The SPF Aisle Hates to See Me Coming—12 Trustworthy Tinted Versions I Actually Sign Off On

Two dermatologists back me up.

Alyssa Brascia wearing tinted sunscreen.
(Image credit: @alyssabrascia; e.l.f. Cosmetics; EltaMD; Supergoop!; Laura Mercier)

Whether it’s your dermatologist, a parent, or the beauty influencers on TikTok repeatedly reminding you to wear your SPF, it’s safe to say that we all know the importance of sunscreen in today’s day and age, especially on your face.

But after you’ve already applied your favorite serum and moisturizer, following up with thick SPF and makeup can feel like slathering paint onto your skin. To consolidate the process (and give your products less to pill over), I’ve swapped my usual SPF face potions for tinted sunscreens over the last couple of years—and it’s changed my suncare game entirely.

“A good tinted SPF is one that gives a sheer coverage that doesn't look or feel heavy or cakey,” says David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and suncare expert in New York City. “It applies like a moisturizer and gives you a subtle coverage with a gentle glow to make you look naturally radiant.”

As someone who detests how pale my face looks compared to my body in the summer, I religiously use tinted sunscreen as “makeup” to bronze and smooth my complexion while also protecting my skin. These special sunscreens have become my everyday essentials, so I’m letting you in on the solid gold formulas I’ve tried over the years (plus a few expert favorites).

After chatting up a few board-certified dermatologists, assessing fellow editor recs, and sizing up my collection, I’ve compiled a list of the 12 best tinted sunscreens that will shield your skin and make it look pretty great, too.

Alyssa Brascia wearing tinted sunscreen.

(Image credit: @alyssabrascia; e.l.f. Cosmetics; EltaMD; Supergoop!; Laura Mercier)

Who Is Tinted Sunscreen Good For?

Everyone, but especially those with melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, says Sheila Farhang, MD, cosmetic and Mohs skin cancer surgeon. “The iron oxides in tinted sunscreens help protect against visible light (indoor lights, screens, etc), which is a big contributor to pigmentation issues,” she explains.

The Best Tinted Sunscreens at a Glance

Best Overall: Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen

Alyssa Brascia wearing Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen.

(Image credit: @alyssabrascia; Supergoop!, Sephora)

Best Splurge: EltaMD UV Tinted Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

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(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

Best Budget: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with Sheer Tint

Eliza Huber applying CeraVe tinte sunscreen.

(Image credit: @elizagracehuber; CeraVe)

Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50

Best Mineral: Lightsaver Activated Mineral Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 33

Alyssa Brascia wearing Lightsaver Activated Mineral Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 33.

(Image credit: @alyssabrascia; Lightsaver, Sephora)

Best Mineral, for Less: Bliss Block Star Daily Mineral SPF 30

Best Matte: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Face Sunscreen

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(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

Best for Mature Skin: Revision Skincare Intellishade Matte Age-Defying Tinted Moisturiser SPF 45

Best Primer: e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30

Alyssa Brascia wearing the e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30.

(Image credit: @alyssabrascia; e.l.f. Cosmetics)

Best Skin Tint: Saie Slip Tint with Mineral Zinc SPF 35

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Best Overall Tinted Sunscreen

(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

Best Tinted Moisturizer: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30

Alyssa Brascia wearing the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30.

(Image credit: @alyssabrascia; Laura Mercier, Nordstrom)

Best Shade Range: It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Foundation With SPF 50+

Alyssa Brascia wearing the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Foundation with SPF 50+.

(Image credit: @alyssabrascia; It Cosmetics, Sephora)

FAQ

What makes a good tinted sunscreen?

Farhang: I think a good, tinted sunscreen should provide broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) and include iron oxides for added protection against visible light and hyperpigmentation (plus that is what provides the tint).

While the feel and finish of a product, especially SPF, is such a personal preference, I believe a good one offers a smooth, non-comedogenic formula that blends well with the skin, so not thick, cakey, too oil,y or a product that pills. A lightweight formula is nice for those who want something more sheer and breathable vs coverage.

A good tinted sunscreen can stand on its own, but should also layer well under makeup. Lastly, I love a good SPF with bonus skincare benefits such as antioxidants, peptides, and/or hydration.

What are the main ingredients to look out for in a good tinted sunscreen?

Farhang: I’m personally a fan of physical—aka mineral—sunscreen, so zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum mineral protection. The Iron oxides offer the tint, which blocks visible light and helps reduce the worsening of hyperpigmentation. Skincare ingredients such as antioxidants can help to combat environmental damage as well as brighten are great in tinted sunscreens. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin can add nice hydration too!

Any to avoid?

Farhang: Some ingredients to possibly avoid include fragrance or essential, or comedogenic oils if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

How do you choose the right tinted moisturizer?

Kim: Find the one you like in terms of color and texture, and actually wear it every day, all year round, even when it’s cloudy. If you want to have good skin and age gracefully, SPF is a must!

Farhang: The formula finish/texture matters, so if you have oily or acne-prone skin, go for a lightweight, matte finish. Drier or mature skin types may benefit more from moisturizing or dewy formulas.

For the right shade, try it in natural light. Some formulas can oxidize and look a little orange, so keep an eye for that. Some brands offer “universal” tints, which work for a wide range of skin tones, but deeper or very fair tones may benefit from brands that offer more shade options for a better match, especially if the product has medium to full coverage.

How high does SPF have to be to be effective?

Farhang: In addition to broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, I recommend using a tinted SPF of at least 30 on the face.

How to Use

You can use tinted sunscreens like any other sunscreen: on their own, as your base makeup, or over your skincare. I recommend going in with your usual routine, i.e., a hydrating serum, your go-to eye cream (the Chanel Le Lift Crème is a Who What Wear editor favorite), and a moisturizer if your SPF of choice is not already hydration-packed. Then, you can apply as normal, waiting 15 minutes for the product to set in before going out in the sun.

Most dermatologists recommend reapplying every two hours, so make sure to throw it in your purse before heading out the door.

Who's Who

This article was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Alyssa Brascia
Associate Beauty Editor, Who What Wear

Alyssa Brascia is an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. She is based in New York City and has nearly three years of industry experience, with rivers of content spanning from multigenerational lipstick reviews to celebrity fashion roundups. Brascia graduated with a BS in apparel, merchandising, and design from Iowa State University and went on to serve as a staff shopping writer at People.com for more than 2.5 years. Her earlier work can be found at InStyleTravel + LeisureShape, and more. Brascia has personally tested more than a thousand beauty products, so if she’s not swatching a new eye shadow palette, she’s busy styling a chic outfit for a menial errand (because anywhere can be a runway if you believe hard enough).

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