The 12 Best Tinted Sunscreens of 2023
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Streamline your makeup routine with these versatile favorites.
Real Simple / Kevin Liang
Fact checked by Emily Estep
Incorporating an SPF into your daily beauty routine is a must, and one of the best ways to do so is by opting for a tinted sunscreen. Not only does a tinted sunscreen offer the benefits of SPF protection, but since it's tinted, it can also be worn on its own or under makeup to achieve a more even and blended complexion.
Additionally, many tinted sunscreens contain iron oxides to help reduce whiteness and offers the added benefit of blue light protection, “which has been associated with persistent hyperpigmentation, especially in skin of color,” says Dr. Adeline Kikam, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin Derm.
To determine the best tinted sunscreens, we researched a variety of popular options to determine the best across a variety of categories, considering ingredients, SPF protection, and shade range to help you find your perfect match.
Best Overall Tinted Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50
What Stands Out: It's non-greasy and won’t clog pores.
What Could Be Improved: It only comes in one shade option.
It’s hard to go wrong with this tinted sunscreen from La-Roche Posay—it’s a cult favorite of many, and for good reason. This oil-free option is lightweight, fragrance-free, and features substantial broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 50. A huge selling point of this tinted sunscreen is that it’s non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores), a true game-changer if you plan on layering additional makeup products on top.
Anyone engaging in physical activities won’t have to worry about this product wearing off since it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. This is a major plus if you’ll be sweating or doing anything that involves water. It comes in a universal tint that suits various skin types and is fast-absorbing, so your skin won’t feel tacky or sticky—something that happens with many SPFs.
Price at time of publish: $38
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, Cell-Ox shield, dimethicone, thermal spring water, silica, iron oxides
SPF: 50
Size: 1.7 ounces
Number of Shades: 1
Best Drugstore Tinted Sunscreen: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint
What Stands Out: It's hydrating, non-comedogenic, and lightweight.
What Could Be Improved: It's SPF 30, which might be too low for some people.
CeraVe’s hydrating sheer tint packs the hydration punch with hyaluronic acid, ensuring your skin gets the SPF it needs in addition to necessary moisturization. If your skin tends to lean on the drier side, this is a great option to try out. If your skin is more oily, the hydrating properties could potentially be overwhelming for your skin.
Although it’s thoroughly hydrating, it isn’t thick or heavy on the skin. It’s lightweight and non-comedogenic, so you can breathe a sigh of relief that you won’t have to deal with loads of breakouts post-wear. This is a mineral sunscreen, which means it’ll be extremely effective at providing physical barrier protection between your skin and the sun’s harmful rays. For an even, healthy-looking glow that won’t leave a white cast, give this sunscreen a go.
Price at time of publish: $16
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide, ceramides, iron oxides
SPF: 30
Size: 1.7 ounces
Number of Shades: 1
Best Mineral Tinted Sunscreen: Supergoop! CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream
What Stands Out: This tinted sunscreen also color corrects.
What Could Be Improved: Finding your exact shade can be tricky.
This CC cream can be worn alone or as a base underneath other makeup products to color correct redness and hyperpigmentation. While some tinted sunscreens offer a “breath” of color, this one from Supergoop! provides a smidge more in the coverage department.
The formula consists of hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, both extremely hydrating ingredients that’ll keep your skin from feeling painfully dry, especially if you’re spending a decent amount of time in the sun. It’s also reef-friendly (meaning it doesn’t contain specific elements that can cause coral bleaching). It comes in 15 different shades, and if you’re unsure which shade will be your perfect match, Supergoop! offers a shade finder quiz to help you out.
Price at time of publish: $44
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, apple extract, Irish moss/red seaweed extract, hyaluronic acid, iron oxides
SPF: 50
Size: 1.6 ounces
Number of Shades: 15
Best Reef-Friendly Tinted Sunscreen: Think Everyday Naturally Tinted Face Sunscreen
What Stands Out: It doesn't contain any of the ingredients that are deemed unsafe for coral reefs.
What Could Be Improved: It's SPF 30, which some people may find too low.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a sunscreen reef-safe, here’s the lowdown—reef-safe sunscreens are made without coral reef-harming ingredients that are on the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory (HEL) list (most commonly oxybenzone and octinoxate), but “reef-safe” isn’t a regulated term; therefore, even if a product is marketed as such, still check the ingredients list.
This sunscreen from Thinksport has a mineral formula that’s vegan, cruelty-free, and water-resistant; just make sure you reapply every 80 minutes if you plan on taking a dip. It’s also a bio-degradable formula! This is an exceptionally hydrating sunscreen with ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil, all of which cater to folks with dry or sensitive skin. It’s gentle, fast-absorbing, and won’t feel oily or sticky.
Price at time of publish: $14
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, jojoba oil, vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, iron oxide
SPF: 30
Size: 2 ounces
Number of Shades: 1
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Coola Sheer Matte Mineral Face Sunscreen
What Stands Out: This tinted sunscreen is mattifying.
What Could Be Improved: It's quite sheer.
If you have oily skin, using a super hydrating and glowy sunscreen is probably at the bottom of your to-do list. This option from Coola can be worn solo or under makeup for a smooth matte finish that won’t feel greasy. We also want to note that even though this sunscreen is mattifying, it’s made with hydrating oils and an antioxidant-rich Plant Protection complex (matte doesn’t have to mean dry).
It is quite sheer, making it a great primer for additional steps in your makeup routine. If you’re planning to wear it lounging out by the pool and not underneath makeup, it’ll still do an impeccable job at keeping your skin cool, calm, and collected (...and matte).
Price at time of publish: $36
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Plant Protection complex
SPF: 30
Size: 1.7 ounces
Number of Shades: 1
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Dry Skin: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint With SPF 40
What Stands Out: It applies like a serum but offers great SPF protection.
What Could Be Improved: It might be too hydrating for the hottest days of summer.
The Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint operates like a buildable, lightweight foundation, with the necessary SPF (40 to be exact) needed to protect your skin from harmful rays. This natural-looking tint is free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
This product is the sweet spot between a sheer tinted sunscreen and a full-fledged foundation, lying somewhere in the middle. It has more coverage than most tinted sunscreens but is far from full.
Price at time of publish: $48
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, iron oxides
SPF: 40
Size: 1 ounce
Number of Shades: 30
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
What Stands Out: It contains breakout-fighting ingredients and is safe for sensitive skin.
What Could Be Improved: It's only recommended for those with dry or combination skin.
A tried and true favorite, the EltaMD tinted sunscreen is like the cooler big sister to its popular non-tinted version but with a touch of color to smooth the skin. The consistency is lightweight because it is water-based, which plumps the skin with loads of hydration. The cherry on top of this highly loved product is the slight tint that makes skin look dewy and glowy in the best way possible.
In addition to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, it contains an antioxidant called tocopheryl acetate—a form of vitamin E that helps reduce physical aging (like fine lines and wrinkles) and gently exfoliates to prevent future breakouts.
Price at time of publish: $40
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, iron oxides
SPF: 44
Size: 2 ounces
Number of Shades: 1
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Dark Skin: Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen
What Stands Out: It's available in 14 shades and helps prevent hyperpigmentation.
What Could Be Improved: It's only SPF 30.
If you’re on the hunt for a light to medium-coverage tinted sunscreen, this is your answer. It evens skin tone while providing a natural finish that looks like your skin but better. Plus, it’s available in over a dozen different shades, including those for darker skin tones. And the prickly pear extract and iron oxides provide protection from blue light exposure, which Dr. Kikam says is associated with persistent hyperpigmentation, especially in skin of color.
Tower 28’s tinted sunscreen was formulated with sensitive skin in mind and doesn’t include any irritating skin ingredients like essential oils, fragrances, or silicones. It’s also reef-safe and entirely mineral-based sunscreen and even has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, meaning it’s undergone rigorous scientific testing that deems it safe for those living with eczema
Price at time of publish: $32
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, prickly pear extract, white sage extract, iron oxides
SPF: 30
Size: 1 ounce
Number of Shades: 14
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
What Stands Out: The lightweight formula is chock full of impressive skincare ingredients.
What Could Be Improved: It's expensive.
This sheer, lightweight tinted sunscreen from Skinceuticals may be just the thing to change the minds of those with sensitive skin. If you’ve been let down before by SPFs that have caused painful skin flare-ups, this may be your solution.
The sunscreen contains antioxidants that protect the skin from UV and heat-induced stress. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t cause acne or clog your pores, and if you do break out easily, always do a patch test with a new product to see how your skin reacts to it before putting it directly onto your face. If you have sensitive skin in addition to a combination or oily skin type, this dries down to a matte finish, so no need to fear looking greasy. Just keep in mind that this is a fairly liquid-y formula, so those who prefer a thicker cream should look elsewhere.
Price at time of publish: $42
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, artemia salina, iron oxides
SPF: 50
Size: 1.7 and 4.2 ounces
Number of Shades: 1
Best Full-Coverage Tinted Sunscreen: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation
What Stands Out: It's an all-in-one sunscreen, foundation, and anti-aging serum.
What Could Be Improved: It's expensive.
This multi-tasking product serves as both a full-coverage foundation and an SPF, and it’s enhanced with anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E. It features full spectrum SPF 50+ protection, and the six deepest shades are formulated with a clear SPF, so there’s zero chance of white cast on the skin. If you’re looking to camouflage redness, uneven skin tone, dark spots, or breakouts, this hydrating CC cream is your best bet. After applying, you can continue your regularly scheduled makeup routine (but you can skip the foundation step).
Price at time of publish: $47
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin E
SPF: 50+
Size: 0.4 or 1.08 ounces
Number of Shades: 30+
Best Sheer Tinted Sunscreen: Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer Mineral SPF 47 Protect and Perfect
What Stands Out: It's a lightweight formula that fulls more like a regular moisturizer.
What Could Be Improved: It might be too oily for some people.
Opting for this Josie Maran formula is a great start if you’re looking to dabble in the tinted sunscreen world. It offers the slightest of tints, meaning it won’t offer much coverage in the color-correcting department; however, it will supply the skin with hydrating hyaluronic acid and act as your knight in shining armor against skin-aging sun damage (thanks to vitamin E and fatty acids).
This formula features Josie Maran’s proprietary SunBoost ATB blend—a unique blend of antioxidants and skin-soothing ingredients that mingle well with natural sunscreens for optimal sun protection that will simultaneously condition the skin. This blend also allows Josie Maran to use less natural sunscreens (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), which can be heavy on the skin and leave behind a white cast.
Price at time of publish: $38
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, argan oil, SunBoost ATB
SPF: 47
Size: 2 ounces
Number of Shades: 1
Best Sport Tinted Sunscreen: Sun Bum Signature Tinted Sunscreen Face Stick
What Stands Out: This sunscreen stick lasts twice as long as most sunscreens, with reapplication recommended after 80 minutes of sweating or swimming.
What Could Be Improved: It's not moisturizing.
Anyone who’s not a huge fan of cream or lotion-type sunscreens should try out this stick. Whether you’re headed out for a grueling hike, a bike ride, or to spend some time where there may be quite a bit of sweating involved, you’ll want to choose a sunscreen that will stay put and won’t bleed into your eyes (ouch).
This tinted sunscreen stick from Sun Bum is a mineral-based sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection that can withstand water, wind, and sweat. If you plan on heading out for a swim, it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes; after that, you’ll have to reapply.
Price at time of publish: $22
Product Details:
Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, vitamin E, iron oxides
SPF: 30 or 50
Size: 0.45 ounces
Number of Shades: 1
Final Verdict
If you’re searching for a non-greasy tinted sunscreen that won’t clog your pores, we recommend the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen. It comes in a universal tint that suits various skin types, and it’s fast-absorbing, so your skin won’t feel tacky or sticky. This oil-free option is lightweight, fragrance-free, and features substantial broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 50 that can act as a primer under other makeup products.
How to Shop for Tinted Sunscreens Like A Pro
Formula
Sunscreens typically consist of two types—chemical and physical (mineral). There are positives and negatives of both types so it ultimately comes down to finding one that works for your skin type and will fulfill your personal needs.
Chemical sunscreens tend to absorb into the skin better and layer well under other makeup products. Physical (also known as mineral) sunscreens are usually made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They also tend to be non-comedogenic and work well for people with acne-prone skin types since they sit on top of the skin instead of being absorbed.
“Chemical sunscreens can be systemically absorbed into the bloodstream whereas physical sunscreens are not…unless they are nano mineral sunscreens. This just means their particle size has been broken down to a smaller molecular weight and thus can be absorbed through skin. The benefit of this is to minimize the white cast that is associated with mineral filters in their original molecular weight. This makes them suitable for patients of color who may not want the white cast from mineral sunscreens,” says Dr. Adeline Kikam, a board-certified dermatologist.
Shade and Coverage
Some tinted sunscreens provide little to no coverage, while others have a more medium to full-coverage finish. What you’re looking for in terms of coverage is up to personal preference. If you’re planning on doing physical activities or lounging by the pool, you’ll be better off opting for a sheer coverage tinted sunscreen. If you’re headed to an event or want to hide any imperfections or discoloration on the skin, opt for something with fuller coverage like the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation. At the very least, you’ll want a product that will blend with your skin tone, so consider the shade ranges offered and if it’s chemical or mineral-based to avoid potential white cast.
Broad Spectrum Protection
“Regardless of whether a sunscreen is tinted or not, you still have to make sure it’s a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is going to protect from UVA and UVB rays,” says Kikam.
Broad spectrum means it is protecting you from both UVA—the rays that penetrate deeper into the skin and cause premature aging, and UVB—the rays that cause sunburn and play the biggest role in causing skin cancers. And remember, even if you’re not going outdoors, you still need an SPF!
SPF
Regardless of skin tone or sunscreen type, the American Academy of Dermatology advises everyone to use an SPF of 30 or above. It’s also important to note that per its website, regardless of the SPF number, they last the same amount of time. A higher SPF doesn’t mean you can spend more time before reapplying as opposed to something with a lower SPF.
Questions You Might Ask
Is tinted sunscreen as effective as regular sunscreen?
Yes, tinted sunscreens protect against UV rays the same as regular sunscreen. In fact, tinted sunscreens usually contain iron oxides, which are particularly effective at blocking blue light. “[Tinted sunscreens] can also be used to cover blemishes, redness [from] rosacea, and other skin issues,” says Kikam.
Is tinted sunscreen better than foundation?
The determining factor is whether it features SPF. If the foundation you are interested in is marketed as having an SPF of 30 or above in the formula then it will offer the same protection as a tinted sunscreen of the same SPF. If your foundation doesn’t have an SPF in it, then a tinted sunscreen is better for protecting against UV rays and should be used underneath if you still plan on wearing foundation.
However, keep in mind that in order to receive adequate sun protection, you will need to use enough product, which will likely be more foundation than you want to use (adults need roughly a quarter-sized dollop every two hours). “Foundation should not be used in place of sunscreen,” says Kikam.
How often should you apply tinted sunscreen?
You should apply tinted sunscreen as often as you would apply any sunscreen—every two hours, or sooner if swimming or sweating.
Does tinted sunscreen clog pores?
It can, that’s why it’s important to research the different formulas on the market. Also, just because a sunscreen is marketed as non-comedogenic (which isn’t supposed to clog pores), doesn’t mean that it won’t. Always be sure to cleanse your skin morning and night to prevent breakouts and consult a dermatologist if you’re unsure what is a good tinted sunscreen selection for you.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Allison Faccenda, a lifestyle, pop culture, and commerce writer with experience in video content creation. She was previously a market writer at BuzzFeed and produced short-form video content for their various social platforms. To write this article, she spent hours researching the best tinted sunscreens and spoke with Dr. Adeline Kikam, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin Derm.
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