Spending time in the sun is a great way to develop a bronzed, radiant glow, but you don’t want the sunburn, fine lines, and uneven pigmentation that comes along with it!
To develop a beautiful tan in the sun, but at the same time avoid most of the damage that UV rays can do, you would need to use a good sunscreen.
What is the best sunscreen for tanning? The best sunscreen for tanning will allow your skin to develop a bronzed, tanned color, but it will also protect your skin from the damage that UV rays can cause. It is so important to use sunscreen for tanning, as you will only damage your skin if you do not.
It might be tempting to not use sunscreen, to be able to tan faster, but this will only cause you to burn and eventually peel and lose your tan!
Keep reading to find the best sunscreens to use for tanning, as well as some helpful tips on how to choose the best one for you!
How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Tanning
There are a few things that you need to consider before picking out a sunscreen to use for tanning. Your skin needs are unique to you, and this affects how your skin tans and the protection you need when out in the sun.
Here are all the things you need to look for when choosing the best sunscreen for tanning:
SPF
The SPF of the sunscreen is possibly the most important factor for you to consider. You need adequate sun protection to prevent damage to your skin, but you also want to be able to develop a tan when in the sun.
Sun damage can be long-lasting, and it can cause your skin to age much quicker than usual, so protection is essential.
You need to pick out a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. An SPF 15 or higher is a good option for this.
Some tanning lotions contain a lower protection than SPF 15, but our recommendation would then be to pair this tanning lotion with a sunscreen that offers added protection.
Your Skin
You have to consider your skin type when picking out a sunscreen to use. You might have specific skin needs, such as dry skin or sensitive skin, and you will be able to find the right sunscreen that cares for these specific skin concerns.
There are some sunscreens that have hydrating ingredients that help to prevent skin from drying out when in the sun, such as aloe vera and shea butter. There are also some sunscreens that contain soothing and natural ingredients which will not irritate sensitive skin.
Keep your skin type in mind when picking out the best sunscreen to use!
Type Of Sunscreen
Sunscreen comes in a few different forms, and the one you choose will be down to personal preference.
The most popular type of sunscreen is a non-greasy type that absorbs into the skin quickly. Sitting in the sun with a greasy, sticky coating on your skin is not really that comfortable!
However, if you are wanting extra hydration when tanning, then it might be better to choose an oil-based sunscreen, which will help prevent your skin from drying when in the sun.
Spray sunscreens are easy to apply and can be applied to the skin quickly, and these also come in a cream form or an oil form.
Ingredients
Take a look at the ingredient list of the sunscreen to make sure that it does not contain any harmful ingredients that might irritate your skin.
Look for a sunscreen that contains natural ingredients that will nourish and soothe your skin, to keep it hydrated and protected during tanning and after as well.
It is also a good idea to choose a sunscreen that is non-comedogenic, especially if your skin is prone to breakouts, as the sunscreen will not clog your pores and leave skin clear and non-greasy.
Reef Safe
Choose a sunscreen that is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. These two ingredients are used to block UV rays, but they are also known to cause coral bleaching. There are many great sunscreen options that are free from these chemicals.
Waterproof
If you are going to take a dip in the pool or the ocean when tanning, then you might want to use a waterproof sunscreen. A waterproof sunscreen protects the sunscreen from washing away when you go for a swim or get wet, so your skin stays protected.
If you are not planning on getting wet when you tan, then you can opt for a normal sunscreen that washes away when you have a shower.
The Best Sunscreens For Tanning
With everything in mind that you need to consider when picking out the best sunscreen for tanning, take a look at our below recommendations.
We have picked out a selection of sunscreens that you can use for tanning, in different forms, and which see to different skin needs, so you can find the one that suits your skin best!
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Tanning Oil | SPF 15, fast-absorbing dry oil, made with island botanicals |
| 2. | Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion | SPF 15, lightweight and non-greasy, broad-spectrum |
| 3. | Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen | SPF 15, continuous spray, broad-spectrum, nourishing ingredients |
| 4. | Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen | SPF 30, broad-spectrum, oil-free, and non-greasy |
| 5. | Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil | SPF 15 tanning oil, broad-spectrum, develops dark tan |
| 6. | Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil | SPF 15, dry oil, non-greasy, coconut oil moisturizes skin |
| 7. | Bronzo Sensuale SPF 15 Sunscreen | SPF 15, face and body, organic natural ingredients |
| 8. | Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Clear Spray | SPF 15, 12 hours of moisturization, clear sunscreen |
| 9. | Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray | SPF 30, broad-spectrum, water-resistant |
| 10. | Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 | SPF 30, water-resistant, fast-absorbing, broad-spectrum |
| 11. | Panama Jack Sunscreen Tanning Lotion | SPF 8, anti-aging, water-resistant |
1. Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Tanning Oil
The Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen Tanning Oil is a fast-absorbing spray that nourishes your skin while helping it build a beautiful tan in the sun.
Being a dry oil, the sunscreen absorbs into the skin quickly and remains water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, giving you more than enough time to tan outdoors.
The sunscreen is made with island-inspired botanicals and ingredients which are super nourishing to the skin, such as aloe, mango, papaya, passion fruit, guava, and plumeria.
The sunscreen has also been dermatologist-tested and is great for dry skin and all other skin types. Free from harmful ingredients such as octinoxate and oxybenzone, the sunscreen will not irritate the skin and it is reef-friendly too.
This is our top pick for sunscreens to tan with, as it has a broad spectrum of SPF15, it is made with caring and nourishing island botanicals, and it has a light tropical scent to make your tanning experience that much better!
2. Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion
Coppertone has a range of amazing tanning lotions, and the Tanning 15 Lotion is a great option if you want to protect your skin while building a bronzed tan.
The sunscreen has a non-greasy, lightweight feel that is perfect for lying in the sun and developing a tan.
It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen, so it offers protection from UVA/UVB rays. It has an SPF 15 rating, which is ideal to build up a tan with the right protection.
Making it suitable for all skin types, the Coppertone Tanning Lotion is free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and artificial dyes.
The sunscreen has been formulated with antioxidants and vitamin E, which help to keep your skin hydrated and nourished, preventing damage and drying.
To make it suited for tanning outdoors, the sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is more than enough time to build up a gorgeous tan.
Using this sunscreen, with its indulgent fragrance, you will be able to develop a beautiful natural tan, while hydrating your skin and giving it a gorgeous radiance.
3. Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen
Australian Gold is a leading brand when it comes to sunscreen, so it makes sense that they would have a great tanning sunscreen to use.
The continuous spray sunscreen is beautifully soft on the skin, and provides ultimate hydration that moisturizes skin from deep within.
It is infused with a blend of Kakadu plum extract, vitamin C, tea tree oils, and antioxidants, which all protect the skin while in the sun.
To help your skin really glow, the sunscreen contains a caramel bronzer that gives you a faux sun-kissed glow while you develop your natural tan. It also contains a delectable coconut, orange and vanilla scent.
Being a broad-spectrum sunblock, your skin will be shielded from both UVA and UVB rays, reducing any adverse effects of the sun, but still giving you the ability to tan.
Free from all the harmful ingredients, and being waterproof for up to 80 minutes, this is a great SPF 15 sunscreen to use to build a tan, while still giving your skin the best care possible.
4. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen
The Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen offers triple enhancement for your skin while you tan, protecting it, softening it, and giving it a gorgeous natural glow.
This sunscreen is a broad-spectrum SPF that will protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, and it has an SPF 30, which is higher than some other tanning sunscreens, but it is a good option for fair skin and skin that is sensitive to the sun and burns easily.
The ultra-conditioning formula moisturizes the skin and protects it from drying out.
It is an oil-free and non-greasy formula that does not leave your skin feeling sticky or uncomfortable. Instead, it leaves skin feeling soft and looking luminous.
Skin nourishing ingredients such as vitamin C and vitamin E take care of the skin and reduce the damage done by the sun. They also help prevent peeling, which means your tan is preserved and long-lasting.
You will also love the tropical fragrance that this sunscreen has!
5. Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil
The Sun Bum Tanning Oil is a dark tanning oil that is perfect for those who want to develop a golden brown tan, but are still looking for the protection that a sunscreen offers. On top of this, the tanning oil will help to leave skin nourished and silky smooth.
Water-resistant and reef-friendly, this is a good option for when out on the beach or sitting near the pool. It is suitable for all skin types too, thanks to its great ingredient list.
Formulated with aloe vera, marula, green tea butter, argan, coconut oil, avocado oil, and a gorgeous summer scent, your skin will love this tanning oil.
Being an SPF 15, it offers your skin enough protection against UV rays, but it still gives your skin the chance to develop a tan. The tanning oil is also hypoallergenic, free from parabens and gluten, and is gentle on skin.
The spray tanning oil is wonderfully easy to apply and does not leave a greasy feel on your skin, so you can really enjoy your time spent in the sun.
6. Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil
Lightweight and moisturizing, the Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil helps you develop a bronzed tan while leaving skin silky soft.
Enjoy quick and easy non-greasy coverage with the tanning oil, which absorbs into the skin quickly and does not leave a sticky feel behind on the skin.
The tanning oil is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, so it is reef-friendly and safe for your skin too. It has an SPF 15 and offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
This tanning oil is also suitable to be used when going for a swim, as it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can enjoy the water and not worry that your skin will be left unprotected.
Coconut oil in the formula helps to prevent skin from drying by nourishing it from deep within and providing skin with hydration throughout the tanning process. The coconut oil also prevents peeling after tanning, which ensures your tan is even, long-lasting and gorgeous!
7. Bronzo Sensuale SPF 15 Sunscreen
The Bronzo Sensuale SPF 15 Sunscreen gives you an aromatherapy experience while out in the sun, with fragrances that make you feel as though you are being pampered in a spa.
The sunscreen is made using plant-based ingredients that help you develop a bronzed tone, leaving skin glowing. Organic oils such as soybean, jojoba, carrot, and aloe vera help to nourish your skin while it tans.
The non-greasy formula is comfortable on the skin and it absorbs quickly, so you are not left with a strange feeling on your skin while you tan. It is hypoallergenic too, so all skin types can benefit from this sunscreen.
It has an SPF 15 for better protection, and it is suitable to be used on the face and the body too.
8. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Clear Spray
Hawaiian Tropic also has the Silk Hydration Clear Spray on offer, which offers weightless hydration to help you build an incredible tan. You can choose between SPF 15 and SPF 30, depending on your skin’s needs and how easily you tan.
The clear sunscreen leaves skin feeling silky and soft, and applies to the skin invisibly. Once on the skin, the sunscreen offers 12 hours of moisturization, so your skin is left protected long after you are out of the sun.
Skin-caring botanicals such as papaya, mango, guava and aloe help nourish skin and prevent it from drying or burning in the sun, which is so important to keeping your tan looking radiant.
Your skin will benefit from both UVA and UVB protection from the broad-spectrum sunscreen, and it will be left soft and silky thanks to the 12 hours of moisturization that the sunscreen has to offer!
9. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
Ideal for summer days out in the sun, the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray offers your skin good protection, but it still gives fair skin the option to develop a tan safely.
The non-comedogenic sunscreen will not clog up pores and is soft and gentle on the skin. It is a broad-spectrum formula that will protect skin from both UVA and UVB rays. The SPF 30 is a little higher than some other tanning sunscreens, but it is great for light and fairer skin.
Being free from reef-harming ingredients, you can happily use this sunscreen on the beach, enjoying all that the ocean has to offer!
As the sunscreen is hypoallergenic, it is safe to use on all skin types, and all skin types will benefit from the moisturizing ingredients that the sunscreen has.
The formula is oil-free, so it will not feel sticky or uncomfortable on the skin. It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can go for a swim and not worry about it affecting your tan!
10. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Neutrogena is known to be a skin-loving brand, and their Beach Defense Sunscreen is a great way to care for your skin while developing your tan.
Having an SPF 30, all skin types will benefit from the great protection it offers, and safely build up a tan over time.
With the sunscreen, you won’t have to worry about sunburn or peeling, and instead, your skin will be nourished and hydrated.
Helioplex sunscreen technology provides superior sun protection, and it absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving you with a lightweight, non-greasy feeling. It is also free from reef-harming ingredients.
Enjoy the sunscreen out in the sun with 80 minutes of water resistance, so you can go for a swim without worrying about the sunscreen washing off. The sunscreen spray is easy to apply, and will leave your skin radiant and hydrated during and after your tanning time.
11. Panama Jack Sunscreen Tanning Lotion
The multi-action formula from Panama Jack is a sunscreen that delicately combines antioxidants along with moisturizing oils to help nourish your skin as you tan.
Achieve a deep, luxurious tan with this suntan lotion, which is cruelty-free and which is free from reef-harming ingredients.
The protection on this sunscreen is only SPF 8, which does not offer too much protection, so you might want to combine it with another sunscreen.
It is a great option for skin that hardly burns and which is dark already, and which does not need as much protection from the sun. No matter your skin type, an added SPF 15 will help prevent burning.
The sunscreen contains great ingredients which help with anti-aging, thanks to the inclusion of antioxidants. Enjoy developing a gorgeous tan with this lotion, but make sure to add in extra sunscreen!
Sunscreen That Helps You Tan
You might think that it is counter-productive to use a sunscreen while tanning, but when spending time in the sun developing a tan, you need to use a sunscreen to ensure that your skin is protected from burning and damage.
An SPF 15 sunscreen is a great option to use to offer some protection, but still, develop a tan after time in the sun. If your skin is more sensitive or if it burns easier, then you should opt for an SPF 30.
Above are our recommendations for the best sunscreens to use for tanning, so have a look through to try and find the one that will be best for your skin, keeping it free from sunburn and damage, but still giving you that gorgeous tan that you are after!
