Beauty & Grooming

The Best Tanning Oils

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Achieving a beautiful sun-kissed glow requires more than just time in the sun. Selecting the right tanning oil can significantly enhance your tan, provide essential moisture, and offer protection. This guide will help you navigate the options to find the perfect product for your skin.

No. 1
Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil, 8 Fl Oz | Moisturizing Body Oil with Cocoa Butter, Tan Enhancer, 8 Fl Oz...
  • MOISTURIZING BODY OIL — Made with coconut oil and cocoa butter
  • ENHANCES YOUR TAN — Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil moisturizes and keeps skin soft and luminous as you enjoy the sun
  • ICONIC HAWAIIAN TROPIC SCENT
  • FOR A LONG-LASTING TAN use with Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Lotion or Weightless Hydration After Sun Lotion to help hydrate your skin after a day in the sun
  • PETA-CERTIFIED CRUELTY-FREE — We never test on animals
No. 2
Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil Spray Pump, SPF 6 8 Oz (Packaging May Vary)
  • SPF 6 TANNING OIL SPRAY WITH COCONUT OIL AND COCOA BUTTER to hydrate and nourish your skin
  • HAWAIIAN TROPIC ISLAND TANNING SPRAY with an oil-gel consistency for complete coverage
  • ENHANCES YOUR TAN — Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil spray moisturizes and keeps skin soft and luminous as you enjoy the sun
  • WATER RESISTANT up to 80 minutes
  • ICONIC HAWAIIAN TROPIC SCENT
  • THOUGHTFULLY made — Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil spray does not contain oxybenzone
  • FOR A LONG-LASTING TAN use with Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Lotion or Weightless Hydration After Sun Lotion to help hydrate your skin after a day in the sun
No. 3
Carroten Intensive Tanning Gel | Browning Tan Accelerator | Non-Greasy, Water-Resistant with Carrot and...
  • Sun Tanning Accelerator: Powered by the Infinite Tan System, featuring naturally derived carrot and coconut oils, it accelerates the tanning process for a rich, long-lasting bronze (SPF0).
  • Instant Sun-Kissed Glow: Achieve a flawless, even tan instantly with our powerful blend of tanning oils, crafted for radiant results.
  • Water-Resistant: This dual-action protectant and tanning blend of natural oils provides instant and even tanning results while remaining resistant to water. Perfect for any vacation!
  • Nourishing & Hydrating: A powerful combination of Vitamin A and E for enhanced skin nourishment and protection. This tanning lotion moisturizes skin leaving it soft and smooth during tanning.
  • Easy Application: Silky, easy-to-apply formula spreads evenly for a streak-free finish unlike tanning lotions. Perfect for a deep golden tan. Apply SPF prior to Carroten for UV protection.
No. 4
Carroten Intensive Tanning Oil Spray | Browning Oil Tan Accelerator | Vitamin E with Carrot & Coconut Oils...
  • Sun Tanning Accelerator: Powered by the Infinite Tan System, this tanning oil spray combines naturally derived carrot and coconut oils to boost the tanning process for a rich, radiant sun-kissed color (SPF0). Glow, then go!
  • Advanced Intensive Tanning Technology: Enhanced with Carroten’s Boost Tanning Complex to help spark a flawless, long-lasting tanning effect while supporting a deeper-looking bronze.
  • Nourishing & Hydrating with Antioxidants: Infused with Vitamin E, carotenoids, and calendula to help condition and hydrate skin for a smooth, healthy-looking glow during tanning.
  • Silky Finish + Iconic Carroten Fragrance: Lightweight oil spray delivers silky hydration with the original Carroten coconut fragrance, perfect for that beach-ready summer scent and luminous skin feel.
  • Easy Application: Spray liberally over the entire body and massage into skin before sun exposure and reapply frequently, especially after swimming, toweling, or perspiring. Follow with an SPF sunscreen product for UV protection. Pairs well with Carroten...
No. 5
Australian Gold Rapid Tanning Intensifier Lotion, 8.5 Fl Oz | With Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera | Vitamin E
  • GIVE YOUR SKIN A NATURAL, BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN GLOW without applying any bronzers or skin darkening products. Australian Gold's Rapid Tanning Intensifying lotion speeds up the tanning process while you bask in the sun or use a tanning bed
  • BE SUMMER READY - Formulated with Biosine Complex, a proprietary blend of premium ingredients, it prepares your skin for dark color development. It does not contain sunscreen but increases the pigmentation so your skin gets a quicker tan
  • BLESSED WITH AUSTRALIAN NATURALS - Enriched with Tea Tree Oil and the goodness of Vitamin E, both of which are powerful antioxidants, this tanning intensifier fights off free radicals, gently nourishes and cleanses your skin leaving it smooth and fresh
  • ULTIMATE HYDRATION - The exotic combination of native oils, vital nutrients and Aloe Vera provide naturally soothing and deeply nourished skin that remains hydrated for long. Available in a delectable Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla fragrance
  • SPECIALLY FORMULATED - Australian Gold's time-tested formula is designed to be Vegan, Gluten Free, while being loaded with the goodness of Kakadu Plums and Safflower Seed Oil for an instant radiant tan
No. 6
b.tan Best Tanning Oil | Get Tanned Intensifier Dry Spray - Fast, Dark Outdoor Sun Tan From Tan Accelerating...
  • TINTED TANNING OIL. im perfect for when you want your tan dark but dont want to lay out allllll day
  • FAST RESULTS. tan accelerating actives speed up the tanning process, which means less time in the sun for deeper, darker tanning results
  • HYDRATING FORMULA. im packed full of ultra hydrating coconut, argan, and jojoba oil to keep your skin hydrated too
  • EASY TO USE. apply generously to skin when sun tanning to get yourself a hydrated, deep, bangin bronze glow.
  • VEGAN FRIENDLY. we love animals so no, we do not test on them. and we love your bod so we keep all the nasties out of our products, so you know your skin is getting well looked after and while youre looking hot af. simple.
No. 7
Maui Babe Browning Lotion - Natural Hawaiian Tan Accelerator with Vitamins & Antioxidants - Moisturizing...
  • All natural-Featuring an old family formula packed with Hawaii’s most splendid natural ingredients, the Maui Babe browning lotion does not only support getting a glowing tan faster but it even moisturizes and nourishes your skin for an all-over charming...
  • Maui Babe Browning lotion is NOT a self tanner or bronzer. You do need to be in the sun in order to acquire a tan. While Maui Babe Browning is brown in color and not a stain, if contact is made with clothing, towels, furniture, it MAY cause staining. We...
  • Apply an SPF of your choosing first. We recommend an SPF30 and above. Let sit on skin for 5-10 minutes and then apply your Maui Babe Browning lotion.
  • Bottle size is 4 ounces, shake well before each use.
No. 8
Hawaiian Tropic Protective Tanning Oil Spray Sunscreen SPF 25, 8 Fl Oz
  • SPF 25 PROTECTIVE TANNING OIL SPRAY WITH COCONUT OIL AND COCOA BUTTER to hydrate and nourish your skin
  • HAWAIIAN TROPIC ISLAND TANNING SPRAY with an oil-gel consistency for complete coverage
  • ENHANCES YOUR TAN — Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen oil spray moisturizes keeps skin soft and luminous as you enjoy the sun
  • WATER RESISTANT up to 80 minutes
  • ICONIC HAWAIIAN TROPIC SCENT
  • BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREEN PROTECTION from UVA and UVB rays
  • THOUGHTFULLY made — Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil Pump Spray does not contain oxybenzone
  • FOR A LONG-LASTING TAN use with Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Lotion or Weightless Hydration After Sun Lotion to help hydrate your skin after a day in the sun
SaleNo. 9
Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil - Vegan and Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free...
  • SPF 15 DARK TANNING OIL . For those of us who love to get golden brown but still want our skin to be nourished, silky smooth, and protected. Our broad spectrum SPF 15 UVA/UVB Protecting Dark Tanning Oil is perfect to get bronzed with protection
  • MOISTURIZING SUN PROTECTION. Our water resistant sun protection is great for all skin types. Delight your skin with Aloe Vera, Green Tea Butter, Marula, Argan, Coconut and Avocado Oil with our original summer scent
  • HOW TO USE. Spray, rub in, and then bask in those sunny rays to achieve your ultimate golden glow Apply liberally to body and avoid the eye area. Sonny's Tip: Use with a regular sunscreen to ensure full sun protection
  • PROTECT YOUR SKIN. The key to achieving a sun-kissed glow is to protect and moisturize your skin. Our Original Sunscreen line is Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty and Paraben Free to ensure a fun day in the sun
  • TRUST THE BUM. What does that mean? It means trust us, the ones who live on the beach and need products that work on the most intense days in the sun. The simple truth is, when you make products to protect the ones you love, you make ‘em better
  • FSA/HSA eligible and meets FDA requirements for sun protection, giving you peace of mind while you protect your skin
No. 10
Carroten Gold Shimmer Tanning Gel | Browning Tan Accelerator | Non-Greasy, Water-Resistant with Carrot...
  • Sun Tanning Accelerator: Powered by the Infinite Tan System, featuring naturally derived carrot and coconut oils, it accelerates the tanning process for a rich, long-lasting bronze (SPF0).
  • Shimmering Pearls: Achieve an instant, even tan with a natural golden tone, enhanced by light-reflecting shimmering pearls. This radiant formula highlights your skin with a subtle sparkle, giving you that luminous, sun-kissed look with a radiant body...
  • Water-Resistant: This dual-action protectant and tanning blend of natural oils provides instant and even tanning results while remaining resistant to water. Perfect for any vacation!
  • Nourishing & Hydrating: A powerful combination of Vitamin A and E for enhanced skin nourishment and protection. This tanning lotion moisturizes skin leaving it soft and smooth during tanning.
  • Easy Application: Silky, easy-to-apply formula spreads evenly for a streak-free finish unlike tanning lotions. Perfect for a deep golden shimmering tan. Apply SPF prior to Carroten for UV protection.

Last update on 2026-06-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Tanning Oils

Skin Type Considerations

Different skin types benefit from different formulations. Oily or acne-prone skin might prefer lighter, non-comedogenic oils. Dry skin will benefit from richer, more moisturizing oils. Those with sensitive skin should seek out hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options to minimize irritation. Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before full application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a tanning oil and a sunscreen?
Tanning oils are primarily designed to enhance and deepen a tan, often by attracting UV rays. Sunscreens are formulated to block or filter UV rays, preventing sunburn and reducing sun damage. Tanning oils may contain a low SPF, but they are not a substitute for high-protection sunscreen.
Can tanning oils be used indoors under a tanning bed?
Yes, tanning oils can be used in tanning beds to help accelerate the tanning process. However, it's important to use products specifically designed for tanning beds, as they may have different formulations than those intended for outdoor use.
How often should I reapply tanning oil?
Reapplication is crucial for both tanning effectiveness and any protective benefits. It's recommended to reapply tanning oil every 1-2 hours, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Are tanning oils safe for all skin types?
While many are suitable for most skin types, individuals with very sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin should choose formulations carefully. Look for non-comedogenic and fragrance-free options to minimize the risk of irritation or breakouts.
Do tanning oils protect against sunburn?
Most tanning oils offer minimal sun protection, typically a low SPF. They are not designed to prevent sunburn effectively, especially during prolonged sun exposure. It is advisable to use a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen in conjunction with or instead of tanning oil for adequate protection.