Karen Silas
The best tanning oils for summer 2021, all with skin nourishing ingredients & from SPF 15 to as high as SPF 50+, to help protect your skin from the sun. From Hawaiian Tropic to Bali Body, the best tanning oils & where to buy right now.
Are you ready for summer 2021? When the sun comes out we'll also be out trying to get our dose of Vitamin D. There are ways to tan and boost your bronze without sacrificing sun protection and while nourishing your skin, and that’s why we’re helping you shop the best tanning oils out there. We know that whether you are sunning yourself in your garden, the park or on a coast somewhere on holiday (dare to dream) you might be making up for lost time post-lockdown.
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We believe that sun protection is extremely important as part of your skincare routine so try to use a tanning oil with at least SPF 15 – our best tanning oils list doesn't go any lower – but if you decide to opt for low or no SPF for whatever reason, be sure to top up with sunblock during the day.
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The NHS recommends that when it comes to being out in the sun, you should remember to spend time in the shade between the highest sun points of the day, from 11am and 3pm, and use an SPF 30 sunscreen if you are out in the sun for extended periods.
Ther are lots of options for tanning oils that will help you not just tan but also take good care of your skin such as sun products enriched with skin nourishing oils or that have an SPF as high as 50+. So check out our list of the best tanning oils under £10, the best high SPF tanning oils, and the best oils with at least SPF 15.
Best sun tanning oils under £10
If you’re looking for an effective suntan oil for a lower price, we’ve checked out the best tanning oils you can pick up for under £10 from well-known brands like Piz Buin, Garnier and Hawaiian Tropic – and all have a minimum SPF 15.
Garnier Tan Enhancing Sun Oil SPF20, was £12 now £5.95, Amazon
Piz Buin, Tan & Protect Sun Oil, SPF 15, £7.99, Superdrug
Hawaiian Tropic Protective Dry Oil Spray SPF 20, £4.50, Amazon
Best tanning oils with SPF 30 or higher
Back in the day, using a tanning oil meant you had to sacrifice sun protection – but thankfully, that’s no longer the case! Today’s sun oil formulas mean you can get a summer glow AND high SPF to protect your skin, with many brands offering sun oil with SPF 30. And that’s great news if you have sun intolerance, sensitive skin or a fair complexion.
Caudalie Beautifying Suncare Oil SPF 30, £17.85, John Lewis
Sun Care Water Mist 50+, £22, Clarins
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Oil SPF 30, was £36 now £18, Look Fantastic
NUXE Sun Tanning Oil Face and Body SPF 30, £21, Marks & Spencer
Lancaster Sun Beauty Fast Tan Optimiser SPF 30, was £25 now £18.75, LookFantastic
Bioderma Photoderm Bronz Dry Oil SPF 50+, £22.50, Feel Unique
Best tanning oils with at least SPF 15
If you’re interested in a tanning oil with a lower SPF, there are many options available. For example, the Bondi Sands Protect and Tan has a five-star rating on Lookfantastic, and a combo of a subtle self-tanner and the minimum recommended SPF 15. Sun Bum Browning Oil is enriched with a number of natural skin nourishers, including argan, coconut and avocado oil, as well as green tea and aloe vera.
Bali Body natural tanning oil promises to enhance your tan and nourish your skin with jojoba, grapeseed and coconut oils, while Alba Hawaiian dry oil is a great organic option and is waterproof, too.
Sun Bum SPF 15 Browning Oil, £17.99, Boots
Bondi Sands Protect and Tan SPF 15 Tanning Oil, £12.99, Look Fantastic
Bali Body Natural Tanning and Body Oil, SPF 15, £18.95, Beauty Bay
Alba Hawaiian Dry Oil Sunscreen SPF 15, £12.90, Amazon
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