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Sunscreen oils and tanning oils are very different. According to Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida, tanning oils are designed to “speed up the tanning process by attracting and focusing on the sun’s UV rays on the skin.” Sure, tanning oils might leave your skin feeling soft and supple; however, a lot of formulas forgo SPF, which can result in everything from sunburns to hyperpigmentation, to serious diagnoses like melanoma
“Tanning oil is very different from sunscreen oil because it does not protect the skin from sun damage,” Camp adds. “In fact, tanning oil helps facilitate the tanning process of skin: by reducing the refractive index, tanning oils increase the absorption of UV rays into the skin.” Some benefits of sunscreen oils overlap, but the SPF formula is the key to keeping skin healthy. “Sunscreen oil is a form of sunscreen that is oil-based, so that it moisturizes and softens skin, and protects skin from ultraviolet radiation,” explains Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology in New York City. “Sunscreen oils offer a sheer finish and leave skin with a glow.”But before you fill your e-cart with formulas that promise a fresh-from-the-beach glow in no time, it’s important to recognize that
With so many oils to sift through, how do you know which one is right for your needs? Start by perusing through our list of best sunscreen oils. From consistent crowd-pleasers to lesser-known finds that deserve a spot on your radar, the picks here are begging for some fun in the sun.
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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
1
BEST OVERALL
Sun Bum Sunscreen Oil SPF 30
Pros
- Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
- Reef-safe and made with skin-friendly ingredients
Cons
- Some people say this oil can stain clothes
If you’re looking for a formula that has everything, you simply can’t go wrong with Sun Bum’s Sunscreen Oil. “It sprays on easily and hydrates skin while protecting it from the sun,” says Camp. This dermatologist-approved, Reef Act-compliant option trades in harmful oxybenzone for a better-for-you (and the environment) mix of avobenzone, homosalate, ethylhexyl salicylate , and octocrylene. However, the star of this vegan choice is its certified-organic coconut oil, a simple way to keep the skin silky smooth.
Customer Review:
“Feels great, smells great, works great! Also, I like that it hits the list of top sunscreens for environmental concerns and human safety.”—Susan H.
| Size | 5 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Coconut Oil |
| SPF | 30 |
2
BEST FOR DRY SKIN
Supergoop Glow Oil SPF 50 Dry Body Oil Sunscreen
Pros
- Has nourishing oils to nourish dry skin
- Features SPF 50
Cons
- Expensive
- Some people found this oil caused them to break out
Combat dry skin—and lock in a sun-kissed tan—with the help of Supergoop’s Glow Oil. While this tanning oil is technically suitable for many skin types, moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, grapeseed oil, and meadowfoam seed oil make this pick particularly good for those who fall on the drier end of the spectrum. “Offering SPF 50 protection, this lightweight sunscreen oil is water-resistant for 80 minutes and offers an antioxidant-rich formula,” Camp notes.
Customer Review:
“This is the best body sunscreen I’ve used!! feels lightweight and doesn’t have that gross sunscreen smell. Smells light and fresh. Feels great on the skin and is the only sunscreen I enjoy using. Buy it.”—Jsky
| Size | 5 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Argan Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil |
| SPF | 50 |
3
BEST DRUGSTORE
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Dry Oil Sunscreen Mist SPF 30
Pros
- Affordable
- Reef-friendly formula
- Aerosol applicator and dry mist formula is easy to use
Cons
- Some say the bottle cracks and leaks easily
Thanks to this option from Hawaiian Tropic, you don’t have to look far to find an excellent sunscreen oil for less. Think of its Weightless Hydration formula as a great option for oil sunscreen beginners. The aerosol applicator and dry oil texture are great for those who might find a traditional oil intimidating and, admittedly, messy. Meanwhile, a mix of coconut, argan, olive, and grapeseed work together to create a jolt of moisture for up to 12 hours.
Not only is the formula itself fast-absorbing and non-greasy, but it’s also reef-safe so you’ll do your skin and the environment a favor.
Customer Review:
“This sunscreen is just perfect! It sprays lightly, rubs in quickly, doesn’t feel sticky, and protected me well. I will continue to use this as my go to beach sunscreen.”—Lily
| Size | 5 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Grape Seed, Argan, Coconut, and Olive Oils |
| SPF | 30 |
4
BEST WATER-RESISTANT
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Sheer Protect SPF 30 Oil Spray
Pros
- Mix of moisturizing ingredients nourishes the skin
- Built for water-resistance up to 80 minutes
- Affordable
Cons
- Some say this formula is a little greasy
Though you should always reapply sunscreen after swimming, a special, patent-pending polymer technology in L’Oréal Paris’s Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Oil helps this formula stay water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Built to block UVA and UVB rays, this pick uses ingredients like Vitamin E, argan oil, shea butter oil, grapeseed oil, and sunflower oil to nourish the skin in the process.
Customer Review:
“I burn every single time I go to the beach. I’m on the pastier side and only tan after I burn. I actually got a tan—not really a dark one—but a tan nonetheless without the burn. I was skeptical at first but it actually works.”—Leni
| Size | 5.0 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin E, Argan Oil, Shea Butter Oil, Grape Seed Oil, and Sunflower Oil |
| SPF Coverage | 30 |
5
BEST CLEAN FORMULA
Vacation Chardonnay Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen
If you want to clean up your sun care routine, Vacation’s Chardonnay Oil Sunscreen is cruelty-free and vegan—not to mention it comes in a bottle made with recycled materials.
Not only does this formula have SPF 30—so you can stay protected from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays—but it also uses a chamomile-derived ingredient called bisabolol to minimize irritation from the sun. Marula and passionfruit seed oils work hard to protect your skin’s barrier; jojoba oil and shea oil pack on the moisture; and the formula’s eponymous chardonnay grape seed oil provides a subtle shine.
Customer Review:
“Love this product. Feels like an indulgent tanning oil but the SPF 30 coverage protected from burning or too much sun.”—JHJH
| Key Ingredients | Chardonnay Grape Seed Oil; Marula & Passionfruit Seed Oils; Bisabolol |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
6
BEST SCENTED
CAY SKIN Isle Body Oil SPF 30
While most tanning oils smell like a piña colada, the amber and vanilla notes used in Cay Skin’s Isle Body Oil will be a welcomed change. (Less of your typical SPF, more of a cool-girl fragrance.) Though important, scent is only one thing this SPF oil offers. Vegan and cruelty-free, Cay Skin’s formula features rich ingredients like a moisturizing squalane and sea moss, which will strengthen, nourish, and protect your skin. Speaking of protection, this oil also has SPF 30 baked inside.
Customer Review:
“Smells great and light. Goes on fast and easy and soaks in pretty quick. The packaging is nice, too. This stuff is too good to be true!”—Pifflove
| Size | 3.7 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Sea Moss and Squalane |
| SPF | 30 |
7
BEST FOR MATURE SKIN
Hampton Sun SPF 30 Silk Body Oil
Pros
- Has a matte, grease-free finish
- Packed with anti-aging ingredients
- Many shoppers like the pleasant scent
Cons
- Some say the bottle leaks
As you age—and your skin’s ability to retain moisture, elastin, and collagen decreases—your cosmetic needs will naturally change. So, why should your sunscreen be any different? Enter Hampton Sun’s SPF 30 Silk Body Oil, a fast-absorbing formula that has a matte, velvety finish. Powered by an ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid as well as Vitamin E, which is known to help produce elastin, this oil will leave the skin moisturized, supple, and oh-so radiant. Plus, a dose of bisabolol will help reduce skin pigmentation.
Customer Review:
“I love the scent, it’s stunning and fresh—unlike any other sun brand scent. The feel on my skin is so soft and non greasy.. I was enticed after reading reviews for this on the brands site. I can’t imagine how great it’s going to be to use this on vacation. “—Ellie
| Size | 4.0 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Bisabolol, and Vitamin E |
| SPF | 30 |
8
BEST NON-GREASY
MELE No Shade SPF 30
There can be a very fine line between sunscreen oils that are hydrating and those that leave your skin feeling sticky and…well, greasy. If you’re looking to bridge the gap in style, Camp is a fan of MELLE’s No Shade SPF 30 Oil. “Free of parabens, alcohol and mineral oil, this lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreen oil offers SPF 30 protection without leaving behind a noticeable residue,” he notes.
Instead of drying alcohols and harsh parabens, MELLE uses a mix of avobenzone and octinoxate to give your skin the sun protection it needs, minus the greasy aftermath. Since this formula was made in collaboration with dermatologists of color, you can rest assured that it’ll leave a residue-free glow on a wide range of complexions.
Customer Review:
“This is one of the best sunscreen oils that I have ever used. It’s not greasy or messy. It gives your skin a beautiful sheen and it does protect. Love this product!!”—Cocoahoney
| Size | 1 fl .oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Avobenzone and Octinoxate |
| SPF Coverage | 30 |
9
BEST GLOW
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Shimmering Body Oil Sunscreen
If you’re looking for a sunscreen oil that will help you glow at full wattage, Sol de Janeiro delivers with its Radiance Shimmering Body Oil. Decked out with a generous SPF 50 rating, this oil uses patauá oil and pongamia seed extract for quick absorption and antioxidant protection, respectively. But what makes this oil really shine—pun intended—is a helping of mica that creates an instant glow. It’s also worth noting that this formula is cruelty-free, water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, and made without harsh oxybenzone.
Customer Review:
“My first experience using body sunscreen oil and it’s fantastic. It gives my skin a beautiful shine, making it look juicy and flawless. The moisturizing effect is wonderful, and the scent is amazing.”—Tao M.
| Size | 3 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Patauá Oil, Pongamia Seed Extract, and Mica |
| SPF | 50 |
10
BEST LIP OIL
COOLA Classic Liplux Organic Hydrating Lip Oil Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros
- Reef-safe formula that offers UVA and UVB protection
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- This formula has limited uses
- Some people don’t like the taste
Arms, legs, and face aren’t the only places to apply sunscreen: Your lips deserve some tender, loving (sun) care, too. COOLA’s Classic Liplux Organic Hydrating Lip Oil Sunscreen goes on just like your favorite gloss and is packed with nourishing Vitamin E as well as jojoba and camellia oils. It also has a broad-spectrum SPF 30 rating that protects against UVA and UVB rays, plus it’s reef-safe. You can kiss sunburnt lips goodbye once and for all.
Customer Review:
“What else can you ask for?! Keeps your lips from getting dry and cracked, and protects them. Love it.”—Eliza
| Size | 0.11 fl. oz. |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Camellia and Jojoba Oils; Vitamin E; and Raspberry Seed Oil |
| SPF | 30 |
Who are Sunscreen Oils Best Suited For?
With the right formula, sunscreen oils can work for everyone. However, thanks to the ultra-moisturizing ingredients typically used, sunscreen oils are a particularly good match for those with dry skin. “Normal and dry skin types may be most amenable to the use of [sunscreen] oleje,” říká Camp.” Oleje v těchto produktech budou působit jako změkčovadlo, které změkčí pokožku a udělá ji hladší, stejně jako zachytí vlhkost do pokožky. “
To znamená, že to, že nemáte suché, neznamená, že musíte odepsat olej na opalování docela dosud. “[Those] s citlivou nebo aknózní pletí může chtít používat oleje na ochranu proti slunečnímu záření střídmě nebo se rozhodnout pro nekomedogenní formule, aby se zabránilo podráždění kůže nebo prasklinám,“ dodává Chacon.
Co hledat v opalovacím oleji
Při nákupu opalovacího oleje se pozorně podívejte na složení složení. Například Chacon doporučuje možnosti, které jsou plné výživných složek, jako je arganový, kokosový a avokádový olej. (Jojobový olej a vitamíny A, C a E jsou také oblíbené prvky.) Samozřejmě, že ne všechny oleje jsou si rovné. “Vyhněte se olejům, které obsahují přísady, jako je minerální olej, který může ucpat póry,” říká. Chacon také doporučuje vyhýbat se olejům na opalování s přidanými vůněmi, které mohou být dráždivé. “Další faktory, které je třeba zvážit, mohou zahrnovat vůni oleje, zda je odolný vůči vodě a jak snadno se vstřebává pokožkou,” dodává.
Kolik SPF byste měli hledat v opalovacím oleji?
Zatímco opalovací oleje mají velmi nízkou (pokud vůbec nějakou) ochranu proti slunci, oleje na opalovací krémy vám poskytnou potřebné krytí. Americká akademie dermatologie doporučuje používat SPF, který nabízí minimální ochranu SPF 30, širokospektrální krytí a voděodolnost. Ačkoli vyšší SPF poskytne o něco větší ochranu před UVA a UVB paprsky, hodnocení 30 zůstává bezpečnou volbou.
Jak používat opalovací olej
To, že jsou oleje na opalování lehčí, neznamená, že se pravidla aplikace (a opakované aplikace) liší od tradičních SPF. Camp dodává, že Americká akademie dermatologie doporučuje aplikovat opalovací krém na suchou pokožku patnáct minut před odchodem ven, takže budete chtít plánovat dopředu. Stejně jako typický krém nebo mléko, Chacon doporučuje znovu aplikovat každé dvě hodiny nebo ihned po plavání nebo pocení.
Seznamte se s odborníky
- doktorka Anna Chaconová je široce certifikovaný dermatolog v Miami na Floridě.
- Dr. Brendan Camp je dermatolog s dvojitou certifikací MDCS Dermatology v New Yorku.
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