Sun protection is a non-negotiable part of any skincare routine. But who says it can’t be convenient and even enhance your complexion? Tinted sunscreens offer the perfect marriage of sun safety and a touch of makeup magic. Whether you’re looking for a sheer wash of color or light coverage, there’s a tinted sunscreen out there to suit your needs. We’ll explore sunscreens for various skin types, highlight key ingredients, and help you find the perfect match for your unique needs and preferences. Get ready to discover sun protection that feels effortless and leaves you looking radiant!
WHAT IS A TINTED SUNSCREEN?
“A tinted sunscreen is a product that’s primarily an SPF and also has pigment added to offer light-to-medium makeup coverage,” explains Britta Plug, esthetician and cofounder of Wildling. “This can be especially helpful in mineral-based sunblocks that can leave a white cast. The pigments help to harmonize the physical sunblock with your personal skin tone.”
She further clarifies that the distinction between tinted sunscreen and tinted moisturizer with SPF is somewhat semantic, viewing it more as a spectrum than distinct categories. For Plug, the key lies in understanding the primary function of the product. “Is it formulated to mostly hydrate and moisturize skin but also has SPF as an added benefit? Or is it primarily an SPF that has some hydrating ingredients added for a dewy finish or to offset some of the dryness that can accompany mineral SPF?”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TINTED SUNSCREEN?
SUN PROTECTION
When selecting sun protection, it’s essential to prioritize broad-spectrum coverage to shield against both UVA and UVB rays. Aim for SPF 30 or higher for daily use, with higher SPF recommended for prolonged sun exposure or lighter skin tones.
SKIN TYPE
Considering your skin type is crucial. For oily skin, opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas with mattifying properties. Look for terms like “lightweight” or “sheer” to avoid clogged pores. For dry skin, choose hydrating formulas containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Lotions or creams may be preferable to gels. Those with sensitive skin should seek fragrance-free, mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.
COVERAGE AND FINISH
When it comes to coverage and finish, tinted sunscreens provide sheer to light coverage, catering to different needs such as evening out skin tone or minimizing redness. Consider your desired look and skin type when selecting a finish – whether dewy, natural, or matte.
INGREDIENTS
Examining the ingredients list is essential. Look for mineral or chemical sunscreens, both effective but with mineral options typically gentler on sensitive skin. Additional ingredients like antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E) offer extra protection, while hyaluronic acid provides hydration. Fragrance-free options are preferable for sensitive skin, although some may enjoy a light scent.
SHADE SELECTION
For shade selection, while universal tints may suffice for some, having a range of shades available ensures finding a suitable match for your skin tone. Swatching the sunscreen on your jawline can help verify the color match before committing to a particular product.
OUR TOP PICKS
SKINCEUTICALS PHYSICAL FUSION UV DEFENSE SPF 50
This high-quality mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection, utilizing both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Not only does it shield against harmful UVA and UVB rays, but it also enhances skin tone and radiance. With a lightweight lotion texture, it absorbs easily and features a universal tint, leaving no greasy or white residue. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it’s both paraben-free and fragrance-free.
GLOWSCREEN SUNSCREEN SPF 40 PA+++ WITH HYALURONIC ACID + NIACINAMIDE
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 PA+++ is a versatile sunscreen that combines effective sun protection with a radiant finish. Offering SPF 40 and PA+++, it ensures reliable defense against both UVA and UVB rays, suitable for daily use. Beyond sun protection, Glowscreen boasts skin-nourishing benefits such as hyaluronic acid for hydration and niacinamide for redness reduction and skin tone improvement.
Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, catering to all skin types, including oily skin. Additionally, it doubles as a makeup-gripping primer, providing a smooth base for makeup application and prolonging its wear time. Glowscreen also offers blue light filtering to combat the effects of digital device exposure and leaves a subtle, dewy finish for a healthy-looking glow.
COLORESCIENCE SUNFORGETTABLE TOTAL PROTECTION FACE SHIELD FLEX SPF 50
This sunscreen comes in SPF 50 and four different shades: fair, medium, tan, and deep. When you squeeze it out of the bottle, it looks white, but it has special pigments that change to match your skin color. It leaves your skin with a kind of matte finish, not too shiny or too dry. This sunscreen doesn’t just protect you from the sun, it also helps to hide spots on your skin, calm redness, and shield your skin from the blue light that comes from screens like your phone or computer.
The main ingredient in this sunscreen is called zinc oxide, and it’s the type of sunscreen that sits on top of your skin, forming a barrier against the sun’s rays. It’s called mineral sunscreen because it uses minerals like zinc oxide to protect your skin instead of chemicals. So, with SPF 50, four different shades to match your skin, and ingredients that help your skin stay healthy and protected, it’s a good choice for keeping your skin safe.
ILIA SUPER SERUM SKIN TINT
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a popular product blending skincare benefits with makeup. Beyond sun protection, it offers a dewy finish and light, buildable coverage. With SPF 40, it ensures broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection for daily wear, while ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide provide hydration, plumping effects, and redness reduction.
This tinted sunscreen evens out skin tone and conceals minor imperfections while maintaining a natural appearance, thanks to its light coverage that allows your skin’s natural beauty to shine through. Its dewy finish leaves the skin looking fresh and radiant. Formulated without common irritants like gluten or silicone, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free, catering to those seeking clean beauty options. Ideal for individuals desiring lightweight sun protection with a hint of coverage, ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 suits those who prefer a natural, dewy finish and have normal, dry, or combination skin types.
AVENE SOLAIRE UV TINTED MINERAL SUNSCREEN
Avène’s tinted sunscreen stands as a quintessential product within French pharmacies, lauded by editors and supermodels alike for its exceptional qualities. Renowned for good reason, its mineral formulation offers broad-spectrum UV protection coupled with a myriad of skincare advantages. Enriched with thermal spring water, niacinamide, bisabolol, and allantoin, this lightweight sunscreen not only safeguards against harmful rays but also deeply moisturizes and harmonizes the complexion. Its sheer wash of color imbues a natural radiance reminiscent of days spent basking in the sun during winter break. Additionally, its waterproof nature ensures steadfast protection even during aquatic activities. With an SPF level of 50 and a velvety fluid texture, this mineral sunscreen epitomizes both efficacy and luxury in skincare.
LA ROCHE-POSAY ANTHELIOS MINERAL TINTED ULTRA LIGHT FACE SUNSCREEN FLUID SPF 50
La Roche-Posay’s Antelios sunscreens are highly favored by editors, whether obtained from a French pharmacy or local drugstore. Known for their gentle formulation suitable for sensitive skin, this lightweight sunscreen absorbs rapidly, leaving behind a matte finish. Its blend of antioxidant technology, mineral sunscreen filter (titanium dioxide 11%), vitamin E, and thermal spring water works synergistically to treat, protect, and hydrate the skin effectively from within. With an SPF level of 50, it ensures robust sun protection, making it a trusted choice for skincare enthusiasts.
CERAVE HYDRATING MINERAL SUNSCREEN
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen is a fragrance-free sunscreen designed specifically for sensitive skin. Offering broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, it effectively shields against both UVA and UVB rays, making it suitable for daily use and prolonged sun exposure. This sunscreen is mineral-based, utilizing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients, which are known to be less likely to cause irritation compared to chemical sunscreens.
With key ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen provides hydration and reinforces the skin’s natural barrier. Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture, keeping the skin hydrated and plump, while ceramides strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, preventing moisture loss.
The lightweight, oil-free formula ensures comfort for all skin types, including oily skin, and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. This sunscreen is gentle on sensitive skin, formulated without fragrance, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, making it suitable for those with delicate skin types.
NEUTROGENA PURESCREEN+ MINERAL UV TINT FACE LIQUID
Neutrogena’s Purescreen+ Tinted Sunscreen comes highly recommended by dermatologist Dornechia George Carter, MD, particularly for individuals with deeper skin tones. Featuring a water-resistant formula available in four shades, this lightweight sunscreen caters to various activities, whether it’s a quick swim or a full face of makeup. It also contains Vitamin E, offering conditioning and hydration benefits.
The key ingredients of this sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, making it a mineral-based option. With an SPF 30 rating, it ensures adequate protection against harmful UV rays. However, some users have raised concerns about the packaging being prone to messiness. Nonetheless, its thin liquid formula avoids causing makeup to appear cakey over time, providing a seamless application experience.
ISDIN ERYFOTONA AGELESS TINTED MINERAL SUNSCREEN
ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen offers a comprehensive solution by combining broad-spectrum sun protection with anti-aging properties and a touch of color. With a high SPF 50+ rating, it ensures excellent defense against both UVA and UVB rays, suitable for daily wear and even intense sun exposure. The mineral-based formulation, featuring zinc oxide as the active ingredient, caters to sensitive skin, offering gentle yet effective protection.
This sunscreen focuses on anti-aging benefits with its innovative DNA Repairsomes® technology, designed to shield and repair DNA damage caused by UV rays, potentially reducing premature aging signs. Additionally, the inclusion of peptide complex and Q10 may stimulate collagen production and enhance skin firmness for a more youthful appearance. With a versatile tint that aims to adapt to various skin tones, it provides light coverage, evening out skin tone and minimizing redness for a natural, makeup-free look.
KOA MINERRAL SUNSCREEN
Koa Mineral Sunscreen stands out for its commitment to using traditional Hawaiian ingredients and prioritizing reef safety. Their sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, typically ranging in SPF options around SPF 45, suitable for daily sun defense. The brand’s emphasis on reef safety is reflected in their use of non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient, ensuring it’s gentle on sensitive skin and environmentally friendly.
Inspired by Hawaiian traditions, Koa incorporates luxurious ingredients such as shea butter for deep hydration and wild chamomile renowned for its soothing properties, effectively calming irritation and reducing redness. Depending on the specific product, you may also find additional Hawaiian botanical extracts like kukui nut oil or noni for added nourishment.
Koa’s sunscreens are formulated to be lightweight and quick-absorbing, leaving behind no greasy residue. They offer some level of water and sweat resistance, although reapplication after swimming or sweating is advisable.
DIME TINTED GLOW WONDERSCREEN® SPF 30
Dime Tinted Glow Wonderscreen® SPF 30 offers a radiant, lit-from-within appearance alongside sun protection. Its formula promises a dewy finish and sheer, buildable coverage, ideal for those seeking a natural, healthy-looking glow. With SPF 30 protection, it guards against both UVA and UVB rays for everyday use. Noteworthy considerations include the available shade range to ensure a suitable match for your skin tone. Additionally, it’s essential to review the ingredient list for any potential sensitivities or specific skincare concerns the formula addresses. User reviews can also offer valuable insights into the product’s performance across different skin types, aiding in informed decision-making.
MDSOLARSCIENCES MD MINERAL BB CRÈME SPF 30
MDSolarSciences BB cream is renowned for its ability to deliver a natural matte finish, making it an ideal choice for the summer months. With four available shades, its sheer tint blends seamlessly onto the skin without clogging pores or settling into fine lines, ensuring a flawless appearance. Enriched with niacinamide and caffeine, the formula works to address redness, puffiness, and discoloration, enhancing the skin’s overall appearance.
This BB cream boasts a high SPF level of 50, providing reliable protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Its creamy texture ensures smooth application, offering both coverage and sun protection. Formulated as a mineral sunscreen, it contains zinc oxide (17%) and titanium dioxide (2%) as active ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. With its combination of skincare benefits and sun protection, MDSolarSciences BB cream is a versatile option for achieving a flawless complexion during the summer season.
SUN BUM MINERAL SUNSCREEN FACE TINT
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion is like wearing a bit of makeup while also protecting your skin from the sun, great for beach days. It has a light tint that helps even out your skin and reduce redness, but there aren’t many color options. It’s made with zinc oxide, which shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, so you can use it every day. It’s said to feel light and keep your skin from getting oily, good for people with oily or acne-prone skin, and it doesn’t have any added scents. However, if your skin is dry, you might need to use some extra moisturizer with it. While it doesn’t cover a lot, it might not be enough if you like heavy makeup. It’s not as fancy as some other tinted sunscreens, but it’s great for beach vibes. Overall, Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion adds a bit of makeup charm while keeping you safe in the sun, perfect for days at the beach.
LIVE TINTED HUEGUARD
Live Tinted Hueguard emerges as a leading contender in the realm of universal mineral tinted sunscreens, renowned for its innovative features. Boasting a unique “chameleon” technology, it aims to adapt seamlessly to a wide spectrum of skin tones, promising a natural and even coverage. Although testing is recommended to ensure a perfect match, its universal shade concept offers versatility to many users.
Formulated with mineral ingredients like zinc oxide, Live Tinted Hueguard prioritizes gentleness on sensitive skin while providing broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Its lightweight and non-greasy formula offers hydration, catering to various skin types, including oily skin, without feeling heavy or uncomfortable.
Additionally, the sunscreen offers buildable coverage, allowing users to layer it for slightly more coverage to address imperfections and even out skin tone. While initial reviews commend its adaptability, it’s advisable to consider user feedback to gauge its effectiveness across different skin tones accurately.
ELTAMD UV ELEMENTS BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 44
EltaMD’s tinted sunscreen range, highly recommended by dermatologists, is particularly favored for its gentle formulation, with the tinted variant being a standout choice. Dr. Park, in particular, lauds its inclusion of hyaluronic acid, emphasizing its smooth application on the skin. This makes it an ideal option for those with sensitive skin or undergoing post-procedure skincare routines.
With an SPF level of 44, EltaMD’s tinted sunscreen offers reliable protection against harmful UV rays. Its lotion texture ensures easy application and comfortable wear throughout the day. Formulated as a mineral sunscreen, it contains zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5.7%), providing effective broad-spectrum protection.
Dermatologists’ widespread recommendation of EltaMD’s tinted sunscreen underscores its reputation for quality and efficacy in skincare. With its soothing properties and high SPF level, it serves as a dependable choice for individuals seeking gentle yet effective sun protection, particularly those with sensitive or post-procedure skin.
CONCLUSION
In the increasingly developing world of sunscreen, tinted sunscreens offer a more convenient and multifunctional solution in addition to regular, everyday sunscreens. They combine everyday sun protection with a natural-looking tint and foundation, eliminating the need for separate sunscreen and foundation.
