DIY Sandalwood Tanning Oil

I've been using a variation of this homemade tanning oil for years. When a friend recently asked about a homemade natural tanning oil, I knew it was time to share the recipe.

I occasionally use mine homemade sunscreen if I will be in the sun for a long time. However, in general, I prefer to get free vitamin D from its source through moderate sun exposure. I prefer to eat my sunscreen instead of rubbing it on my skin…

Sometimes I'm at the beach (which is a lot now that we live near one!) or somewhere where I can alternate between exposure to the sun or the shade of an umbrella and a good book. Here I prefer to just use natural oils that nourish and protect my skin a bit without blocking vitamin D. Unlike many sunscreens).

DIY tanning oil

Although many of my recipes are solid bar lotions OR body butter, this is a liquid oil. Makes it easier to use when you're on the go. If you prefer a more solid recipe, you can absolutely make this with virgin coconut oil that solidifies at 76 degrees and store it in a small jar.

Natural Sunscreen Ingredients

This is where things get a little controversial and murky. Over a decade ago researchers tested raspberry seed oil and other natural oils to determine their SPF values. Test results showed amazing SPF values ​​of 25 SPF or even up to 50 SPF against UV rays.

However, recently scientists have pointed out flaws in these studies. They were made in vitro (not on actual skin) and did not follow generally accepted SPF test guidelines.

A 2021 study found that raspberry seed oil is more like 2.6 SPF (not 25-50). Other oils tested included carrot seed, coconut and wheat germ oils ranged from 0 to 2.8 SPF. The researchers commented that anything below 1 SPF offered no sun protection at all.

Another 2010 study looked at the SPF of carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils ranged from 2 to 8 SPF and essential oils from 1 to 7 SPF. Olive oil and peppermint essential oil scored the highest. But not so fast! This study was not done on human skin and even the authors state that their results did not lower the final SPF values ​​when used on the skin.

Tests of skin products with carrot seed oil showed an SPF value of almost 7. However, carrot seed oil was combined with other ingredients for testing.

So is there such a thing as natural oils with SPF to help with a safe tanning process?

A safer tanning lotion

While some of the oils used here may or may not have an easily measurable SPF protection, they have other benefits for the skin. When combined in a homemade tanning oil, they help protect and nourish the skin and help produce vitamin D. It's important to note that these are not a replacement for regular sunscreen.

• Olive oil – Has oleic acid to support clearer skin and phytosterols to attract moisture. It helps repair sun damage and soothes dry skin. It also has high levels of squalene which protects our skin cells and has anti-aging properties. Olive oil has been traditionally used in Mediterranean countries as a natural skin protectant for dark tanning.
• Avocado oil – Rich in vitamins A, B and E, proteins and amino acids. Increases skin collagen. Avocado oil is also high in UV protective carotenoids to help protect against sun damage.
• Carrot seed oil – Rich in vitamin A beta-carotene and vitamin E to protect against UV rays. This is NOT the same as macerated carrot root oil (which is orange) or carrot seed essential oil. Cold pressed carrot seed oil is naturally a dark green color and looks more like olive oil.
• Raspberry seed oil – Rich in antioxidant vitamins E and A. Raspberry is also a lighter oil that doesn't feel greasy when applied.

I added too bronze mica powder for a subtle bronze glow, but you can skip this if you don't have or don't want to use it.

Adding essential oils

I used some lavender and sandalwood essential oils for skin benefits and fragrance. Indian sandalwood smells sweeter, but Australian sandalwood is more affordable. Because sandalwood is at risk of becoming endangered, it's important to buy from an ethically harvested source though!

You can use different essential oils here or leave them out altogether if you wish. If you swap them for another essential oil, it's really important not to use them the phototoxic ones! Some essential oils like bergamot and cold-pressed lime and lemon can cause really bad skin burns if used before sun exposure.

Important: Sun exposure safety

This is not a sunscreen, but a mild sun protection formula. It's important to experiment 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 adjust it to suit your skin type and desired result.

Of course, all the usual disclaimers apply: sunburn is never healthy and should absolutely be avoided. You should not spend long periods in the sun, especially if you have very sensitive skin.

If you can't get a tan, this recipe won't magically help you. I am NOT advocating regular tanning in an electric bed and only use this for moderate, natural sun exposure. Check with a dermatologist if you are unsure about any of these ingredients or want to know if this recipe is particularly good for your skin.

Do you use tanning oil? Ready to try a natural version?