What Is Natural Tanning Oil (and Does It Have SPF)?
A natural tanning oil is a conditioning body oil used to nourish the skin and help it look even and radiant while you spend time in the sun. If you are wondering what a tanning oil actually does, whether it contains SPF, and how to use one sensibly, this guide explains it — with an important note on sun safety.
Important — no SPF: A tanning oil is not a sunscreen. Nurme’s tanning oil does not contain SPF and does not protect against sunburn or UV damage. Always use a separate sunscreen, avoid the midday sun, and follow safe-sun advice. Never use a tanning oil as a substitute for sun protection.
In short: A natural tanning oil is a nourishing body oil that conditions the skin and helps it look even and glowing in the sun — it is not a self-tanner and not a sunscreen. Nurme’s tanning oil is made with natural carrot and argan oil, without synthetic self-tanners (DHA) or mineral oil, and is handmade in Estonia. Always use sun protection alongside it.
What is a natural tanning oil?
A tanning oil is simply a body oil designed to be used while sunbathing. It coats the skin in a nourishing layer of plant oils, which helps the skin feel soft and look even and radiant rather than dry and patchy. A natural tanning oil like Nurme’s uses plant oils instead of mineral oil or synthetic ingredients.
It is worth being clear about what a tanning oil is not. It is not a self-tanner: it does not contain DHA or other colour-developing agents that stain the skin. And it is not a sunscreen: it offers no SPF and no protection from the sun. Your tan still comes from the sun itself, so sun safety matters just as much when you use one.
Does tanning oil have SPF?
No. Nurme’s tanning oil does not contain SPF and is not a sunscreen. It will not protect you from sunburn or UV damage. You should always apply a separate sunscreen with adequate SPF, reapply it regularly, avoid the strongest midday sun, and follow the safe-sun guidance for your skin. A nourishing oil can be part of your routine, but it never replaces sun protection.
What’s in Nurme’s tanning oil?
Nurme’s tanning oil is built around natural carrot oil and argan oil. Carrot oil is naturally rich in carotenoids — the plant pigments that give it a warm golden colour — and, together with argan oil, it conditions and softens the skin. The oil is free from synthetic self-tanners (DHA), mineral oil and synthetic fragrance, which sets it apart from many conventional tanning oils.
Does tanning oil work?
It depends what you expect it to do. A tanning oil conditions the skin and coats it in nourishing plant oils, which helps it look even, soft and radiant rather than dry and patchy in the sun — that part works well. What it does not do is create or speed up a tan: your tan comes from the sun’s UV, not from the oil, and a natural tanning oil contains no self-tanning agents. It also offers no SPF, so it never protects you from the sun. Think of it as skin conditioning for time in the sun, always used alongside proper sun protection.
How to use a tanning oil
- Apply sunscreen first and let it absorb — sun protection always comes first.
- Smooth an even layer of tanning oil over clean, dry skin so it looks conditioned and even.
- Reapply after swimming or towelling, and top up your sunscreen as directed.
- Avoid the midday sun, take breaks in the shade, and stay hydrated.
- After sun, cleanse and follow with a moisturiser or body lotion.
Tan sensibly — sun safety first
The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of skin damage and skin ageing, and unprotected sun exposure carries real risks. Whatever oil you use, the safest approach is to protect your skin: wear sunscreen, cover up, avoid the strongest sun and never try to burn. A tanning oil can make your skin feel nourished and look even, but it is a cosmetic — not sun protection.
Explore Nurme’s summer skincare
- Nurme tanning oil (no SPF) — natural carrot & argan oil, handmade in Estonia
- Carrot oil — nourishing plant oil for skin
- Argan oil — nourishing plant oil for skin and hair
- Body oils and care
Frequently asked questions
Does tanning oil have SPF?
No. Nurme’s tanning oil does not contain SPF and is not a sunscreen. Always use a separate sunscreen and follow safe-sun advice.
Is a tanning oil the same as a self-tanner?
No. A tanning oil is a nourishing body oil used in the sun; it does not contain DHA or other agents that develop colour on the skin, so it is not a self-tanner.
Does carrot oil make you tan?
Carrot oil is a nourishing plant oil with a naturally golden colour, used to condition the skin. It is not a self-tanner and does not replace sun protection — your tan comes from the sun, so always protect your skin.
Is tanning oil safe?
As a cosmetic body oil, a natural tanning oil is fine for most people to use on the skin. What is not safe is unprotected sun exposure: because the oil has no SPF, always use a separate sunscreen, avoid the midday sun and never try to burn. Patch-test first if your skin is easily irritated.
How do I get an even look with tanning oil?
Apply sunscreen first, then smooth an even layer of oil over clean, dry skin so it looks conditioned rather than dry and patchy. Reapply after swimming and keep topping up your sun protection.
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