Banana Boat, Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion, Light/Medium Color, for all Skin Tones, 6 oz Tube Review
Our verdict
Banana Boat's Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion is built to give all skin tones a light to medium sunless tan straight from a 6 ounce tube, and its 4.4 star average across 198 ratings suggests it delivers a believable, budget friendly result. It is an easy way to test out self-tanning without a big commitment.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Anyone who wants a subtle, sunless light to medium tan at a low price point.
Skip if
You are chasing a deep, dramatic color from one application, since this shade level is aimed at a lighter, more natural looking tan.
- Priced 58% below the category median ($23.99 across 106 tracked models)
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 198 owner ratings
-
Popularity1.1/5
198 owner reviews, fewer 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
This is a genuine self-tanning lotion, meaning it is designed to build color without any time in the sun. The Light/Medium shade is meant to suit all skin tones, and the oil free formula is meant to avoid the greasy feel some self-tanners leave behind. The specs also list a certified organic material feature alongside the oil free tag, and the product benefit noted is nourishing.
It comes in a 6 fluid ounce tube, which is a convenient, travel friendly size, and at $9.99 it is one of the more affordable self-tanners in this lineup. That combination of price and portability makes it a reasonable low pressure way to try self-tanning for the first time.
With 198 ratings averaging 4.4 stars and 6 units reported bought in the last month, the lotion shows steady, ongoing interest even though its review count is smaller than some of the bigger tanning oils in this category.
Pros
- Genuine self-tanning formula that does not require sun exposure
- Budget friendly price at under $10
- Oil free formula with a certified organic material feature listed
- Convenient 6 ounce tube is easy to travel with
- Formulated for all skin tones
Cons
- 198 ratings is a smaller sample than several tanning oils in this category
- Light to medium shade level will not satisfy anyone wanting a deep, dark tan
- 6 ounce size is smaller than some full body self-tanners
Performance notes
The oil free formula is meant to help the lotion apply and dry without a greasy feel, which matters for a self-tanner going on bare skin. The nourishing benefit and certified organic material feature listed in the specs suggest the brand is aiming for a gentler, skin friendly formula rather than a harsh tanning agent. Because this is a self-tanning lotion rather than a sun activated oil, color develops from the product itself and not from UV exposure.
What buyers say
A 4.4 star average across 198 ratings is a solid, if modest, sample for this price point, and the 6 units reported bought in the last month point to steady ongoing demand rather than a one time spike.
More from Banana Boat
Similar women's everyday face care: moisturizers, face mists, facial kits, rollers, cleansing brushes and steamers to consider
Frequently asked questions
Does this self-tanning lotion require sun exposure to work?
No. It is a self-tanning formula meant to build color on its own, so you can use it indoors without any time in the sun.
How dark will the tan look?
It is formulated for a light to medium color level, so expect a subtle, natural looking tan rather than a deep, dramatic one. If you want more depth, reapplying after the first color develops is an option.
Is this lotion greasy on skin?
The formula is listed as oil free, which is meant to help it absorb without leaving a heavy or greasy residue behind.