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ELLE Editors Swear by These Tanning Oils for Glowy Summer Skin
Bronze, radiant skin—without sacrificing protection.
If you’re anything like me, summer weather means finally swapping out self-tanner for a natural glow straight from the sun—not without a hefty application of SPF, of course. The secret to achieving that perfect bronze tone without risking sun damage? Tanning oil. Although there are many sun-specific products out there—from SPF body oils to spray formulas—this classic beach-bag staple has withstood the test of time for a reason.
While the tanning oils of yesteryear had minimal SPF protection at best, modern formulas offer much more protection—all while giving your skin a luxurious sheen. If you're looking for a tanning oil to bring to your next pool session, it’s best to choose one with an SPF of 30 or higher. “This helps to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, which are responsible for premature aging, sunburn, and increased skin cancer risk,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. If your favorite oil offers less protection, you can layer it over a high-SPF sunscreen for added coverage. In fact, layering your sunscreen may help ensure you're using enough product to meet protection standards. “Always reapply every two hours—or sooner if you're swimming or sweating—and never rely on tanning oil as your only form of sun protection,” Dr. Garshick urges.
Shop our top picks for tanning oils in 2025:
Not only can today's tanning oils provide broad-spectrum protection, but many are also packed with skin-loving ingredients that help hydrate and nourish, all while attracting UV rays to amplify your tan. To help you find your perfect match, we've tested dozens of top options, consulted dermatologists, and combed through customer reviews. Ahead, shop the 10 best tanning oils of 2025.
Pros
- Quickly absorbs into the skin
Cons
- Pour spot can make a mess
You can always count on Vacation to make applying sunscreen fun. The Baby Oil has a nostalgic, powdery scent reminiscent of baby oil, which is not as greasy or slippery as traditional formulas, and melts into the skin without a trace.
Sun protection: SPF 30
Size: 3.4 oz
Vacation rating: 4.9/5 stars
Our expert says: “Made from naturally derived oils, including jojoba oil, this is reminiscent of traditional baby oil, but also offers SPF 30 sun protection.”—Dr. Garshick
Pros
- Watermelon seed extract locks in moisture
Cons
- Low SPF
The Bali Body Watermelon Tanning Oil smells just as good as it looks on the skin. The fruit-scented product is packed with SPF 15 and enriched with watermelon seed extract, which is known to naturally enhance melanin production, lock in moisture, and even skin complexion.
Sun protection: SPF 15
Size: 3.4 oz
Bali Body rating: 4.7/5
Our expert says: “While I generally recommend SPF 30 or higher, this formula hydrates the skin and gives a radiant glow. If someone chooses this, I advise still using other forms of sunscreen and sun protection.”—Dr. Garshick
Pros
- Spray cap makes for a mess-free application
Cons
- Low SPF protection
Generations of sunbathers have used this tanning oil for a reason—the formula is spiked with SPF 25. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins A, E, and C, to condition skin the moment you smooth it on. And the scent—coconut—is an absolute classic.
Sun protection: SPF 25
Size: 8 oz
CVS rating: 4.6/5
Our expert says: “It smells amazing and gives a nice glow, but importantly, this formula includes SPF 25 and hydrating botanicals. It’s an upgrade from traditional tanning oils with no sun protection.”—Dr. Garshick
Pros
- Imparts an instant tint
Cons
- Packaging leaks easily
This deep-bronze oil is a trifecta of perfection. Carmel gives you an instant tan (literally the moment you apply it!), while SPF and antioxidants from Kakadu plum and tea tree oil protect your skin from the sun and free radicals. It also helps your tan last longer by keeping your skin hydrated.
Sun protection: SPF 30
Size: 8 oz
Amazon star rating: 4.6/5
Our expert says: “This product gives you the bronzed look immediately, thanks to the tint, while still offering SPF 30 protection. It’s non-greasy and water-resistant, making it a great beach day option.”—Dr. Garshick
Pros
- Moisturizes the skin
Cons
- Low SPF
Sprays are the easiest way to ensure your entire body is evenly coated. This reef-safe formula contains aloe vera, green tea butter, and four types of oils (argan, marula, coconut, and avocado) to super-moisturize and nourish the skin.
Sun protection: SPF 15
Size: 8.5 oz
Ulta rating: 3.6/5
Our expert says: “This is a popular choice that offers some sun protection while also hydrating the skin with ingredients like coconut oil, aloe, and green tea extract. It's a good option for someone easing into safer sun habits—but I always encourage layering with higher SPF”—Dr. Garshick
Pros
- Continuous spray applicator gets in hard to reach places
Cons
- Cap can be faulty sometimes
Coopertone Tanning Dry Oil Sunscreen is quick-drying, so you don’t have to worry about it transferring onto your clothes or swimsuit.
Sun protection: SPF 15
Size: 5.5 oz
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I used this product at the beach and it might have worked a little too well. It’s easy to apply and you tan super quick. I would recommend it!”
Pros
- High SPF
Cons
- Some say it doesn’t offer adequate protection if not layered with another sunscreen
If you want to ensure your tanning oil still carries a maximum amount of sun protection, Supergoop!’s Glow Oil has SPF 50. It leaves skin glowy, never greasy, thanks to a hyper-nourishing blend of grapeseed, jojoba, and meadowfoam seed oil. It’s also waterproof for up to 80 minutes, so it’s the perfect option to throw in your beach bag.
Sun protection: SPF 50
Size: 5 oz
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
Our expert says: “Containing a blend of meadowfoam seed oil and grapeseed oil, in addition to offering SPF 50 coverage, this oil nourishes the skin while also protecting it against UV damage. It is lightweight and rubs in easily, while still giving the skin a glow.”—Dr. Garshick
Kopari Beauty Kopari Beauty Rose Gold Sun Shield Body Glow Gel
Pros
- Shimmer finish
Cons
- Some say the oil doesn’t sink in easily
This tanning oil imparts a shimmery glow as it helps shield skin from the sun. It comes in a gold shade, a rose gold shade, and an amber shade to suit every skin tone. Avocado, coconut, hibiscus, and macadamia oils moisturize while sustainably sourced mica leaves a pearlescent finish.
Sun protection: SPF 45
Size: 5 oz
Ulta rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer said: “This gives the perfect glow—no cheap sparkles. Great texture and not sticky! I can tell this will be a summer staple.”
Dolce Glow Goccia di Sole Hydrating Self-Tanning Serum Drops
Pros
- Easy to mix into body lotions and oils for a natural-looking tan
Cons
- No SPF
If you want the benefits of a tan without any of the potential UV damage, mix some of these drops into your favorite SPF-laced oil. The lightweight, hydrating formula is easy to mix into any body oils, moisturizers, or serums, and the blend of natural keto sugars help give you the most even, golden glow.
Sun Protection: None
Size: 1 oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars
Our expert says: “I wore this in Jamaica and mixed it with my favorite sunscreen. It enhanced my dark skin with this natural glow that you wouldn’t know came from tanning drops!” —Danielle James, beauty expert
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Shimmering Body Oil
Pros
- Dry oil soaks in instantly and leaves skin glowy
Cons
- Scent may be a bit strong for some
Sol de Janeiro’s SPF body oil is a dry oil, so it soaks into skin immediately after rubbing it in. It also smells like Sol de Janeiro’s cult-favorite Cheirosa 87 scent, which has notes of solar tuberose and leite de coco. Golden mica gives skin a soft shimmer. “This nourishes and protects the skin while also offering SPF 50 coverage,” says Dr. Garshick. ”It also incorporates a golden mica to leave the skin with a shimmery, glowy finish.”
Sun protection: SPF 50
Size: 3 oz
Sephora rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I’m extremely fair, so any tanning oil I use needs to have tons of sun protection. I love how this body oil has SPF 50. This one also smells so good, like a salted caramel sundae, and has just a whisper of shimmer, so it leaves you with a glow.” —Katie Berohn, beauty editor
Meet the Experts
Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. He is an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey. She's also a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University.
How do you use a tanning oil?
A tanning oil accelerates the tanning process by attracting the sun’s UV rays to give the skin a deeper tone. When applied to the skin, the oil activates the melanocytes in the skin, which are responsible for producing melanin. It’s best to evenly distribute the tanning oil to the desired area for maximum results, whether using a tanning mitt or your own hands. However, if you opt for your hands, ensure the tanning oil has a stain-free or transfer-proof formula.
For adequate sun protection, you should always layer a tanning oil with a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. If not, you may experience sun damage (think: dark spots, hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity). If this is the case for you, Dr. Garshick recommends the Mother Science Molecular Hero Serum.
Why trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE editors interviewed a dermatologists and tested different formulas to find the best tanning oils.
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