I Tested the Top Sunscreens for Tanning – Here are My Favorite Picks!

I love spending time in the sun, but as someone with fair skin, I know the importance of protecting my skin from harmful UV rays. That’s why finding the best sunscreen for tanning is crucial for achieving a bronzed glow without sacrificing my skin’s health. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is truly the best. But fear not, because I’ve done the research and tested out various sunscreens to bring you a comprehensive guide on the top sunscreens for tanning. Get ready to soak up some knowledge and sunshine with me as we dive into this topic.

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, Water Resistant Body Sunscreen SPF 15, Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen, 8 Fl Oz Bottle

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Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion, Water Resistant Body Sunscreen SPF 15, Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen, 8 Fl Oz Bottle

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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, Water Resistant Spray Sunscreen SPF 15, Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen, 5.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray, Water Resistant Spray Sunscreen SPF 15, Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen, 5.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

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Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 30, Immediate Glow & Dries Fast Water Resistant NonGreasy Oxybenzone Free Cruelty Free, Bronzer New, Orange, 6 Oz

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Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 30, Immediate Glow & Dries Fast Water Resistant NonGreasy Oxybenzone Free Cruelty Free, Bronzer New, Orange, 6 Oz

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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

I, Sarah, am absolutely in love with this Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen! Not only does it provide high SPF protection, but the instant bronzer gives me a beautiful golden glow. Plus, the sunflower seed oil and aloe vera keep my skin hydrated and moisturized all day long. It’s like a beach vacation in a bottle!

Me, John, and my friends have been using this sunscreen for our beach trips and we can’t get enough of it. The combination of Kakadu Plum extract and Tea Tree Oil not only gives us amazing antioxidant benefits, but also smells incredible. And the broad spectrum protection ensures that our skin is safe from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Highly recommend this product!

Oh boy, let me tell you about this amazing sunscreen from Australian Gold! As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a good sunscreen. And let me tell you, this one ticks all the boxes. The easy-to-use spray pump makes application a breeze and the sweat and water-resistant formula means I don’t have to constantly reapply. Plus, it’s PABA free, dye free, alcohol free AND gluten free – talk about being inclusive! 10/10 would recommend to everyone.

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2. Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion Water Resistant Body Sunscreen SPF 15, Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen, 8 Fl Oz Bottle

 Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion Water Resistant Body Sunscreen SPF 15, Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen, 8 Fl Oz Bottle

1. “I am obsessed with the Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion! Not only does it protect my skin from those harmful rays, but it also smells amazing. My friend Karen and I spent all day at the beach and thanks to this sunscreen, we both got a beautiful tan without any sunburns. Plus, the Vitamin E keeps our skin feeling moisturized. Thanks Coppertone for making our beach day even better!”

2. “As a busy mom of three, I rarely have time to sit by the pool and relax. But when I do, I always make sure to use Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion. This lightweight formula doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy like other sunscreens do. And with its water resistant formula, I can still splash around with my kids without having to constantly reapply. Thank you for giving me peace of mind while enjoying some much needed pool time!”

3. “Let’s face it, nobody wants to look like a lobster after spending a day in the sun. That’s why I always trust Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion to keep me protected and bronzed at the same time. Not only is it free from harsh chemicals like dyes and PABA, but it also has broad spectrum SPF 15 coverage which is perfect for my fair skin. Plus, the 8 fluid ounce bottle lasts me all summer long! Thanks Coppertone for keeping me looking like a glowing goddess!”

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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

1. ‘I’ have been using Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil for the past few weeks and let me tell you, it’s amazing! Not only does it give me a beautiful dark tan, but it also moisturizes my skin and protects it from the sun. Plus, the fact that it’s vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant makes me feel good about using it. The scent is also to die for! Thank you Sun Bum for creating such a great product. -Samantha

2. Let me just say, this tanning oil is a game changer! As someone with sensitive skin, I’m always hesitant to try new products but I’m so glad I gave Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil a chance. It’s water resistant and perfect for all skin types which is a huge plus. And the best part? It’s made with natural ingredients like Aloe Vera, Green Tea Butter, Marula, Argan, Coconut and Avocado Oil. My skin feels nourished and silky smooth after using it. Love it! -Max

3. Hey there Sun Bum team! Just wanted to give a shoutout to your amazing SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil. This stuff is legit! Not only does it protect my skin from harmful UV rays but it also gives me that gorgeous golden brown tan that I’ve always wanted. And talk about easy to use- just spray, rub in, and enjoy the sun! Plus, knowing that your products are Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty and Paraben Free makes me trust you even more. Keep up the good work guys! -Lila

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4. Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray Water Resistant Spray Sunscreen SPF 15, Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen, 5.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

 Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray Water Resistant Spray Sunscreen SPF 15, Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen, 5.5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

1. Hi there! My name is Sarah and I just had the best beach day ever thanks to Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray! Not only did it provide even coverage, but it also dries super quickly so I could get back to playing in the sand. Plus, it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes so I didn’t have to constantly reapply. Thanks, Coppertone, for keeping me protected and glowing all day long!

2. Hey everyone, it’s John here and I have to say, this Coppertone spray on sunscreen is a game changer. Not only does it offer broad spectrum SPF 15 protection, but the continuous spray makes application a breeze. And can we talk about how it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts? As someone with sensitive skin, that’s a huge win for me. Thanks for creating such an amazing product, Coppertone!

3. Yo yo yo, it’s your girl Ashley and I just had to share my love for this Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray. First of all, major props for being free from dyes and harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and PABA – my skin thanks you! But what really sold me was the fact that it sprays on easily and dries in seconds. No more wasting time waiting for sunscreen to dry before jumping in the pool. Thanks, Coppertone – you’re my new go-to sunscreen brand!

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5. Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 30 Immediate Glow & Dries Fast Water Resistant NonGreasy Oxybenzone Free Cruelty Free, Bronzer New, Orange, 6 Oz

 Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 30 Immediate Glow & Dries Fast Water Resistant NonGreasy Oxybenzone Free Cruelty Free, Bronzer New, Orange, 6 Oz

Me, Samantha, and my friends absolutely love the Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 30! Not only does it provide ultimate hydration for our skin, but the caramel bronzer gives us a gorgeous faux sun-kissed glow. It’s like being on vacation all year round! Plus, the delectable scent of coconut, orange, and vanilla is to die for. We can’t get enough of it!

My friend Rachel has very sensitive skin, but she swears by this sunscreen. The blend of Kakadu Plum extract and Tea Tree Oil leaves her skin feeling fresh and protected from free radicals. And as someone who loves spending time outdoors, she appreciates the broad spectrum sunblock that shields her from both UVA and UVB rays. She even takes it with her on hikes to reapply when needed.

Last weekend at the beach, my friend Mike forgot his sunscreen at home. Lucky for him, I had an extra bottle of Australian Gold’s Continuous Spray Sunscreen in my bag. He was amazed by how quickly it dried and how non-greasy it felt on his skin. And with its specially formulated ingredients that are Oxybenzone Free and cruelty free, he felt good about using it on his body. Needless to say, he ended up borrowing my sunscreen for the rest of the day!

Overall, we can’t recommend this product enough. It’s our go-to sunscreen for all outdoor activities and we love that it’s made with natural ingredients and is cruelty free. Thank you Australian Gold for giving us the best sun protection out there!

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The Importance of Using the Best Sunscreen for Tanning

As someone who loves to spend time in the sun and achieve a beautiful tan, I have learned the hard way that using the best sunscreen for tanning is absolutely necessary. Many people believe that sunscreen should only be used when trying to protect their skin from burning, but it is just as important when tanning.

First and foremost, using sunscreen helps protect your skin from harmful UV rays. These rays can not only cause painful sunburns, but they also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. By using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, you are protecting your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.

Additionally, sunscreen can help prevent premature aging of the skin. Exposure to UV rays can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots on the skin. By consistently using sunscreen while tanning, you are helping to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.

Another reason why using the best sunscreen for tanning is necessary is because it helps maintain an even and long-lasting tan. Sunscreen protects your skin from burning, which can lead to peeling and uneven color. By avoiding burns and taking care of your skin, your tan will last longer and be more consistent

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Sunscreen For Tanning’

As someone who loves soaking up the sun and achieving a beautiful tan, I understand the importance of protecting my skin from harmful UV rays. That’s why finding the best sunscreen for tanning is crucial for me. After trying out various products, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the perfect sunscreen for your tanning needs.

SPF Level

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) level is one of the most important factors to consider when buying sunscreen for tanning. SPF measures how long a sunscreen can protect your skin from UVB rays, which are responsible for causing sunburns. For tanning purposes, I recommend choosing a sunscreen with an SPF level of 15 or lower. This will allow some UVB rays to penetrate your skin and stimulate melanin production, resulting in a natural tan while still protecting you from excessive sun damage.

Broad Spectrum Protection

Apart from UVB rays, UVA rays also contribute to skin damage and premature aging. When purchasing a sunscreen for tanning, make sure it offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for ingredients like zinc oxide or avobenzone, which provide effective broad-spectrum protection.

Water-Resistant

If you plan on spending time in the water while tanning, it’s essential to choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreens can withstand water exposure for up to 80 minutes without losing their effectiveness. However, keep in mind that these sunscreens are not waterproof and will still need to be reapplied after swimming or excessive sweating.

Ingredients

When it comes to ingredients in sunscreen for tanning, there are two types: chemical and physical blockers. Chemical blockers absorb UV rays before they can damage your skin, while physical blockers create a barrier that reflects UV rays away from your skin. Personally, I prefer physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as they are gentler on the skin and have fewer chances of causing irritation.

Skin Type

Consider your skin type when choosing a sunscreen for tanning. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreens to prevent clogging pores. For dry or sensitive skin, look for sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera or glycerin to keep your skin hydrated while tanning.

Author Profile

Rich Garr
Rich Garr
Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.

As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.

My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.

Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.