13 Best Tinted Sunscreens Recommended by Skincare Experts

Written by Sayantani Deb, Makeup & Beauty Writer
Updated on Feb 22, 2024
Best Tinted Sunscreen
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, sunscreen should be a part of your everyday skincare regime. Having one of the best tinted sunscreens makes a lot of sense if you love the coverage of a makeup foundation but not that heavy feeling that comes along with layering too many products. A tinted sunblock cream is renowned for its skin-protecting abilities and pigments that complement different skin tones. Enriched with minerals, vitamins, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, it safeguards your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays as well as blue light. Well, there is so much more that they offer. Keep scrolling to know what a tinted sunscreen can do for you and our top recommendations.

What Is a Tinted Sunscreen And What Does It Do?

A tinted sunscreen is a skincare product that combines a colored base coverage along with UV filters. According to a research paper published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the tint is achieved by incorporating a blend of iron oxides and pigmentary titanium dioxide. It reduces the transmittance of visible light more effectively than ordinary sunscreens. 

Drawing from our experiences, a tinted sunblock cream is also of great help in concealing fine lines, acne marks, dark spots, and wrinkles. Furthermore, the most high-quality tinted sunscreens are buildable, blendable, and easy to apply to attain a foundation-like smooth and natural-looking finish. With a tinted sunscreen at your disposal, you need not worry about your LOTD and of course, UV rays. 

Given below is our list of the best tinted sunscreens. From budget-friendly options to anti-aging formulas, we have brought everything to your fingertips. So, without further delay, let the shopping spree get started!

13 Best Tinted Sunscreens to Keep Your Skin Well-protected

Our very first recommendation is CeraVe’s Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen which comes with a broad spectrum protection of SPF 30. What makes it earn the top position on our list is the fact that it contains mineral sunscreen filters that instantly lend you a healthy glow minus the white cast. Additionally, it restores the skin’s natural barrier and locks in moisture. What’s impressive? This sunscreen is developed by dermatologists and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation hence, you need not worry about its efficacy. 

Key Ingredients: 3 essential ceramides, niacinamide, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide 

SPF: 30

Texture: Cream

Cruelty-free: No

Pros
  • Fragrance-free
  • Budget-friendly
  • Non–greasy
  • Safe for sensitive and delicate skin
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Allergy-tested
Cons
  • No shade options
  • Editor’s Pick

    La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen

    La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen
  • For all those who spend the majority of their time outdoors, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen is what you need to lean on. It is a fail-proof tinted mineral sunscreen for face with great abilities to protect your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun. With Cell-OX shield technology, this unscented and fragrance-free sunscreen features a fast-absorbing formula and leaves no white cast behind. What we highly appreciate is that it is sensitive-skin tested and oxybenzone-free.

    Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide and iron oxides 

    SPF: 50

    Texture: Ultra-light fluid

    Cruelty-free: No

    Pros
    • Oil-free
    • Travel-friendly
    • Paraben-free
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Water-resistant
    • Matte finish
    Cons
    • No shade options

    Quick Tip:

    Before use, shake the bottle well. Pour a small amount and apply on your face and neck. Massage until fully absorbed. You can also apply it under makeup.

  • Best for Acne-prone Skin

    EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen

    EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen
  • EltaMD UV’s Face Sunscreen is one of the best tinted mineral sunscreens recommended by dermatologists. Its powerful punch of UV defenders is what makes it stand out from the crowd. The sunscreen is also specially designed to soothe irritated, acne, and rosacea-prone skin. Plus, it works towards minimizing hyperpigmentation and safeguarding your skin from sun damage and inflammation. 

    A happy user on Amazon shares, “My complexion is so much brighter and I have gotten so many compliments on my skin since using this product. I don’t even have to wear foundation anymore.”

    Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and titanium zinc oxide 

    SPF: 46

    Texture: Creamy

    Cruelty-free: No

    Pros
    • Suitable for rosacea-prone skin
    • Oil-free
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Leaves no white residue
    • Can be worn alone or under makeup
    Cons
    • Fragile dispenser
  • Best Silky Matte Finish

    TiZO3 Facial Mineral Sunscreen

    TiZO3 Facial Mineral Sunscreen
  • A tinted facial sunscreen like this one from TiZO3 is a must-have skincare essential for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and helps in preventing the signs of aging. Its lightweight coverage and silky matte finish are the two features that we like the most. Moreover, the sunscreen is water-resistant for straight up to 80 minutes and is renowned for its skin-smoothening properties. Last but not least, it is gentle on all skin types and also safe for sensitive skin. 

    Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, antioxidants C and E

    SPF: 40

    Texture: Lightweight and silky 

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Oil-free
    • Fragrance-free
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Reef-friendly
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best Lightweight Formula

    Isdin Photo Eryfotona Ageless Mineral Sunscreen

    Isdin Photo Eryfotona Ageless Mineral Sunscreen
  • A magical potion designed for photo-aging defense, the Eryfotona Ageless Mineral Sunscreen introduced by Isdin works wonders to repair and protect your skin against sun damage. With its lightweight texture and fast-absorbing formula, it provides a natural finish and tightens the skin. Furthermore, the sunscreen evens out uneven skin tone and lends more clean and well-protected skin. After incorporating this sunblock cream into your everyday skincare regime, we bet you won’t need your makeup foundation to attain flawless skin. 

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, 10.7% zinc oxide, and peptide complex

    SPF: 50

    Texture: Cream

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Suitable for all skin types
    • Water-resistant
    • Repairs signs of aging
    • Travel-friendly
    Cons
    • Little runny in consistency
  • Best Coverage

    Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral UV Tint

    Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral UV Tint
  • The nourishing and skin-smoothing properties of Neutrogena’s Purescreen+ Mineral UV Tint are what make this sunscreen a sheer winner. It aids in protecting against UV rays and signs of aging like wrinkles, dark spots, fine lines, and discoloration. Additionally, it is formulated with neutral undertones so it can complement any skin tone. Plus, its smooth, silky, and easy-to-blend texture makes application a breeze. What we love the most is the fact that it leaves your skin looking well-nourished and dewy. 

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide

    SPF: 30

    Texture: Smooth

    Cruelty-free: No

    Pros
    • Water-proof
    • Available in 3 more shades
    • Free from parabens
    • Ideal for sensitive skin
    • Unscented
    Cons
    • Slightly runny consistency
  • Best Non-greasy Texture

    Vichy Laboratories Capital Soleil Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

    Vichy Laboratories Capital Soleil Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
  • The ultra-lightweight formula and non-greasy texture of the Capital Soleil Tinted Mineral Sunscreen by Vichy Laboratories make this yet another fail-proof tinted sunscreen that you should own. With a sheer tint for a healthy glow, this product is also suitable for travel and gives a superb water resistance of 80 minutes.  The best part — it glides easily onto your skin and leaves no white cast behind. 

    Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide

    SPF: 60

    Texture: Lotion

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Allergy-tested
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Paraben-free
    • Water-resistant
    • Evens skin tone
    • Dermatologically-tested
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Best With Anti-aging Properties

    PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Tinted Sunscreen

    PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Tinted Sunscreen
  • Formulated with a universal tint to suit all skin tones, this sunscreen from PCA Skin is a daily anti-aging product that will protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun and free radical damage. It is an excellent pick for those with active lifestyles as it enhances the quality of your skin while safeguarding it. Here is what an Amazon reviewer has to say — “I’m extremely fair-skinned but find that this tint works well even for my porcelain skin tone. Gives me a slightly tanned look. Contains no smell, gets applied very easily, and doesn’t bother my eyes.”

    Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide 

    SPF: 45

    Texture: Lotion

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Ideal for all skin types
    • Paraben-free
    • Reef-safe
    • Water-resistant
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Most Moisturizing

    Replenix Hydrating Antioxidant Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

    Replenix Hydrating Antioxidant Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
  • Replenix’s Hydrating Antioxidant Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is clinically proven to protect your skin against harmful UV rays and deliver maximum hydration. It also fights free radicals and visibly plumps your look. What left us stunned is the fact that this product triples as a moisturizer, tint, and sunscreen. So, whether your skin tends to break out or is showing off the signs of aging, this one is clearly meant to be your savior.

    Key Ingredients:  Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, squalene, and green tea polyphenols

    SPF: 50

    Texture: Cream

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Easy to blend
    • Ideal for all skin types and tones
    • Developed by dermatologists
    • Oil-free formula
    • Green tea fragrance
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best Non-comedogenic Formula

    Eucerin Sensitive Mineral Face Tinted Sunscreen

    Eucerin Sensitive Mineral Face Tinted Sunscreen
  • Sensitive Mineral Face Tinted Sunscreen from Eucerin is a non-greasy sunscreen that you can wear alone as well as under makeup. With its non-comedogenic formula and potent blend of key ingredients, it not only supports skin health but also guards it against harmful UV rays and free radicals. What’s more? This everyday sunblock feels extremely light on the skin, suits all skin tones, and leaves behind a matte invisible finish. 

    Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, glycyrrhetinic acid, licochalcone A, vitamins E and C, oxynex S

    SPF: 35

    Texture: Lotion

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Budget-friendly
    • Safe for sensitive skin
    • Developed by dermatologists
    Cons
    • Fragile pump dispenser
  • d'Alba UV Essence Waterfull SPF 50+ PA++++ Sun Cream

    d'Alba UV Essence Waterfull SPF 50+ PA++++ Sun Cream
  • For all those with cool undertones, d'Alba UV Essence Waterfull Sun Cream is what you need to get your hands on straight away. It comes with a glowy pink tone that amplifies the skin’s radiance and brightens your complexion. By incorporating this product into your skincare regime, you can seamlessly protect your skin from the UV rays and frolic around in utmost merriment. After researching user feedback, we also found that it is loved for its lightweight and ultra-hydrating formula that doesn’t leave any residue behind.

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, trufflerol, and Centella Asiatica 

    SPF: 50

    Texture: Cream

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Sweatproof
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Gentle
    • Vegan
    • Reef-friendly
    Cons
    • Unsatisfactory packaging
  • Saie Slip Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen Tinted Moisturizer

    Saie Slip Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen Tinted Moisturizer
  • For light and adequate coverage, Saie’s Slip Tint Sunscreen is a reliable pick. It is designed especially for those with light to medium skin tones and golden undertones. What impressed us the most was its radiant finish and skin-loving blend of ingredients. The sunscreen illuminates the skin from within and moisturizes the skin just like your moisturizer. According to a user review on Amazon, “Truly a delight to have one product that keeps your face moisturized, protected from UV, and a nice lightweight tint makeup. I highly recommend using it.”

    Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, licorice root extract, and zinc-oxide 

    SPF: 35

    Texture: Cream

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Available in a variety of shades
    • Blends well
    • Buildable
    • Dries to a matte finish
    Cons
    • Scent may not appeal to all

    Quick Tip:

    Apply 1 to 2 pumps in the morning. Blend it all over the face and neck with gentle hands.

  • MyChelle Sun Shield Stick SPF 50 Tinted

    MyChelle Sun Shield Stick SPF 50 Tinted
  • Lastly, we recommend MyChelle Sun Shield Stick SPF 50 Tinted which is extremely travel-friendly and easy to use. The standout feature of this product is that it blurs the appearance of dark spots while offering reliable protection against harmful UV rays. Plus, it has a water-resistant formula and lends your skin a subtle tint. What’s more? This tinted sunscreen stick is just perfect for on-the-go applications and great for touch-ups. 

    Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, avocado, jojoba oils, and vitamin E

    SPF: 50

    Texture: NA 

    Cruelty-free: Yes

    Pros
    • Reef-safe
    • Available in a variety of sizes
    • Vegan
    • Free from parabens
    Cons
    • May look streaky if not applied properly

    That was our comprehensive list of the best tinted sunscreens for face. Now, let us run you through a detailed buying guide.

    How to Select a Tinted Sunscreen for Your Skin?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best tinted sunscreen:

    Skin Type: Ensure that you analyze your skin type before investing in any of the best tinted facial sunscreens. For those possessing oily skin, it is advisable to vouch for sunscreens that lend a matte finish. Likewise, if you have sensitive and dry skin, then pick creams or lotions that are gentle and mild yet effective enough to protect your skin from UV rays. Refrain from purchasing products that are not meant for your skin type as it may lead to allergies, acne, pimples, rashes, redness, etc.

    Ingredient List: The next important aspect is the list of ingredients. Splurge on sunscreens that are enriched with non-irritating ingredients like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, salicylic acid, vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and other skin-loving ingredients. Such a blend of ingredients is found to be hydrating and soothing. Stay away from sunblock creams that contain harsh ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. 

    Texture: Next, check the texture. It is recommended to get your hands on lightweight sunscreens that possess a smooth, easy-to-blend, and buildable texture. Secondly, the texture should be non-sticky and non-greasy, promising effective sun protection.

    SPF Levels and Coverage: Last but not least, pay heed to the SPF levels and coverage. SPF is basically the Sun Protection Factor of the sunscreen that indicates the level of protection from UV rays. For sheer coverage and adequate sun protection, you may rely on a sunscreen with SPF 30. Likewise, for more intense and long-lasting coverage, sunscreen with SPF 50 is a reliable choice.

    After taking note of the above-mentioned aspects, let us acquaint you with a few of the application tips.

    How to Apply a Tinted Sunscreen?

    The following are a few application tips that you need to consider.. 

    Step 1: Cleanse your face thoroughly with a cleanser or face wash.

    Step 2: Apply toner, followed by a serum.

    Step 3: Moisturize your face and neck with a moisturizer. 

    Step 4: Pour a coin-sized amount of sunscreen and apply it to your face and neck for 20 minutes before stepping out into the sun. Let it get absorbed completely.

    Step 5: Re-apply every 2 hours for excellent sun protection.

    Tada, you are done!

    Conclusion

    With one of the best tinted sunscreens in your hands, you need not worry about the scorching heat and harmful UV rays of the sun. The sunscreen will safeguard your skin while keeping your skin nourished and moisturized. Due to the tinted formula, you can also skip your makeup foundation and still look flawlessly. After considering a variety of factors like ingredients, skin types, texture, SPF levels, and reviews, we managed to enlist the best tinted sunscreens for you. For someone who is looking out for a reliable everyday sunscreen then CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen is a good choice to make. It is loved for its ability to restore the skin’s natural barrier and lock in sufficient moisture. You may also snatch a glimpse of the rest of our top picks and incorporate the one that suits your skin the best into your skincare routine. Happy shopping! 

    FAQ's

    Are tinted sunscreens good?
    Yes, tinted sunscreens moisturize, protect, and hide skin concerns if any.
    How does tinted sunscreen enhance the skin's appearance?
    It reduces the visibility of flaws like redness, discoloration, and blemishes.
    Is tinted sunscreen better than regular sunscreen?
    Yes, tinted sunscreen filters out UVA, UVB, visible light, and all kinds of light that affect the skin while reducing the appearance of redness, acne marks, dark spots, etc.
    How often should you apply tinted sunscreen?
    You should apply sunscreen every day and reapply it after every 2 hours.
    Does tinted sunscreen look like foundation?
    Yes, tinted sunscreen looks similar to foundation and tends to be light in weight.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified skincare expert, Anoushka, has meticulously researched the best tinted sunscreens for you. She believes that tinted sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products that you shouldn’t skip. It keeps your skin protected, and nourished, and as a bonus, it minimizes the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, or fine lines if any. Personally, she is quite impressed with CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen which safeguards the skin against harmful UV rays and lends a smooth, flawless, natural-looking glow. You can check out her list of recommendations and get one for yourself without any second thoughts.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Sayantani Deb
    Makeup & Beauty Writer

    Sayantani is a certified hair and makeup professional turned writer with 2+ years of experience in the same genre. Ap More