If you tend to wear foundation or primer on a daily basis but dread the combination of heavy makeup and heat, you'll love a good tinted sunscreen! These little miracles provide you with coverage and protection and are a wonderful option for days when you can't be bothered with a heavy foundation. They're also a form of SPF that's less likely to leave behind a white cast, making them perfect even for darker skin tones.
After doing some careful research, we came up with a 10 best list of tinted sunscreens. Topping our list is La Roche Posay's Anthelios tinted sunscreen since it has a high SPF rating and blends in nicely. Read on to see the rest of our 10 picks! We also compiled a buying guide at the end (reviewed by a dermatologist) to give you some tips in choosing the right product for yourself.
Quick List - Top Tinted Sunscreens
La Roche Posay
Best Tinted Sunscreen That Blends Nicely into the Skin
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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When choosing a tinted sunscreen, consider important factors such as the type of sunscreen, SPF number and water-resistance. You should also make sure that it contains ingredients that are compatible with your skin type!
There's no one-size-fits-all sunscreen, so take into consideration ingredients that are suitable for your skin type before making a purchase!
Got acne-prone or oily skin? Definitely avoid ingredients that can block pores such as coconut oil, palm oil, or algae extract. However, since the list of pore-clogging ingredients is endless and might be tough to remember, you can just go for a sunscreen labeled as "non-comedogenic" or "oil-free".
While oil-free sunscreens are 100 percent free from oil-based ingredients, including pore-clogging ones, non-comedogenic products might still have oil ingredients like rosehip seed oil or argan oil. Of course, those non-comedogenic oils do not weigh down your skin or block your pores and can actually supply it with needed nutrients.
You might also want to look for ingredients that can regulate sebum such as niacinamides or green tea. Try to stay away from silicone as well, since it can leave your skin feeling sticky and greasy. Also, go for a sunscreen with a lightweight, fast-absorbing consistency (like gel or liquid) to avoid weighing down your skin or making it feel oily.
Looking for sunscreens with added anti-inflammatories can help keep acne flares to a minimum. Some ingredients to look for include niacinamide.
You should always use an SPF if you are on an acne skincare regimen as these products make you more likely to burn. Mineral sunscreens and those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are also best for acne-prone skin, especially if using acne medications like retinols or retinoids, which can dry out the skin.
If you have dry skin, pick a sunscreen formulated with moisturizers such as vitamin E, shea butter, or coconut oil. They not only provide the needed moisture to your skin but also enhance its elasticity.
As dry skin is vulnerable to wrinkling, you might want to look for antioxidant-rich ingredients like acai or rosehip oil as well. Usually, moisturizing sunscreens have a thick and creamy consistency, so go for lotion or cream-based products!
Tinted sunscreens with hyaluronic acid are great for those with dry skin. The hyaluronic acid can help seal in moisture. Avoid products with coconut oil if you are acne-prone as these can lead to acne flares and also cause whiteheads and blackheads.
Chemical-based sunscreens can be quite irritating to sensitive skin, so if possible, you should choose a mineral sunscreen instead.
Also, since sensitive skin can be easily irritated by pollution, extreme heat, and other environmental aggressors, you might want to look for a product formulated with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera or vitamin E. They will shield your skin from free radical damage while calming your skin irritation.
Moreover, try to stay away from potential irritants including parabens, alcohol, and fragrance. Although they are usually safe for normal skin, they can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Anyway, before applying a product, do a patch test first to ensure that the sunscreen is truly non-irritating to your skin.
Fragrance is a common cause of contact dermatitis in those with sensitive skin. Avoid fragrance and additives if you have a history of eczema or rosacea. Additionally, if you have eczema or rosacea, choose a mineral-based sunscreen. These are less likely to cause irritation or lead to a burning sensation that many of the chemical blockers cause in sensitive skin.
Tinted sunscreens come in different shades, including light, medium, and dark. So choose one that actually matches and can blend well into your skin tone.
Take your undertones into consideration as well! If your skin shows signs of blue, pink, or red complexion, a cool shade of tint would be an excellent choice. Meanwhile, a warm shade would work the best for skin with yellowish or olive hues.
However, buying stuff online might be quite difficult since you cannot try out the shade. So to be safe, you can opt for sunscreens with a sheer, universally flattering tint that can adapt to all skin tones.
There are two types of sunscreens that provide effective protection against UV rays: chemical and mineral-based. Each type has its own pros and cons, so consider these before you make a selection.
Chemical sunscreens (also known as organic sunscreens) are formulated with chemical blockers such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octisalate. They function like a sponge and absorb the UV rays to leave your skin untouched!
Chemical sunscreens are easy to apply and don't give your skin a chalky, white finish. Nevertheless, they might be irritating to those with sensitive skin or allergies. In fact, people suffering from melasma or rosacea have experienced rashes or redness after using chemical sunscreens.
I often hear from patients that sunscreen burns the skin, especially when there is a background of eczema or rosacea. This can even occur with using antiaging products when the top layer of skin is exfoliating. The cause of this is the chemical blockers.
Although they provide excellent photoprotection and can help prevent skin cancers and skin aging (wrinkles and hyperpigmentation), they can be irritating. However, many people like them because they rub in easily and don't leave a film on the skin. If you don't have sensitive skin, these are a great option.
Mineral sunscreens (or physical sunscreens) usually contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They work like a mirror to reflect all the damaging UV rays. Also, if you have sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens are an excellent option since they are gentle on the skin and less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
However, mineral sunscreens can rinse off easily, so you need to re-apply more often. They also can leave a white cast.
Our skin is subjected to the damaging effects of two types of ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. While UVB rays are responsible for sunburns, UVA rays can lead to tanning and might even speed up your skin's aging process.
The American Cancer Society also warns that both types of UV radiation can cause skin cancer if you don't apply appropriate protection. Therefore, to ensure that your skin is getting the needed support against those two UV rays, pick a product with broad-spectrum protection.
The SPF (sun protection factor) number indicates how much protection against UVB rays your sunscreen can give you. Usually, the higher the SPF number, the more protection you'll get. For example, SPF30 will prevent approximately 95% of UVB rays, and SPF50 can block around 98%. So technically, the higher the better - but SPF30 will do the job if you're willing to reapply frequently.
Also, keep in mind that sunscreen can easily rinse off in water or when you're sweating. So if you're active or live in scorching hot weather, go for a water-resistant sunscreen! And since one application of sunscreen doesn't protect you forever, remember to re-apply every two hours for optimal protection.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | La Roche Posay Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid | ![]() | Best Tinted Sunscreen That Blends Nicely into the Skin | |
2 | DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46 | ![]() | A Hydrating Tint with High SPF Protection | |
3 | COOLA Mineral Sunscreen | ![]() | Best Mattifying Sunscreen for Oily Skin | |
4 | Australian Gold Tinted Face Botanical Sunscreen | ![]() | Best Gentle Tinted Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin | |
5 | EltaMD Skincare UV Physical Tinted Facial Sunscreen | ![]() | Best for the Lightweight, Fast-Absorbing Texture | |
6 | Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector | ![]() | Best for Correcting the Skin Tone and Reducing Wrinkles | |
7 | Revision Skincare Intellishade Original | ![]() | Best for the Versatile Formula That Works as a Moisturizer and Foundation | |
8 | MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème | ![]() | Best for Soothing Skin Irritation and Softening the Skin | |
9 | Neova Silc Sheer 2.0 | ![]() | Best Fragrance-Free Formula That Repairs the Skin | |
10 | Tizo Ultra Zinc Mineral Sunscreen | ![]() | Best Hydrating Tinted Sunscreen That Leaves the Skin Glowy |
Pros:
This mineral-tinted sunscreen is tested by dermatologists to be suitable for sensitive skin. It offers broad-spectrum protection and antioxidant benefits to help you protect your skin from free radical damage. Specifically, it's formulated with thermal spring water and senna alata, all of which are packed with antioxidants to prevent skin aging.
The major complaint about this sunscreen is its greasy consistency. Nevertheless, many are happy with the gentle formula that doesn't cause breakouts or irritate their skin. There are reports that the tint has a light coverage that layers well under their foundation or primer.
DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer is a versatile, all-in-one skincare product that combines hydration, sun protection, and a subtle tint to enhance the complexion. This lightweight moisturizer provides broad-spectrum SPF 46, safeguarding the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is formulated with a blend of antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and protect the skin while improving its overall texture and tone. The universal tint adapts to a range of skin tones, providing a natural, sheer coverage that blurs imperfections and evens out the skin tone. Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, this oil-free, non-comedogenic formula leaves the skin looking smooth, radiant, and protected throughout the day.
Pros:
Cons:
This tinted sunscreen is packed with nourishing ingredients such as rosehip seed oil and shea butter to help improve your skin's elasticity and leave it looking radiant all the time. Plus, the addition of plankton extract helps reduce oxidative stress and fight premature aging. It has a matte finish and helps control shine.
According to some buyers, one con of this sunscreen is the watery consistency. It's said that it triggers allergic reactions as well. Yet, most buyers comment that the sunscreen helps even out their skin tones and minimize pores. Many also mention that it has a sheer, lightweight coverage that goes on smoothly and doesn't leave behind any white cast.
Pros:
Cons:
This sunscreen is infused with Australian botanicals such as kakadu plum, eucalyptus, and red algae to provide you with antioxidant benefits and protect your skin from free radical damage. Furthermore, the product is hypoallergenic and tested by dermatologists and pediatricians, so it works well for those with sensitive skin as well.
A few buyers comment that the light shade is too dark. Nonetheless, many others are pleased that the sunscreen doesn't trigger any allergic reactions or cause breakouts. Reviewers also love that the sunscreen doesn't make their skin feel greasy after application. It's said that the formula is moisturizing to the skin as well.
Pros:
Cons:
This tinted mineral sunscreen features an oil-free, lightweight formula that works great for extra-sensitive and post-procedure skin. Plus, it is formulated with antioxidants such as thioctic acid to combat the damaging effects of ultraviolet and infrared radiation and prevent premature aging. The product is also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Some reviewers complain that the sunscreen dries out their skin. Yet, many reviewers confirm that this sunscreen effectively shields the skin from the sun's rays, doesn't trigger allergic reactions, and is non-greasy and odorless. Many further mention that the tint is universal and blends perfectly with both light and dark skin tones.
Pros:
Cons:
Some reviewers complain that the sunscreen doesn't absorb easily into the skin. Meanwhile, many appreciate its moisturizing effect and add that their skin feels much softer and more hydrated after application. It's mentioned that this sunscreen has light coverage and gives the skin a natural look.
Pros:
This sunscreen offers you protection from both UVA and UVB rays. What's more, it contains peptides to help eliminate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The infusion of green tea extract, white birch, plankton extract, and other anti-aging ingredients further brightens your complexion and rejuvenates your skin.
A few buyers share that it leaves their skin feeling a bit greasy. Meanwhile, many others love the anti-aging benefits, saying that their complexion becomes much healthier and more radiant. Plus, it's said to not trigger breakouts or clog pores. Others mentioned that this sunscreen is effective as a moisturizer and foundation as well.
Pros:
This lightweight sunscreen is infused with cranberry fruit extract, pomegranate extract, and green tea extract to soften and moisturize your skin while also protecting it from environmental aggressors. It provides broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
A few reviewers say this tinted sunscreen feels sticky on their skin. Besides that, many love that it gives their skin a natural, dewy look. Others added that it's gentle on their sensitive skin as well. Another plus point for buyers is the moisturizing formula that leaves the skin soft and smooth.
Pros:
This mineral sunscreen is formulated with a color-correcting sheer tint that can help even out your complexion. Plus, it consists of DNA repair enzymes like micrococcus lysate that can restore your skin and fight off the signs of free radical damage to give your skin a youthful look. There's also plankton extract to help strengthen the skin's barrier.
There are some reports saying that the formula dries out their skin. Still, most buyers agree that it effectively shields their skin from damaging sun rays and works well as a foundation. Many others further add that it has a matte finish and doesn't leave behind a greasy residue.
Pros:
This lightly tinted mineral sunscreen is formulated without chemical blockers or harsh ingredients such as dyes, fragrances, and preservatives, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Plus, it contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin and dimethicone to leave your skin feeling plump and healthy.
Many reviewers are pleased that the sunscreen gives their skin a shiny finish, however, some reviewers said the sunscreen felt a bit too oily. Those with dry or aging skin also praise that the formula keeps their skin moisturized and effectively protects it from damaging sun rays.
If you accidentally get sunscreen stains on your clothes, you can hand-wash them in warm water. In case the water is hard, use a water softener. If the stain is tough to remove, you can try soaking your clothes in cold water and oxygen-based bleach.
Also, make sure that the stain has been removed before you put your clothes in the dryer. Heat can set the stain and make it harder to get it out of your clothes.
Still don't have all of the info you need about tinted sunscreens? Here are Dr. Levy's answers to some commonly asked questions about tinted sunscreens online.
D. Levy says, "Tinted sunscreen is actually recommended for those suffering from facial hyperpigmentation, like melasma.
The reason is that iron oxides - the ingredient that gives the sunscreen the tint - can block out blue light and fluorescent light that can exacerbate hyperpigmentation, especially melasma. If you don't suffer from these conditions, though, choosing a tinted sunscreen is more of a preference."
Dr. Levy says, "Tinted sunscreen can be applied daily in the morning onto a clean face. You can put on your prescription skincare if you're using an acne or rosacea medication, then your tinted sunscreen. You can also use a vitamin C serum underneath the tinted sunscreen.
After applying the tinted sunscreen, you can apply your blush and makeup right on top. If you want additional coverage, you can apply foundation or concealer on top of the tinted SPF. Many people use the tinted sunscreen as the foundation for daily use."
Tinted sunscreen may not do it all, so here are some other ways to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
Along with some helpful tips and advice, Dr. Levy has also recommended two tinted sunscreens that she swears by for her patients.
No. 1: La Roche Posay|Tinted Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid
No. 2: DRMTLGY |Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46
No. 3: COOLA|Mineral Sunscreen
No. 4: Australian Gold|Tinted Face Botanical Sunscreen
No. 5: EltaMD Skincare|UV Physical Tinted Facial Sunscreen
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