Something we could all do with, is a long hot sunny summer, but for now at least, the weather is delivering on all of our warm weather wishes.
As we only get to enjoy one or two months of good weather each year in the UK, we tend to lack that year round healthy glow. Thankfully, there are over-the-counter tanning oils that you can buy to help you achieve the perfect glow.
There are two main types of tanning oil to look out for so you will first need to figure out which one is the best tanning oil for you.
If you're wanting to soak up the sun for as long as is (safely) possible, you'll want to go for a tanning oil with lots of protection against harmful UV rays - the higher the better but remember, it's not a complete sun block.
Alternatively, opting out of chilled days in the sun doesn't mean you have to miss out on your glow goals. There's tons of fake tan products on the market that will give you the healthy-looking complexion you're after.
We've rounded up some of the best tanning oils you can buy but first, here are some of the things you may want to look out for:
How do tanning oils work?
Designed to help enhance a bronzed glow, tanning oils generally work deeper and quicker than sunscreens, but they have a low SPF (Sun Protection Factor).
Tanning oils attract and focus UV rays onto the skin, accelerating the production of melanin, which gives your skin the darker hue.
It is important to choose a tanning oil with at least a 30 SPF to ensure that you are protecting your skin while you tan.
Will I burn if I use tanning oil?
Tanning oils are designed to accelerate the production of melanin, the pigment that gives your skin colour.
If used incorrectly, the simple answer is yes, you will burn. If you're planning on spending a fair amount of time in the sun then it is important that you invest in a tanning oil with a high SPF.
No amount of SPF protection is complete protection from sunburn, so opting for a tanning oil with an SPF will give you some protection, allowing you the freedom of spending more time in the sun without having to worry as much.
How to choose a tanning oil
With so many options on the market, you will need to consider which is the best tanning oil for you. For example, do you have pale skin? Do you want a slow, steady, even tan? Do you want to go quite dark? Will you be in water? There are lots to consider - but there is also a lot of choice.
SPF protection
While many tanning oils don't have SPF, that doesn't mean you should go without - since the SPF in oils range from 0-50, there is something for every skin type.
If you opt for a tanning oil without or with a low SPF then your skin will tan faster, but you won't have any protection from the sun's UV rays, so the likelihood is that you will burn.
How long you intend to be in the sun should determine which level of SPF protection is required.
Tanning oils with an SPF of 15 means that you can spend 15 times longer in the sun than you would if you were using a tanning oil with no SPF at all. An SPF 20 means that you can spend 20 times longer in the sun, and so on.
Ingredients
There are many attractive-sounding ingredients that are added to tanning oils. These natural ingredients are added for different reasons such as to help protect and moisturise the skin and prevent any kind of irritation or redness.
- Coconut oil - has a natural SPF4 and is good for sensitive skin.
- Avocado oil - attracts the sun and is packed full of vitamins that help to soothe damaged skin layers and repair tissue.
- Argan oil - protects the skin from sun damage while keeping it moisturised.
- Aloe Vera - heals burns, soothes, cools and moisturises the skin.
Water Resistance
If you're planning on going for a dip, then it makes sense to get a tanning oil that is water-resistant like the Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil. The SPF is still just as important whether you're lounging on the beach or in the water.
Skin Type
You will need to consider what skin type you have before buying a tanning oil. If you have pale skin you will want to avoid sunburn by opting for an oil that has a higher SPF is an option.
Sufferers of sensitive or dry skin may want to opt for a hydrating oil that moisturises the skin while you tan. An oil that contains one or more of the previously mentioned natural oils will help prevent further irritation to the skin.
If you have naturally oily skin then applying extra oils on top won't do you any favours, so choosing a non-greasy tanning oil that will allow the skin to breathe may be the better option.
Best tanning oils 2021:
1. Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil
Best overall tanning oil

Hawaiian Tropic's tanning oils seem to be favourites across the board, their Dry Spray Oil not only enhances your tan, but keeps the skin feeling super nourished and hydrated with a fast-absorbing application.
Relax in the sun with full peace of mind, thanks to broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
It's enriched with a luxurious blend of coconut and papaya, smelling dreamy but equally as beneficial for your skin. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes too.
2. Palmer's Natural Bronze Gradual Tanner
Best moisturising tanning lotion
For a cheap and cheerful solution to getting a healthy hue on this summer, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Natural Bronze Body Lotion is the ideal beauty buy to keep around for the summer.
This creamy, moisturising lotion, infused with a special combination of pure cocoa butter and vitamin E, is the perfect way to keep your skin beautiful, while maintaining a healthy glow.
It doesn't have sunscreen so if you're going to be out in the sun you'll need a decent sun protection.
Buy now from Superdrug ( £7.49 ).
3. Garnier Sun Oil SPF15
Best tanning oil for pale skin
If you're looking for something you can go out in the sun in, Gold Protect from Garnier is a great option.
The non greasy formula is enriched with shea butter and features advanced photostable UVA/UVB protection for your skin, as well as an SPF15 rating.
Protect your skin, but nourish it too after all, that is the recipe for maintaining your golden glow. It's also water resistant for those who want to enjoy a dip in between sunbathing sessions.
4. Bioderma Photoderm Oil SPF 50+
Best tanning oil with SPF protection

Bioderma's Photoderm Bronz Dry Oil offers full protection against UV damage for your face, body and hair - making it one of the best all around solutions.
This dry oil enhances the natural tanning process by increasing melanin production. It's also weightless, non-greasy and doesn't leave a sticky residue behind afterwards.
It helps you to achieve a deeper and more evenly spread tan that lasts just as long.
5. Bondi Sands Liquid Gold
Best self-tanning oil

Fake it until you make your glow goals with some Liquid Gold from Bondi Sands.The dual action, gradual tanning formula ensures a deep and even tan that looks Australian sun natural. It's long lasting and enriched with sumptuous coconut oil, jojoba and argan oil for a hydrating finish.
6. Sol de Janeiro Oil
Best for fast tanning

It's a tanning splurge you definitely won't regret.
With water resistance for up to 80 minutes, you won't have to reapply it as often, giving you more time to sunbathe; with SPF 30 protection against sun damage.
The light formula is quick absorbing and enriched with Açaí oil and Cupuaçu butter for super smooth skin with a healthy glow.
The oil has a sweet scent with notes of salted caramel and toasted pistachios and quite frankly, that's all the persuasion we needed.
Buy now from Look Fantastic ( £36.00 )
7. Nuxe Sun Tanning Oil
Best bronzing tanning oil

Nuxe Sun is a suitable formula for the face and body and offers an SPF30 rating for protection whilst you tan.
Enriched with natural botanical extracts, this tanning oil fights to protect cells from aging, whilst providing the components needed to achieve a glowing tan.
Enjoy a silky smooth finish that's free from sticky or greasy residue, along with the summery blend of sweet orange, Tahitian gardenia and vanilla aromas.
8. Institut Esthederm Oil
Best tanning oil spray

It might be on the pricier side of the spectrum, but this sun care oil from Institut Esthederm offers full protection for your skin, whilst helping to stimulate and intensify the glow of your dreams.
Containing nourishing ingredients of plant origin, the water resistant oil is suitable for use on the body and hair for a silky smooth finish and delicate aroma.
Use around 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or after a swim.
9. Malibu Water Resistant Tanning Argan Oil Spray
Best water resistant tanning oil
The Malibu water-resistant tanning spray is ideal for taking a dip in the pool or the ocean while enjoying the sun safely.
With an SPF15, mean that you will get medium sun protection and the added Argan Oil will give the skin some added protection whilst keeping the skin nice and moisturised
The spray bottle allows for straight-forward hassle-free application, which is perfect when applying it on the kids. It's quick drying which means there's no hanging around when all you want to do is leap in the pool.
10. Bali Body Watermelon Tanning Oil
Best-smelling tanning oil
The Bali Body Watermelon Tanning Oil SPF15 is a hydrating sun tanning oil used to achieve a natural sun tan.
The lightweight oil contains organic watermelon seed oil which naturally stimulates the production of melanin in the body, and naturally has a slight sweet scent of watermelon.
It's packed with minerals and antioxidants to nourish and replenish the skin while you tan, and is 100% vegan friendly and Australian made.
Buy now from Boots ( £18.95 ).
Keep yourself protected in the sun and your little ones too, we've compiled a list of the best sunscreen for babies and small children.