These lightweight formulas will blend seamlessly into all skin tones.
If you’re someone who wears some form of a complexion-evening base on a daily basis, chances are you’ll want to find the best tinted sunscreens on the market. These magical little base-product miracles are lightweight, excellent at evening out skin tone, and are especially ideal for touching up throughout the day. (Every two hours, remember?) You should also know that there are options in SPF 15 all the way up to broad-spectrum SPF 50, plus they come in mineral, chemical, and hybrid formulas to test.
Speaking of mineral-based sunscreens, these formulas are more likely to create a white cast, especially on those with darker skin tones, says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD. “[Mineral sunscreens] typically contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide which create a white cast on the skin,” she says. Dr. Green adds that the white cast is actually an indication that the sunscreen is working and is creating a physical barrier on your skin, albeit a very unflattering one. That’s where tinted SPF formulas come in. They provide all the broad-spectrum protection you need to protect against UV rays (including the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommended SPF 30 sunscreen rating) without the white, ashy finish.
Tinted sunscreens come in several different formulas (liquid, cream, powder) and finishes (dewy, matte, satin), and feature sheer-, medium-, and full-coverage formulas to choose from. So whether you’re looking for a fabulous all-in-one product to knock out a few products in your skincare routine, or just want to double up on your SPF, tinted sunscreens are the answer.
The biggest caveat when it comes to tinted sunscreens is the lack of inclusive colors currently available, with most being optimal for light-to-medium skin tones. That said, there are several brands that are getting it right and checking all the boxes in terms of protection, skin-perfecting, and shade range, so we’re really hoping others do the smart thing and follow suit soon. Now, check out 13 of the best sunscreens that protect against skin cancer, correct skin tone, blur pores, and more.
Best Overall: CoTZ Flawless Complexion Tinted SPF 50
Why It’s Worth It: You’re going to want to carry CoTZ’s Flawless Complexion Tinted SPF 50 wherever you go — its silky-soft finish (which comes from moisturizing ingredients like dimethicone) is that addictive. This moisturizing mineral facial sunscreen feels more like fancy skin care going on, has a high SPF 50, a subtle peach tint, and its star ingredient — zinc oxide — is a dermatologist favorite for protecting skin.
Derm Fave: EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
Why It’s Worth It: EltaMD has been impressing editors for as long as it’s been making sunscreen, and its UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is no exception. It has one of the most comfortably moisturizing formulas, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid.
Editor Fave: MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30
Why It’s Worth It: When it comes to tinted sunscreens, Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein always reaches for MDSolarSciences’s Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30. “Its tint is basically an exact replica of my light-medium skin tone and its medium-coverage formula conceals my rosacea flare-ups — I don’t even need foundation after putting this glowy sunscreen on,” she says.
Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
Why It’s Worth It: Yes, mineral SPF products get a bad rap for creating a white cast, but La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 will convince you otherwise. This oil- and fragrance-free formula was made especially for easily-irritated complexions, but oily skin types will love it just as much for its matte finish.
Best for Oily Skin: Supergoop Mineral Matte Screen SPF 40
Why It’s Worth It: Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says the Supergoop Mineral Matte Screen SPF 40 is one of the best mineral-based sunscreens that won’t leave an ashy white cast behind, thanks to its universal tint. “It contains zinc oxide as well as titanium dioxide and contains bamboo leaf extract to fight against free radical damage,” she says.
Best Free Radical-Fighting: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
Why It’s Worth It: If you’re an avid Allure reader, you’re probably well aware that our editors have a love affair with anything from SkinCeuticals, including the Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. This mineral-based broad spectrum sunscreen has a subtle universal tint to make white casts and ashy finishes a thing of the past.
Best for Reapplication: Brush on Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30
Why It’s Worth It: Brush on Block Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30 is a compact, refillable powder formula that comes with its very own self-depositing brush. It won’t sting sensitive eyes, is sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is perfect for often-overlooked areas like the scalp.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 50
Why It’s Worth It: Buzzy brand Australian Gold makes an array of excellent SPF products, but we’re partial to this tinted SPF lotion that’s packed with antioxidant-rich botanicals like kakadu plum, red algae, and eucalyptus to protect against free radical damage. It’s also nourishing for dry skin, thanks to shea butter, panthenol (vitamin B5), and squalane.
Best Dewy Finish: BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Why It’s Worth It: The BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 is a triple Allure Best of Beauty Award-winner and it’s nabbed two Readers’ Choice Awards, too. So when we tell you this lightweight base is worth every penny, we mean it. The 20-shade range alone raises the bar for other tinted moisturizers and sunscreens on the market, but its dew-enhancing formula is just as impressive.
Best Shade Range: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Why It’s Worth It: Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 gets a lot of love from us for a multitude of reasons. In addition to offering light coverage in 30 actually diverse shades — pretty major for a tinted sunscreen — its nearly weightless serum format makes it truly unique.
Best All-in-One SPF: Vichy Capital Soleil Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 60
Why It’s Worth It: When Vichy calls this Capital Soleil formula a mineral sunscreen, it’s not kidding. In addition to the mineral that provides sun protection — namely, titanium dioxide — the formula contains 14 other minerals that help strengthen the skin barrier.
Best Chemical/Mineral Hybrid: SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair Tinted SPF 34
Why It’s Worth It: Full of line-smoothing, skin-firming agents like a high-grade antioxidant complex and vitamin C, SkinMedica’s tinted Total Defense + Repair fights existing sun damage as well as prevents it. It combines chemical and mineral UV filters like octinoxate and titanium dioxide.
Best for Mature Skin: Isdin Photo Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Why It’s Worth It: Isdin Photo Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion is a European overachiever that strives to do so much more than simply protect your skin from the sun — though it does that very well. In addition to mineral UV filters, it addresses preexisting sun damage with collagen-boosting peptides along with enzymes and vitamin E that work overtime to lessen fine lines, while its tint conceals them.
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Revision Skincare Intellishade TruPhysical SPF 45
Why It’s Worth It: Dr. King gives Revision Skincare’s Intellishade TruPhysical SPF 45 two thumbs up for its sheer tint, lightweight and buildable coverage, and mineral-based formulation. “You can apply more layers if you desire more coverage so it’s nice to have that flexibility,” she says.