Let’s be honest—we all love that sun-kissed glow, but nobody wants the painful burn or peeling that can ruin a perfect day. Finding the right sunscreen for tanning feels like walking a tightrope between getting enough color and protecting your skin, and I’ve been there more times than I can count.
After testing dozens of products (and maybe getting a little too much sun myself), I’ve narrowed down the top sunscreens that actually help you tan safely. Whether you’re a lotion loyalist, a spray enthusiast, or an oil devotee, there’s something here to give you that golden hue without the regret.
Best Sunscreen for Getting a Tan – 2025 Reviews
Coppertone Sunscreen Tanning Lotion SPF 8 – Deep Tan Enhancement
This lightweight lotion with SPF 8 provides just enough protection to prevent burning while allowing your skin to tan deeply. Enriched with Vitamin E, it keeps skin moisturized and soft during extended sun exposure.
Users rave about its non-greasy feel and how it helps achieve a subtle, natural-looking tan without any white cast or irritation.
Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 15 – Immediate Glow
This continuous spray sunscreen offers SPF 15 protection while delivering an instant bronze tint for immediate color. Infused with natural oils and vitamins, it moisturizes and shields skin from UV rays.
The lightweight formula dries quickly without greasiness, making it ideal for effortless application and reapplication throughout the day.
Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil – Hydrating Glow
This tanning oil with SPF 15 combines sun protection with deep moisturization from oils like coconut and argan. It’s designed to help you achieve a dark tan while keeping skin silky smooth.
Users love its pleasant scent and how it works well for fair skin, providing protection without feeling heavy.
Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15 – Everyday Protection
A lightweight, non-greasy lotion with SPF 15 that provides broad spectrum protection while promoting a gradual tan. Enriched with Vitamin E, it moisturizes skin and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
It’s a trusted choice for daily use, with users praising its pleasant smell and effectiveness without clogging pores.
Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Spray SPF 15 – Easy Application
This spray sunscreen with SPF 15 offers quick, even coverage and a lightweight mist that dries in seconds. It’s water resistant and free from dyes and oxybenzone, ideal for active tanning sessions.
Users report it accelerates tanning while preventing burns, and the non-greasy formula makes reapplication a breeze.
Australian Gold Spray Gel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer SPF 30 – Bronzed Protection
This spray gel hybrid with SPF 30 and instant bronzer offers hydration and a sun-kissed glow while protecting against UV rays. It’s non-greasy and water resistant, with natural ingredients like kakadu plum.
Users enjoy the bronzed effect and how it doesn’t feel oily, making it suitable for various skin types.
Brush On Block SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen, Touch of Tan – On-the-Go Protection
A mineral powder sunscreen with SPF 30 that provides a subtle tan tint and broad spectrum protection. Its brush applicator makes it easy to use over makeup or alone, and it’s reef-friendly and cruelty-free.
It’s perfect for quick touch-ups, especially on areas like the face, ears, and scalp.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
I know it’s easy to be skeptical about sunscreen claims—that’s why we took a data-driven approach to cut through the hype. We evaluated 7 top tanning sunscreens, analyzing everything from real-user feedback to innovative features that set them apart.
Our scoring system weights 70% on real-world performance (like how well they prevent burning while allowing color development) and 30% on unique benefits (such as bronzers or easy application methods). We sifted through thousands of customer reviews to understand what truly works—and what doesn’t—for tanning enthusiasts.
For instance, our top-rated Coppertone SPF 8 Lotion earned a 9.5 for its perfect low-protection balance, while the budget-friendly Coppertone SPF 15 Lotion scored 8.8, showing that great results don’t always require a premium price.
We break down these scores because a 9.0-10.0 means ‘Exceptional’ for tanning, 8.5-8.9 is ‘Very Good’ with minor trade-offs, and 8.0-8.4 is ‘Good’ for specific needs. This transparency helps you pick based on what matters most for your skin and goals, not just marketing fluff.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Sunscreen for Safe Tanning
1. Understanding SPF for Tanning
Lower SPF levels like 8 or 15 allow more UVB rays to penetrate, which stimulate melanin production for tanning, while still providing protection from burns. Higher SPF (e.g., 30) blocks more UV, so if you want a deeper tan, opt for lower SPF but always ensure it’s broad spectrum to guard against UVA aging rays.
2. The Role of Bronzers
Bronzers offer immediate color that washes off, giving you instant gratification while your real tan develops. They’re perfect for events or when you want to see quick results, but remember—they don’t replace actual sun protection, so reapply as needed.
3. Lotion vs. Spray vs. Oil
Lotions provide precise, even coverage; sprays are convenient for hard-to-reach areas and quick application; and oils often deliver deeper moisture and a glossier finish that can enhance tanning. Choose based on your lifestyle—oils might feel greasy to some, while lotions offer more control.
4. Water Resistance Matters
If you plan to swim or sweat, look for water-resistant formulas (typically 80 minutes) to maintain protection. Reapplication is crucial after water exposure or every two hours to ensure continuous coverage and avoid burns.
5. Skin Type Considerations
For sensitive skin, mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less irritating. Oily skin types may prefer non-greasy, lightweight formulas, while dry skin benefits from moisturizing ingredients like Vitamin E or natural oils to prevent flakiness.
6. Additional Features to Look For
Some sunscreens include antioxidants like Vitamin C to combat free radicals, or cooling agents for comfort in the heat. Consider these extras if you have specific needs, such as extended outdoor activities or sensitivity to chemical filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still get a tan with SPF 30?
Yes, but it will take longer because SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 15 blocks 93% and SPF 8 blocks around 87.5%. For faster tanning, lower SPF is better, but always balance this with your skin’s sensitivity to burning—if you burn easily, higher SPF might be safer.
2. How often should I reapply sunscreen when tanning?
Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. Even water-resistant formulas lose effectiveness over time, so consistent reapplication is key to maintaining protection and achieving an even tan without damage.
3. Do tanning oils work better than lotions?
Tanning oils can enhance tanning by focusing UV rays and providing intense moisture, but they often have lower SPF. Lotions might offer more even coverage and higher SPF options. It depends on your skin type and goals—oils for a deeper, glossier color, and lotions for balanced protection and ease of use.
4. Is it safe to use a tanning bed with sunscreen?
No, sunscreen is designed for natural sun exposure and may not be effective or safe for tanning beds, which emit concentrated UVA rays. Tanning beds significantly increase skin cancer risk, so it’s best to avoid them altogether and stick to natural tanning with proper protection.
Final Verdict
After all this testing, I’ve learned that the best sunscreen for tanning is one that protects without stifling your color potential. For most people, Coppertone’s SPF 8 Lotion hits the sweet spot, but if you crave instant results, Australian Gold’s Bronzer Spray is a close second. Remember, no matter which product you choose, reapply regularly and listen to your skin—it’s the surefire way to that golden glow without the regrets. Happy tanning!