10 Best Tinted Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists
The outdoor joys of summertime are officially upon us. If you’re maximizing those sunny days—blissfully beaching or vacationing with vigor—it’s especially important to keep your skin slathered with SPF. And if you’re having a hard time finding a formula that fits into your daily skin care routine, here’s why tinted sunscreens can be a game-changer.
What is tinted sunscreen?
First, let’s review some sunscreen basics. There are chemical and mineral (a.k.a. physical) sunscreen formulas. “Mineral sunscreen sits on the skin’s surface and prevents sun damage by deflecting and scattering UV rays, while chemical sunscreens contain chemicals that absorb and release UV rays,” Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City, tells SELF. The best sunscreen for you comes down to personal preference, as long as you stick to one that has an SPF of 30 or higher.
Tinted sunscreens, which come in both chemical and mineral form, offer excellent UV protection in addition to pigment for lightweight coverage. Tinted sunscreens are essentially an alternative to foundation—similar to BB creams but with the perk of solid SPF.
Another benefit of tinted sunscreens, particularly for people with deeper skin tones, is that they’re great at combating the stark white cast SPF gets a bad rap for—and mineral formulas are especially good at this. They help minimize the appearance of blemishes, redness, or other forms of discoloration and give your complexion a smoother look. What’s more, tinted sunscreens can be especially helpful for people with conditions that affect the skin’s pigmentation or sensitivity to light, such as melasma or lupus, Shasa Hu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, skin cancer specialist, and Dr. Brandt Skin advisory board member, tells SELF.
As for how to use tinted sunscreen, Dr. Engelman applies it as the final step in her morning skin care routine after cleanser, serum, and moisturizer. (Just remember that you should reapply SPF throughout the day, ideally every two hours!)
The best tinted sunscreens for lightweight coverage
Now that you have the basics on tinted sunscreen, it’s time to find one you’ll love. Don’t worry: We’ve simplified the process and rounded up some dermatologist-backed options.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Amazon1
Best Overall: Glo Skin Beauty C-Shield Anti-Pollution Moisture Tint (SPF 30)
This brand scores points for its shade spectrum—10 to be exact—which isn’t super common in the tinted sunscreen market. (Typically, you’ll see anywhere from one to four shade options, which means the industry has a long way to go when it comes to inclusivity.) “It provides broad-spectrum protection and essential daily hydration, with a dose of skin-brightening vitamin C,” says Dr. Engelman. In fact, depending on your skin type, it might be hydrating enough to use in lieu of a moisturizer.
- Target2
Best Drugstore Buy: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 30)
The sheer tint of this sunscreen claims to blend into all skin tones, and the soothing formula contains moisturizing hyaluronic acid, calming niacinamide, and restorative ceramides. And at around $14, it’s a wallet-friendly pick.
- Amazon3
Best for Oily Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Dr. Engelman recommends this option “because of its 100% mineral sunscreen formula,” adding that it also has “peptides and antioxidants to repair the skin from previous sun damage.” Reviewers especially like that it doesn’t feel greasy. “Highly recommend if you have oily skin…I don’t get that shiny look after having it on for a few hours,” one Amazon reviewer noted. “I haven’t had to apply any powders on top.”
- Dermstore4
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense (SPF 50)
Two of the dermatologists we spoke with are fans of this 100% physical, noncomedogenic formula (which means it contains ingredients that are less likely to clog pores). Bonus: It contains silica, which absorbs oil, and the formula’s mousse-like texture dries down to a powdery finish, creating a mattifying effect.
- La Roche Posay5
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face (SPF 50)
This tinted sunscreen is a winner based on its highly rated reviews, and dermatologists agree. “It’s extremely lightweight, noncomedogenic, and fragrance-free,” says Dr. Engelman. The lightweight formula also makes it great for layering under makeup, Dr. Hu adds. It also offers a matte finish, which can reduce excess shine during the hot, humid months.
- Amazon6
Best for Touch-Ups: Isdin Isdinceutics Mineral Brush (SPF 50)
Zinc-based tinted sunscreens like Isdin’s powder product have better staying power compared to chemical ones, Neil Sadick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Sadick Dermatology in New York City, tells SELF. When touch-ups are in order, this fine, brush-on formula scores points for ease of use. (And if a sunscreen is simple to reapply, there’s more likelihood that you’ll actually do it.) Dr. Sadick says he and his patients can attest to the product’s convenience: “We love it! The brush applicator makes putting on sunscreen a breeze.”
- Ulta7
Best for City Dwellers: Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum Hydrating Shield (SPF 50)
Environmental stressors are not great for your skin’s vitality—and that’s where Elizebeth Arden comes into play. “This is one of my favorite tinted sunscreens,” says Dr. Engelman. It contains a subtle tint and is formulated with an amazing combination of ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier, while safeguarding skin from UV rays and pollutants that contribute to aging.”
- Sunbetter8
Best for All Skin Types:
Dr. Hu notes that this antioxidant-rich formula is suitable for all skin types, with impressive staying power (read: It will last all day). “This is a great tinted sunscreen that provides maximum skin protection along with a mattifying, skin-perfecting finish,” Dr. Engelman adds. She also notes that it “adapts to each individual’s specific tone to look natural and effortless.”
- Amazon9
Best for Medium Coverage: Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield (SPF 50)
A favorite of Dr. Sadick’s, this mineral lotion is available in four shades and infused with antioxidants. Along with offering medium coverage and a demi-matte finish, it has tone-adapting pigments that adjust to your complexion’s hue.
- Alastin10
Best for Light Coverage: HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 36)
“The tint adds a subtle sheen to the skin,” says Dr. Hu. She also notes it’s a great option for people who want their SPF to work as a BB cream, which moisturizes the skin while providing light coverage. This fragrance-free, water-resistant formula checks all of those boxes and leaves skin with a subtle glow.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
