About Us

When I developed Tan Bandit in 1986 as a Dark Tanning/Moisturizing Oil, the skincare industry was wildly different. The original formula was created for the serious tanner, but we also had other hopes for the product. Looking back at our original recipe from over 30 years ago, we know our changes have only improved the product. The most significant change has been ending the use of mineral oil as a filler oil because of cost. You get what you pay for in the long run.

At Tan Bandit, we want you to read the label and understand what you put on your skin. We have only 4 ingredients compared to the dozens in our competitors. Always question skincare components as your skin is your largest organ, and what it absorbs can affect your whole body.

Tan Bandit is a blend of all-natural, organic oils that sinks into the skin with all their antioxidant properties to help rejuvenate the skin. Tan Bandit is great for tanning in any environment. Whether you're in the sun or in a tanning bed.

The question is: Why can't you use some of our competitors' oils in tanning beds? The Answer is: Most contain Mineral Oil. Check out our blog to learn more.

Tan Bandit's Antioxidant formulation prevents free radical damage and helps rebuild damaged skin cells. Damage presents as fine lines and wrinkles, a dull, uneven skin tone, increased dark spots, and sagging skin. Simply put – the signs of skin aging. Antioxidants can protect and reverse some of the damage. Free Radicals destroy the normal cells in our body. Tan Bandit's all-natural organic formulation of antioxidants helps protect against this damage.

Sunflower Oil: Nutrients naturally occurring in sunflower oil include vitamin E, selenium, folate and magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc.

Vitamin E: A fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant helping protect cells from damage throughout your body. It's found in our sebum, which creates a natural barrier to keep moisture in your skin. 

Copper: Copper peptides work as an antioxidant, promote collagen and elastin production, and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Copper is also an anti-inflammatory that speeds up wound healing, meaning it's excellent for treating scarring, pigmentation, and redness caused by inflammation.

Selenium: Selenium is a mineral that ensures skin remains firm and protected. Selenium stops free radical damage before premature wrinkles have a chance to form. It also helps to protect cell membranes against UV damage, inflammation, and pigmentation.

Folic Acid: Stimulates your skin to produce more collagen, your skin's main structural protein. More collagen means firmer skin – making you appear younger by reducing the signs of premature aging. Further, folic acid benefits for the skin include a reduction in sun damage to the skin when exposed to UV rays.

Magnesium: Helps to ensure your skin is armored against external damage as it regulates cellular regeneration and repair. Every day your skin is under attack from free radicals. This is one of the most essential magnesium benefits for skin and hair because it actively helps your skin in terms of protection and recovery.

Zinc: Reduces inflammation, helps to heal tissues, and smooth your skin. It's also great for treating Rosacea, Eczema, Melasma, among other skin conditions.

Iron: As a critical mineral in the production of hemoglobin, iron also helps with optimizing the skin's wound-healing function and minimizing the appearance of bruises. Hair, skin, and nails require iron to retain their natural luster, shine, and moisture.

Jojoba Oil: vitamins A, B, E, omega-3 fatty acids, copper, zinc, and flavonoids. The formulation works together to protect the skin from the effects of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes premature aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. 

Vitamin A: Helps to speed up healing and prevent breakouts. As a Vitamin crucial to skincare, it also helps support the skin's immune system while promoting natural moisturization - which means it helps hydrate the skin effectively, giving it a radiant glow. It also assists in promoting and maintaining a healthy dermis and epidermis, the top two layers of your skin.

Vitamin B: Offers softening of the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Helps regulate the skin's oil production, improve balanced hydration, subdue breakouts, and minimizes the signs of aging. Omega-3s can also help soften rough, dry skin, and have a soothing effect on irritation and dermatitis.

Flavonoids: Flavonoids are multi-active components used in everyday cosmetics primarily for antioxidant and soothing actions. Despite this, their multi-active properties are far from being fully utilized. It is well known that many flavonoids provide protection from telangiectasias. 

Telangiectasias: Although it's believed that most cases of telangiectasia are caused by chronic exposure to the sun or extreme temperatures, Tan Bandit's use of Jojoba helps treat this condition after the fact. Protection, as you move forward with educated decisions for your skin care, is crucial.

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil contains vitamin E. One of the other major antioxidant oils in this formulation. It also hydrates the skin and helps it retain its moisture. It may also help reduce inflammation, promote wound healing, and have antibacterial properties. Researchers are looking at coconut oil as a possible topical treatment for chronic skin inflammation.

Aloe Vera Oil: Vitamins A (beta-carotene), C, and E, which are great antioxidants for skin care and health.

Vitamin C: Helps to slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. Too many benefits to list. Tan Bandit is great for all skin textures.

SPF: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and the number beside it indicates how well the sunscreen protects the skin against sunburn. It is not an indicator of how long you can stay out in the sun; rather, it indicates how much longer it takes untanned skin to start to redden with sunscreen applied compared to how long it takes to start reddening without it.

There is a misconception that you are protected if you are in the sun with sunscreen. Please be smart in the sun. Reapply regularly – Keep your body moisturized your entire time in the sun and after sun exposure. You can't be too safe. Research each oil you use, if not Tan Bandit, and learn about the potential clogging of pores. Skin needs to breathe to function and stay moisturized! Harmful propellants are also used in most sprays. Please read all labels and ingredients.

Education about what you put on and in your body is so much more important than most realize. Everybody has a choice. Make an Educated Choice.