10 Best Tanning Oils UK 2024 | Hawaiian Tropic, Bali Body and More
If you've been searching for a tanning oil to accelerate your tan on those hot days on the sunbed or to bronze your skin tone, you're in the right place! Whether you're interested in a tanning oil spray with a high SPF, a tanning lotion for your face, or oils that include hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil, we've compiled this useful guide with information on what a tanning oil does and how it works.
Browse through our ranking of the top 10 trending tanning oils, lotions and drops from the best brands in the UK including Bali Body, Malibu, Hawaiian Tropic, and Bondi Sands. We've even provided handy links on where to buy them from Boots, Amazon and ASOS, so you can get them delivered right to your door in time for summer.
Quick List - Top Tanning Oils
Bali Body
A Trending Natural Tan Enhancer, Enriched With Grape Seed and Coconut Oils
Hawaiian Tropic
Smell Like Summer With This SPF 8 Spray on Oil That Builds a Tan Within Minutes
Bondi Sands
100% Waterproof Natural Tan Builder With an Impressively High SPF
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How to Choose a Tanning Oil in the UK
Key Points to Consider
- Remember To Choose A Tanning Oil With A High SPF Rating In Order To Protect Your Skin
- Look For Ingredients Which Have Hydrating Components And Healing Agents
- Consider Picking A Water-Resistant Oil
If You’re Not Using a Separate SPF, Select a Tanning Oil With a High SPF Rating of Between 2 to 30, to Guard Your Skin Against Burns and Wrinkles
There's always a risk of getting burnt when you dedicate a good hour or so to sprawling out in the sun. It goes without saying that suncream is a must, regardless of whether you have pale or dark skin! To avoid sun damage, such as burning, wrinkling, or sunspots, look for a tanning oil with an SPF rating.
A common misconception is that we cannot tan when wearing SPF (Sun Protective Factor). This is far from the truth, as SPF provides a safety barrier, letting enough UV into the skin to create the bronzed summer glow, while filtering out the harsh sun rays.
Ideally, the higher SPF the better, although if you're planning on using sunscreen in addition to your tanning oil, you can opt for a lower SPF if you prefer. The products on our list feature SPF ratings ranging from 2 to 30, so take your pick!
Looking for other ways to tan? Check out our guides on the best self-tanners for the face and gradual tanning lotions.
Check the Ingredients for Hydrating Components and Healing Agents to Provide Your Skin With Extra Nourishment
For Extra Hydration, Pick a Formula That Contains Ingredients That Provide a Softer Finish Such as Vitamin E and Coco Butter
If you're out in the garden topping up your tan, you'll definitely appreciate the benefits of a tanning oil with hydrating ingredients. For example, silky oils such as coconut, argan, and avocado, will seep into the pores to create a softening sheen that will keep your skin nourished throughout the day.
For more ways to keep your skin nourished, check out our guide on the best exfoliators for dry skin!
If You’re Prone to Burning, Opt For a Tanning Oil That Contains Aloe Vera, Grape Seed Oil or Green Tea as They’re Excellent at Soothing Sore Skin
The worst part of soaking up the sun is underestimating its strength and facing the aftermath. Sunburn can be a painful experience, and it's easy to forget just how vulnerable your skin can be when outdoors. If the SPF doesn't block the sun quite enough and you start to feel a little crispy, there are three key ingredients to keep an eye out for.
Choose a Water-Resistant Oil to Prevent Sweat, the Pool and the Sea From Washing It Off
We all know the drill, apply your sunscreen and tanning oil, and then endure a boring twenty minutes before it all soaks in so you can finally go for a swim! Choosing a water-resistant tanning oil eliminates the waiting time, so you can oil up and plop in the pool whenever you feel like cooling down.
Water resistance can also help prevent sweat from washing the oil off. So if you're trying to catch some rays whilst out on a run, this is the perfect opportunity to bronze and tone up at the same time. We've been sure to make note of the products featured on our list that are water-resistant, that way you can make an informed, balanced decision.
10 Best Tanning Oils in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bali Body Watermelon Tanning Oil | | A Trending Natural Tan Enhancer, Enriched With Grape Seed and Coconut Oils | |
2 | Hawaiian Tropic Spray Oil SPF8 | | Smell Like Summer With This SPF 8 Spray on Oil That Builds a Tan Within Minutes | |
3 | Bondi Sands Coconut Beach Sunscreen Oil | | 100% Waterproof Natural Tan Builder With an Impressively High SPF | |
4 | Malibu Medium Sun Protection | | A Bargain Bottle of Coconut-Scented Quick-Drying Tanning Oil | |
5 | Sun Bum Browning Oil | | Packed With Rich Moisturising Ingredients and a High SPF to Provide a Satin Smooth Finish | |
6 | Caudalie Beautifying Suncare Oil | | Packed With Rich Moisturising Ingredients and a High SPF to Provide a Satin Smooth Finish | |
7 | Dior Bronze Beautifying Protective Oil | | A Luxurious Tanning Oil Containing Anti-inflammatory Ingredients to Help Minimise Sun Damage | |
8 | Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil | | An Effective Formula for a Quick 10-Minute Tan From a UK Favourite | |
9 | Calypso Deep Tanning Oil | | Deep Tanning Oil for a Speeding Tan, Complete With a Lovely Tropical Scent | |
10 | Australian Gold Bronzing Dry Oil Spray Intensifier | | Accelerate the Speed of Your Tanning Session With This Aloe Vera and Vitamin E Infused Formula |
A Trending Natural Tan Enhancer, Enriched With Grape Seed and Coconut Oils
What would this article be if Bali Body wasn't ranked at number one? As one of the top-trending natural tan enhancers on the market, it's no surprise that this product is a must-have for not only finding your glow, but taking super cute Instagram pictures!
Enriched with grapeseed oil and coconut oil, this natural tanner protects and softens the skin, while attracting the sun rays as you relax by the pool. We especially love how this product smells just like sweet watermelon, it really is the perfect summer product to throw in your beach bag.
Smell Like Summer With This SPF 8 Spray on Oil That Builds a Tan Within Minutes
Here's another great find from Hawaiian Tropic, this time it's their holiday essential spray on oil. With an SPF of 8, this oil can build a dark tan within minutes, whilst still providing a bit of protection to help keep your skin safe and healthy.
With moisturising ingredients such as also vera and cacao butter, you won't feel that crispy, dry sensation when you come out of the sun. In addition, this bottle is infused with the classic tropical scents of mango, papaya, and passion fruit - yum!
100% Waterproof Natural Tan Builder With an Impressively High SPF
Bondi Sands practically rules the world of artificial tanning, so their natural tan builder seems very promising. It's a completely waterproof formula, so you can stay sun-soaked all day, even if you're in and out of the pool.
If you have sensitive skin, you're prone to burning, or you peel in the sun, this is a safe option for you. It offers an impressively high SPF, so that you can still stay in the tanning game, without putting your skin at risk.
A Bargain Bottle of Coconut-Scented Quick-Drying Tanning Oil
Another fab summertime essential to carry in your beach bag. This bargain bottle of coconutty goodness can enhance your tan with a natural glow and protect your skin at the same time.
The quick-drying formula avoids the oily, greasy residue that other tanning oils can sometimes leave behind. All of this results in the perfect balance between sun protection and a healthy tan for a great price!
Packed With Rich Moisturising Ingredients and a High SPF to Provide a Satin Smooth Finish
This tanning oil has a lot more to offer than just a funny name! It's actually one of the most frequently searched for tanning oils in the UK. Described as a premium browning oil, this rich formula will make you look like you've just got back from Bora Bora.
In addition, it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. That means you can take as many dips in the pool as you like, and you won't have to worry about sweating it off either. To obtain a deep tan with reliable sun protection, this is it!
Packed With Rich Moisturising Ingredients and a High SPF to Provide a Satin Smooth Finish
Rich in moisturising ingredients, this product is a terrific choice to fit into a bag or clutch to take on the go. It offers a satin-like finish, and it smells sweet like summer flowers.
We're super impressed by the high SPF rating that this formula has to offer, as Caudalie has prioritised both tanning and sun safety as a little extra TLC for your skin. For safe and luxurious tanning, definitely consider this dreamy bottle!
A Luxurious Tanning Oil Containing Anti-inflammatory Ingredients to Help Minimise Sun Damage
You can't get a more luxurious veil of shimmering gold than with Dior's Bronze Beautifying oil. We love that this formula contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that help to minimise the effects of sun damage if you accidentally spend too much time outdoors.
Our only qualm is that it's significantly overpriced in comparison to the other more affordable options on our list. However, if you prefer quality over quantity, this is definitely the oil for you.
An Effective Formula for a Quick 10-Minute Tan From a UK Favourite
Hawaiian Tropic is the all-time favourite of every sun lover young and old. Founded in 1969, this brand has decades of experience with sun care and natural tanning, so you can be sure that you're in good hands.
Just be aware that this product has an extremely low SPF. So you should definitely wear sunscreen underneath to make sure that you're protected from the nasty effects of too much UV! That said, for a quick ten-minute tan session before you head out, this oil works super quickly.
Deep Tanning Oil for a Speeding Tan, Complete With a Lovely Tropical Scent
A reliable bottle to depend upon every summer, this is Calypso's deep tanning protective oil. Although it has an SPF of 15, it still manages to build a tan in less than ten minutes.
While the majority of reviews praise its effectiveness and tropical scent, there are a fair few that have highlighted irritation with sensitive skin. This is something worth bearing in mind if you suffer from eczema, psoriasis, or any other sensitive skin condition.
Accelerate the Speed of Your Tanning Session With This Aloe Vera and Vitamin E Infused Formula
This colour boost maximiser will accelerate the speed of your tanning session, browning your skin to a natural golden glow. Plus, aloe vera and vitamin E are infused in the formula to create a soft, supple smoothness after every use.
Unfortunately, this oil doesn't have an SPF rating, which can be dangerous if you're not wearing any other UV protection. It's crucial that you pair this with an additional sun care product to make sure that your Aussie tan doesn't turn into sunburn!
What Is a Tanning Oil and How Does It Work?
A tanning oil attracts the sun's rays to the skin to enhance and deepen a tan far quicker than sunscreen. By focusing UV rays onto the skin, a tanning oil accelerates the production of melanin, which turns your tan into a darker hue.
In comparison to fake tans and gradual tanners, a tanning oil doesn't use dyes for a longer-lasting effect that won't wash off in the shower. Of course, the SPF in a tanning oil is lower than sunscreen, so it's best to combine the two to protect your skin from damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tanning Oils Safe?
Some experts stress that although tanning oils do include SPF, they are not really designed to protect your skin from the sun as they attract UV rays. Therefore, it is best to only use tanning oils in moderation and ensure that you are not sitting in the sun for long periods of time.
Can Tanning Oils Expire?
Just like other products, tanning oils do have an expiry date. It is best to keep an eye on this date and not to use a tanning oil after its expiry date as it may no longer have the ability to properly protect your skin from the sun.
Written and researched by Annie Speight
Top 5 Tanning Oils
No. 1: Bali Body ｜Watermelon Tanning Oil
No. 2: Hawaiian Tropic ｜Spray Oil SPF8
No. 3: Bondi Sands ｜Coconut Beach Sunscreen Oil
No. 4: Malibu｜Medium Sun Protection
No. 5: Sun Bum ｜Browning Oil
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.