blend to stimulate melanin formation and tanning.
Customers who purchased this lotion liked that there are no added bronzers. Many customers also said the lotion gives a nice “sun-kissed” glow. Other customers commented that the smells amazing and makes their skin very soft.
Some people who purchased this tanning lotion said that it made their skin a little itchy after use. A few customers also said that this lotion is not the official “Ed Hardy” branded product. Others reported that the lotion smells more of vanilla than coconut.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
Banana Boat
Tanning Lotion
Quality
Price
Our rating
This tanning lotion made by Banana Boat is available in three styles and colors. The lotion works as a self-tanning solution for a natural looking tan. This meaning that you can use this as an indoor tanning lotion without the sun. Banana Boat also offers a sunless spray bottle for all skin tones. Additionally, the products are reef safe, made with chemicals safe for the environment.
Customers who purchased this product said that it’s the best self tanning lotion they’ve ever used. People said that the lotion leaves no streaks and blends in well to the skin. Many customers who were even fair skinned found the level of tanning impressive.
Some customers who purchased this tanning lotion found the dye free aspect to not work on their skin. A few customers said that the tan would not last that long for them. Some people also said that the lotion can feel a little oily or greasy when applied.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
Australian Gold
Tanning Accelerator
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Australian Gold dark tanning lotion is available in an 8.5 oz bottle. The lotion features a gold cocoa dreams fragrance. Additionally, the formula for the lotion contains vitamins A and E.
Customers who purchased this lotion said that it works well even for fair skinned people. People said that they liked the cream-sicle orange smell it emits when applied. Customers also commented that the lotion gives plenty of extra moisture to the skin.
Other people who used this lotion found that it contains parabens in the ingredients. Some customers also said that after using it for a week without much change noticed. Other customers reported that they had a rash that developed after using the product.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
Hawaiian Tropic
Dark Tanning Oil
Quality
Price
Our rating
This dark tanning oil made by Hawaiian Tropic is available in an 8 oz bottle. The oil qualifies as reef safe, made with chemicals safe for the environment. Additionally, the oil has a coconut fragrance. It also features vitamins A, C and E. The oil also contains a formula that contains skin conditioners.
People who purchased this oil have been using it for years and find it to give a deep dark tan. Customers said that the lotion also makes your skin very soft after tanning. Customers also said that the oil works well without leaving any greasy residue.
Some customers who used this oil said that it can be a little thick to apply to the skin. Other people also said that the oil does not have any sun protection by itself, and to use sunscreen with it. Some customers also said that it has a very odd smell.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each tanning oil we’ve reviewed works for those looking to get tan in the sun. All the oils have decent smells, moisturizing formulas, and a portable size. Results do vary on skin tone, yet most customers found great results from the products listed.
After comparing all the products the best tanning oil is the Maui Babe browning lotion.
This oil works for all skin tones, making it perfect for those of any shade. The lotion can work for the outdoors, or at the beach. We also like the fact that the oil features natural ingredients. Not to mention, it's also comes imported straight from Hawaii.