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Byrdie / Michela Buttignol
Sunscreen is arguably the most important part of your daily skincare routine. Beyond reducing your risk of melanoma (skin cancer), SPF is a do-it-all that helps prevent dark spots, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. Tinted sunscreen not only safeguards your skin from photoaging; it also enhances your complexion and helps cover imperfections.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Our best overall pick is Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45, which leaves a natural finish and boasts a hydrating formula full of antioxidants to neutralize redness. For a more affordable pick, consider CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Sheer Tint, a drugstore pick that goes on sheer and contains ceramides to boost skin barrier health.
"The benefits of tinted sunscreen are having a nice glow and potentially replacing your foundation or makeup base while protecting the skin," says board-certified dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD. She adds that many formulas provide other benefits, like moisturization and reduced inflammation.
We conducted hours of research on the best tinted sunscreens. Our testers tried some of the top-rated formulas out there, taking note of ingredients, coverage, and finish. Our team then combined these results with our own research of fan favorites plus dermatologist-recommended picks to create this list.
We rounded up the best tinted sunscreens for every skin tone below.
Best Overall
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Lotion
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Courtesy of Sephora
Universal tint
Neutralizes redness
Award-winning product
Contains PEGs
High price per ounce
While there are many stellar options out there, Peter Thomas Roth takes the cake. The brand's all-mineral Max Tinted Sunscreen calls on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide SPF 45 protection from the sun's harmful rays, but it doesn't stop there.
This award-winning product flaunts a universal vanishing tint that flatters all skin tones and neutralizes redness. It also helps even out your complexion with a blend of antioxidants, leaving you with a natural-looking finish and a hint of luminosity.
Price at time of publish: $38
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 45 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens | Water-Resistant: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion
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Courtesy of Amazon
Affordable
Non-comedogenic
Suitable for sensitive skin
Contains PEGs
This tinted sunscreen is among the most affordable options, but it holds its own against pricier formulas. Available in two shades that blend into a range of skin tones, it offers SPF 50 protection without irritating sensitive skin or clogging your pores, and it stays water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone, octinoxate, oil | Water-Resistant: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Drugstore
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
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Amazon
Universal tint
Non-comedogenic
Replenishes skin barrier
Not water-resistant
Contains PEGs
CeraVe is a drugstore mainstay that rarely disappoints. The brand's take on tinted sunscreen is this SPF 30 mineral-based formula. It goes on sheer and blends seamlessly into all skin types and tones, while a dose of ceramides helps replenish your skin barrier.
Price at time of publish: $16
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone, parabens | Water-Resistant: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Full-Coverage
Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen
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Credo Beauty
Buildable
Camouflages imperfections
Diverse shade range
Not water-resistant
Want more coverage? Tower 28 SunnyDays is a brilliant sunscreen-makeup hybrid, combining the camouflaging, redness-reducing effects of foundation with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. It comes in 14 diverse shades ranging from deep carob to warm toffee to ivory.
Price at time of publish: $30
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1 ounce | Free of: Alcohol, fragrance, oil | Water-Resistant: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
“I loved the coverage and how buildable it was without being cakey.” — Chinea Rodriguez, Product Tester
Best Premium
Alastin Skincare HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
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Alastin
No white cast
Lightweight
Award-winning product
Expensive
Contains PEGs
Alastin HydraTint is a Byrdie favorite. This super lightweight and hydrating mineral-based sunscreen delivers SPF 36 protection without a white cast, plus a more even complexion and a healthy glow on most skin tones.
Price at time of publish: $60
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 36 | Size: 3.2 ounces | Free of: Fragrance, parabens, oxybenzone | Water-Resistant: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41
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Fragrance-free
Non-comedogenic
Dermatologist-recommended
Slight white cast
Reactive complexion? Dermatologist Rina Allawh, MD, recommends EltaMD. She says this oil-free, fragrance-free mineral formula is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Price at time of publish: $37
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 41 | Size: 3 ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone, parabens | Water-Resistant: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Dry Skin
Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 Primer
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Ulta
No white cast
Not water-resistant
Those with drier skin types should reach for Hueguard. This SPF 30 primer can be used as a hydrating makeup base or on its own for a dose of moisture and a healthy-looking glow. And while the mineral formula contains zinc, it promises not to leave a white cast.
Price at time of publish: $32
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Free of: Fragrance, oxybenzone | Water-Resistant: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
“Hueguard not only blended effortlessly but also made a perfect base for my foundation. Think butter gliding on brioche. Perfection!” —Emerald Elitou, Product Tester
Best for Oily Skin
COOLA Mineral Face Organic Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 30
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Courtesy of Coola
Mattifying
Balances oil production
Contains organic ingredients
High price per ounce
Coola has your back in the battle against shine. This sunscreen contains rosehip oil, which sounds counterintuitive, but it actually helps balance your skin so that it produces less oil. You'll be left with a sheer hint of color and a smooth, mattified complexion.
Price at time of publish: $36
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Free of: Fragrance, oxybenzone | Water-Resistant: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
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Dermstore
Oil-free
Non-comedogenic
Evens skin tone
High price per ounce
Contains PEGs
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion is mineral-based, oil-free, and non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog your pores), checking all the boxes for those who are acne-prone. And although the price per ounce is slightly steep, this product is proof that not every one of the brand's offerings costs an arm and a leg.
Price at time of publish: $36
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7–4.2 ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone, parabens | Water-Resistant: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for All Skin Types
Buttah Skin Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
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Courtesy of Ulta Beauty
Hydrating
Absorbs quickly
No white cast
Contains PEGs
Not water-resistant
Formulated for all skin types and tones, Buttah Tinted Sunscreen is like a lightweight face lotion, only better. It goes on clear, absorbs quickly, offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection from photoaging, and enhances your natural complexion.
Price at time of publish: $24
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 2 ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone, parabens | Water-Resistant: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Dewy Finish
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 40
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ILIA
Natural-looking coverage
Diverse shade range
Award-winning product
Pricey
Not water-resistant
For those who prefer a dewy finish, we highly recommend Ilia Super Serum. This award-winning product earned a perfect 5 out of 5 score from our home tester, who appreciated that the skincare-first formula offers natural-looking coverage, eliminating the need for foundation.
Price at time of publish: $48
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 40 | Size: 1 ounce | Free of: Oxybenzone, silicone, oil | Water-Resistant: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Testers Say
“If you hate looking cakey, and you want effortlessly fresh day-to-night-time makeup with an added boost, Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint is the only product you’ll need.” —Tanya Akim, Product Tester
Best Radiant Finish
Kinfield Sunglow SPF 30
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Credo
Blends seamlessly
Subtle luminosity
No white cast
Not water-resistant
For a bit more radiance, Kinfield is your best bet. This 100 percent mineral sunscreen safeguards your skin from sun damage with zinc oxide, vowing not to leave a white cast. It blends seamlessly into all skin tones and enhances your natural glow with a golden hue and subtle luminosity.
Price at time of publish: $28
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 2 ounces | Free of: PEGs, parabens, oxybenzone | Water-Resistant: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Matte Finish
MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 Sunscreen
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Courtesy of Amazon
Oil-free
Camouflages imperfections
Reduces shine
Contains PEGs
This mattifying mineral sunscreen has a silky-smooth, lightly whipped texture. With a subtle tint and a blend of antioxidants, it's designed to camouflage imperfections, even out your skin tone, and keep shine in check.
Price at time of publish: $32
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone, oil, fragrance | Water-Resistant: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Sheer
Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen
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Blends seamlessly
No white cast
Non-comedogenic
Not water-resistant
Contains PEGs
Block Star is technically tinted, but instead of depositing color, the sheer formula blends into a virtually invisible finish. You'll be left with SPF 30 sun protection, a healthy glow, and absolutely no white cast.
Price at time of publish: $22
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.4 ounces | Free of: Parabens, mineral oil, fragrance | Water-Resistant: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Consistency
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50
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Ulta
Absorbs quickly
Non-greasy formula
Dermatologist-recommended
High price per ounce
Anthelios is a dermatologist favorite for good reason. This tinted sunscreen "fluid" stands out for its lightweight, silky-smooth consistency. It absorbs remarkably fast without feeling greasy and leaves a healthy-looking glow in its wake.
Price at time of publish: $35
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone, oil, fragrance | Water-Resistant: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
Give it a good shake before using.
Best SPF 50+
Vichy Capital Soleil Tinted Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 60
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Courtesy of Ulta Beauty
Universal tint
Evens skin tone
Dermatologist-developed
Contains PEGs
If you want something higher than SPF 50, Vichy is a no-brainer. This mineral sunscreen bumps the broad-spectrum protection up to 60 and then goes above and beyond to offer a tone-evening, universally flattering glow and 80 minutes of water resistance.
Price at time of publish: $29
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide | SPF: 60 | Size: 1.5 ounces | Free of: Fragrance, parabens | Water-Resistant: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Under Makeup
Epionce Daily Shield Tinted SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen
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Courtesy of Epionce
Universal tint
Lightweight
Diffuses imperfections
High price per ounce
Contains PEGs
Boasting a lightweight, imperfection-diffusing formula, Epionce Daily Shield is a perfect base for makeup. It helps even out your complexion with a universally flattering sheer tint and protects your skin with broad-spectrum SPF 50.
Price at time of publish: $42
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 ounces | Free of: Parabens, sulfates | Water-Resistant: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dark Skin
AbsoluteJOI Daily Hydrating Moisturizing Cream with Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
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Provides even coverage
Hydrating formula
Ideal for sensitive skin
Expensive
AbsoluteJOI Daily Hydrating Moisturizing Cream is dedicated solely to those with darker skin. This formula is, in fact, super-hydrating; think of it as a moisturizer that just happens to contain your daily dose of SPF (SPF 40, to be specific) and a perfect amount of light coverage. Speaking of light, it comes in two dark-skin-geared shades, both of which blend beautifully with many skin tones.
Price at time of publish: $42
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients: 2% titanium dioxide, 1% zinc oxide | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Free of: Oxybenzone, parabens | Water-resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Complexion-Enhancing
MMSkincare Sasha Suncare Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
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Courtesy of MMSkincare
Improves elasticity
Evens skin tone
Dermatologist-developed
Contains PEGs
Sasha Suncare is another dermatologist favorite. "It has been proven to reduce sun damage and melasma," Marmur tells Byrdie of this formula, adding that it is water-resistant and reef-safe.
Price at time of publish: $42
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 3.5 ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone, fragrance | Water-Resistant: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Tinted Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45, which leaves a natural finish and boasts a hydrating formula full of antioxidants to neutralize redness. For a more affordable pick, consider CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Sheer Tint, a drugstore pick that goes on sheer and contains ceramides to boost skin barrier health.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We then used this research to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
Meet the Expert
- Rina Allawh, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who practices medical and cosmetic dermatology in New York City and specializes in skin cancer treatment.
- Ellen Marmur, MD, is a dermatologic surgeon and the founder of Marmur Medical and MMSkincare. She won the American Academy of Dermatology President's Award for her Skin Cancer, Take a Hike! philanthropy program.
What to Look for in a Tinted Sunscreen
Iron Oxides
According to Allawh, if you can find a formula that contains these you’ll get extra bang for your buck since they help shield skin from blue light, which can also be damaging.
SPF Rating
As always, make sure you’re using a formula that contains a broad spectrum of at least SPF 30, the level recommended for daily use by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Consider Your Skin Concerns
There are plenty of tinted moisturizers out there that suit all different skin types. For example, if you’re prone to breakouts or have oily skin, look for oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas. Meanwhile, if you have dry skin, look for a formula that includes hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in cosmetics. She compiled insights from two dermatologists for this story, then researched today's top formulations and cross-referenced ingredients in several peer-reviewed journals. She also consulted our own testing insights to see how well products held up in the real world to help inform this roundup.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough tinted sunscreens from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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