Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
SPF 4-8
Tanning accelerator
Spray
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links do not affect our ratings. Learn more.
The Best Non-Toxic Tanning Oils
We vetted tanning oils against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Here's what we look for:
- Thoughtful formulas made with natural or safe synthetic ingredients
- Free from parabens, PEGs, phthalates, harsh sulfates, BHA/BHT, artificial dyes, formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, and undisclosed synthetic fragrance (unless certified safe)
- Minimal, well-chosen preservatives
- Trusted third-party certifications when available
- Transparent sourcing, ingredient lists, and manufacturing practices
The Best Non-Toxic Tanning Oils
On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.
Free email mini-course
Welpr Blueprint: Go Non-Toxic Mini-Course
The 80/20 guide to going non-toxic the easy way.
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Cruelty-free
Fragrance-free
No synthetic fragrance
Food-contact safe
No SPF
Tanning accelerator
Balm
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Made in USA
No synthetic fragrance
No SPF
Tanning accelerator
Oil
Certifications
Free From
Highlights
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Made in USA
Money-back guarantee
SPF 20-30
Oil
How to Swap to Non-Toxic tanning oils:
Here's how to swap to non-toxic tanning oils:
What to know about tanning oil
Tanning oil is designed to stay on your skin for extended periods, often in direct sunlight across large areas of your body. That combination of long skin contact, wide coverage, and frequent reapplication means the formulation matters.
- Tanning oils often contain synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and additives that can absorb into skin while it sits in the sun.
- Welpr focuses on clean formulations, avoiding ingredients like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and harsh preservatives.
Check the tanning oils you already have
Grab any tanning oils you currently use and scan the ingredient labels with the Welpr Personal Care and Cosmetic Scanner. It will flag ingredients that don't meet Welpr's standards so you can see exactly where your product stands.
- Look for "fragrance" or "parfum" on the label — these often indicate undisclosed synthetic ingredients.
- Check products you use most often or apply over the largest areas of skin first, since those have the most contact with your body.
Use your current tanning oil more mindfully
If you're not ready to replace your tanning oil right away, small adjustments can reduce how much your skin absorbs. This is especially worth doing with products you use on hot days when pores are more open.
- Apply less product overall and avoid reapplying more than needed — a thin, even layer is enough.
- Shower soon after sun time to wash off any residue rather than letting it sit on your skin for hours.
Choose a cleaner tanning oil
Look for tanning oils with simple, plant-based formulas built around natural carrier oils like coconut, jojoba, or carrot seed oil. The fewer unnecessary additives, the better.
- Choose fragrance-free options, or ones scented only with essential oils or plant extracts — skip anything listing "fragrance" or "parfum" without full disclosure.
- Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved tanning oil.
Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....
Olushola M. Awoyemi
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...