Best Tinted Sunscreen: Top 5 Products Most Recommended By Experts

Discover the pinnacle of skincare protection by using one of the best tinted sunscreens. Combining the benefits of a high-performance sunscreen with a flawless tint, these products not only shield your skin from harmful UV rays but also provides a natural, even-toned complexion. Experience the ultimate fusion of sun protection and beauty enhancement, making every application a luxurious and safeguarding ritual to add to your skincare routine.

The sun-kissed look may be a summer favorite for many, but getting tan lines the natural way puts your skin at risk. A recent survey reports that 73 percent of Europeans believe that getting a tan is healthy, despite sun exposure’s long-time connection to skin cancer and accelerated aging. Perhaps even more concerning, 92 percent of participants were aware of the risks, but 84 percent admit they still don’t protect themselves all year round.

Another poll of 1,000 millennials and 1,000 Gen X respondents further demonstrates that most people don’t know how to protect themselves from sun damage. Respondents revealed a lack of knowledge when it comes to proactive measures to reduce the harmful effects of sun exposure. While 75 percent said they’re mindful of how much they’re out in the sun, only 19 percent wear sunscreen year-round. Many also admit to going outside on a sunny day without sunscreen (78%), a hat or head covering (72%), or UV-protective glasses (70%).

Practicing sun safety is easiest when it’s part of your routine. That’s a reason why products like tinted sunscreen have become so popular among skincare enthusiasts. Rather than adding an additional step, tinted sunscreen is easy to integrate into your makeup rotation. With products on the market offering upwards of SPF 30 in sun protection, swapping your foundation or tinted moisturizer for a tinted sunscreen can make a major difference in keeping harmful rays at bay this summer. To help find your perfect match, StudyFinds consulted expert reviews of the best tinted sunscreens. This list includes the most frequently recommended products but be sure to let us know in the comments if you have a favorite we missed!

A woman applying tinted sunscreen
A woman applying tinted sunscreen (Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash)

The List: Best Tinted Sunscreen, According to Experts

 

1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50

If you want a glowy, easy-to-use dose of sun protection, look no further. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen packs an impressive SPF 50 and blends seamlessly into skin. “It’s hard to go wrong with this tinted sunscreen from La-Roche Posay—it’s a cult favorite of many, and for good reason,” claims Real Simple. “A huge selling point of this tinted sunscreen is that it’s non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores), a true game-changer if you plan on layering additional makeup products on top.”

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50

“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,” claims Allure. “This fragrance- and oil-free formula was made especially for easily-irritated complexions, but oily skin types will love it just as much for its matte finish.”

Sensitive skin? Fear not! This pick is gentle and safe for use on even the most delicate complexions. “Matte finish? Check. Light tint? Check. Safe for sensitive skin? Check, check check,” lists Glamour. “Not only is this mineral-based moisturizer SPF enjoyable (and easy) to blend into your face, but the formula is also both paraben- and fragrance-free, allergy tested, and powered by iron oxide for that extra blue-light bonus.”

2. CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30

This drugstore favorite can’t be beat when it comes to balancing price and performance. With a long list of moisturizing ingredients, SPF 30, and a flattering sheer tint, it’s a no-brainer (especially if your skin could use some extra hydration!). As Real Simple says, “CeraVe’s hydrating sheer tint packs the hydration punch with hyaluronic acid, ensuring your skin gets the SPF it needs in addition to necessary moisturization. If your skin tends to lean on the drier side, this is a great option to try out.”

white and orange bottle with tinted sunscreen behind it
CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30

“This tinted SPF supports skin barrier (essential for maintaining a healthy complexion), long after you apply it. It’s formulated with soothing niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help maintain moisture while imparting a natural finish that easily blends into your skin,” explains Forbes. “Customer reviews also say that the lightweight formula blends well under makeup and doesn’t pill. Reviewers praise the great value of this tinted sunscreen for its low cost and high quality formula,” adds Healthline.

3. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

If you love makeup and would prefer a sunscreen that can do double-duty, look no further. The Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint is a versatile product that delivers on both skin coverage and sun protection. “The multi-award-winning pick from Ilia is a fan favorite for a reason—it offers great coverage, has an impressive ingredient list, and comes in a whopping 30 shades (this is huge for a tinted product),” lists InStyle. “The Skin Tint incorporates ingredients you’d find in your favorite serum … for a makeup product with benefits.”

white and tan bottle with tinted sunscreen splashed on white background
Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

“Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 gets a lot of love from us for a multitude of reasons,” adds Allure. “Although it feels like you’re wearing nothing (and looks like you’re wearing a perfect complexion), it’s actually introducing moisture-boosting, calming ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide into the skin, topped off with mineral sun filters.”

Looking to give your skin a breather this summer? This tinted sunscreen can easily stand in for your usual foundation. “This liquid serum goes on smoothly and blends flawlessly, delivering an even complexion that appears dewy and refreshed. Free of oil and fragrance, this formula also delivers a boost of hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid—making it an ideal swap for foundation in the summer,” claims Glamour.

4. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

Those with sensitive skin have long bemoaned the irritants of SPF. SkinCeuticals provides a breath of fresh air with its gentle formula for all skin types. “This sheer, lightweight tinted sunscreen from Skinceuticals may be just the thing to change the minds of those with sensitive skin,” claims Real Simple. “If you’ve been let down before by SPFs that have caused painful skin flare-ups, this may be your solution.”

grey bottle with blue and orange lettering
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

“This mineral-based sunscreen has a subtle universal tint to make white casts and ashy finishes a thing of the past,” says Allure. “Along with its easy-to-blend hue, this lightweight sunscreen lotion also contains artemia salina, an antioxidant-rich extract derived from plankton to minimize environmental stressors.”

On top of being gentle on sensitive skin, this product also works as part of your skincare routine thanks to a list of powerful healing ingredients. “Got dark spots? While the SPF provides protection from the sun, brightening niacinamide and tranexamic acid work together to reduce pigmentation,” adds Glamour. “This water-resistant sunscreen from the Glamour-editor-loved brand feels as light and comfortable as a face serum in your skin-care lineup, and the single tint offers light coverage for immediate radiance.”

5. EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, this EltaMD tinted sunscreen is made for you. And with SPF 44, you’re safe to enjoy time outdoors without risking sun damage. “Comparable to their original formula, EltaMD’s oil- and fragrance-free tinted sunscreen is a triple threat: It offers broad spectrum, chemical-free protection, antioxidants to further shield against sun damage, and a dose of hyaluronic acid to draw moisture to the skin,” says Prevention. “Bonus: It’s water resistant for up to 40 minutes and noncomedogenic, so you don’t have to worry about this one clogging your pores.”

white and red bottle with tinted sunscreen behind it
EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

“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,” adds Allure. “It has one of the most comfortably moisturizing formulas, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid. It also has a universally tone-evening tint and lightweight feel on skin that’s so pleasant to wear, you’ll forget you’re also getting the benefits of a water-resistant, antioxidant-rich mineral sunscreen.”

Customers consistently sing the praises of this product, and so do skin experts. “Not only does this tinted sunscreen have thousands of 5-star customer reviews on Amazon, but it’s also dermatologist-approved,” notes Healthline. “Chemical-free, water-resistant, and unscented, this mineral-based sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast and is best for all skin types. Customer reviews also praise this sunscreen for being lightweight enough to wear under makeup but reliable enough to wear alone.”

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links.