The 5 Best Tanning Lotions With SPF
Short version, because you probably came here for one bottle and not a lecture: if you want colour and sun protection out of the same tube, the Jergens Natural Glow Face moisturiser is the one I keep buying, and Australian Gold’s Instant Bronzer lotion is what I hand people who want the colour to show up straight away.
The longer version is that “tanning lotion with SPF” quietly covers two different products, and buying the wrong one is why people end up disappointed. Some are sunless tanners that happen to include sunscreen, so they colour your skin whether or not you ever go outside. Others are lotions you wear in the sun, where the SPF is there to slow the burn while you brown.
Both kinds are below. I have said which is which in every section, because that distinction changes what you should buy far more than the brand on the bottle does.
What is the best self-tanning lotion with SPF?
The best self-tanning lotion for your face is Jergen’s Natural Glow with SPF 20. The most protective self-tanner is Coppertone Glow Protect has SPF 45. The best sunscreen with instant bronzer is Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen.
Here are the best self-tanners on the market that contain SPF.
5 Best Self-Tanning Products with SPF
Here are the absolute best self-tanners with SPF:
- Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer – SPF 20
- Supergoop! Healthy Glow Sunless Tan – SPF 40
- Coppertone Glow Protect And Tan – SPF 45
- Lancaster Sun Beauty Melting Tanning Milk – SPF 15
- Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen With Instant Bronzer – SPF 50
1. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer
Jergens has managed to create a self-tanning lotion that can be used daily as a facial moisturizer, which builds up a gradual, natural-looking tan, as well as providing protection from the sun.
With color-enhancing ingredients, broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, and nourishing emollients, the Natural Glow moisturizer creates a flawless looking tan, all while hydrating, nourishing and protecting your skin.
The moisturizer has a built-in SPF 20 and is oil-free, so it will not clog up your pores. The tan will be built gradually with everyday use, which allows you to control how dark of a tone you want.
The nourishing ingredients in the moisturizer help to combat premature aging of the skin, giving the skin everything it needs to feel and look healthy and hydrated.
Hydrated skin is the key to a beautiful-looking tan, so this really does have everything you need to achieve the flawless summer glow.
Self-tanning is made easy and safe with the Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer.
Simply adopt it into your daily beauty routine, and in no time, you will notice your gradually built summer tan that is radiant and natural-looking!
It is an all-in-one, effortless way to get the tan you want, without any damage being done to your skin. Instead, you are nourishing your skin with everything good it needs!
2. Sun Bum Browning Body Lotion SPF 15
This one is not a sunless tanner, and it is worth knowing that before you buy. It is a browning lotion you wear in the sun, and the SPF 15 is there so you pick up colour without burning on the way.
The formula leans on argan, coconut and kukui nut oil plus aloe, so skin does not get that tight, chalky feeling after a long afternoon outside.
Be honest with yourself about the number, though. Fifteen is modest protection, and if you burn in twenty minutes you want one of the higher-SPF picks below instead.
It runs 4.5 stars across roughly 1,100 reviews.
3. Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15
Coppertone has made a version of this for decades, and it is the most straightforward product here. It is a tanning sunscreen: wear it in the sun, brown gradually, keep the burn off.
It is enriched with vitamin E and skips oxybenzone, octinoxate, PABA and added dyes, which matters if those are on your avoid list.
It is water resistant for eighty minutes, so reapply after a swim rather than trusting it to last the afternoon.
At 4.7 stars from over 6,000 reviews it is the best-reviewed thing on this page.
4. Australian Gold Instant Bronzer Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30
The instant bronzer is the reason to pick this one. Colour shows up the moment you rub it in, so you are not waiting three hours to find out whether you missed a patch.
Underneath the bronzer it is a genuine broad-spectrum SPF 30, which makes it the most protective option on this list by some distance.
The bronzer transfers onto pale clothing and light upholstery before it sets. Give it ten minutes before you get dressed.
It sits at 4.7 stars across more than 1,800 reviews.
5. Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen With Instant Bronzer
This product from Australian Gold is your answer for golden brown skin all year long. The spray gel sunscreen is streak-free and natural-looking.
While not technically a self-tanner (it does not contain DHA), this instant bronzer will still give you a gorgeous tan and protect your skin with SPF.
Australian Gold is all about sun protection and ensures that its products offer your skin only the best when it comes to this. The bronzer is temporary, so it is something you will need to reapply daily or after swimming to maintain a bronzed look.
The scent is another thing to note, as it is a delicious blend of vanilla, orange, and coconut. Yum!
Apply this sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, and be sure to blend for the ultimate bronzed glow.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Tanner
Like everything in the world, self-tanners do have their advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages of Self-Tanner
- Helps to avoid UV damage to the skin
- The tan wears off quickly, which helps if you aren’t happy with it
- You can decide the shade you want by the self-tanner you purchase
- It is an instant tan
- Can be done at home in a short period of time
Disadvantages of Self-Tanner
- Self-tans are not long-lasting and need to be reapplied often to maintain a tan
- Self-tanners containing bronzers can stain your clothes
- Some self-tans can end up streaky or blotchy
- People with sensitive skin might react badly to self-tanners
With all of these pros and cons in mind, there is no doubt that using a self-tanner containing an SPF is much safer for your skin than sitting out in the sun trying to tan. There are very few ways, if any at all, to reverse damage done by UV rays.
What If My Self-Tanner Doesn’t Contain SPF?
Once your tan has developed after applying the self-tanner, you can use whichever sunscreen you want.
If you find that your self-tanner you have sitting at home, has no SPF protection, you don’t need to worry too much.
Wait for the tan to develop after a certain set of hours, and you can apply a daily moisturizing cream with SPF protection, or a normal high-factor sunscreen when going out into the sun.
Protecting your skin properly will help your self-tan last longer and keep your skin hydrated and healthy, showing off that bronze glow even better.
Getting into the habit of applying sunscreen to your skin daily, even if you aren’t planning on sitting in the sun, is one of the best ways to ensure your skin does not age prematurely or that you are putting yourself at risk of a serious condition due to UV exposure down the line.
Self-Tanners and SPF
You deserve to have a glowing, bronze tan all year round, and there is no reason your skin should be harmed while holding this tan.
Self-tanners were created to solve the problem of suntanning and offer us the choice of when, how, and where we want to tan.
Self-tanners that contain SPF protection take it that one step further, not only giving you a summer glow, but making sure your skin is protected, cared for, and looking great whenever you treat yourself to a gorgeous, sunless glow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tanning lotion expire?
Yep, it does. Most self-tanners last about 1 to 2 years. After that, they can stop working properly and give uneven results. Always check the label!
How do I know if it’s expired?
If it smells weird, looks clumpy, or the color’s off, it’s probably expired. Also, if your tan looks streaky or barely shows up, it’s time to toss it.
Is it okay to use expired self-tanner?
It’s not super dangerous, but it might give you a patchy tan or irritate your skin. Best to play it safe and use a fresh one.
Can I make it last longer?
Yes! Keep it in a cool, dry place and away from sunlight or heat. And always close the bottle tightly after use.
