Top 10 Best Sunscreen For Tanning [Buying Guide]

best sunscreen for tanning

Sunscreen is one of the essential products of a skincare routine. Our skin is subjected to damage in sunlight. Hence to protect our skin from all sorts of environmental and chemical factors, sunscreen has become an essential part of our skincare in day to day life.

Some people prefer going outdoors to get a beautiful tanning effect. Tanning is also considered a form of skin damage. To achieve the best results you need a sunscreen with high SPF content yet less enough to get the perfect tanning color. Our skin is exposed to damage in sunlight, due to the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Selecting the best sunscreen for tanning can be confusing. Below you can find our top picks and how you can select the best-suited one for yourself.

Sunlight is also a major cause of skin cancers. Hence to best protect your skin from all sorts of risks, we have listed and reviewed some of the best sunscreens that can be used for tanning.

Best Sunscreen For Tanning Reviewed

1. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion and Moisturizing Browning & Tanning Lotion

Best Sunscreen For Tanning

SunBum’s original sunscreen prevents sunburn and protects the screen by providing moisturizing and tanning.

This product is good for people looking to accelerate the sun-triggered tanning process in the skin. The sunscreen lotion should be applied 15 minutes before applying the moisturizer and tanning lotion for the best results.

Both of these products are made with vegan-free and friendly ingredients that will protect and tan your skin without irritating or clogging pores. It is also gluten and paraben-free.

The sunscreen lotion has been tested and approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) which makes it safe for use.

Pros

  • Both moisturizing and tanning property
  • Approved as safe for use
  • Gluten-free, Paraben-free

Cons

  • None

2. Hawaiian Tropic Protective Tanning Oil Spray SPF 30

Best Sunscreen For Tanning

If you like the beachy scent, this product is perfect for you. It is a reef-safe sunscreen and is made without oxybenzone and octinoxate.

It has anti-oxidants that help in anti-aging. It prevents the sun from causing skin damage. It provides a barrier against UVA and UVB rays. It is a lightweight and non-greasy solution that provides a broad spectrum coverage, which is available in SPF 30 and 50.

Exotic island-inspired fragrances of jasmine and coconut give a refreshing feeling. It is lightweight and non-sticky. It pampers your skin with nourishment and protection.

Pros

  • Fragrance
  • Protection against UVA and UVB
  • Non-greasy
  • Light-weight

Cons

  • Contains Avobenzone

3. Ultra Sport Lotion SPF 50

Best Sunscreen For Tanning

Banana boat ultra sport lotion stands up to the most intense activities. It is clinically proven to be effective against UVA and UVB rays, preventing sunburn and skin damage. It provides endurance against sweat and water.

It has achieved the top spot for the best texture. It absorbs quickly and does not make skin feel irritated with no white residue behind it.

It stays on in 7 conditions sun, pool water, ocean water, wind, sweat, sand, and extreme heat. Sunscreen lotions provide a creamy, moisturizing effect.

Pros

  • High SPF
  • Helps prevent sunburn
  • Can work in many conditions

Cons

  • None

4. SunBum Original Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

Best Sunscreen For Tanning

This is a perfect sunscreen for daily use. It smells like summer and has a high SPF 50 which will guard your skin for a long day.

This product is dermatologically and Sonny tested. It protects from UVA and UVB rays. It has Vitamin E for skin nourishment. It is oil-free, water-resistant, and reef-free.

This sunscreen is paraben, gluten. Octinoxate, oxybenzone free. It is also hypoallergenic to avoid any skin allergies.

Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure. Apply after every 2 hours for the best results on a sunny day. If you are sweating or swimming apply it after an hour.

Pros

  • High SPF
  • Paraben, gluten-free
  • Protection against UVA and UVB rays

Cons

  • Can react on sensitive skin

5. Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen With Instant Bronzer SPF 40

Best Sunscreen For Tanning

This sunscreen is made for people who have oily skin, who don’t want to take risk of clogging pores or breakouts. This is an oil-free spray-on formula, which means it won’t clog pores (non-comedogenic).

It has a low SPF 30 which tends to give the bronzer look. It has plant-derived anti-oxidants. It does not feel greasy on the skin. It is water-resistant (80 minutes). It gives your skin an instant glow as you spray it on.

Pros

  • Beautiful tan
  • Oil-free
  • Water-resistant
  • Effective skin protection

Cons

  • None

6. Julep No Excuses Invisible Facial Sunscreen Gel SPF 30

Best Sunscreen For Tanning

Julep facial sunscreen is one of the best sunscreens for the face. It is lightweight and does not leave any white cast or greasy residue behind. It works on all skin types. It is non-sticky and transparent which makes it easy to wear under makeup.

It is formulated with age-defying ingredients sourced from Jeju Island, Korea. It protects the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

It should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and every 2 hours for the best results.

Pros

  • Absorbs quickly
  • Stays for a long time
  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy

Cons

  • None

7. Lancaster Sun Beauty Sublime Tan Melting Milk

Best Sunscreen For Tanning

It is formulated specially with a tan activator complex (TAC). Its exclusive infrared technology protects the skin from infrared rays.

It helps create a radiant and long-lasting gold tan. It has SPF 15 which protects your skin from damage. Apply it regularly every 2 hours to maintain the protection. It is water-resistant and dermatologically tested, hence safe for use. it is healthy for the skin and does not cause any irritation.

Pros

  • Beautiful tan
  • Nourishes skin
  • Prevents itchiness or dryness
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Skin protection

Cons

  • None

8. Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50

Best Sunscreen For Tanning

This sunscreen glides and blends easily on a face to provide skin protection. It locks in moisture by helping to repair the skin’s natural lipid barrier. It is a luxurious, non-whitening lotion. It is water-resistant (up to 80 minutes).

It has anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, cranberry, pomegranate extracts which help to reduce photoaging and skin cancer. Being a non-comedogenic product, it won’t clog pores. It is a mineral sunscreen that makes it gentle enough for sensitive skin.

This is an oil-free solution and is safe for kids 6 months and older. It is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. It should be applied evenly on the skin and body before sun exposure. Apply every 2 hours for better results and after swimming, sweating, towel drying.

Pros

  • Safe for kids
  • Gentle on skin
  • Anti-oxidants
  • Free of oxybenzone and octinoxate
  • Non-comedogenic

Cons

  • None

9. Eleven by Venus Williams On-The-Defense Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

Best Sunscreen For Tanning

This is a lightweight serum that combines sun protection with hydration. It can be used for a daily purpose under moisturizer or under makeup. It absorbs quickly and gives a smooth, velvety finish.

It is a reef-safe formula and has Zinc Oxide which protects the skin from harmful rays. It works on all skin types.

It is vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologically tested, fragrance-free, and paraben-free. Apply to face and neck 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours for maximum skin protection.

Pros

  • Good coverage
  • No white tint
  • Gentle on skin
  • Transparent

Cons

  • None

10. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Best Sunscreen For Tanning

This is an oil-free sunscreen tested by a dermatologist. It is non-comedogenic, does not clog pores. hence, protects the sensitive skin types that are vulnerable to acne, rosacea, and discoloration.

The Zinc Oxide based sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It provides both physical and chemical blockers for the skin and contains actives like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and lactic which fight against pores and provide moisture.

It is non-greasy, fragrance-free, paraben-free, oil-free, and sensitivity-free. It is available in tinted and untinted formulas. It can be applied to the face, neck, and body.

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Good for sensitive skin
  • Paraben-free
  • Non-greasy

Cons

  • Not for all skin types

Conclusion

Sunscreens play a vital role in protecting your skin from sun damage. Some people use sunscreens to get a beautiful bronzer look. To choose the best sunscreen that works best for tanning and protection certain parameters have to be considered.

High SPF, means higher skin protection. Doctors recommend sunscreen of more than 30 SPF for better results. SPF can stand up to water and sweat, but only for some time. It has to be re-applied regularly to maintain its effect.

Sunscreens should be applied every day since it can also come indoors through window panes. It is important to find a sunscreen that acts against UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin on the dermis and can cause premature aging. UVB rays will possibly burn your skin on the outer level. Using our guide you can pick the best sunscreen for tanning according to your skin type.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens are tested and approved. Hence they protect you against skin cancer and aging. Water-resistant sunscreen is preferable since it acts even while swimming and in sweating conditions.

Have a happier and healthier life!

Also Read: Best Hours To Tan [Learn How To Tan Like A Pro]

Diksha Sangle

Diksha Sangle

Dentist by profession, passionate about learning and writing.

Table of Contents