As a longtime beauty writer, people always ask me what the most important tool in my skin care regimen is. The answer is simple: sunscreen, always.

Why? I’ll let Brooke Jeffy, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skin care brand BTWN in Scottsdale, Arizona, explain, if you’re not already aware. “Sun protection is a non-negotiable when it comes to skin cancer prevention and reduction of cosmetic concerns such as brown spots, texture changes and wrinkles with age,” says Jeffy, who explains that “over 90% of what we call age-related changes in the skin is actually due to ultraviolet radiation.”

But, for a lot of people, adding sunscreen to their already-busy morning routine can seem like a challenge, even if it is the most important step. I’m one of those people, so a product like the Cerave Hydrating Mineral Broad Spectrum 30 Face Sheer Tint is a game changer — especially on those busy mornings!

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen 30 Face Sheer Tint

Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen with Sheer Tint

What we like

Hydrating formula
Leaves no white cast
Easy to blend

Something to note

Tint is light for deep skin

Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: 30 | Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, ceramides and niacinamide | Best for: All skin types

What is the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint?

The CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen is a skin care product that combines 30 SPF sun protection with a subtle tint to even out the skin tone. This sunscreen and tint is part of CeraVe’s line of dermatologically tested skin care products, which are known for their focus on gentle and effective formulations suitable for sensitive skin.

The sunscreen also has over 40,000 five-star reviews on Amazon for its effectiveness, tint and blendability.

About the ingredients

The active ingredients in this sunscreen are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and I asked board certified dermatologist Dr. Jeremy Brauer how they worked.

“Titanium oxide is a mineral based ingredient and good for oily skin for its antimicrobial properties and because it’s non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn’t clog pores), Brauer told me. “It protects skin from UV rays by sitting on the skin’s surface and reflecting, scattering, and absorbing UV rays. This prevents the rays from penetrating the skin and causing damage.”

He continued, “Zinc oxide is also a mineral based ingredient that is noncomedogenic and is unique in that it protects your skin from UVA, UVB, and even UVC rays.”

However, you don’t have to worry about clogged pores with these ingredients, says Dr. Jeffy, “Any product has the potential to clog pores in any individual patient but titanium and zinc are considered noncomedogenic, meaning they do not clog pores.”

My skin type

Before I talk about how this product worked for me, it's important to know what type of skin I'm working with. My skin type is normal, with a tendency to dry out in the winter, and I have psoriasis. I’m always looking for products that will give me a dewy look and don’t feel heavy on my skin. With psoriasis, I’m always looking to avoid a flare up, and so I steer clear of heavy makeup except for special occasions.

My experience

Going back to those busy mornings, if you’re like me and don’t use heavy coverage on a daily basis, the sheer tint in CeraVe’s sunscreen offers just enough coverage to blur out major imperfections and give my skin a nice glowy finish. When using on my skin tone, I don’t see any of the white cast that sometimes occurs with mineral sunscreens.

The texture is also very lightweight, so I can wear this product under makeup without it pilling. It's also non-greasy, so I don't feel like it clogs my pores every time I wear it.

What I like

It keeps my skin hydrated all day

I really love the hydrating formula of this sunscreen. It includes ceramides, which are essential for maintaining the skin’s natural barrier, and hyaluronic acid, which helps retain moisture, ensuring the skin stays hydrated throughout the day.

The formula is eco-friendly

Another check mark in the plus column is that mineral sunscreens are often considered more environmentally friendly, particularly for marine life. Certain chemical sunscreen ingredients have been shown to contribute to coral reef bleaching, while mineral sunscreens are typically reef-safe.

What to consider

As mentioned, this sunscreen is a mineral formulation, and mineral sunscreen is often considered more ideal than chemical sunscreen for several reasons, explains Brauer.

“Mineral sunscreen, or physical sunscreen, works by creating a physical barrier that blocks the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin,” Brauer says. That means mineral sunscreen starts to get to work right away by creating a physical barrier on the skin that reflects and scatters UV rays, unlike chemical sunscreens, which need about 15-30 minutes to absorb into the skin and become effective. Another bonus? Mineral sunscreen is less likely to irritate the skin.

Dr. Brooke Jeffy, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of youth skincare brand BTWN in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Dr. Jeremy Brauer, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder and director of Spectrum Skin & Laser in New York City.