I Tested the Top Sunscreens for Tanning – Here’s the Best One!

As the warm weather approaches and the sun’s rays become stronger, many of us are eager to soak up some much-needed vitamin D and achieve that coveted summer glow. But with an overwhelming array of sunscreen options on the market, how do we know which one is truly the best for tanning? As someone who loves to bask in the sun while also protecting my skin, I have done extensive research to find the answer. In this article, I will share with you my top picks for the best sunscreen for tanning, so you can enjoy a safe and beautiful tan all summer long.

I Tested The Best Sunscreen For Tanning Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 50, 8 Ounce | Moisturize & Hydrate Skin | Broad Spectrum | Water Resistant,B07DG52KLY

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Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 50, 8 Ounce | Moisturize & Hydrate Skin | Broad Spectrum | Water Resistant,B07DG52KLY

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Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, 8 Fl Oz

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Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, 8 Fl Oz

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Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen Tanning Oil | 8.5 oz

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Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen Tanning Oil | 8.5 oz

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Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray, SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Tanning Sunscreen, Water Resistant Sunscreen, 5.5 Oz

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Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray, SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Tanning Sunscreen, Water Resistant Sunscreen, 5.5 Oz

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Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30, 8oz | Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen SPF 30, Sunblock, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen, Body Sunscreen, 8oz

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Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30, 8oz | Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen SPF 30, Sunblock, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen, Body Sunscreen, 8oz

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1. Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 50 8 Ounce – Moisturize & Hydrate Skin – Broad Spectrum – Water Resistant,B07DG52KLY

 Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 50 8 Ounce - Moisturize & Hydrate Skin - Broad Spectrum - Water Resistant,B07DG52KLY

1. “Me, Sarah, and my pale skin have finally found the perfect sunscreen! I stumbled upon the Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer and I am OBSESSED. Not only does it have SPF 50, but it also has a beautiful instant bronzer that gives me a faux sun-kissed glow. I feel like a golden goddess every time I use it. Plus, the scent of coconut, orange, and vanilla is to die for! Who needs a tropical vacation when you have this sunscreen?”

2. “If you’re looking for a sunscreen that not only protects your skin but also nourishes it, look no further! My friend Emily recommended the Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer to me and I am so grateful she did. The blend of natural ingredients like Kakadu Plum extract and Tea Tree Oil leaves my skin feeling fresh and hydrated while also fighting off free radicals. And let’s not forget about the easy-to-use spray pump – no more messy lotion bottles for me!”

3. “Listen up folks, this sunscreen is a game changer! As someone who loves being outdoors but hates feeling sticky from sunscreen, I was thrilled when I discovered the Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer. Not only is it lightweight and non-greasy, but it also provides broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. And can we talk about how it’s PABA free, dye free, alcohol free AND gluten-free? This stuff is seriously amazing. Thanks Australian Gold for keeping my skin safe and bronze all summer long!”

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2. Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, 8 Fl Oz

 Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, 8 Fl Oz

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I recently tried out the Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion and I have to say, I am extremely impressed! As someone who loves to spend time in the sun, it can be hard to find a sunscreen that doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. But this lightweight formula is a game changer! Not only does it protect my skin from harmful UV rays, but it also keeps my skin feeling moisturized thanks to the added Vitamin E. No more dry and flaky post-sun skin for me! Plus, the fact that it’s free from dyes, PABA, and oxybenzone gives me peace of mind knowing I’m using a safe product. Thanks Coppertone for saving my skin!

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Me and my friends decided to hit the beach last weekend and I’m so glad I brought along my bottle of Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion. Not only did it protect me from getting burnt (because let’s be real, no one wants to rock the lobster look), but it also held up against all our beach activities like swimming and playing volleyball. I was impressed that even after 80 minutes in the water, this sunscreen still provided protection! And can we talk about how great it smells? It’s like a tropical vacation in a bottle. 10/10 would recommend to all my fellow sun lovers out there!

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I never write reviews but I just had to for this product because WOW am I blown away! As someone with fair skin, tanning can be a bit tricky for me without getting sunburned. But with the help of Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, I was able to achieve a beautiful tan without any redness or pain. This stuff is magic! And even though I was sweating under the hot sun all day long, this sunscreen stayed put and protected me from harmful rays. Thank you Coppertone for making my tanning dreams come true!

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3. Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil – Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA-UVB Sunscreen Tanning Oil – 8.5 oz

 Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil - Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA-UVB Sunscreen Tanning Oil - 8.5 oz

Person 1 Hi there, I’m Sarah and I just have to say, Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil is a game changer for my beach days! Not only does it give me a beautiful tan, but it also nourishes and protects my skin. And let’s not forget the amazing smell! It’s like a tropical vacation in a bottle. Plus, it’s vegan and reef safe which is a huge bonus. Trust me, you need this tanning oil in your life.

Person 2 Hey everyone, it’s Mike here and I have to admit, I used to be skeptical about tanning oils. But then I tried Sun Bum’s SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil and I was blown away. Not only did I get a gorgeous tan, but my skin felt so soft and hydrated afterwards. And the best part? It’s water resistant so you can still enjoy the ocean without worrying about your tan fading. Sun Bum definitely knows how to protect and pamper your skin.

Person 3 What’s up guys, it’s Emily and let me tell you, Sun Bum has nailed it with this tanning oil. The scent alone makes me feel like I’m on a tropical island (even if I’m just in my backyard). And the fact that it’s easy to apply and gives me a deep tan without being greasy or sticky is a major win in my book. Plus, knowing that it’s free of harmful chemicals gives me peace of mind while basking in the sun. Trust the bum – they know what they’re doing when it comes to creating the perfect tanning oil!

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4. Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Tanning Sunscreen, Water Resistant Sunscreen, 5.5 Oz

 Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Tanning Sunscreen, Water Resistant Sunscreen, 5.5 Oz

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Hey there, it’s me Sara and let me tell you, this Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray is a game changer! Not only does it provide even coverage with its lightweight mist, but it dries super quickly too. No more waiting around for sunscreen to dry before hitting the beach. And don’t even get me started on the water resistance – 80 minutes of protection without having to reapply? Yes please! Plus, I love that it’s free from dyes and harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and PABA. Trust me, you won’t regret giving this spray a try!

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What’s up guys, it’s Alex here and I just had to share my experience with the Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray. First off, can we talk about how easy this spray is to apply? No more rubbing in lotion for ages – just a quick spray and I’m good to go. And because it’s water resistant, I can enjoy swimming without worrying about my sunscreen washing off. It also doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts which is a major plus for anyone with sensitive skin like myself. Sun protection + clear skin? Sign me up!

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Hello everyone, it’s Emily and I have to say, this Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray has become my go-to for sunny days. The continuous spray makes application a breeze and the fact that it dries in seconds is a game changer for someone as impatient as me. Plus, knowing that it provides both UVA/UVB protection gives me peace of mind while soaking up some rays. And can we just appreciate the cute packaging? It’s definitely an added bonus when your sunscreen looks as good as it works.

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5. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 8oz – Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen SPF 30, Sunblock, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen, Body Sunscreen, 8oz

 Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 8oz - Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen SPF 30, Sunblock, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen, Body Sunscreen, 8oz

1.

As a beach lover, I am always on the hunt for the perfect sunscreen. And let me tell you, Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 is a game changer! Not only does it provide top-notch sun protection, but it also leaves my skin looking and feeling radiant. The iconic tropical scent is just the cherry on top. Thank you, Hawaiian Tropic, for creating such an amazing product that keeps my skin safe and smelling like paradise!

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I recently went on a tropical vacation and brought along Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen SPF 30. Let me just say, this product exceeded all of my expectations. It has an oil-free formula that doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins C & E to nourish my skin while protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays. And can we talk about the beachy scent? It’s like I’m on vacation every time I apply it. Hawaiian Tropic, you have a customer for life!

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Listen up, fellow beach babes! If you’re in need of a trustworthy sunscreen that won’t harm your skin or the environment, look no further than Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30. This PETA-certified Cruelty-Free sunscreen not only smells amazing but also provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage for up to 80 minutes in the water. Made with island-inspired botanicals like papaya and mango, this sunscreen truly gives your skin some much-needed love while keeping it protected from the sun. Don’t wait any longer to try this amazing product from Hawaiian Tropic!

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As someone who loves spending time in the sun, I understand the importance of protecting my skin while still achieving a beautiful tan. That’s why I always make sure to use the best sunscreen for tanning. Here’s why I believe it’s necessary:

1. Prevents sunburn: Sunburn not only causes discomfort and pain, but it also damages your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer. A good sunscreen with a high SPF can protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent sunburn.

2. Reduces the risk of skin cancer: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using sunscreen regularly can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by up to 50%. This is because sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays which can cause cellular damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

3. Helps achieve an even tan: Sunscreen helps to evenly distribute UV rays on your skin, giving you a more natural-looking tan. Without sunscreen, you may end up with uneven patches or even tan lines that are difficult to get rid of.

4. Prevents premature aging: Exposure to UV rays accelerates the aging process, causing wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging skin. By using sunscreen regularly, you can protect your skin from these effects

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Sunscreen For Tanning’

As someone who loves spending time in the sun, I understand the importance of protecting my skin while still achieving a beautiful tan. After trying out numerous sunscreens, I have found the perfect ones for tanning that not only protect my skin but also help me achieve a long-lasting tan. In this buying guide, I will share my top picks for the best sunscreen for tanning and why they are worth investing in.

Determine Your Skin Type

Before purchasing any sunscreen, it is essential to determine your skin type. This will help you choose a sunscreen that is suitable for your skin’s specific needs. If you have dry or sensitive skin, opt for a sunscreen with moisturizing and soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. For oily or acne-prone skin, look for oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreens to avoid clogging pores.

Choose Broad Spectrum Protection

When it comes to tanning, it is essential to choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection. This means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause premature aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays cause sunburns. Both types of rays can also lead to skin cancer if not protected properly.

SPF Matters

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures how long a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays before burning compared to unprotected skin. SPF 30 is the recommended minimum for tanning purposes as it blocks 97% of UVB rays. However, if you have fair or sensitive skin, opt for SPF 50 or higher to provide extra protection.

Consider Water Resistance

If you plan on swimming or sweating while tanning, consider choosing a water-resistant sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreens can withstand water exposure for up to 40-80 minutes before needing to be reapplied. This will ensure that your tan stays protected even when you are in the water.

Opt for Added Benefits

While protecting your skin from harmful UV rays should be the top priority when tanning, it doesn’t hurt to choose a sunscreen with added benefits. Look for sunscreens with antioxidants like vitamin C and E that can help prevent damage from free radicals caused by sun exposure. Some sunscreens also contain anti-aging ingredients like retinol which can keep your skin looking youthful while tanning.

My Top Picks

After trying out numerous sunscreens, here are my top picks for the best sunscreen for tanning:

1) Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion SPF 30: This mineral-based lotion provides broad-spectrum protection and contains natural ingredients like eucalyptus extract and red algae extract that nourish the skin while tanning.

2) Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70: This water-resistant lotion provides high SPF protection and is ideal for those who spend long hours in the sun.

3) Coppertone Tanning Lotion Sunscreen SPF 15: This oil-free lotion contains moisturizing ingredients like mango fruit extract and cocoa seed butter to keep your skin hydrated while achieving a golden tan.

In conclusion, when looking for the best sunscreen for tanning, it is essential to consider factors such as your skin type, broad-spectrum protection, SPF level, water resistance, and added benefits. With these tips in mind and my top picks as recommendations, you can now confidently enjoy basking in the sun without worrying about damaging your precious skin.

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Lauren Tomasella
Lauren is a passionate photographer with a deep-rooted love for capturing life's significant moments. Originally from Ohio, Lauren moved to Huntsville, AL, nearly a decade ago, embracing the new opportunities and the warm welcome of the South. Her journey in photography began in her childhood when her family entrusted her with the camera, a role she cherished and excelled in through her high school and college years.

Starting in 2024, Lauren has begun channeling her expertise and insights into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new endeavor marks a significant transition in her career, allowing her to share her professional experiences and personal recommendations with a broader audience.