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Written By Chloe Taylor

The 7 Best Sunscreen for Tanning at the Beach

sunscreen for tanning with a yellow background

We all wait for those sunny summer days so, that we can spend time on beach vacations and get that glowing bronzed tan. The beach tan look is always complimented and loved by most of us. However, the problem arises if we get sun spots, pigmentation, and fine lines after spending long hours in the sun.

Most of my clients complain to me about their skin damage after sunbathing. So, to prevent different skin problems and signs of aging using good sunscreen is always recommended.

A good sunscreen can help you to achieve that dark, natural tan while protecting your skin. Using sunscreen with higher SPF decreases skin malignancies, and prevents sunburn and premature aging.

Why You Should Trust Us

Being in this profession for a long time and after getting a lot of reviews from my clients I have decided to share them on my website “Tanningtouch”. After trying different tanning products and services I have shared my point of view in my posts so, that my readers can get maximum benefit and information.

Lack of proper knowledge can be dangerous as it can damage your skin permanently. So, I have gone through different research to make sure my clients get complete and genuine information about tanning products and services.

So, being a tanning expert in this post I will share with you my honest review of some of the best sunscreen available. I will also let you know how to choose the best sunscreen so, that you can get that desired look without skin damage.

Overview

Preview
Best Choice
Sun Bum Browning Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun...
Neutrogena Beach Defense Body Spray Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Water-Resistant and...
Best Price
Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil Pump Spray, SPF 25, 8 Fl Oz
Title
Sun Bum Browning Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun...
Neutrogena Beach Defense Body Spray Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Water-Resistant and...
Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil Pump Spray, SPF 25, 8 Fl Oz
Item Form
Lotion
Spray
Oil,Spray
Water-Resistant
Yes
Yes
Yes
Available in SPF
15,30,50,70
30,50,70
25,30
Skin Type
Sensitive
All
All
Oxybenzone free
Yes
Yes
No
Best Choice
Preview
Sun Bum Browning Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun...
Title
Sun Bum Browning Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Sun...
Item Form
Lotion
Water-Resistant
Yes
Available in SPF
15,30,50,70
Skin Type
Sensitive
Oxybenzone free
Yes
More Information
Preview
Neutrogena Beach Defense Body Spray Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Water-Resistant and...
Title
Neutrogena Beach Defense Body Spray Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Water-Resistant and...
Item Form
Spray
Water-Resistant
Yes
Available in SPF
30,50,70
Skin Type
All
Oxybenzone free
Yes
More Information
Best Price
Preview
Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil Pump Spray, SPF 25, 8 Fl Oz
Title
Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil Pump Spray, SPF 25, 8 Fl Oz
Item Form
Oil,Spray
Water-Resistant
Yes
Available in SPF
25,30
Skin Type
All
Oxybenzone free
No
More Information

Best Sunscreen for Tanning at the Beach

Here are some of the best sunscreens that you should try out before hitting the beach this summer.

Sum Bum Browning Lotion

This browning lotion accelerates the tanning process while sun tanning. So, We do not have to spend long hours in the sun to get that dark tan.

This sun tanning cream contains natural ingredients like coconut, marula, avocado and argan oil, aloe vera, and Kona coffee plant extract. It also has a pleasant smell of tropical coffee.

This lotion is very easy to use and you should wait for at least 10 minutes after applying this lotion to prevent staining.

You can reapply if needed. It is a reef-friendly and water-resistant product and can be a great choice for all skin types.

Why is It Special?
  • Available with SPF 15 and above
  • Accelerate the sun tanning process
  • Protects and moisturizes your skin while tanning
  • Paraben, cruelty, and gluten-free product
  • Water-resistant and reef-friendly product
  • Can be used even when the sun’s rays are most intense
  • Can be used by people with any skin type.
What Are the Flaws?
  • Can stain your clothes or towel if not used 10 minutes prior to tanning
  • The smell may not be loved by all.
  • The consistency of the product is quite thick and sticky.

The sum bum browning lotion is gluten, paraben, octinoxate, oxybenzone, and cruelty-free. It is also hypoallergenic and thus, protects and moisturizes your skin and helps you to achieve that natural bronzed look faster.

This product can be used even on those warm sunny days when the sun’s rays are intense.

[ Comprehensive Guide: Your Ultimate Guide to Natural Sun Tanning ]

Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil Pump Spray

This sunscreen can help you achieve that dark natural tan when you are out in the sun. This sunscreen contains exotic island-inspired botanical ingredients like passion fruit, aloe vera, plumeria, mango, guava, and papaya.

These ingredients are very nourishing thus, using this tanning oil can nourish your skin completely besides helping you to get tan quickly.

It is also made using cocoa butter and coconut oil to keep your skin luminous and soft while sunbathing.

This tanning oil is dermatologically tested and also recommended by tanning professionals like me. It is a reef-friendly product and free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. This sunscreen can be used by people with any skin type.

What Do We Love It For?
  • Lightweight product
  • Nourish skin besides protecting
  • Contains a rare blend of nature-rich oils and exotic island botanicals
  • Tested by dermatolgist
  • Free from octinoxate nad oxybenzone
  • Broad-spectrum UVA or UVB sunscreens with SPF 25
  • Dry oil gets easily absorbed by the skin.
What Can Disappoint Us?
  • The consistency of the product is thick
  • Its smell may not be loved by all
  • May leave a sticky layer on your skin.

This tanning oil has a light tropical scent and a broad spectrum of SPF 25. You can spend long hours in the sun after using this lotion without worrying about getting skin burns.

Sun Bum Spf 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil

This tanning oil from the sun bum is perfect for those who want to get smooth, nourished skin besides, that glowing bronzed look. It is reef-friendly, water resistant, and has a broad spectrum SPF 15.

This sunscreen comes with an original summer scent and is made by using natural ingredients like avocado, marula, coconut and argan oil, aloe vera, and green tea butter. It can be used by people with any skin type.

What Are Its Best Features?
  • This tanning oil comes with SPF 15 to protect your skin from the UVA/ UVB rays
  • It is hypoallergenic and free from gluten, paraben, cruelty, octinoxate, and oxybenzone
  • Can be used on days when the sun’s rays are most intense
  • It is water resistant and reef-friendly product
  • Can be used with regular sunscreen to get adequate protection
  • Green tea butter, aloe vera, coconut, marula avocado, and argan oil nourish the skin
  • Has an original summer scent.
What Could Be Improved?
  • May cause rashes and itchiness so, a patch test is important
  • The bottle may not be easy to open.

You can use this sunscreen even on days when the sun rays are most intense. This product is hypoallergenic and free from harmful ingredients like octinoxate and oxybenzone. It provides the necessary protection to your skin while sun tanning.

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

Neutrogena beach defense sunscreen with SPF 30 provides broad spectrum protection against the UVA and UVB rays and thus reduces the chance of skin cancer.

It is an 80-minute water-resistant product formulated with Helio plex sunscreen technology.

This spray sunscreen is very lightweight and gets easily absorbed by your skin. This sunscreen can be used during any outdoor activity as it dries up very fast after application.

Reasons to Buy
  • Lightweight and gets absorbed easily
  • Spf 30 provides broad-spectrum protection
  • Decrease the risk of skin cancer
  • The spray bottle is easy to use
  • Dermatologically tested PABA and oxybenzone-free product
Reasons to Avoid
  • Need to reapply to prevent burnt
  • The smell may be strong for some people
  • The product may make you feel oily.

This product is also free from oxybenzone and PABA. You may also like to read: How to Get Tan Without Getting Freckles?

Coppertone Tanning Sunscreen Lotion

It is lightweight sunscreen from Coppertone that will not make your skin greasy.

This tanning lotion is water resistant and thus, can protect your skin while being in the sun for up to 80 minutes.

This sunscreen has a broad spectrum of 15 and contains vitamin E to nourish your skin and prevent it from drying out.

What Are Our Favorite Features?
  • Water-resistant product
  • Enriched with vitamin E to moisturize skin
  • Lightweight formula
  • Free from PABA, oxybenzone, and dyes
  • Voted the most trusted sunscreen brand by American shoppers
  • Has a mild fragrance.
What Could Be Better?
  • This may lead to itchy skin
  • Beware of receiving a defective product.

It is free from harmful ingredients like oxybenzone, paraben, and dyes.

[Related Stories: 5 Best Beach Chairs With Face Holes]

Australian Gold Continuous Spray Sunscreen

The Australian gold spray sunscreen can help you achieve that bronzed look instantly. It is a non-greasy and lightweight product that deeply moisturizes your skin besides, protecting your skin from sun damage.

This sunscreen contains tea tree oil, vitamin C, and a rich blend of Kakadu plum extract to make your skin feel fresh and also fight off free radicals. It comes in the pleasant scent of vanilla, coconut, and orange.

This broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. As this sunscreen is available in a spray bottle so, it is easy to use and gets absorbed by your skin fast.

Why is It Special?
  • Protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays
  • It is non-greasy and light-weight
  • The spray bottle is easy to use
  • Gets absorbed by your skin fast
  • Free from gluten, cruelty, phthalate, PABA, and oxybenzone
  • It is water resistant with no CFCs and is purely vegan
  • It has a smell of orange, vanilla, and coconut
  • SPF 30 provides complete protection and hydrates skin
  • Contains, tea tree oil, vitamin C, and a blend of Kakadu plum extract to fight off free radicals.
What Are the Flaws?
  • The spray bottle may not function properly
  • May cause sweating when in the sun
  • Beware of receiving the expired product.

It is a water-resistant, cruelty, paraben, phthalate, oxybenzone-free product that has no harmful side effects. It is also a completely vegan product with no CFCs.

Sun Bum Original Scent SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

The sun bum sunscreen lotion with SPF 30 can be the perfect choice for those who love to spend time outdoors hanging out or lying at the beach. It is water resistant, reef-friendly, and oil-free product that can be used by people with any skin type.

This sunscreen lotion is packed with vitamin E and can provide complete protection to your skin from UVA and UVB rays. You need to apply this lotion for 15 minutes before going to the beach.

If you have a plan of swimming or you have excess sweat then, reapply the lotion after 80 minutes. For maximum sun protection use this sunscreen after every two hours.

This product is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and free from cruelty, paraben, octinoxate, oxybenzone, and gluten. It has the smell of summer and can be used on days when the sun’s rays are most intense.

What Do We Love It For?
  • The summer smell gives an original feeling
  • Free of harmful chemicals like paraben, gluten, etc.
  • People with sensitivity can also use this lotion
  • Provides maximum protection from the UVA and UVB rays
  • Moisturizes skin
  • Oil-free and water-resistant product
  • It is made in the US and can be easily shipped within and outside of the US.
What Can Disappoint Us?
  • Some people may experience the product not being reef-safe after use
  • May burn the skin if not reapplied
  • Can irritate you if it goes into your eyes.

Besides, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays it also moisturizes your skin and prevents dryness.

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How to Identify the Best Sunscreen for Sun Tanning?

Before buying sunscreen for yourself you need to consider the factors shared below so, that your skin is protected besides tanning.

SPF of the Sunscreen

SPF contain in sunscreen determines how well your skin will be protected while sun tanning. A sunscreen with a higher SPF has more ability to protect your skin and prevent damage while tanning.

So, to protect your skin from the UVA and UVB rays you need to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Using sunscreen with SPF 15 or above can be the best option.

Sunscreens with SPF lower than 15 are not recommended as they cannot protect your skin completely and make your skin damage quicker than usual.

Your Skin Type

Different sunscreens are meant for different skin types. So, you need to get sunscreen according to your skin type. People with dry or sensitive skin should choose the sunscreen that suits their skin type to get that perfect result.

Sunscreens meant for sensitive skin often contain natural and soothing agents. Whereas sunscreens meant for dry skin mostly contain shea butter and aloe vera to prevent your skin from drying out after tanning.

Different Types of Sunscreens

Nowadays, sunscreens are available in different forms so, that it becomes easy for you to choose according to your preference. Non-greasy sunscreens are mostly preferred by people who want to go out for a beach tanning. A sticky and greasy product can make you feel uncomfortable while sunbathing.

Some people also love to use an oil-based sunscreen so, that their skin is completely hydrated while tanning. An oil-based sunscreen can prevent your skin from sun damage while being out in the sun.

Spray sunscreens are also used by some people as they are easy to use. These sunscreens are available in both oil and cream form.

Ingredients Used

You should always check out the ingredients and make sure it does not contain any harmful ingredients before using sunscreen. Try to go for sunscreens that contain natural ingredients so, that your skin is nourished and hydrated after getting tan.

If your skin is prone to breakouts then, using a non-comedogenic product can be a good idea. A non-comedogenic sunscreen will give you a non-greasy feel and also prevent clogged pores.

Choose Reef-safe Products

Some sunscreens contain ingredients like octinoxate and oxybenzone. Although these two ingredients can help in blocking the UV rays, can cause coral bleaching.

So, try to use sunscreen that does not contain these ingredients.

Waterproof Sunscreen

Using waterproof sunscreen is the best option for those who want to take a dip in the ocean or pool while tanning. A waterproof sunscreen does not get washed away even if you dip yourself in water.

A waterproof sunscreen also protects your skin while tanning and swimming in water. Do not use a waterproof sunscreen if you are not planning to get wet while tanning.

Wrapping Up

The sunscreens shared above are some of the best products you can get for yourself this summer. Most of these products contain natural ingredients that are free from harmful chemicals.

You can protect your skin from damage and sunburn while spending long hours at the beach or going into the pool. So, get one for yourself today and go out for tanning without worrying about skin damage and burns.

FAQ

Is SPF 50 Enough for the Beach?

Using sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50 can provide complete protection from sunburn. If applied properly sunscreens with SPF 50 can prevent your skin from 98% of the UVB rays and SPF 100 blocks 99% of the UV rays. Using sunscreen with SPF values between 30 to 50 can also be beneficial for people with excess sensitive skin.

Which Sunscreen is Best for the Beach?

When going out to the beach you should always use sunscreen that is reef-friendly with SPF 30 or above. Your sunscreen should be water-resistant for at least 80 minutes so, that it protects your skin for a longer period.

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Author
Chloe Taylor

Hey there, I am Chloe Taylor, your trusted tanning expert. Dive into expert tips, product reviews, and skincare advice to unlock the secrets of a radiant tan. Also, join me in achieving that sun-kissed glow while safeguarding your skin, which can leave you feeling your best.

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