Imagine this: you want that gorgeous, sun-kissed glow, but you also want to protect your skin from harmful rays. It sounds like a dream, right? Well, what if we told you it’s not just a dream anymore? The world of skincare is buzzing with a new kind of product: sunscreen that actually helps you tan!
But let’s be real, finding the *right* sunscreen that tans can be a total headache. There are so many brands out there, and it’s tough to know which ones are safe, effective, and will give you that lovely tan without turning you into a lobster. You worry about getting burned, about the ingredients, and if it will even work. We get it!
That’s exactly why we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand how these amazing sunscreens work, what to look for when you’re shopping, and how to get that beautiful tan safely. Get ready to say goodbye to confusing labels and hello to your best tan yet!
Our Top 5 Sunscreen That Tans Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Sunscreen That Tans Detailed Reviews
1. Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 30
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for a sun-kissed glow and serious sun protection with Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 30. This spray not only shields your skin from the sun’s harmful rays but also gives you an instant, beautiful tan. It’s designed to be super soft on your skin and smells amazing, like a tropical vacation with coconut, orange, and vanilla scents.
What We Like:
- It gives your skin a lovely, sun-kissed color right away thanks to the caramel bronzer.
- The SPF 30 formula keeps your skin safe from both UVA and UVB rays.
- It’s packed with Australian goodies like Kakadu Plum and Tea Tree Oil, which are great for your skin.
- The spray is super easy to use, even upside down, and it dries fast so you can get on with your day.
- It’s gentle on your skin, feels non-greasy, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- The formula is free from yucky stuff like Oxybenzone and PABA, and it’s never tested on animals.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bronzer is temporary, so the instant glow washes off.
- Some users might prefer a higher SPF for longer sun exposure.
This sunscreen is a fantastic way to protect your skin while achieving a beautiful, instant tan. It’s a great choice for anyone who wants to look and feel good in the sun.
2. Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 50
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for sunny days with Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 50. This 8-ounce bottle is your go-to for sun protection that also makes your skin look amazing. It moisturizes and hydrates, offering broad-spectrum defense against the sun’s rays. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can enjoy your time outdoors without worry. The convenient spray gel formula makes application a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s specially formulated to be PABA Free, Dye Free, Alcohol Free, and Gluten Free, making it gentle for many skin types.
- The Broad Spectrum protection and 80-minute water resistance offer reliable defense.
- The spray gel pump gives you great control over application, and the formula absorbs easily for a fresh feel.
- It contains Australian Naturals like Kakadu Plum and Tea Tree Oil, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect your skin.
- The instant bronzer, made with Caramel, gives your skin a beautiful, immediate golden glow that washes off.
- Sunflower Seed Oil and Olive Fruit Oil work together to deeply moisturize your skin, leaving it smooth and hydrated.
- The signature Cocoa Dreams fragrance, with notes of Coconut, Orange, and Vanilla, makes you feel like you’re on vacation.
- It is not tested on animals.
What Could Be Improved:
- The bronzer, while adding an instant glow, washes off. Some users might prefer a more permanent tan.
- While the fragrance is delightful for many, those with very sensitive noses might find it strong.
Overall, this sunscreen is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting sun protection with added skin benefits and a touch of instant color. It delivers on its promises of hydration and a healthy glow.
3. Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready for a sunny day with Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15. This lotion helps you get a lovely tan while protecting your skin.
What We Like:
- It’s a lightweight sunscreen that won’t feel sticky or greasy on your skin.
- The lotion is packed with Vitamin E, which keeps your skin feeling soft and moisturized.
- It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it great for swimming or playing at the beach.
- You don’t have to worry about dyes, PABA, or oxybenzone.
- You get one 8-ounce bottle, perfect for carrying in your beach bag.
What Could Be Improved:
- The SPF 15 offers basic protection, so it might not be enough for very fair skin or prolonged sun exposure.
- While it helps with tanning, some users might prefer a higher SPF for more robust sun safety.
This Coppertone lotion offers a good balance of tanning and protection. It’s a nice option for those who want a bit of color while keeping their skin safe from the sun.
4. Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray with Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready for a sunny day with Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray! This sunscreen is designed to give you a nice tan while protecting your skin. It’s easy to use and feels good on your skin.
What We Like:
- It sprays on easily and covers your skin evenly.
- The mist dries super fast, so you can get going right away.
- It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is great for swimming or playing.
- The formula is lightweight and doesn’t feel greasy.
- It won’t clog your pores or cause pimples.
- This sunscreen is free from dyes, Oxybenzone, and PABA.
- You get one 5.5 ounce bottle, which is a good size.
What Could Be Improved:
- SPF 15 is a lower level of protection, so it might not be enough for very fair skin or prolonged sun exposure.
- The “tanning” aspect means it might not be ideal if you prefer a sunscreen that doesn’t encourage tanning at all.
This Coppertone spray is a convenient option for those who want to tan safely. It offers good protection with a pleasant feel.
5. Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil
Rating: 9.4/10
Dreaming of a gorgeous golden tan while keeping your skin happy and healthy? The Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil is here to help! This oil is designed for those who love to get a beautiful bronzed glow but also want their skin to feel super soft and protected. It provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, so you can soak up the sun responsibly. Plus, it’s made with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and a blend of amazing oils, all with Sun Bum’s signature summer scent.
What We Like:
- Achieve a beautiful dark tan while moisturizing your skin.
- Offers broad-spectrum SPF 15 UVA/UVB protection.
- It’s water-resistant and compliant with the Hawaii 104 Reef Act, meaning it’s reef-friendly!
- Made with nourishing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Green Tea Butter, Marula, Argan, Coconut, and Avocado Oil.
- The formula is vegan and free from Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, and Parabens.
- It has a delightful original summer scent.
- Easy to spray and rub in for a quick application.
What Could Be Improved:
- SPF 15 is a lower level of protection, so it’s best used for those who tan easily or for shorter sun exposure periods.
- Sonny’s Tip suggests using it with a regular sunscreen for full protection, which means it might not be enough on its own for everyone.
If you’re looking for a way to get a deep tan while pampering your skin, this Sun Bum tanning oil is a fantastic option. Just remember to use it wisely for the best and safest sun-kissed results!
The Ultimate Guide: Finding Your Perfect Sunscreen That Tans
Want to get a sun-kissed glow without the worry of burning? Sunscreen that tans, also known as tanning oils with SPF or sunscreens with tanning activators, can help you achieve that. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you navigate the world of tanning sunscreens.
Key Features to Look For
1. Broad-Spectrum Protection
This is super important. Look for “broad-spectrum” on the label. It means the sunscreen protects you from two types of sun rays: UVA and UVB.
- UVA rays cause aging and wrinkles.
- UVB rays cause sunburn.
Getting both protections is crucial for healthy skin.
2. SPF Level
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It tells you how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays. For a sunscreen that tans, you’ll usually find SPF levels ranging from 6 to 30. A higher SPF offers more protection. If you have fair skin, start with a higher SPF, like 15 or 30. If your skin tans easily, you might be okay with a lower SPF, like 6 or 8. Always remember, even with a tanning sunscreen, you still need protection!
3. Tanning Activators or Accelerators
Some sunscreens have ingredients that help your skin tan faster. These are often natural oils or compounds that boost melanin production. Melanin is what gives your skin its color.
4. Water Resistance
If you plan to swim or sweat a lot, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. It will stay on your skin for longer periods, usually up to 40 or 80 minutes, even when wet. You’ll still need to reapply it after swimming or sweating.
Important Materials
The ingredients in your sunscreen matter. Here are some to look out for:
1. Sunscreen Filters
These are the ingredients that block or absorb sun rays. They can be:
- Chemical filters: These absorb UV rays. Examples include oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate.
- Mineral filters: These sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are common examples.
Many sunscreens use a combination of both.
2. Tanning Ingredients
These ingredients help speed up your tan. Common ones include:
- Carotenoids: Found in ingredients like carrot oil or beta-carotene.
- Tyrosine: An amino acid that helps the body make melanin.
- Natural oils: Like coconut oil, olive oil, or sunflower oil, which can moisturize and help the skin absorb sunlight.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality:
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, or vitamin E keep your skin hydrated and can prevent dryness, which is common when tanning.
- Antioxidants: These can help protect your skin from damage caused by the sun.
- Lightweight Formulas: Sunscreens that feel light on the skin are more pleasant to use.
Reducing Quality:
- Heavy, Greasy Formulas: These can feel uncomfortable and make you feel sticky.
- Ingredients that Clog Pores: If you have acne-prone skin, avoid heavy oils or ingredients known to cause breakouts.
- Lack of Broad-Spectrum Protection: This is a major quality issue as it leaves your skin vulnerable to damage.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a sunscreen that tans is great for people who want to build a gradual tan while protecting their skin. It’s perfect for beach days, poolside lounging, or any outdoor activity where you want a healthy glow.
When you use it, apply it generously and evenly to all exposed skin about 15-20 minutes before going into the sun. Remember to reapply at least every two hours, and more often if you swim or sweat. Even with these products, moderation is key. Don’t stay out in the sun for too long.
Always do a patch test on a small area of your skin first to make sure you don’t have any reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can sunscreen that tans really give me a tan?
A: Yes, these products often contain ingredients that help your skin tan more quickly. However, they still contain SPF to protect your skin from burning.
Q: Is sunscreen that tans safe?
A: Yes, if they have broad-spectrum protection and the correct SPF. The key is to still protect your skin from harmful UV rays while helping it tan.
Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen that tans?
A: You should reapply it at least every two hours, and more often if you swim or sweat.
Q: Will sunscreen that tans prevent me from getting a tan?
A: No, it is designed to help you tan, but it also provides protection. You will still get a tan, but it will be a more gradual and safer process.
Q: Can I use sunscreen that tans if I have sensitive skin?
A: Look for formulas that are specifically made for sensitive skin, often labeled as “hypoallergenic” or “fragrance-free.” Always do a patch test first.
Q: What is the difference between a tanning oil with SPF and a regular sunscreen?
A: Tanning oils with SPF are formulated to help you tan faster while providing some sun protection. Regular sunscreens are primarily focused on blocking UV rays with higher SPF levels.
Q: Does SPF in tanning sunscreens block tanning completely?
A: No, SPF in tanning sunscreens allows your skin to tan gradually while protecting it from burning. A higher SPF will result in a slower, safer tan.
Q: Can I get a sunburn while using sunscreen that tans?
A: Yes, it’s still possible to get a sunburn if you don’t use enough product, reapply it often enough, or stay in the sun for too long, even with SPF.
Q: Are tanning activators in sunscreen harmful?
A: Generally, the tanning activators used in reputable products are considered safe. They work by stimulating melanin production, which is a natural process.
Q: What should I do if I get an allergic reaction to a sunscreen that tans?
A: Stop using the product immediately and rinse your skin with cool water. If the reaction is severe, consult a doctor.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.