These 4 DIY Tanning Oil Recipes are each based on a different natural oil. I provide the SPF for each oil so you can plan your golden tan with enough protection for your skin type.

Every summer, I look forward to spending time under the sun to get a natural tan.

I know you also love giving your skin that sexy, beach-babe complexion that Coco Chanel first introduced in the 1920s.

However, this trend has its fair share of consequences such as sunburn—worse, even skin cancer.

This is why I recommend you use tanning oils made from all-natural ingredients that contain SPF and can help speed up the tanning process.

Benefits Of Homemade Tanning Oils

With a lot of sunscreen and tanning products popping up like mushrooms these days, it gets a little harder to know which ones actually work.

Fortunately, you have the option to go DIY by making a homemade tanning oil.

I know you might not be sold on this idea yet, but I’ll start you out with 5 reasons why you can benefit from swapping your old tanning lotion for a DIY tanning oil.

1) Homemade Tanning Oils Are Healthier Compared To Commercially-Sold Tanning Products

From petroleum, paraben, and BHT, to artificial coloring, fragrance, and formaldehyde, it is clear that your skin is headed for a disaster when using chemically-prepared tanning products.

These artificial enhancers and preservatives have been noted by dermatologists to be harmful to your skin.

Instead of sacrificing your health in exchange for a highly-coveted summer tan, you can choose to do your own tanning oil that is filled with natural goodness and dermal benefits.

Among the things that DIY tanning oils can do include moisturization, sun protection, safe and improved sunlight absorption, and supplementation of Vitamin E.

Later in this post, I’ll share with you a few recipes I’ve discovered using fewer (and healthier!) ingredients that not only provide ample SPF but also help you keep a healthy bronzed skin.

2) Homemade Tanning Oils Use Readily-Available Ingredients

All you’ll ever do is raid your pantry and search for the oil variants which you commonly use for cooking.

While some oils are not popular at home, you can still avail them through your local supermarket and even pharmacy.

This makes the process easier as you won’t look all over to source your DIY tanning oil ingredients.

3) DIY Tanning Oils Are Highly Effective

Unlike lotions that you smother on your skin, a natural, homemade tanning oil can do well even on its own and without unnecessary ingredients that are thought to “improve” absorption and texture on skin.

In fact, the luster of these natural oils on skin attracts a sufficient amount of sunlight to speed up the tanning process, hence reducing your time spent under the glaring sun.

If you’re as concerned with bronzing effect as you are with sun protection, your best bet is to use homemade tanning oils.

4) DIY Tanning Oils Are More Affordable Than Store-Bought Products

Obviously, any DIY projects and recipes involve a little to no amount at all.

If you already have these natural oils at home, you can save a few dollars that could be spent on buying them at the supermarket.

You’ll definitely agree with me that most tanning oils in the market are priced ridiculously high, so it’s best if you can simply make your own—even in batches.

{READ THIS: 7 DIY Self Tanner Recipes: Instant Natural Glowing Fake Tan}

What Can Be Used As A Tanning Oil?

You can use natural oils extracted from plants and seeds as main ingredients for making a DIY tanning oil. Aside from being organic and easier to source, these oils can work together in harmony to provide you with highly-effective tanning oil that not just provides sun protection, but also helps in achieving faster results in less time. Plus, they’re safe to use and even help promote better skin health with additional healing qualities.

4 Best DIY Tanning Oil Recipes With SPF

To give you an idea of how a DIY tanning oil lives up to its promise, I’ve rounded up 4 of the most popular natural oils that are often used for achieving a safe tan.

1) Coconut Oil For Tanning

This oil is commonly used as a base ingredient in commercial tanning oils and even lotions.

Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Tanning

Coconut oil naturally contains fatty acids, which, when applied on the skin, can create a barrier against sunburns caused by excessive exposure to UV rays.

With its SPF range of about 4-5, coconut oil provides just the right amount of sun protection while also helping you achieve a better tan by lowering the refractive index, which draws more sunlight that penetrates the skin.

Aside from these benefits, coconut oil is also known as a moisturizer that restores hydration on the skin and retains its elasticity.

Coconut Oil For Tanning Recipe

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $1.00

Apply this DIY tanning oil to neutralize UV radiation on your skin and give it an antioxidant boost. This oil is recommended for you if you have sensitive or already brown-skinned since people with dark complexion best suit tanning oils having lower SPF.

Materials

Tools

Instructions

Combine a cup of coconut oil and 8 tablespoons of walnut oil in a deep bowl.
Mix thoroughly and add 2 cups of brewed green tea slowly into the mixture.
Apply this DIY tanning oil to neutralize UV radiation on your skin and give it an antioxidant boost.

SPF Rating Of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has an SPF rating of 4-5, which is lower compared to the recommended sunscreen score.

However, since it is used to create a tan, its SPF level is enough for its kind.

I’d recommend this oil for you if you have sensitive or already brown-skinned since people with dark complexion best suit tanning oils having lower SPF.

{GET YOUR COCONUT OIL HERE}

2) Avocado Oil

This oil is known for its high amounts of Vitamin E and fatty acids, which ensure the suppleness of the skin.

Benefits Of Avocado Oil For Tanning

Avocado oil in itself is full of vitamins that help soothe damaged skin layers and repair its tissues for a safe sunbathing.

Often used in combination with other natural oils, avocado oil is generally effective in attracting sun rays necessary for speedy tanning.