These sunscreens allow you to get a beach-tan look without causing any damage to the skin. In general, sunscreens are used to get a shield of protection from the Sun and also combat tan. But these sunscreens allow you to tan to get your desired look. Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, decreases skin malignancies, and helps your body protect itself from other dangers. It is also one of the greatest strategies to avoid premature aging and exacerbations of photodermatoses.” In this article, we have listed the 10 best sunscreens for tanning, and they help you in getting a picture-perfect bronzy tanned look. Have a look!

Top 10 Best Sunscreens For Tanning That You Can Buy In 2022

1. Best Hypoallergenic: Sun Bum Browning Lotion

This dark browning lotion accelerates the process of tanning, so you spend minimal time in the sun for a gorgeous sun-kissed look. Unlike other chemical sunscreens, this one is infused with natural ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, and soothing aloe vera for brighter, healthier skin. Water-resistant and reef-friendly, it is suitable for all skin types. It is also hypoallergenic and free of parabens to deeply moisturize the skin and protect it from skin damage. Pros

Vegan Cruelty-free Reef-friendly Paraben-free Water-resistant Hypoallergenic Suitable for all skin types

Cons

Some might find that the texture of this product is a bit clumpy.

2. Best For All Skin Types: Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Oil

This lightweight sunscreen tanning oil provides SPF (sun protection factor) 15 and broad-spectrum sun protection against UVA/UVB exposure while deeply nourishing the skin. With a classic coconut fragrance, this blend is infused with cocoa butter and aloe vera, which moisturize the skin for a glowing, radiant look. Best applied 15 minutes before sun exposure, this dry oil is enriched with exotic island botanicals like papaya and mango extracts to prevent sunburns while pampering skin with luxurious hydration and a soothing scent. Pros

Suitable for all skin types Refreshing coconut fragrance Lightweight and fast-absorbing formula Provides SPF 15 and broad-spectrum sun protection

Cons

May not contain reef-friendly ingredients

3. Best Streak-Free: Australian Gold Instant Sunless Spray

This tanning sunscreen spray is infused with antioxidant-rich kakadu plum, promoting collagen production and protecting the skin against free radicals. This spray provides an instant bronze glow within 24 hours of application without unnecessary sun exposure. This quick-drying, oil-free blend also contains caffeine, which energizes the skin and improves skin tone and texture. Shea butter, maka extract, and vitamin B moisturize and repair skin for long-lasting and luxurious color. Click on the video to watch a detailed demo of the Australian Gold Instant Sunless Spray. Pros

Vegan Oil-free Cruelty-free Water-resistant Suitable for all skin types Quick-drying and streak-free formula

Cons

Some might find the texture of this tanning spray to be watered-down.

4. Best Non-Comedogenic: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen

This is one of our favorite sunscreens for sensitive skin that offers SPF 60 while protecting the skin against harmful UVA/UVB rays. Made with naturally sourced active ingredients, this sunscreen moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-recommended, this blend is free of fragrances, making it ideal for those sensitive to scents. This product is water-resistant, and it is suitable for activities that include the sun, including gardening, swimming, hiking, boating, and more. Watch this video to see the unfiltered review of the Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen. Pros

PABA-free Non-comedogenic Oil-free and fragrance-free Fast-absorbing and non-greasy Water resistant up to 80 minutes Gentle formula ideal for sensitive skin Made with 100% naturally sourced ingredients

Cons

Might not be suitable for those with eczema.

5. Best Water-Resistant: Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray

This tanning sunscreen spray leaves the skin with a radiant glow while providing sun protection. Enriched with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, this lightweight blend offers maximum coverage without leaving behind a sticky residue. The tanning oil is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it an ideal companion to a beach trip. Nourishing and hydrating, this product is suitable for all skin types and should be reapplied every 2 hours for adequate sun protection. Pros

Lightweight and non-greasy formula Water resistant up to 80 minutes Provides SPF 15 broad-spectrum sun protection Suitable for all skin types

Cons

Some might find this product a bit drying.

6.  Best Tinted Formula: Surface Body Lotion With SPF 30

The Surface Body Lotion With SPF 30 is a water-resistant and tinted body lotion with SPF 30 that can provide sun protection for up to 80 minutes without reapplication. This body lotion has been formulated with non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen and titanium dioxide that can protect your skin from sun damage even in the harshest environments. The sunscreen is made of 100% naturally sourced ingredients and is free of oils and fragrances, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Pros

Hypoallergenic Suitable for all skin tones Paraben-free Gluten-free Water-resistant Reef-safe Travel-friendly packaging

Cons

Less in quantity

7. Best Reef-Friendly: Panama Jack Sunscreen Lotion

This one is considered the best suntan lotion for tanning and has a reef-friendly formula designed for ocean lovers. Infused with antioxidants and moisturizing oils, this versatile sunscreen tanning lotion with SPF 4 nourishes and hydrates the skin for a radiant, dewy glow. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, this product is ideal for heavy-duty activities or indulging in water-based sports. Suitable for all skin types, bring home this tanning lotion with sunscreen for a sun-kissed tan. Pros

PABA-free Gluten-free Cruelty-free Reef-friendly Water-resistant up to 80 minutes Free of parabens, octinoxate, and oxybenzone

Cons

This product may not provide adequate sun protection and has to be paired with a sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.

8. Best Organic: Nature Nation Self-Tanner

If you’re looking for a good sunscreen for tanning, your search ends here! This self-tanning lotion comes with a tanning mitt and a silicone brush, making it very convenient to apply. Its formula helps your skin achieve a bronzed, sun-kissed look without spending hours in the scorching sun. Made with natural and organic ingredients, this self-tanner is suitable for all skin types and provides a natural-looking, deep tan without streaks or a messy residue. This tanner starts showing results after 6 hours of application, and the effects last up to 14 days. Pros

Cruelty-free Streak-free and non-greasy formula Made with natural and organic ingredients Comes with a tanning mitt and silicone brush

Cons

May contain sulfates

9. Best Spray Formula: Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Sunscreen

The Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Sunscreen is a spray sunscreen oil infused with the benefits of aloe vera, vitamins A and E, and SPF 8 that nourishes and protects your skin from the sun. This sunscreen oil is water-resistant and has a lightweight and hydrating formula that gives comfortable wear. The sunscreen is infused with natural ingredients such as coconut, carrot, and banana extracts, making it ideal for everyday use. Pros

Reef-friendly Paraben-free Phthalate-free Contains mineral zinc Gentle formula Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

Can feel greasy

10. Best Non-Greasy: Bronzo Sensuale Suntan Oil

 This tanning oil helps your skin achieve a healthy-looking bronze suntan without having the risk of sun damage. This blend is infused with organic and natural ingredients like carrot, hemp seed oil, aloe vera, and allantoin, which nourish the skin for a soft, radiant glow. The shea butter in the formula deeply moisturizes and hydrates the skin, while vitamin E maintains your skin’s health. Non-greasy and hypoallergenic, this sunscreen tanning oil is suitable for all skin types. Pros

Non-greasy formula Vegan and cruelty-free Reef-friendly ingredients Contains organic and natural ingredients Free of parabens, PABA, and mineral oils

Cons

This product may not provide adequate sun protection and has to be paired with a sunscreen.

“Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, decreases skin malignancies, and helps your body protect itself from other dangers. It is also one of the greatest strategies to avoid premature aging and exacerbations of photodermatoses,” says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board, certifies dermatologist. Now that we have looked at our pick of the 10 best sunscreens for tanning in 2022, let us look at some things to consider when picking a product best suited for your requirements.

How To Choose A Sunscreen For Tanning 

Sun protection

Nothing is as essential as adequate sun protection when planning to spend any time in the sun. Excessive sun exposure not only causes the skin to age faster, but it can also increase your chances of getting skin cancer. One of the first things to consider is if the sunscreen you have picked provides adequate sun protection. A quick look at the SPF can tell you if you can use the tanning lotion alone or if it needs to be paired with sunscreen. As a general rule, an SPF of 15 or higher is desirable to provide broad-spectrum sun protection against UVA/UVB rays. If your tanning lotion has less than this, consider applying sunscreen as added insurance.

Skin Type

Picking a product best suited for your skin type helps address any specific skin concerns you might have. Those with dry skin would benefit from choosing a sunscreen tanning lotion with added hydrating ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, and vitamin E. Those with oily and acne-prone skin should pick a product containing non-comedogenic ingredients and an oil-free and lightweight formula. Sunscreens without added fragrances and synthetic dyes would be best suited for those with sensitive skin.

Texture

The desired texture of the tanning lotion depends mainly on personal preference. A non-greasy and fast-absorbing gel-based lotion is ideal for those looking for a matte look. An oil-based product might be better suited for those looking for a little extra moisturization.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Kirtana Divakar, the author, is a skin care enthusiast with a passion for exploring various skin care products and reviewing them to find the best. She researched multiple sunscreens for tanning and read through numerous online reviews to compile a shortlist of the best options on the market. The products she recommends on this list are formulated to give you a bronzy, beach-tan look without causing any damage to the skin. Do sunscreens prevent tanning? Sunscreens prevent tanning to some degree; however, some amount of tanning is inevitable when spending extended periods of time in the sun. Sunscreens protect against harmful UV rays and help reduce the chances of premature aging and skin cancer. Does SPF 50 prevent tanning? Since sunscreen does not block all UV rays, some tanning is bound to happen despite wearing an SPF 50 sunscreen. But sunscreens with SPF 50 prevent more tanning than ones with a lesser SPF. Does sunscreen make your skin darker? Sunscreen alone should not darken skin unless it causes an allergic reaction that triggers hyperpigmentation. Besides this, sunscreens with added tanning benefits may darken the skin as they are intended to protect the skin against sun damage. Do you tan quicker without sunscreen? Yes, you will tan quicker without sunscreen. Sunscreens are designed to protect your skin from the sun rays and hence it prevents tanning. Can you tan with sunscreen SPF 70? Yes, you can still tan while wearing SPF 70. Sunscreen shields our skin from the sun rays but does not provide 100% protection. Is SPF 30 good for tanning? Yes. Around 30% of UVB rays can still enter our skin with SPF 30 and can cause tanning or darkening of the skin. How long does it take to tan with sunscreen? It takes around 1-2 hours in the sun to tan with sunscreen on. Does coconut oil help you tan? No. Coconut oil is not the best option to use if you want to tan. Coconut oil does not protect your skin from sun rays and can lead to sunburns and other skin issues. Why do some people tan more than others? Some people tan more than others because of the difference in melanin production, which causes tanning. People with darker skin produce more melanin and tan better than those with lighter skin tone.

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