I prefer to eat my sunscreen rather than slather it on my skin…
I do occasionally use my homemade sunscreen if I’m going to be out in the sun for a long time without shade or layer, but in general, I prefer to get the free vitamin D from its original source via moderate sun exposure.
When I’m going to be at the beach (can I just live there, please?) or somewhere where I can alternate between sun exposure or the shade of an umbrella and a good book, I prefer to just use natural oils that nourish and slightly protect my skin without blocking vitamin D (like many sunscreens do).
I’ve used a variation of this homemade tanning oil for years and when a friend recently asked about a natural tanning oil, I figured it was time to share the recipe.
Sun Protective Oils…
Though many of my recipes are solid like lotion bars or body butters, this one is a liquid oil, which makes it easier to use when on the go. If you prefer a more solid recipe, you can absolutely make this with unrefined coconut oil that hardens at 76 degrees and store in a small jar.
This tanning oil recipe uses oils that are naturally sun protective:
- raspberry seed oil (SPF 25+)
- carrot seed oil (SPF 35+)
- avocado oil (SPF 15)
- olive oil (SPF 8)
- optional: lavender essential oil
- optional: sandalwood essential oil
Some of these oils are more sun protective than others, and you can adapt the proportions based on your preference and how much sun protection you want. It is important to note that these are all low-SPF and not a substitute for regular sunscreen.
I also added bronze mica powder for a subtle bronze glow, but you can omit this if you don’t have it or don’t want to use it.
Since olive and avocado oils have a lower SPF, they are great for someone with naturally dark skin who is looking for a little protection. In fact, olive oil has been used traditionally in Mediterranean countries as a natural skin protectant in the sun, creating a gorgeous dark tan.
Those (like me) who aren’t naturally olive skinned may want to at least start with more of the higher SPF oils like raspberry seed and carrot seed.
Since this is not a sunscreen, but a mild sun-protectant recipe, it is important to test with small amounts of time in the sun to find what works best for your body and skin type. I’m sharing what worked best for me, but tweak to fit your skin type and desired result.
Natural Tanning Oil
This nourishing and natural tanning oil is easy to make and smells amazing!
Tanning Oil Ingredients (my version)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 TBSP avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp raspberry seed oil
- 1/2 tsp carrot seed oil
- 10 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 tsp bronze mica powder
Tanning Oil Instructions
Mix all oils and mica powder (if using) and store in a dark-colored glass container. If you decide to substitute coconut oil for the olive oil, store in a jar instead, as it won’t work with a pump.
I use this as needed for mild sun exposure and it has helped me tan naturally without burning.
Important!
Of course, all of the usual disclaimers apply: sunburn is never healthy and should absolutely be avoided. You should not spend long periods of time in the sun, especially if you have very sensitive skin and if you are unable to tan, this recipe will not magically help you tan. I’m NOT advocating regular tanning in an electric bed, and only use this for moderate and natural sun exposure. Check with a dermatologist if you are unsure about any of these ingredients or want to know if this recipe is specifically good for your skin.
Do you use tanning oil? Ready to try a natural version?
How to Plan a Family “Staycation”
Can you use this if you are swimming?
This will be my first homemade tanning oil and in the past I’ve always taken my oils with me since I reapply throughout day. Will the ingredients in this recipe break down or become less effective if kept in warm/hotter weather?
It should be fine since all are shelf stable and you won’t be heating to really high temps.
Olive skin is green undertones. You either are born with it or not lol. Some people are peach, yellow, olive (green)…etc. I am pale but still have green undertones. I burn but tend to tan easily. Just thought I’d share. ?
80% of what we consider to be aging is really sun damage: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3790843/
Any level of tan entails sun damage. If you are comfortable with that (absolutely preventable aging, damaged skin) then that is your choice, but please inform yourself.
“Homemade sunscreen” is a particularly dangerous idea to spread: https://realizebeauty.wordpress.com/2012/12/30/the-trouble-with-making-your-own-sunscreen/
Do you get every batch of sunscreen you make lab-tested, Katie? Do your readers?
Your blog has provided my family and I with countless bits of information & inspiration for a healthier lifestyle, and I really appreciate that. But I really feel you are being negligent here.
Everyone, please inform yourself & do your own research.
Hi Lex,
Thanks for reading and for the detailed reply. To be clear, I’m not claiming this is a sunscreen or that it has any certain SPF. It is for tanning, so obviously it does not completely protect against the sun. For this reason, I did not have it tested.
At the same time, I don’t agree that all sun exposure is harmful or that all aging comes from sun damage… there are a lot of factors, like sugar in the diet that breaks down collagen, consumption of rancid vegetables oils, ability to obtain nutrients in the gut and many others that have also been statistically shown to have a direct impact on aging. Of course, sunburn is always doing damage to the skin and should absolutely be avoid (I prefer a hat and cover-up when possible), but I personally think there are tremendous benefits to sun exposure that when done in moderation, can outweigh the risks. I wrote about it here https://wellnessmama.com/5653/sunbathing-benefits/, but I have difficulty getting Vitamin D from food or supplements due to some gene mutations, therefore I actually need sun exposure to get enough Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a myraid of problems, including many types of cancers. I can absolutely see your point and I can tell that your comment was made from a genuine place of love and caring (which I sincerely appreciate), but I also think that sun exposure is an issue where moderation (not either extreme) is prudent. Thanks so much for reading and for the thoughtful comment. 🙂
Very informed response. You are so smart and sensitive. I love your website. Moderation is key in all areas of life. BTW. I love the coconut clusters!
Great response!!
Well said Wellness Mama!
There are some things you can just agree to disagree with. Katie is sharing her information. If you think that for thousands of years people have worked and spent hours a day out in the sun, clearly, God gave us the ability to handle it and even benefit from it. Baking to a crisp will age you, for sure. But slathering on sunscreen or staying indoors makes people severely vitamin D deficient and more likely to die prematurely. They may die with unwrinkled skin but still. It is all about benefits versus risk. Kati was clear to point out that we should take precautions and be responsible.
Amen….nicely written.
Well some of us have Doctors orders like me, that I have to get 15 minutes of sun exposure each day. So this recipe is beneficial to me.
Lora
Are these oils the same as or different from essential oils?
Where would I find theses oils and are they costly?
where does one find bronze mica powder and is it something we wear a mask as to not inhale when using?
You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Bronze-Metallic-Cosmetic-Slice-Moon/dp/B008KN1IX2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1434031239&sr=8-1&keywords=bronze+mica+powder&linkCode=sl1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=ZMZKAJ4LW2PU7BLL
Regarding a mask, better safe than sorry, although I didn’t have an issue.
thanks so much for this and for your quick reply. gonna get started on it 🙂
thank you for this beautiful concoction of radiance!!! made it yesterday and had fun putting it on, due to the bronzer which makes your skin look gorgeous on contact!! my skin today looks nourished still even after showering it off last nite. i think i will share your little secret. its too good to keep to myself!!
Can I buy it and where? I’m based in Dublin Ireland
It really depends upon exactly where. A quick search of the internet reveals a number of sources, .Failing to find a local supplier you could always resort to spending your money on either Amazon or ebay. Both have stockists.
Love it, love it, love it! Thank you – have been looking for a version of this for a long time…. Btw, how on earth do they ‘mine’ oil from tiny little carrot seeds?
Given coconut oil’s SPF of 8 (the same as olive oil) and its revitalising nature would fractionated coconut oil not be a viable (and valuable) addition to this recipe?
It could absolutely be used in place of the olive oil if you prefer
thank you for sharing this. I have never used sunscreen on myself or the kids. This freaks other people out?. I had no idea that oils had natural SPFs. Makes a whole lotta sense. What a wonderful Creator we have, indeed! Love it!!!