Coconut Oil vs Baby Oil for Tanning

Using oils for tanning can help you achieve a bronzed glow faster. When it comes to coconut oil and baby oil, both can easily do the job. The main differences come down to a handful of factors, which I’ve summarized into a table to make it easier for you to decide. (I’ll explain why my top choice is coconut oil in this article, in case you need help deciding!)

	Natural	Texture	Easily absorbed	Suitable for allergies	Non-comedogenic
Coconut oil	Yes	Solid at room temp	Yes, once melted	Generally yes, with the exception of rare coconut allergy	No
Baby oil	No	Liquid at room temp	No – large molecular size doesn’t easily penetrate skin	Yes	Yes

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is made by pressing oil from high-fat coconut meat (or in the case of refined coconut oil, the dried coconut meat called copra). 

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature, setting it apart from many other types of tanning oils. It turns into a liquid around 78 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it will quickly melt once applied to your skin. 

You can also find fractionated coconut oil, which is liquid at room temperature. Fractionated coconut oil is made from regular coconut oil through a process where the long-chain fatty acids are removed while sparing medium-chain fatty acids. 

Fractionated coconut oil isn’t meant for consumption, but it’s popular for skin moisturizers and acting as a carrier oil for essential oils. Best of all, fractionated coconut oil may have a less greasy feel compared to regular coconut oil. 

What is baby oil?

Baby oil is designed to moisturize skin and is made from a mixture of petroleum and mineral oil. It can be used on babies, children, and adults, and is popular because it helps seal in the moisture once applied to your skin. Unlike coconut oil, baby oil is human-made and doesn’t occur naturally.

How to use oil for tanning

Oils are popular for tanning because they help absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays, helping your skin to become tanned more quickly. Tanning oils work for tanning in natural sunlight or with tanning beds.

To use oil for tanning, apply a light oil before being exposed to UV rays. Both coconut and baby oils can be applied to your face as well as your body.

You should avoid using tanning oil while being exposed to UV rays for long durations since this can increase your risk of developing skin cancer, especially if you get a sunburn. 

It’s recommended to apply sun protection in the form of protective clothing, sunscreen, or a combination of both for consistent sun skin safety.

Coconut oil vs baby oil – which is best for tanning?

First off, healthcare professionals advise against any type of oil to tan due to safety concerns regarding skin cancer and premature skin aging.

If you choose to use oil for tanning, here’s how the two compare:

Benefits of coconut oil for tanning

• A natural oil compared to manmade baby oil.
• Has a natural, pleasant scent.
• A source of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant and skin moisturizer.

Cons of using coconut oil for tanning

• It isn’t liquid at room temperature, so you’ll have to allow it to melt into your skin as you spread it.
• Might be messier to transport in warm climates because it melts at 78 degrees Fahrenheit (if you leave it in a hot car, it’ll be a melted mess!).
• Not suitable if you have a coconut allergy.
• Isn’t non-comedogenic, so may not be ideal to use on your face if you’re prone to acne.

Benefits of baby oil for tanning

• Already in liquid form for easy application.
• Some formulations contain added vitamin E for skin health.
• Hypoallergenic (safe for those with allergies).
• Is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.

Cons of baby oil for tanning

• Has a large molecular size, which means it isn’t absorbed into your skin easily (may not moisturize as well, but does help create a barrier against your skin). Applying when your pores are enlarged, such as straight out of a warm bath or shower, helps increase absorption.
• Derived from petroleum, which is seen as less sustainable compared to olive oil for eco-conscious tanners.

Bottom line – which is best for tanning?

The pros of coconut oil outweigh the benefits of baby oil in my opinion, making it the clear winner! The main disadvantage of coconut oil is that it isn’t as hypoallergenic as baby oil, but coconut allergies are actually quite rare. 

You’ll also have to have patience while it melts onto your skin, but it doesn’t take long at all! Alternatively, you can use fractionated coconut oil for tanning while maintaining the same benefits.

Also, coconut oil is more easily absorbed by your skin, helping to moisturize it and counteract the drying effects of sun exposure.

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