The 16 Best Tinted Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists

• Best overall: EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Moisturizer with Broad-Spectrum SPF 44
• Best mineral option: MDSolarSciences MD Crème Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50
• Best for oily or acne-prone skin: Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral SPF 50 Brush-On
• Best splurge: Priori Skincare Tetra SPF 55 Lotion
• Best for combination skin: Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense
• Best lightweight option: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
• Best for sensitive skin: CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30
• Best for anti-aging: ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless
• Best value: Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream SPF 50
• Best for hyperpigmentation: SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense SPF 30
• Best for everyday wear: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50
• Best for all skin tones: bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream
• Best for makeup: Colorescience Face Shield Flex SPF 50
• Best for dry skin: Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
• Best for infrared protection: SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 Tinted Sunscreen
• Best coverage: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

Whether you’re staying in or going out, daily sun protection is essential. And a seamless way to work more SPF into your morning skin care routine is through tinted sunscreen.

“With many people using active skin care ingredients, such as retinoids and exfoliating acids to keep skin healthy and youthful looking, skin tends to be more sensitive, making daily sunscreen application a must,” says board certified dermatologist and medical advisor for docent, Dr. Farhaad Riyaz.

Tinted sunscreens not only work to protect skin against sun damage, but because they offer sheer coverage, these tints provide numerous skin care benefits and can “camouflage imperfections such as blemishes, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation,” according to Riyaz.

Tinted sunscreen is essentially sunscreen that comes in various shades to match your skin tone. Most tinted sunscreens include an SPF active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and tinted pigments. These tinted pigments reflect visible light in ways that other sunscreens can’t.

While there are foundations and moisturizers out there with SPF, usually they’re not as reliable or effective as dedicated sunscreens with a tint.

For the best protection against ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays, Riyaz recommends using a sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher daily to help prevent visible signs of aging, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation, and help decrease risk of skin cancer.

There are a few other ingredients to look out for when choosing a tinted sunscreen, depending on the type of protection you’re seeking. Common active ingredients in sunscreens include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. According to Riyaz, mineral-based sunscreens have also become more appealing, as “they cancel out the whitish-cast that zinc and titanium oxides leave behind.”

For added protection against other types of light, such as blue light, Dr. Marie Hayag, board certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics, recommends looking for tinted sunscreens with iron oxides.

To help you find the best tinted sunscreens, we turned to the experts to see which products dermatologists recommend most. Along with dermatologist-approved sunscreens, we also relied on customer reviews to choose highly rated products. Every product we include is vetted in-house at Healthline and comes from reputable companies.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $25
• $$ = $25–$50
• $$$ = over $50

Best overall

EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Moisturizer with Broad-Spectrum SPF 44

• Price: $$
• Size: 2 ounces (oz.)
• Main active ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
• Pro: hydrating and lightweight
• Con: reviewers say the pump dispenser doesn’t always work
• Best for: all skin types

Not only does this tinted sunscreen have thousands of 5-star customer reviews on Amazon, but it’s also dermatologist-approved. Hayag recommends this tinted sunscreen because it “contains vitamin C to reduce free radicals, along with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin.”

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.

Best mineral option

MDSolarSciences MD Crème Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.23 oz.
• Main active ingredients: zinc oxide, vitamin C, CoQ10
• Pro: noncomedogenic
• Con: reviewers say the pump doesn’t always work
• Best for: people looking for light coverage

If you’re looking for a lightweight tinted sunscreen to add into your skin care routine, Hayag recommends this SPF 50 from MDSolarSciences. “This product contains a high amount of zinc oxide, antioxidants, and iron oxides,” says Hayag. “It also has caffeine and niacinamide to repair and calm the skin while reducing redness and discoloration.”

Hayag describes this sunscreen as “very light and silky smooth” and suggests that it’s good for most skin types. The tinted sunscreen offers sheer coverage and is long-lasting, according to customer reviews. Many customers do note, however, that the pump doesn’t always work well.

Best for oily or acne-prone skin

Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral SPF 50 Brush-On

• Price: $$$
• Size: 0.21 oz.
• Main active ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
• Pro: high SPF rating
• Con: expensive
• Best for: easy reapplication

Sunscreens should be reapplied throughout the day, and powder sunscreens make it easy to do so. This brush-on sunscreen is especially beneficial for those who are prone to oil and acne.

“Oily and acne-prone skin types who are often averse to sunscreens or lotions will love how weightless this mineral powder sunscreen feels,” says Riyaz. “Hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory green tea give it added anti-aging support, which benefits all skin types.”

While this sunscreen is on the pricier side, the convenient application and high SPF rating may be worth it.

Best splurge

Priori Skincare Tetra SPF 55 Lotion

• Price: $$$
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Main active ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
• Pro: high SPF rating
• Con: expensive
• Best for: normal to dry skin

Dr. Diane Madfes, FAAD, an NYC-based dermatologist and assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, recommends this tinted sunscreen for its “incredible sun protection, DNA repair enzymes, and antioxidant formula in a hydrating base.”

The formula is especially good for normal to dry skin and all skin tones. Plus, with its high SPF rating and antioxidants, this tinted sunscreen offers strong protection against environmental factors, blue light, and infrared.

Best for combination skin

Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense

• Price: $$
• Size: 2 oz.
• Main active ingredients: zinc oxide
• Pro: anti-aging properties
• Con: only offers one shade and it’s fairly light
• Best for: people looking to even out skin tone

Formulated with antioxidants and resveratrol, this lightly tinted sunscreen is meant to deliver firming, protecting, and hydrating benefits all at once. This sunscreen is best for combination skin and oily skin, as customer reviews say it goes on smooth and doesn’t leave skin feeling oily.

Many reviewers do note, however, that this tinted sunscreen only comes in one shade and it’s very light.

Best lightweight option

Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36

• Price: $$$
• Size: 2.6 oz.
• Main active ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
• Pro: lightweight formula
• Con: expensive
• Best for: most skin types

Madfes also recommends Alastin HydraTint, “a mineral sunscreen base that also contains antioxidants in a light formula that feels as if you have nothing on.”

Madfes suggests this tinted sunscreen is best for those with normal, combination and oily skin, and on all skin tones. According to positive customer reviews, this tinted sunscreen blends well and offers sheer coverage.

Best for sensitive skin

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30

• Price: $
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Main active ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
• Pro: available in three shade ranges
• Con: can leave skin looking shiny
• Best for: blending with other products

This highly rated tinted sunscreen from CeraVe is best for people with sensitive skin. The mineral sunscreen isn’t only protective against UVA and UVB rays with its SPF 30 rating, but it’s also packed with essential ceramides that help retain moisture.

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.

Best for anti-aging

ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless

• Price: $$$
• Size: 3.4 oz.
• Main active ingredients: zinc oxide
• Pro: noncomedogenic
• Con: expensive
• Best for: targeting signs of aging

Dr. Ted Lain, Austin-based board certified dermatologist and chief medical officer at Sanova Dermatology, recommends this sunscreen for its preventive qualities. Lightweight and elegant, this SPF 50 sunscreen contains a powerful combination of ingredients that Lain says offer excellent protection against sun damage.

“It contains DNA repair enzymes that help repair UV-induced damage, in turn reducing the risk for precancerous lesions,” says Lain. It’s also formulated with PepQ10 and a peptide complex to address signs of photoaging and to support collagen and elasticity.

Best value

Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream SPF 50

• Price: $
• Size: 3 oz.
• Main active ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
• Pro: reef-friendly
• Con: can feel heavy on your skin
• Best for: people looking for a vegan and cruelty-free sunscreen

This mineral tinted sunscreen from Australian Gold offers plenty of protection and value for the price. With a high SPF rating, the nonchemical sunscreen not only offers protection against UVA and UVB rays, but it’s also packed with antioxidant botanicals like eucalyptus and red algae.

It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so, like all sunscreens, reapplication throughout the day is a must. Some customers say it’s easy to layer with and blends well on top of moisturizer.

Best for hyperpigmentation

SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense SPF 30

• Price: $$$
• Size: 1 oz.
• Main active ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide, tranexamic acid
• Pro: brightens skin tone
• Con: expensive
• Best for: people looking to lighten dark spots

Lain also recommends this SkinCeuticals sunscreen for its brightening effects. “My patients love this sunscreen because it gives them an immediate glow,” says Lain. “I recommend it because it offers full spectrum protection while also reducing pigmentation through an innovative combination of ingredients including niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and phenylethyl resorcinol.”

Lain also notes that while this product provides a glow, it’s not actually tinted. However, it can easily be blended with a tinted primer.

Best for everyday wear

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Main active ingredients: titanium dioxide
• Pro: high SPF rating
• Con: not formulated with zinc oxide
• Best for: people looking for a gentle product for sensitive skin

With an SPF rating of 50, this mineral tinted sunscreen offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and just enough tint to even out skin tone. Most reviewers say it absorbs quickly and is gentle enough on their sensitive skin, and is lightweight enough to wear under makeup. Plus, it doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy as it leaves a matte finish.

However, when it comes to protection, some reviewers say that the tinted version of this sunscreen isn’t as protective as the non-tinted option from this brand, as it doesn’t contain zinc oxide.

Best for all skin tones

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.18 oz.
• Main active ingredients: titanium dioxide
• Pro: available in a wide range of shades
• Con: can be shiny
• Best for: people looking for medium coverage

With 10 different shades options available, this three-in-one tinted sunscreen is suitable for a wide range of skin tones. Those with normal skin who are looking for medium coverage from their tinted sunscreen will appreciate the non-chemical and mineral-based formula.

The highly rated SPF 30 is also a moisturizer and works to hydrate and condition with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane. Some customer reviews say this left some shine on their skin, but overall, this tinted sunscreen is highly rated.

Best for makeup

Colorescience Face Shield Flex SPF 50

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.8 oz.
• Main active ingredients: zinc oxide
• Pro: available in multiple shades
• Con: some say it may pill
• Best for: wearing with makeup

Another dermatologist-approved product, Lain recommends this sunscreen for its buildable coverage. The SPF 50 sunscreen offers a medium tint and can be layered with other products to “achieve makeup-like effects,” suggests Lain.

“I like this innovative product, which brings elements of contouring and shading into the realm of sunscreens,” says Lain. “Encapsulated iron oxide (the tint) is released once the product is rubbed between the fingers, and layering of this product produces greater tint.”

Best for dry skin

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Main active ingredients: squalane, zinc oxide, water lily
• Pro: reef-safe
• Con: might leave a white cast
• Best for: addressing dryness and redness for sensitive skin

Due to the extra-hydrating ingredient, squalane, this mineral tinted sunscreen is as moisturizing as it is protective. Best for those with dry skin, the sunscreen is formulated to address dryness and redness. Plus, with the addition of water lily, the formula is calming and soothing, which is essential for those with dry skin.

Most customer reviews praise this sunscreen for its protective, hydrating, and lightweight formula. However, many also say that this leaves a white cast when first applying, which means it may not be best for those with darker skin tones.

Best for infrared protection

SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 Tinted Sunscreen

• Price: $$$
• Size: 2.3 oz.
• Main active ingredients: octinoxate, octisalate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
• Pro: offers infrared protection
• Con: expensive
• Best for: reducing signs of aging

This tinted sunscreen works to protect skin from harmful rays and repair any sun damage. Best for all skin types, this sunscreen with SPF 34 particularly helps protect skin from IR-A rays and free radical damage while helping to address signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

Most customers say that this tinted sunscreen blends well with other moisturizers and under makeup, but it can also be worn alone as light coverage.

Best coverage

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

• Price: $$
• Size: 1 oz.
• Main active ingredients: zinc oxide
• Pro: offers an extensive range of shades
• Con: customers say it has a strong smell
• Best for: people looking to even out skin tone and complexion

As this is more of a foundation than a BB cream, ILIA’s tinted SPF 40 is available in a wide range of shades to match many skin tones, and the tint offers plenty of coverage. Plus, with the addition of niacinamide, this skin tint also acts as a serum that helps smooth and even out skin’s appearance while minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines.

This highly rated tinted sunscreen receives praise from customers for its dewy, radiant finish and even coverage. However, many customer reviews notice a strong smell that they weren’t a fan of.

If you find yourself experiencing skin irritation or burning after applying a generous amount of tinted sunscreen, it may be time to switch to another sunscreen with a higher SPF.

Talk with a doctor if your sunburn symptoms include:

• extreme pain
• headache
• fever
• nausea

What are the benefits of tinted sunscreen over non-tinted sunscreen?

Tinted sunscreens contain iron oxide, which blocks both UV and blue light. Additionally, tinted sunscreens contain pigments that blend in seamlessly to the skin and can be used in lieu of foundation. No more white cast!

Is tinted sunscreen as effective as regular sunscreen?

Yes. Tinted sunscreens protect the skin against sun damage the same way regular sunscreen does.

Is tinted sunscreen better than makeup?

If you’re looking for light coverage, a tinted sunscreen can replace your daily foundation.

Tinted sunscreens have become a seamless way to work more SPF into your daily skin care routines.

No matter which tinted sunscreen you find is best for your skin type, the most important thing to remember is that sunscreen should be worn daily in order to protect your skin from sun damage, which can cause lasting and harmful effects. Sunscreen should also be reapplied throughout the day to ensure full coverage.

Sam Lauron is a freelance lifestyle writer based in Austin, TX. When she’s not writing about wellness, creativity, or personal development, she spends her time reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and soaking up the sunny Austin weather with her partner and their dog. Connect with her on Instagram or Twitter, or by visiting her website.