DIY Homemade Tanning Oil Recipe

Tanning oil is a must-have for those who love to tan. It prevents skin cancer as well as improves the quality of your skin. But, it can be expensive and the ingredients may not always be safe. In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make a DIY Homemade Tanning Oil Recipe that will keep your skin moisturized! 

Homemade tanning oils are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. The best part is that they are inexpensive and all-natural with no harsh chemicals or additives! This recipe yields 8 ounces of lotion so you’ll have plenty of product to last throughout the summertime. You can even customize it by adding different types of essential oils for fragrance!

What is tanning oil and why does it matter?

Tanning oil is a cosmetic lotion designed to protect your skin while entering the sun. Without tanning oil, your body may create melanin in response to ultraviolet rays (the same reaction that leads to sunburn).

Why should I use homemade tanning oils over store-bought ones?

There are a few reasons why it is important to use homemade tanning oils over store-bought ones. First of all, they’re inexpensive! Generally speaking, store-bought lotions can be anywhere between $15-$40 for an 8-ounce bottle while the ingredients required to make this recipe would only cost around $4-$6. That’s a huge savings over time.

Secondly, tanning oils are full of nourishing ingredients that will keep your skin healthy and glowing. Most commercial lotions contain cheap filler oils that don’t do much for the body aside from smell nice. Instead, homemade tanning oil is rich in vitamin E and coconut oil. These ingredients feed and hydrate your skin, keeping it moisturized and strong.

Lastly, tanning oil reduces the risk of skin cancer! If you’re looking for a foolproof way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays while getting a nice glow, this homemade recipe is perfect for you.

What makes this DIY tanning oil recipe different than others?

To begin, we strongly recommend using natural cosmetic wax. If you choose to use beeswax, only buy organic and unrefined. This will ensure your tanning lotion is free from any chemicals or pesticides. You can also try using shea butter derived from raw nuts if you’re allergic or sensitive to beeswax. You can even add a touch of cocoa butter to the mix for a more luxurious feel!

The most important ingredients in a homemade tanning oil recipe are coconut oil and almond oil. Both of these oils contain high vitamin E content which has been shown to drastically reduce signs of aging as well as preventing skin cancer from UV rays! They also both act as natural emollients which means they will help to soften your skin after application. The vitamin E content in these oils is very important because it acts as an antioxidant, preventing further damage while tanning oils do their job.

What else should I know before using the recipe?

There are a few things to remember when you are using this recipe. First, be sure to store it in a glass jar with an airtight lid. This is essential for preserving the shelf life of your homemade tanning oil! You can use any type of jar or container you have on hand – reusable tins are very popular right now and work great! Just make sure to transfer your tanning oil to a clean and dry container right after use.

Also, this recipe does not contain sunscreen so we recommend wearing protective clothing or applying an additional moisturizing sunscreen before sun exposure. It’s also important to remember that just because you see results from using this homemade tanning oil, it doesn’t mean your skin is safe from UV rays!

You may also wish to add essential oils for fragrance. Feel free to experiment with different fragrances you enjoy – be sure they are skin safe though! Some popular options are jasmine, lavender, lemongrass, neroli, rose geranium, and rosemary.

Remember that you can always scale the recipe according to how much tanning oil you need.

List of ingredients for DIY homemade tanning oil

For this recipe, we recommend using:

– 1/4 cup of coconut oil

– 1/4 cup of almond oil

– 2 heaping tablespoons of beeswax pastilles

– 1/4 cup of cocoa butter

– 2/3 cup of aloe vera gel

– 14 drops of vitamin E oil

– Essential oils for fragrance (optional)

Grab all your ingredients and follow the instructions below! Then, once everything has cooled, transfer to a clean jar with an airtight lid.

Tanning Oil Recipe

1) Melt the beeswax pastilles in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over simmering water.

2) Once melted, add in the coconut oil and stir until fully combined. Remove from heat when all beeswax and oil have melted.

3) Add in the aloe vera gel and vitamin E oil and stir until fully combined. Set aside for 20 minutes to cool.

4) Once cooled, add the cocoa butter and stir using a whisk or fork (the mixture will be chunky).

5) Pour into a glass jar and add any essential oils if using. Stir once more and seal the lid. Store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.

Remembering all these steps might seem a little tedious at first, but once you have the tanning oil recipe memorized it isn’t so bad. The benefits outweigh the inconvenience as this homemade tanning oil will keep your skin looking and feeling new!

How to maintain your bronze color after tanning

If you are looking for a deeper color, add more cocoa butter to your mixture. For more of a medium glow, increase the amount of aloe vera gel or stay with the standard ratios.

To maintain your bronze color after tanning, I recommend using this after sun lotion.

Homemade Tanning Oil Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you maintain your tan when using the homemade tanning oil:

– Apply a shea butter body lotion or coconut oil after daily use. This will nourish and moisturize your skin, preventing it from peeling and prolonging the overall life of your tan.

– Moisturizing and nourishing the skin before tanning will help your tan last. So, if you aren’t using a homemade tanning oil or lotion – do so!

– Make sure to use enough of the mixture when applying it to your skin. The best way to apply is by massaging the entire body in light circular motions. Be sure to wear loose clothes after tanning – it’s best not to wear tight clothing when your skin is wet with tanning oil.

– If you are looking for a less expensive option, substitute the coconut oil for cocoa butter in this recipe! It will have the same nourishing effect on your skin without leaving behind an oily residue.

Homemade Tanning Oil Recipe FAQs

I don’t have beeswax – can I use something else instead?

Yes. If you are looking for vegan options, try using carnauba wax instead of beeswax. It’s available in most health food stores and has a similar consistency to beeswax. Some other alternatives that may work are candelilla wax or bayberry wax. Remember that if you choose an alternative, the consistency and melting point of your product will be different.

Can I use any kind of oil in this recipe?

Yes! All oils have a slightly different effect on the skin so play around with different types for a custom blend just for you. Some popular options are coconut, sweet almond, avocado, grape seed, apricot kernel, hemp seed, grapeseed, and sunflower.

You can also substitute the oils with melted shea or cocoa butter. Just keep in mind that these have a thicker consistency so you will need to increase the number of beeswax pastilles for your homemade tanning oil recipe. Otherwise, you may have a hard time with the consistency and mixing of your product.    

What kind of essential oils do I use?

To increase its moisturizing properties, I suggest using a lotion or cream containing aloe vera as this is a perfect base for the homemade tanning oil. Other popular options for scent are tea tree oil for its disinfecting properties, lavender oil for a calming effect on the skin, and lemongrass for a refreshing scent.

How long will my homemade tanning oil recipe last?

This DIY tanning oil is a great way to use up leftover ingredients from other projects or if you want to whip up a single batch as a special gift. Since there are no preservatives or stabilizers, it will last 2-3 months if stored in a cool, dark place.

Soak up the sun!

The DIY Homemade Tanning Oil Recipe is a great alternative to store-bought lotions that contain questionable chemicals. However, remember to use sunscreen if you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun! This homemade tanning oil recipe can be made in just minutes and will keep your skin feeling nourished, moisturized, and looking its best for weeks! I use this recipe for the first couple of hours on the beach and then apply a strong sunscreen. Let me know if you enjoyed this article and how this recipe worked out for you.