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 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.
Our top picks for the best sunscreen oils in 2024
best overall sunscreen oil
best glowy sunscreen oil
best SPF 50 sunscreen oil
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Dry Oil Sunscreen Mist
Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen
Supergoop! Glow Oil
Everyday Humans Sheer Body Glow Oil
Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow
Cay Skin Isle Body Oil SPF 30
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil
Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50
Undefined Beauty R&R Sun Elixir Glow Oil
What should I look for in a tanning oil with SPF?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.