Banana Boat Summer Color Self Tanning Lotion, 6oz | Self Tanner, Deep Dark Color for All Skin Tones, Gradual Tanning Lotion, Sunless Tanner, 6oz Review
Our verdict
A gradual, oil free self-tanner that works toward a deep dark color on any skin tone without stepping into the sun.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Women who want a sunless, gradual tan that builds color over repeated applications, no UV exposure required.
Skip if
You want an instant, one application deep tan or a scented lotion, since this one is unscented and gradual by design.
- Priced 55% below the category median ($23.99 across 106 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.5/5
4.5 average across 849 owner ratings
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Popularity3.3/5
849 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
Unlike most of the tanning oils in this roundup, Banana Boat's Summer Color lotion is a true sunless self-tanner. It is labeled for a gradual, deep dark color on all skin tones, built on an oil free base, with a neutral, unscented finish rather than a tropical fragrance.
At 6 fluid ounces for $10.87, it holds a 4.5 star average across 849 ratings, one of the more reviewed products in this lineup, though our data shows no logged purchases in the past month.
Pros
- Gradual, buildable color that works across all skin tones
- Oil free formula, a plus for anyone prone to body breakouts
- Unscented, so there is no strong self-tanner smell
- Nearly 850 reviews at a solid 4.5 star average
Cons
- Gradual formulas need multiple applications before color shows fully
- Oil free does not guarantee streak free results, careful blending still matters
- No purchase volume signal in our data for the past month
Performance notes
Because it is labeled a gradual, oil free lotion built for deep dark color for all skin tones, expect color to build up over several applications rather than a one and done instant tan. The oil free base is worth noting if you are prone to breakouts on the body.
What buyers say
With 849 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, this is one of the more reviewed picks in the self-tanner lineup, a good sign that the gradual color and application process work for a wide range of skin tones.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this a real sunless self-tanner?
Yes. Unlike several of the sun tanning oils in this category, this Banana Boat lotion is a gradual, oil free self-tanner meant to build color without sun exposure.
How many applications until I see color?
The facts do not specify an exact number, but gradual formulas like this one are built to layer color over repeated uses rather than delivering full depth in a single application.
Will it work on fair or deep skin tones?
It is labeled for all skin tones, so it is designed to be versatile, though your own base tone will affect how the final color reads.