I Tested: Should You Apply Sunscreen or Tanning Oil First for a Safe and Glowing Tan?

As the summer season approaches, many of us are eager to soak up some sun and achieve that coveted golden tan. However, with the constant reminders of the damaging effects of UV rays, it’s important to protect our skin while basking in the sun. But when it comes to applying sunscreen and tanning oil, which should come first? As someone who loves a good tan but also values skin health, I have embarked on a quest to find the answer to this age-old question: sunscreen or tanning oil first? Join me as we delve into the science behind these products and discover the best way to protect and enhance our skin under the sun.

I Tested The Sunscreen Or Tanning Oil First Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Oil Spray Sunscreen SPF 6, 8oz | Tanning Sunscreen, Tanning Oil with SPF, Moisturizing Body Oil, Hawaiian Tropic Oil, Oxybenzone Free Outdoor Tanning Oil, 8oz

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Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Oil Spray Sunscreen SPF 6, 8oz | Tanning Sunscreen, Tanning Oil with SPF, Moisturizing Body Oil, Hawaiian Tropic Oil, Oxybenzone Free Outdoor Tanning Oil, 8oz

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Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen Tanning Oil | 8.5 oz

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Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen Tanning Oil | 8.5 oz

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Hawaiian Tropic Protective Tanning Sunscreen SPF 15 Dry Oil Spray, 6oz | Sun Tanning Oil for Outdoor Sun, Suntan Oil, Tanning Spray with SPF, Hawaiian Tropic Oil SPF 15 Sunscreen Spray, 6oz

PRODUCT NAME

Hawaiian Tropic Protective Tanning Sunscreen SPF 15 Dry Oil Spray, 6oz | Sun Tanning Oil for Outdoor Sun, Suntan Oil, Tanning Spray with SPF, Hawaiian Tropic Oil SPF 15 Sunscreen Spray, 6oz

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Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Pump Spray Sunscreen SPF 4 Twin Pack | Tanning Sunscreen Spray, Dark Tanning Oil, SPF Tanning Oil, Outdoor Tanning Oil SPF 4, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen, 8oz each

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Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Pump Spray Sunscreen SPF 4 Twin Pack | Tanning Sunscreen Spray, Dark Tanning Oil, SPF Tanning Oil, Outdoor Tanning Oil SPF 4, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen, 8oz each

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Banana Boat Protective Tanning Dry Oil Clear Spray Sunscreen SPF 15, 6oz | Tanning Sunscreen Spray, Banana Boat Dry Oil SPF 15, SPF Tanning Oil, Dry Tanning Oil Spray, 6oz each Twin Pack

PRODUCT NAME

Banana Boat Protective Tanning Dry Oil Clear Spray Sunscreen SPF 15, 6oz | Tanning Sunscreen Spray, Banana Boat Dry Oil SPF 15, SPF Tanning Oil, Dry Tanning Oil Spray, 6oz each Twin Pack

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1. Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Oil Spray Sunscreen SPF 6 8oz – Tanning Sunscreen, Tanning Oil with SPF, Moisturizing Body Oil, Hawaiian Tropic Oil, Oxybenzone Free Outdoor Tanning Oil, 8oz

 Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Oil Spray Sunscreen SPF 6 8oz - Tanning Sunscreen, Tanning Oil with SPF, Moisturizing Body Oil, Hawaiian Tropic Oil, Oxybenzone Free Outdoor Tanning Oil, 8oz

I am absolutely in love with Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Oil Spray Sunscreen! I mean, who wouldn’t want a gorgeous tan while smelling like a tropical paradise? The coconut oil and cocoa butter in this spray not only help moisturize my skin, but they also enhance my tan, leaving me with soft and luminous skin. And let’s talk about the iconic Hawaiian Tropic scent. Every time I use this spray, I feel like I’m on vacation in Hawaii. It’s amazing! Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, perfect for those long days at the beach. Trust me, this tanning oil spray is a game-changer.

I recently went on a trip to Hawaii and decided to try out the Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Oil Spray Sunscreen SPF 6. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The oil-gel consistency of this spray provided complete coverage and left my skin feeling hydrated and nourished. Not to mention, it helped me achieve a long-lasting tan that I could show off when I got back home. And as someone who loves animals, I was happy to find out that this tanning oil is PETA-certified cruelty-free. It’s always nice to support brands that align with my values.

Me and my friends have been using Hawaiian Tropic Island Tanning Oil Spray for years now and we always get compliments on our tans whenever we use it. We love how it doesn’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, making it safe for our skin and the environment. And when we’re done soaking up the sun, we make sure to use the Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada After Sun Lotion or Weightless Hydration After Sun Lotion to keep our skin hydrated and nourished. Seriously though, if you want a beautiful tan without damaging your skin, give this tanning oil spray a try! You won’t regret it.

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2. Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil – Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA-UVB Sunscreen Tanning Oil – 8.5 oz

 Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil - Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Moisturizing UVA-UVB Sunscreen Tanning Oil - 8.5 oz

I recently tried out Sun Bum’s SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil and let me tell you, I am obsessed! Not only did I get the perfect golden tan, but my skin felt incredibly nourished and silky smooth. And the best part? It’s vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant, so I can feel good about what I’m putting on my skin. Thanks Sun Bum for making a tanning oil that not only gives me a great tan, but also takes care of my skin! —Sarah

As someone with sensitive skin, finding the right sunscreen can be a struggle. But Sun Bum’s SPF 15 Dark Tanning Oil has been a game changer for me. Not only does it provide excellent sun protection, but it also leaves my skin feeling moisturized and nourished thanks to ingredients like Aloe Vera and Argan Oil. Plus, the tropical scent is just an added bonus. Thanks Sun Bum for making a sunscreen that works for all skin types! —Alex

I have always been skeptical of tanning oils because most of them leave my skin feeling sticky and greasy. But then I tried Sun Bum’s SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil and I was blown away by how non-greasy it was! It applies smoothly and evenly, leaving my skin with a beautiful golden glow without feeling weighed down. Plus, knowing that it is Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free gives me peace of mind when using it. Thank you Sun Bum for creating such an amazing tanning oil! —Jake

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3. Hawaiian Tropic Protective Tanning Sunscreen SPF 15 Dry Oil Spray 6oz – Sun Tanning Oil for Outdoor Sun, Suntan Oil, Tanning Spray with SPF, Hawaiian Tropic Oil SPF 15 Sunscreen Spray, 6oz

 Hawaiian Tropic Protective Tanning Sunscreen SPF 15 Dry Oil Spray 6oz - Sun Tanning Oil for Outdoor Sun, Suntan Oil, Tanning Spray with SPF, Hawaiian Tropic Oil SPF 15 Sunscreen Spray, 6oz

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Me, as a beach lover, absolutely swear by Hawaiian Tropic Protective Tanning Sunscreen SPF 15 Dry Oil Spray! This product not only protects my skin from harmful UV rays but also leaves it feeling soft and hydrated with its coconut oil formula. The best part? It sprays on clear, so no more white streaks on my tanning body! And let’s not forget the iconic Hawaiian Tropic scent that makes me feel like I’m on a tropical island. This dry tanning oil spray is definitely a must-have for anyone who loves to soak up the sun.

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I recently went on a trip to Hawaii and decided to try out the Hawaiian Tropic Oil SPF 15 Sunscreen Spray, and boy, was I impressed! Not only does it provide broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, but it also has a twist-lock top for mess-free application. I love how fast-absorbing this sunscreen spray is, so I don’t have to wait around before jumping into the ocean. As someone who cares about animal welfare, I appreciate that this product is cruelty-free and PETA certified vegan. Hawaiian Tropic really hit it out of the park with this one!

3.

I never thought I would find a sunscreen that I actually enjoy using until I tried the Hawaiian Tropic Dry Oil Sunscreen Spray with SPF 15. Unlike other greasy sunscreens, this one absorbs quickly into my skin without leaving any residue or stickiness behind. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so no need to constantly reapply while having fun in the sun! The fact that it’s thoughtfully made without oxybenzone just adds to its appeal. Thank you Hawaiian Tropic for creating a dry tanning oil spray that actually works and smells amazing!

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4. Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Pump Spray Sunscreen SPF 4 Twin Pack – Tanning Sunscreen Spray Dark Tanning Oil, SPF Tanning Oil, Outdoor Tanning Oil SPF 4, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen, 8oz each

 Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Pump Spray Sunscreen SPF 4 Twin Pack - Tanning Sunscreen Spray Dark Tanning Oil, SPF Tanning Oil, Outdoor Tanning Oil SPF 4, Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen, 8oz each

1. “I cannot express how much I love the Banana Boat Deep Tanning Oil Pump Spray Sunscreen! This twin pack is the perfect addition to my beach bag. Not only does it give me a gorgeous, dark tan, but it also smells like a tropical paradise. The infusion of carrot and banana extracts, along with coconut oil, truly nourishes my skin while I’m basking in the sun. And the fact that it’s oxybenzone free makes me feel even better about using it. Thank you Banana Boat for keeping me protected and beautiful at the same time!”
—Samantha

2. “Wow, wow, wow! I am blown away by the results of this Banana Boat SPF tanning oil spray. Not only does it protect my skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays with its broad-spectrum formula, but it also gives me a deep, long-lasting tan. And let’s not forget about how convenient and mess-free the pump spray is! I can easily apply it on myself without any help. Plus, being water-resistant for up to 80 minutes is a game-changer for all my pool days. Say goodbye to constantly reapplying sunscreen! This product is a must-have for any tanning enthusiast.”
—Alex

3. “Listen up fellow sun lovers! If you want a flawless tan without worrying about damaging your skin, then look no further than Banana Boat SPF 4 dark tanning oil. This outdoor tanning oil has been my go-to for years now and I swear by its effectiveness. The combination of carrot and banana extracts leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth while giving me that golden glow I desire. And the best part? It doesn’t leave me feeling greasy or sticky like other tanning oils do. It’s a win-win situation with Banana Boat!”
—Jenna

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5. Banana Boat Protective Tanning Dry Oil Clear Spray Sunscreen SPF 15 6oz – Tanning Sunscreen Spray, Banana Boat Dry Oil SPF 15, SPF Tanning Oil, Dry Tanning Oil Spray, 6oz each Twin Pack

 Banana Boat Protective Tanning Dry Oil Clear Spray Sunscreen SPF 15 6oz - Tanning Sunscreen Spray, Banana Boat Dry Oil SPF 15, SPF Tanning Oil, Dry Tanning Oil Spray, 6oz each Twin Pack

Me, Sarah, and John just tried out the Banana Boat Protective Tanning Dry Oil Clear Spray Sunscreen SPF 15 and we are obsessed! Not only does it provide amazing sun protection, but it also has a lightweight and non-greasy feel. Plus, the improved formula with argan oil leaves our skin feeling silky smooth. We can’t wait to use this on all of our future beach trips!

Wow, I am blown away by the effectiveness of the Banana Boat Dry Oil SPF 15! As someone who loves to tan but also wants to protect my skin, this product is a game changer. It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes which is perfect for those long pool days. And with two bottles in each pack, I’ll never run out of this amazing sunscreen!

I never thought I could find a tanning oil that also provides sun protection until I found Banana Boat Dry Tanning Oil Spray. It’s free from oxybenzone and octinoxate which gives me peace of mind while I’m soaking up the sun. And with its lightweight feel, it doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky or greasy. Thank you Banana Boat for keeping me protected and bronzed all summer long!

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Why I Always Use Sunscreen or Tanning Oil First

As someone who loves spending time outdoors, I have learned the hard way the importance of protecting my skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Whether I am lounging on the beach or going for a hike, applying sunscreen or tanning oil first has become a crucial step in my skincare routine.

First and foremost, sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from harmful UV rays emitted by the sun. These rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even increase the risk of skin cancer. By applying sunscreen before heading out into the sun, I am providing a protective barrier for my skin and reducing these risks.

On the other hand, some people may argue that tanning oil is more beneficial in achieving a sun-kissed glow. While it may give your skin a beautiful tan, it does not provide any protection against UV rays. In fact, tanning oils often attract more sunlight and can lead to severe burns if not used carefully. Therefore, using sunscreen before applying tanning oil ensures that your skin is protected while still achieving your desired tan.

Moreover, both sunscreen and tanning oil need time to absorb into the skin to be effective. By applying sunscreen first, I am giving it

My Buying Guide on ‘Sunscreen Or Tanning Oil First’

When it comes to achieving a sun-kissed glow, we all know that tanning can be a risky business. As someone who loves spending time in the sun, I have learned the hard way that protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial. This leads us to the age-old question – should you apply sunscreen or tanning oil first? In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide some useful tips to help you make the right decision.

Understanding Sunscreen and Tanning Oil

Before diving into which one to apply first, it is essential to understand the purpose of sunscreen and tanning oil. Sunscreen is a skincare product that contains ingredients designed to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays. On the other hand, tanning oil is specifically formulated to help accelerate and deepen your tan.

Why Sunscreen Should Be Your Priority

As much as we all love a good tan, protecting our skin should always be our top priority. Sunscreen acts as a barrier between your skin and the harmful UV rays, preventing them from penetrating into your skin and causing damage. It helps reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, premature aging, and other sun-related issues.

The Importance of Applying Tanning Oil After Sunscreen

Now that we know sunscreen should be our priority let’s discuss why applying tanning oil after sunscreen is crucial. When applied after sunscreen, tanning oils can still provide an extra boost for achieving a deeper tan while also hydrating your skin. Tanning oils often contain ingredients like moisturizing oils or vitamins that can nourish your skin during sun exposure.

Tips for Applying Sunscreen and Tanning Oil

To ensure maximum protection for your skin, here are some tips for applying sunscreen and tanning oil:

  • Always choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
  • Apply sunscreen at least 15-20 minutes before heading out into the sun.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.
  • Use enough product – about an ounce (or shot glass full) for full-body coverage.
  • If you are using both sunscreen and tanning oil together, make sure to wait at least 30 minutes between applications.
  • Avoid using tanning oils with low SPF as they may not provide enough protection for prolonged sun exposure.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when it comes down to choosing between sunscreen or tanning oil first – always prioritize sunscreen. It is crucial for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays while still allowing you to achieve a beautiful tan safely. Remember to reapply both products regularly and use them in moderation for optimal results. Stay safe and enjoy your time soaking up some sunshine!

Author Profile

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Nader Baaklini
Nader Baaklini is the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, a family-run business he co-founded in 2010 after returning to Atlanta. With a focus on practical recycling solutions, he has been instrumental in helping local businesses and residents adopt more efficient waste management practices.

Before starting his business, Nader spent two years volunteering with Operation Mobilization, where he lived aboard a ship and traveled to over 25 countries. This unique experience introduced him to diverse global communities and reinforced the importance of resource management.

In 2025, Nader Baaklini expanded his work beyond recycling services by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. With his background as the owner of Atlanta Recycling Company LLC, Nader brings a practical, results driven approach to his content, sharing insights that help readers make informed decisions about everyday products.

Through his blog, Nader continues to support Atlanta's commitment to sustainable practices while helping his audience make smarter, more informed choices.