Best Tanning Oil

Skin will safely maintain that golden color year-round with the best tanning oil.

best tanning oil
(Image credit: Sun Bum)

Tanning oil is a great way to build the perfect tan. Not only can tanning oil get your skin to the most beautiful golden tones, but it will leave your skin feeling smooth and hydrated, too. It is also infused with SPF, ensuring that your skin is protected while you're enjoying the sunshine. When it comes to the best tanning oils, here are our top picks.

Staff pick

best tanning oil

(Image credit: Australian Gold)

Australian Gold Dark Tanning Exotic Oil Spray

Features Australian acacia extract

This Australian Gold tanning oil is excellent for getting that ultra-dark tan you've always wanted. This oil-free formula applies smoothly and keeps your skin moisturized. It features a pleasant signature aroma that leaves your skin lightly fragranced. Made with Native Australian acacia extract, this tanning oil is full of antioxidants that nourish skin. This tanning oil also provides UVA and UVB protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Happy coconut

best tanning oil

(Image credit: Ed Hardy)

Ed Hardy Coconut Kisses Golden Tanning Lotion

Contains coconut oil and cocoa butter

This intense tanning oil's formula includes major skin moisturizing ingredients such as coconut oil, cocoa butter, and coconut milk. It applies like a lotion, and the coconut blend leaves your skin smelling like the tropics. This tanning formula works toward increasing the formation of melanin to speed up the tanning process for a dark golden and bronze tan.

Self-tanning

best tanning oil

(Image credit: Jergens)

Jergens Natural Glow and Firming Self Tanner

This one is a self-tanner

This self-tanning body lotion delivers a gradual tan without the use of the sun. It is applied like a daily moisturizer and slowly transitions your skin from pale to sun-kissed. This tanning lotion is packed with ingredients that moisturize and firm your body, reducing the appearance of cellulite with use.

Sun-kissed

best tanning oil

(Image credit: Sun Bum)

Sun Bum Moisturizing Tanning Oil

This one is hypoallergenic

This SPF 15 tanning oil is perfect for anyone who is hoping to achieve a golden-brown tan. The tanning spray applies smoothly while keeping your body protected from the sun's rays. Simply spray this bottle's contents directly on your body and then blend it into your skin for a streak-free finish. This water-resistant and hypoallergenic tanning oil is packed with ingredients like aloe vera, green tea butter, marula, argan oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil.

Golden hour

best tanning oil

(Image credit: Hawaiian Tropics)

Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil

Boosted with a blend of antioxidants

This Hawaiian Tropic tanning oil features a blend of skin-nourishing antioxidants that leave your skin looking sun-kissed and radiant. With UVA and UVB protection, you can safely apply this spray to your body and enjoy the sunshine. The oil will leave your skin looking like you've thoroughly enjoyed the golden hour. This formula has a lightweight texture that deeply moisturizes your skin for all-day hydration.

The bottom line

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best tanning oils are hydrating, healthy, and easy to apply. The water-resistant Australian Gold Dark Tanning Exotic Oil Spray is excellent for a day at the beach as its blend features both UVA and UVB protection. Lightly fragranced with its signature scent, this tanning oil leaves your skin smelling great, feeling moisturized, and looking highly bronzed.

The Sun Bum Moisturizing Tanning Oil comes in a convenient spray bottle. Application is made easy as you simply spray the contents directly onto your body before blending it into your skin. Great for sensitive skin, this tanning oil is hypoallergenic.

Freelance Writer

Camille Sanghera is a UX writer and copywriter for global brands as well as an author of self-help books. Although she has lived and traveled internationally, Camille is originally from British Columbia, Canada. She merges over 10 years of writing experience with a love of words to bring authenticity and human connection to every project. When not writing, Camille can be found exploring nature with her dog, sketching to music, or laughing with loved ones.

You can chat with Camille on Instagram at @projectpvo.