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10 Best Tanning Oils With SPF, According to Dermatologists

Sun protection and glowy skin? Now that's hot.

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Cristina Coppin

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If the words "tanning oil" make you think of nasty orange goo and burnt-to-a-crisp skin, I don't blame you—the '90s and early 2000s were a scary time for sun protection (or lack of it). We were all slathering on greasy oil, hoping to look like a bronzed goddess and (spoiler alert!) ending up with a wicked sunburn instead. Fast forward two decades and bronzy, shimmery body oils are making a maaaajor comeback. There's a twist, though—this time, it's in the form of sunscreen oil.

What is sunscreen oil, you ask? Unlike the tanning oils of yesteryear, these tanning oils with SPF boast cast-free sheens and hydrating formulas with a healthy dose of UV protection (dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher).

"Because there is no such thing as a healthy tan—a tan represents the skin’s defensive response to damaging UV rays—tanning oils are not recommended," says Brendan Camp, M.D. "[Instead], sunscreen oil is a form of sunscreen that is oil-based, so that it moisturizes and softens skin, leaves a sheer finish, and protects skin from ultraviolet radiation."

Our top picks for the best sunscreen oils in 2024


Our picks run the gamut from subtle dry-touch finishes to eye-catching shimmers with a bronze tint, and many even come with skin-loving ingredients like squalane, aloe, and vitamin E—you're welcome! Keep reading to get the lowdown on the best tanning oils with SPF in 2024.

1
best overall sunscreen oil

Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Dry Oil Sunscreen Mist

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Pros
  • spray-on formula
  • affordable
Cons
  • some reviewers don't like the scent

A sun-kissed glow for less than $20? Yes, please! Hawaiian Tropic is an editor-loved brand for affordable sun care, and this SPF-30 body oil is no exception. The spray-on formula makes it so easy to re-apply, and we love that it's enriched with coconut and argan oil for a hydration boost. Most importantly, the faint coconut scent is amaaazing.

  • SPF: 30
  • Active ingredients: Avobenzone homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
  • Size: 5 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "This sunscreen is just perfect! It sprays lightly, rubs in quickly, doesn't feel sticky, and protected me well. I will continue to use this as my go-to beach sunscreen."

2
best glowy sunscreen oil

Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen

Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen
Pros
  • luxurious packaging
  • nostalgic scent
Cons
  • more of a splurge purchase

I always feel SO bougie when I use Vacation's latest drop: this shimmering body oil with SPF 30 protection. Not only is the gold packaging super luxe compared to other sunscreens in my beach bag, but it's made with a host of nourishing ingredients: argan, marula, and jojoba oils for a silky texture, peptides and hyaluronic acid for hydration, and vitamin E and bisabolol (AKA chamomile oil) to soothe. Need I say more?!

  • SPF: 30
  • Active ingredients: Avobenzone homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
  • Size: 2.7 fl oz

    Glowing customer review: "This is summer in a bottle," said an Ulta shopper. "Gives you that golden Miami glow and smells like tropical sunscreen."

    3
    best SPF 50 sunscreen oil

    Supergoop! Glow Oil

    Glow Oil
    Pros
    • high SPF count
    • water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
    Cons
    • some reviewers wished it had a spray-on formula

    When it comes to sun protection, more is always more—which is why we're slathering on this glowy sunscreen oil from Supergoop!. According to the manufacturer, it's water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes (perf for sweltering beach weather!) and features ingredients like grapeseed, coconut, and argan oils for a brilliant glow.

    • SPF: 50
    • Active ingredients: Avobenzone homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
    • Size: 5 fl oz

    Glowing customer review: "This glow oil is amazing! It glides onto the skin and leaves a glow that looks so natural and not glittery which I love. I love that it doesn’t feel sticky or tacky either! Obsessed!"

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    4
    best shimmer sunscreen oil

    Everyday Humans Sheer Body Glow Oil

    Sheer Body Glow Oil
    Pros
    • refreshing citrus scent
    • subtle shimmer
    Cons
    • some reviewers found the formula too greasy

    If the words "glazed donut" could be used to describe your summer skincare goals, look no further than this shimmering oil from Everyday Humans. It has a lightweight, jojoba- and squalane-infused formula that'll hydrate your skin. When you want a sun-kissed glow—sans the sunburn, ofc—we're obsessed with the formula that glimmers when the light hits it just right. And if you're a coconut/banana fragrance hater, no sweat—this oil is perfumed with light, citrusy bergamot instead.

    • SPF: 30
    • Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene
    • Size: 5.07 fl oz

    Glowing customer review: "I love this product. It added such a pretty glow to my skin while also preventing sunburn. It’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly, so you aren’t left with oily feeling skin."

    5
    best non-greasy sunscreen oil

    Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow

    Sun Shield Body Glow
    Pros
    • comes in three different colors
    • unique gel texture
    Cons
    • the most expensive option on this list

    Hate the feeling of traditional body oils? Same—which is why I gave this lightweight option a try. Kopari's Sun Shield has a gel-like texture that absorbs quickly, leaving skin supple and shimmery without feeling slick. I recently wore it on a boat trip, and it held up through six (!!!) hours of snorkeling and sunbathing with a few reapplications. Infused with moisturizing ingredients like hibiscus and vitamin E, it comes in three pearlescent shades to suit every skin tone: gold, rose gold, and golden amber.

    • SPF: 50
    • Active ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, avobenzone,
    • Size: 5 fl oz

    Glowing customer review: "The sunscreen goes on so silky and smooth, with just the right touch of shimmer. It actually feels like you’re nourishing your skin with very expensive oil. It’s not greasy and I didn’t burn!"

    6
    best hydrating sunscreen oil

    Cay Skin Isle Body Oil SPF 30

    Isle Body Oil SPF 30
    Pros
    • lots of skincare ingredients
    • absorbs quickly
    Cons
    • complex formula may not be ideal for sensitive skin

    If you're a skincare fanatic whose medicine cabinet is stocked with a million different lotions and potions (*slowly raises hand*), then this is the SPF tanning oil for you. Brought to you by supermodel Winnie Harlow, Cay Skin's Isle Body Oil is packed with ingredients to hydrate and protect your skin's moisture barrier: we're talking sea moss, squalane, shea butter, and four different oils (coconut, meadowfoam seed, argan, and grapeseed) for skin that's practically gleaming.

    • SPF: 30
    • Active ingredients: Avobenzone homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
    • Size: 3.7 fl oz

    Glowing customer review: "This is a BEAUTIFUL oil and a little goes a long way. I love how it settles into the skin to make it glisten all day without being greasy. Lovely scent, excellent coverage."

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    7
    best reef-safe sunscreen oil

    Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil

    On Sale
    Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil
    Pros
    • Hawaii 104 reef act compliant
    • affordable
    • Non-greasy application
    Cons
    • Some shoppers dislike coconut-banana scent

    Sun Bum's oh-so-adorable packaging and budget-friendly prices make it one of our editors' go-to brands for all things suncare. The spray-on formula is effortless to apply and dries quickly, giving your skin a subtle sheen without that dreaded greasy feeling. It's also infused with hydrating ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, jojoba seed oils, and cocoa butter. And most importantly, this sunscreen oil is Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant, meaning it's free of oxybenzone and octinoxate—two chemicals associated with reef damage.

    • SPF: 30
    • Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
    • Size: 5 fl oz

    Glowing customer review: "I have always wanted to try an oil sunscreen product but never felt like SPF 15 was enough. This works great and my skin has never felt so silky soft after a day at the beach."

    8
    best bronzing sunscreen oil

    Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen

    On Sale
    Spray Gel Sunscreen
    Pros
    • instant bronzing effects
    • water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
    • SPF 50 formula
    Cons
    • has a thicker texture

    While this formula is *technically* advertised as a gel and not an oil, this spray-on sunscreen is enriched with olive and sunflower seed oils for plenty of moisture and zero grease. It has an instant bronzing effect, giving your skin a natural-looking wash of temporary color in seconds. In other words, you basically get that coveted bronzy glow without the sun damage. Plus, it's sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

    • SPF: 50
    • Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
    • Size: 8 fl oz

    Glowing customer review: "I always make sure I have a bottle of this stuff every pool season! It protects my skin very well when the season first starts, and the bronzer gives me color quick!"

    9
    best scented sunscreen oil

    Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50

    On Sale
    Rio Radiance SPF 50
    Pros
    • gorgeous solar floral fragrance
    • subtle shimmer finish
    • SPF 50
    Cons
    • some reviewers say the nozzle gets clogged

    Rio Radiance has been my go-to beach perfume for over a year now, and I love that I can double up on my favorite scent in sunscreen form. With notes of solar tuberose, coconut milk, and warm sand, this SPF body oil has a slight shimmer and a nourishing formula thanks to pataua oil, derived from a tree indigenous to the Amazon rainforest.

    • SPF: 50
    • Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
    • Size: 3 fl oz

    Glowing customer review: "This body oil smells amazing and is so luxurious! It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling soft and not sticky. There's a very subtle shimmer that catches light in a pretty way, but not so much that it makes you look like a glitter bomb went off. This is great on my dry skin and doesn't cause irritation."

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    10
    best face sunscreen oil

    Undefined Beauty R&R Sun Elixir Glow Oil

    Beauty R&R Sun Elixir Glow Oil
    Pros
    • works on hair and scalp as well as face
    • promotes a glowing complexion
    Cons
    • some reviewers say the fragrance is too strong

    Don't forget that your face deserves lots of SPF love to prevent sunburn and sun spots! If your skin is desperately seeking some moisture, this SPF-30 sunscreen oil is brimming with glow-inducing ingredients like vitamin C and rosehip oil. Reviewers also say it absorbs nicely for a lit-from-within complexion. And as someone who's always forgetting to protect my scalp from the sun, I love how this formula can also be used on my scalp and hair—bye, painful part burns!!!

    • SPF: 30
    • Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octyl salicilate, octocrylene
    • Size: 1 fl oz

    Glowing customer review: "Traditional cream sunscreen makes my skin flaky. This oil absorbs well and my skin feels really great after. It works great even under makeup. It seems to do a great job of protecting my skin as I burn quite easily and have had no issues while wearing this."

    What should I look for in a tanning oil with SPF?

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    When shopping for sunscreen oil, Camp recommends products with an SPF of 30 or higher. And for the record: when applied properly, products with an SPF of 30 block 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays—so opt for SPF 50 whenever you can!

    You should also look for a formula that blocks UVA rays, which are associated with long-term sun damage like wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer. (Hint: look for a label that says "broad-spectrum protection" or indicates on the bottle that it protects against UVA rays, too).

    Camp also recommends considering products with ingredients that will complement the sunscreen oil's active ingredients—in other words, ones that provide a skincare benefit. "These may include hydrating oils and squalane, humectants like aloe or hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants like vitamin E," Camp says.

    Most sunscreen oils are made with emollients like coconut, jojoba, and argan oils, making them a great option for dry skin. However, Camp says those with oilier skin may prefer lotions or sprays for a lighter texture.

    Does tanning oil with SPF work?

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    Traditional tanning oils can invite all kinds of sun damage by increasing the effects of UV rays on skin. As an alternative to tanning oils, we recommend reaching for a sunscreen oil to help protect your skin from harmful rays while still adding that shimmery glow you're going for.

    "When used as directed, sunscreen oils are safe for use to hydrate skin and protect it from UV radiation," Camp says. "However, those with fair skin or who burn more easily may benefit more from sunscreen lotions or sticks, because oil-based products may encourage tanning."

    While our list of sunscreen oils offer better protection than low-SPF products, no sunscreen can block 100% of UVB rays (according to the American Academy of Dermatology). SPF 30+ sunscreen oils might not help you tan as fast as traditional tanning oils, but they do provide a safer way to sunbathe.

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    How do I use sunscreen oil?

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    Applying oil-based sunscreens is similar to using traditional sunscreens. For best results, apply all over your skin at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating, per the American Academy of Dermatology.

    Why trust Cosmo?

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    Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified physician in in dermatology and dermatopathology. He sees patients at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery in New York City. Camp provided insight about proper sun protection and the efficacy of sunscreen oils compared to traditional tanning oils.

    Lauren Gruber is an Associate Commerce Editor with several years of experience writing and reporting on the latest beauty trends. For this story, she chose the best tanning oils with SPF based on personal testing, customer reviews, and research from the American Academy of Dermatology.

    Lettermark
    Lauren Gruber
    Associate Editor

    Lauren is a Brooklyn-based journalist and Associate Editor at Hearst. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight, Shop TODAY, USA Today, Self Magazine, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media

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