Summer is coming — and with it comes the sun's harsh rays partnered with time spent outside, making sunscreen essential. Traditional facial sunscreens are optimal ways to help prevent sunburn within your complexion, but tinted sunscreens are rising in popularity as ways to remain protected while providing cosmetic benefits, according to experts.
We spoke with two board-certified dermatologists, a celebrity makeup artist and a board-certified physician’s associate about the benefits of using a tinted sunscreen, as well as ingredients to look for (and avoid) while choosing one.
We also tapped our team of editors to share their go-to, tried-and-true tinted sunscreens. They shared products that you can find at your local drugstore as well as options that are absolutely worth the splurge.
Tinted sunscreen vs. traditional sunscreen
"Tinted sunscreens differ from traditional sunscreens in that they contain pigments that provide color to the product," says Blair Murphy-Rose, a board-certified dermatologist. "The tint not only offers a cosmetic benefit —helping to even out skin tone — but also typically provides additional protection against visible light, including blue light."
Murphy-Rose says that blue light (the light emitted from devices such as your smart phone or computer screen), can be a source of hyperpigmentation that leads to signs of aging and skin damage.
The benefits of tinted sunscreens
"I recommend a tinted mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for the best broad-spectrum protection," says Murphy-Rose.
"Tinted sunscreens may help prevent hyperpigmentation more effectively due to their blue light protection," she says. "While there are ingredients that can protect against blue light even in un-tinted formulas, an easy rule of thumb is that if it’s tinted, it most likely provides some level of blue light protection."
In order to see the benefits of a tinted sunscreen, board-certified dermatologist Nava Greenfield and Murphy-Rose encourage applying "generously" or re-applying throughout the day.
"[A tinted sunscreen] may be cosmetically more appealing and also less likely to leave behind a white cast, as is typical for some sunscreens," adds Greenfield.
Elaina Badro, a celebrity makeup artist, mentions that tinted sunscreen is an easy addition to any makeup routine — but especially those who want to cut down on the number of products they're using and the amount of time they're spending getting ready.
"[They're] perfect for people who like a sheer natural finish and want to save time during their makeup routine — as it is a quick application," she says.
Best tinted sunscreens, according to experts and editors
Drugstore find: e.l.f. Skin Suntouchable! Whoa Glow Sunscreen & Primer
- Multipurpose product
- Affordable
- Reapply often
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 3 | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane | Fragrance-free? Yes | Skin Type: All | SPF: 30 | Formula type: Chemical
“This [sunscreen] has a light tint and gives my skin a really pretty glow that looks lovely with makeup or alone,” says production associate, Audrey Ekman. "A coworker just complimented my skin and I’m not wearing any makeup, just Whoa Glow!"
Budget friendly: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Slightly greasy finish
Size: 1.7 oz. | Shades: 3 | Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide | Fragrance-free? Yes | Skin Type: All | SPF: 30 | Formula type: Mineral
Not only is this tinted sunscreen by CeraVe dermatologist tested, but the ingredient list is jam-packed with ceramides that work to strengthen the skin barrier and improve overall skin health.
I've personally been using this tinted sunscreen on my skin in the light, sheer shade during the wintertime (when it can easily dissolve and blend into my skin). It's lightweight and I can continue my traditional makeup routine on top of it without it feeling cakey.
Lightweight and non-greasy: Sun Bum Daily Glow Tinted Moisturizer
- Full coverage
- Easy-to-use applicator
- Only one shade
Size: 1.7 oz. | Shades: 1 | Key Ingredients: Kakadu plum, vitamin E, antioxidants | Fragrance-free? Yes | Skin Type: All | SPF: 30 | Formula type: Chemical
Sun Bum has always remained a mainstay in my SPF-care routine; the brand's traditional face sunscreen and all-over sunscreens remind me of days spent at the campground.
Sun Bum's tinted sunscreen earned me compliments from friends who raved about its full coverage and ability to replace my foundation. It has a lightweight feel on my face, and didn't feel greasy going on (or throughout the day).
Over 15 shades: Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Small package for price
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 17 | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, aloe vera, prickly pear extract | Fragrance-free? Yes | Skin Type: All; suitable for sensitive and "problem-prone" skin | SPF: 30 | Formula type: Mineral
"To say that I am obsessed with this tinted sunscreen would be an understatement," praises editor Kelly Vaughan. "I bought it for a vacation to Florida two years ago when I wanted a low-maintenance foundation with SPF — and I’ve never looked back. It provides medium coverage and has a natural finish, which I find perfect for everyday wear. I love that it has SPF, so I know that I’m always protecting my skin from UV rays — and it's mineral-based, so it’s reef-safe to boot. I don’t know that I’ll ever wear regular foundation again."
Bonus? This tinted sunscreen was given the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, per the brand.
Our editor is "always circling back" to this: La Roche Posay Anthelios Tinted Face Sunscreen
- Great coverage
- Lightweight
- Provides a dewy glow
- Mixed reviews on the smell
Size: 1.7 oz. | Shades: 5 | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, iron oxides, titanium dioxide | Fragrance-free? Yes | Skin Type: All; suitable for sensitive skin | SPF: 50 | Formula type: Mineral
"I rotate between a lot of tinted sunscreens to simplify my everyday beauty routine (who would say no to that?) and I find myself always circling back to this one from La Roche-Posay," says senior SEO editor, Jess Bender. "Beyond offering plenty of pigmented coverage to save me some extra coverage swipes, I love how easily it absorbs into my skin without leaving the greasy feel I tend to get with other facial sunscreens."
Dermatologist loved: SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense
- Blends easily
- Good for skin ingredients
- Small amount for price
- Limited shade range
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 1 | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Fragrance-free? Yes | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combo, acne-prone, mature | SPF: 50 | Formula type: Mineral
"[This is] one of my go-to daily sunscreens," says Murphy-Rose. "It contains a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in an elegant formulation that is very protective and yet feels so light on the skin. It blends easily into skin without looking cakey or leaving a white cast."
Good for dry skin: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Protector
- Wide shade range
- Can shade match online
- Very sheer, per reviewers
Size: 1.7 oz. | Shades: 20 | Key Ingredients: Vitamins C and E, macadamia and kukui seed oils, tamarind seed extract | Fragrance-free? Does not specify | Skin Type: All | SPF: 30 | Formula type: Mineral (contains titanium dioxide)
"[This tinted sunscreen] combines macadamia and kukui seed oils to lock-in moisture while providing sheer-to-medium coverage that creates a natural glow," praises Murphy-Rose. "It also provides sun defense with SPF 30 broad spectrum protection."
Sunscreen without the stickiness: Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Moisturizing Face Sunscreen
- Contains clean ingredients
- Lasts a long time
- Pricey for a small tube
Size: 2 oz. | Shades: 4 | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free? Yes | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combo, dry | SPF: 30 | Formula type: Mineral
"This is my all-time favorite one-and-done face product, and it just so happens to be a sunscreen," says editor Rebecca Brown. "It’s chemical free, which is how I found it. A little goes a long way. Once my face is clean, I apply all over and I’m completely set for the entire day. It blends so well and doesn’t leave my face — or my fingers — sticky after application."
Luxe and lightweight: Sarah Creal Brilliant Repair Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
- Hardly any fragrance
- Applies and absorbs easily
- Minimal product inside package
Size: 1 oz. | Shades: 2 | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, zinc oxide | Fragrance-free? Yes | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combo, dry | SPF: 50 | Formula type: Mineral
"While this sunscreen serum is a bit of a splurge, I’ve been pretty floored by the light, my-skin-but-better finish it leaves in the neutral shade Staycation," raves Bender. "I don’t need much to fully cover my face — just a couple of swipes on my cheeks, forehead and chin is more than enough to get the job done. Unlike many other tinted sunscreens I’ve tried, this one doesn’t pill when it makes contact with the rest of the skin care products I use in the morning. The finish is dewy but not greasy, which is always nice given that I’m an oily girl."
The brand notes that this combination serum and sunscreen skin care product promises to be a weightless addition to your lineup.
Awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation: Skinbetter Sunbetter Tone Smart Sunscreen Lotion
- Can replace foundation
- Takes a while to "dry"
- Hard to put makeup over it
Size: 1.7 oz. | Shades: 1 | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Fragrance-free? Yes | Skin Type: All, mature | SPF: 75 | Formula type: Mineral
"This formula combines high-level sun protection with a tone-adapting tint that blends effortlessly into most skin tones," says Paula Brezavscek, a board-certified physician's associate. "The finish is smooth, velvety and gives a soft, perfected look. It’s ideal for anyone looking to streamline their morning routine without compromising on protection or appearance."
Plus, this tinted sunscreen has earned the stamp of approval from the Skin Cancer Foundation, according to the brand
Worth the splurge: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
- Lightweight
- Very moisturizing
- Higher price point
Size: Available in 3.2 and 4.5 oz. tubes | Shades: 1 | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, ectoin, phytoene, phytofluene | Fragrance-free? Yes | Skin Type: All | SPF: 36 | Formula type: Mineral
"This one delivers a radiant, slightly dewy finish that’s especially beautiful on dry or mature skin," says Brezavscek. "It hydrates, smooths and protects, all while giving a sheer wash of color that enhances the complexion. It’s a great option for no-makeup days or paired with minimal makeup for a fresh, glowy look."
How we chose
To choose which tinted sunscreens to include in this article, we interviewed experts and made picks based off of their insight. We also polled our team of writers and editors to share their favorite tinted sunscreens.
Meet the experts
- Elaina Badro is a celebrity makeup artist and founder of Elaina Badro, a beauty and cosmetics brand.
- Paula Brezavscek is a board-certified physician’s associate and the founder of AZALA Skin Clinic based in Miami, Florida.
- Nava Greenfield is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, New York.
- Blair Murphy-Rose is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skincare Junkie.
