SPF Oil vs. Tanning Oil: All the Differences Explained

At a glance, SPF oil and tanning oil could be confused. However, their functions are far from the same.

SPF oil has the same job as other sunscreen formats like lotions, sprays, and sticks: Protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Tanning oil, on the other hand, is designed to do something very different.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how SPF oil and tanning oil differ, why reaching for SPF oil is a great choice, and four ways to get that coveted sunkissed glow while staying protected.

SPF Oil vs. Tanning Oil

Like lotions, creams, sticks, and sprays, SPF oils protect your skin from the sun. For example, our Glow Oil SPF 50 has broad spectrum protection to defend your skin from sun damage like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.

Tanning oils, though, are a different story. They’re often made with ingredients that intensify the effects of UV rays on your skin, attracting more of the sun to speed up tanning. And many tanning oils don’t contain any SPF at all.

Here’s why that matters: A tan isn’t a sign of skin “health.” It’s actually your skin’s way of protecting itself against damage. When exposed to UV rays, skin cells produce more melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) as a defense mechanism against further damage. The result is a tan, but it’s also a visible sign of stress on your skin.

By using tanning oil, you’re also opening the door to the other long-term effects of UV exposure, like fine lines, wrinkles, and sun spots. According to the EPA, up to 90% of visible signs of aging are caused by the sun. So while tanning oil might deliver a short-term glow, it’s not doing your skin’s future any favors.

That doesn’t mean you have to give up on a sunkissed look, though!

4 Ways to Get a Sunkissed Look While Staying Protected

Wanting that golden, just-back-from-vacation glow is completely natural — and there’s a safe way to achieve it. Supergoop! has a lineup of products that deliver the radiance of a tan while keeping your skin protected with broad spectrum SPF.

Glow Oil SPF 50

Glow Oil SPF 50 is proof that SPF oil can be both protective and indulgent. This ultra-nourishing body oil leaves skin with a gorgeous glow and defends against UV damage with broad spectrum SPF 50. It’s also water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it keeps up with everything from pool days to outdoor workouts. What makes Glow Oil special is its blend of skin-loving oils, including argan and meadowfoam seed, that nourish skin and lock in moisture.

Glowscreen SPF 40

Glowscreen SPF 40 is a cult favorite for good reason. Available in four flexible shades, this luminous sunscreen works as both sun protection and a makeup primer. It leaves skin with a radiant, sunkissed finish that looks just as good on its own as it does under foundation. On top of delivering broad spectrum SPF 40 protection, Glowscreen visibly evens tone and provides all-day hydration*.

Mineral Glowscreen Soft Radiance Drops SPF 40

Prefer mineral sunscreen? Mineral Glowscreen Soft Radiance Drops SPF 40 are designed to give skin a natural, healthy-looking radiance while protecting against UV rays. The blendable tint minimizes white cast and works across all skin types, including sensitive skin. These drops deliver broad spectrum SPF 40 mineral protection while visibly brightening and smoothing skin**. You can wear them alone for a soft, radiant finish or underneath foundation for a subtle glow.

Glowscreen Sunlighter Stick SPF 45

Glowscreen Sunlighter Stick SPF 45 delivers a sheer, sunkissed finish and doubles as a highlighter so you can glow on the go. Formulated with turmeric, known to prevent hyperpigmentation for a more even skin tone, and hyaluronic acid to enhance skin's natural moisture, this stick goes beyond glow. It offers broad spectrum SPF 45 protection to help prevent visible signs of aging, all in a swipe-on format that makes reapplying easy and fun.

Glow Smarter, Not Harder

SPF oil and tanning oil may look alike, but their goals are different. Tanning oils can intensify sun exposure, while SPF oil works to defend against it.

With Supergoop!, you never have to choose between a gorgeous glow and expert sun protection. Our SPF oil and other glow-boosting formulas are designed to give you that radiant, sunkissed look you love while helping your skin stay happy, healthy, and protected.

*Based on an independent clinical study with 33 participants after 8 hours

**Based on an independent consumer study with 104 participants after one product application