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10 Best Sunscreen Oils to Score a Healthy Glow This Summer
Talk about fun in the sun!
Summer is right around the corner, so it’s time for you—and your beauty routine—to prep for some fun in the sun. Some might stock up on SPF to keep burns and blotches to a minimum, while others will opt for a store-bought bronze with the help of a sunless tanner. But if you’re looking to forgo the heavy creams and lotions, you may want to look into sunscreen oil.
Shop the Best Sunscreen Oils
Sunscreen oils and tanning oils are very different. According to Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, tanning oils are designed to “speed up the tanning process by attracting and focusing on the sun’s UV rays on the skin.” And sure, tanning oils might leave your skin feeling soft and supple—but a lot of them forgo SPF, which can result in everything from sunburns to hyperpigmentation, to serious issues like melanoma.
“Tanning oil is very different from sunscreen oil, because it does not protect the skin from sun damage,” says Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. “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.”
On the other hand, Camp says, “Sunscreen oil is a form of sunscreen that is oil-based, so that it moisturizes and softens skin, and protects skin from ultraviolet radiation. Sunscreen oils offer a sheer finish and leave skin with a glow.” Tanning oils and sunscreen oils do share some benefits, but the latter’s SPF protection is the key to keeping skin healthy. Before you fill your cart with formulas that promise a fresh-from-the-beach glow in no time, it’s vital to understand that.
But even with that out of the way, with so many oils to sift through, how do you know which is right for your needs? Start by perusing through our list below of the 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.
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 |
Pros
- Has nourishing oils to nourish dry skin
- SPF of 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 sunscreen oil is technically suitable for many skin types, moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, grapeseed oil, and meadowfoam seed oil make it 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 |
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Dry Oil Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros
- Affordable
- Reef-friendly formula
- Aerosol applicator and dry mist formula are 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 the brand’s 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 oils work together to create a jolt of moisture for up to 12 hours.
Not only is the formula itself fast-absorbing and nongreasy, 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 | Grapeseed, argan, coconut, and olive oils |
| SPF | 30 |
Pros
- Mix of moisturizing ingredients nourishes the skin
- Water-resistant 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 | 30 |
Vacation Chardonnay Oil SPF 30
Pros
- Made with clean, vegan ingredients
- Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
- Formula is built to protect and nourish the skin
Cons
- Smell is polarizing
- Some say the packaging leaks.
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—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 barrier; jojoba oil and shea oil pack on the moisture; and the formula’s eponymous chardonnay grapeseed 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 grapeseed oil, marula and passionfruit seed oils, bisabolol |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
Pros
- Refreshing fragrance
- Formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn’t come in a larger quantity
- Some shoppers don’t love the smell.
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 welcome change. (Less your typical SPF, more a cool-girl fragrance.) Though important, the pleasant 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 |
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 would your sunscreen needs be any different? Enter Hampton Sun’s 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 |
Pros
- Created in collaboration with dermatologists of color
- Fast-acting, nongreasy formula
- Free of irritating ingredients like alcohol and parabens
Cons
- Not suitable for those with oily skin
- Comes in a small container
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 Melē’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, Melē 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 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 | 30 |
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Oil Shimmering Sunscreen
Pros
- Sold in a pretty, beachy scent
- Mica helps make the oil shine—literally.
- Water-resistant up to 40 minutes
Cons
- Expensive
- Shimmer finish isn’t for everyone
If you’re looking for a sunscreen oil that will help you glow at full wattage, Sol de Janeiro delivers with its Radiance body oil. 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 |
Coola Liplux Hydrating Oil Golden Glow 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.
Your arms, legs, and face aren’t the only places to apply sunscreen: Your lips deserve some tender, loving (sun) care, too. Coola’s Liplux oil 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 sunburned 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 people with dry skin. “Normal and dry skin types may be most amenable to the use of [sunscreen] oils,” says Camp.“The oils in these products will act as an emollient to soften skin and make it smoother, as well as trap moisture into skin.”
That said, just because you don’t have dry skin, that doesn’t mean you have to write off sunscreen oil quite yet. “[Those] with sensitive or acne-prone skin may want to use sunscreen oils sparingly or opt for noncomedogenic formulas to avoid skin irritation or breakouts,” Chacon adds.
What to look for in sunscreen oil
When shopping for sunscreen oil, look closely at a formula’s ingredients. For example, Chacon recommends options that are packed with nourishing ingredients like argan, coconut, and avocado oils. (Jojoba oil and vitamins A, C, and E are also popular.) Of course, not all oils are created equal. “Avoid oils that contain ingredients like mineral oil, which can clog pores,” she says. Chacon also recommends avoiding sunscreen oils with added fragrances, which can be irritating. “Other factors to consider might include the oil’s scent, whether it’s water-resistant, and how easily it’s absorbed by the skin,” she adds.
How much SPF should you look for in a sunscreen oil?
While tanning oils offer very little (if any) sun protection, sunscreen oils will give you the coverage you need. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen products that offer a minimum of SPF 30, broad-spectrum coverage, and water resistance. Though higher SPFs will provide slightly more protection from UVA and UVB rays, a 30 rating remains a safe choice.
How to use sunscreen oil
Just because sunscreen oils are lighter in nature, that doesn’t mean the rules of application (and reapplication) differ from a traditional SPF. Camp adds that the American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors, so you’ll want to plan ahead. As with a typical cream or lotion, Chacon recommends reapplying sunscreen oil every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Anna Chacon is a broad-certified dermatologist in Miami,.
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
