The 16 Best Tinted Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists

A quick look at the best tinted sunscreens for all skin types

• 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 indoors or heading out, daily sun protection matters. One effortless way to add more SPF to your AM skincare routine is by using a 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 shield skin from sun damage, but because they provide sheer coverage, they also offer added skincare perks and can “mask imperfections such as blemishes, uneven tone, and hyperpigmentation,” Riyaz notes.

What is tinted sunscreen? 

Tinted sunscreen is basically sunscreen formulated in different shades to better match skin tones. Most include SPF active ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, plus tinted pigments. Those pigments reflect visible light in ways many other sunscreens do not.

While some foundations and moisturizers claim SPF, they often aren’t as reliable or effective as a purpose-built tinted sunscreen.

How to choose a tinted sunscreen

For optimal defense against UVA and UVB rays, Riyaz advises using an SPF 30 or higher every day to help prevent visible aging, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and to lower skin cancer risk.

Other formulation elements matter depending on the protection you want. Common actives include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Riyaz adds that mineral formulas have become more attractive because “they mitigate the whitish cast that zinc and titanium oxides can leave.”

For extra protection from other types of light, like blue light, Dr. Marie Hayag, board certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics, suggests seeking tinted sunscreens that contain iron oxides.

How we chose

To compile this list of top tinted sunscreens, we consulted dermatologists about the products they most often recommend. We also considered customer feedback to select highly rated options. Each product listed was reviewed in-house at Healthline and comes from established brands.

Pricing guide

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

Healthline’s picks of the 16 best tinted sunscreens for all skin types, according to dermatologists

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

This tinted sunscreen boasts thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon and is dermatologist-endorsed. Hayag points out that it “contains vitamin C to reduce free radicals, along with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin.”

Chemical-free, water-resistant, and fragrance-free, this mineral sunscreen doesn’t cause a white cast and suits all skin types. Reviewers like that it’s light enough under makeup yet effective enough to wear solo.

Shop now at Amazon

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 seeking light coverage

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

Hayag calls it “very light and silky smooth” and says it’s suitable for most skin types. The tint offers sheer coverage and longevity, according to reviews, though some note the pump can be unreliable.

Shop now at Amazon

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: pricey
• Best for: easy reapplication

Sunscreen needs to be reapplied during the day, and powder formats make that simple. This brush-on sunscreen is especially helpful for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

“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. “Hyaluronic acid for hydration and antioxidant green tea give extra anti-aging benefits, helping many skin types.”

Although it’s expensive, the convenient application and strong SPF may justify the cost.

Shop now at Amazon

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, NYC dermatologist and assistant professor at Mount Sinai, praises this tinted lotion for its “outstanding sun protection, DNA repair enzymes, and antioxidant blend in a hydrating base.”

It’s particularly suitable for normal to dry skin and a range of skin tones. With a high SPF and antioxidants, it helps guard against environmental stressors, blue light, and infrared exposure.

Shop now at Amazon

Best for combination skin

Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense

• Price: $$
• Size: 2 oz.
• Main active ingredients: zinc oxide
• Pro: anti-aging benefits
• Con: comes in a single, fairly light shade
• Best for: evening out skin tone

Infused with antioxidants and resveratrol, this lightly tinted sunscreen aims to firm, protect, and hydrate simultaneously. It’s well-suited for combination and oily skin, with reviewers noting it applies smoothly without feeling greasy.

However, many users point out it’s only available in one light shade.

Shop now at Amazon

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 feel
• Con: expensive
• Best for: most skin types

Madfes also recommends Alastin HydraTint, describing it as “a mineral sunscreen base with antioxidants in a light formula that feels like you’re wearing nothing.”

She suggests it’s ideal for normal, combination, and oily skin across various tones. Customer feedback says it blends well and gives sheer coverage.

Shop now at Alastin

Best for sensitive skin

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30

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

This well-reviewed tinted sunscreen from CeraVe is ideal for sensitive skin. The mineral formula protects against UVA and UVB with SPF 30 and includes ceramides to help lock in moisture.

Reviewers say it’s lightweight, layers well under makeup, and doesn’t pill. Many praise the value given its affordable price and solid formulation.

Shop now at Target

Best for anti-aging

ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless

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

Dr. Ted Lain, Austin dermatologist and chief medical officer at Sanova Dermatology, endorses this sunscreen for its preventive benefits. Lightweight and refined, this SPF 50 contains potent actives that Lain says give excellent sun protection.

“It contains DNA repair enzymes that help repair UV-induced damage, in turn reducing the risk for precancerous lesions,” Lain explains. It also includes PepQ10 and peptides to target photoaging while supporting collagen and elasticity.

Shop now at Amazon

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 the skin
• Best for: those wanting a vegan, cruelty-free option

This mineral tinted BB cream from Australian Gold delivers strong protection and great value. With a high SPF and antioxidant botanicals like eucalyptus and red algae, it offers mineral-based defense against UVA and UVB rays.

It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so reapplication is still important. Some users find it layers well over moisturizer and blends easily.

Shop now at Amazon

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: pricey
• Best for: those aiming to fade dark spots

Lain also recommends this SkinCeuticals product for its brightening benefits. “My patients love this because it gives an immediate glow,” he says. “I recommend it because it provides full-spectrum protection while helping reduce pigmentation with niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and phenylethyl resorcinol.”

Lain clarifies that although this product brightens, it is not technically tinted — it can be paired with a tinted primer if desired.

Shop now at SkinCeuticals

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
• Con: does not include zinc oxide
• Best for: those needing a gentle option for sensitive skin

At SPF 50, this mineral tinted fluid gives broad UVA and UVB defense and a subtle tint to even out tone. Many reviewers say it soaks in quickly, is gentle on sensitive skin, and is lightweight enough to wear under makeup while leaving a matte finish.

Some users note the tinted version may not be as protective as the brand’s non-tinted option since it lacks zinc oxide.

Shop now at Amazon

Best for all skin tones

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.18 oz.
• Main active ingredients: titanium dioxide
• Pro: offered in many shades
• Con: can appear shiny
• Best for: those seeking medium coverage

With ten shade choices, this three-in-one tinted moisturizer suits a broad range of tones. Those with normal skin wanting medium coverage will like the mineral-based, non-chemical formula.

The SPF 30 product also hydrates with ingredients like hyaluronic acid and squalane. While some reviewers reported extra shine, the product is overall highly rated.

Shop now at bareMinerals

Best for makeup

Colorescience Face Shield Flex SPF 50

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.8 oz.
• Main active ingredients: zinc oxide
• Pro: comes in several shades
• Con: some report it can pill
• Best for: layering with makeup

Lain recommends this buildable SPF 50 sunscreen for its adaptable coverage. It provides a medium tint that can be layered with other products to create makeup-like results.

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

Shop now at Colorescience

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: soothing dryness and redness in sensitive skin

Thanks to squalane, this mineral tinted sunscreen is nourishing as well as protective. It’s ideal for dry skin, formulated to combat dryness and redness. Water lily adds calming properties, important for sensitive or dry skin types.

Most reviewers praise its protective, hydrating, and lightweight feel. However, many report a white cast upon initial application, which may be less suitable for deeper skin tones.

Shop now at Amazon

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: provides infrared protection
• Con: costly
• Best for: reducing signs of aging

This tinted sunscreen protects and helps repair sun damage. Suitable for most skin types, the SPF 34 formula particularly guards against IR-A rays and free radical damage while addressing aging signs like fine lines and wrinkles.

Reviewers say it mixes well with moisturizers and under makeup, or can be worn alone for light coverage.

Shop now at Amazon

Best coverage

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation

• Price: $$
• Size: 1 oz.
• Main active ingredients: zinc oxide
• Pro: wide shade selection
• Con: customers report a strong scent
• Best for: evening out complexion and tone

Functioning more like a foundation than a BB cream, ILIA’s SPF 40 skin tint comes in many shades to match diverse tones and delivers substantial coverage. With niacinamide added, it also helps smooth skin and reduce the look of pores and fine lines.

Customers praise the dewy, radiant finish and even coverage, though some dislike the product’s noticeable scent.

Shop now at Sephora

Comparison of the Best Tinted Sunscreens

Sunscreen	Price	Size	Active Ingredients	Pro	Con	Best For
EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Moisturizer with Broad-Spectrum SPF 44	$$	2 oz.	zinc oxide, titanium dioxide	hydrating and lightweight	pump dispenser doesn’t always work	all skin types
MDSolarSciences MD Crème Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50	$$	1.23 oz.	zinc oxide, vitamin C, CoQ10	noncomedogenic	pump doesn’t always work	people looking for light coverage
Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral SPF 50 Brush-On	$$$	0.21 oz.	titanium dioxide, zinc oxide	high SPF rating	expensive	easy reapplication
Priori Skincare Tetra SPF 55 Lotion	$$$	1.7 oz.	titanium dioxide, zinc oxide	high SPF rating	expensive	normal to dry skin
Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense	$$	2 oz.	zinc oxide	anti-aging properties	only offers one shade and it’s fairly light	people looking to even out skin tone
Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36	$$$	2.6 oz.	titanium dioxide, zinc oxide	lightweight formula	expensive	most skin types
CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30	$	1.7 oz.	titanium dioxide, zinc oxide	available in three shade ranges	can leave skin looking shiny	blending with other products
ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless	$$$	3.4 oz.	zinc oxide	noncomedogenic	expensive	targeting signs of aging
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face BB Cream SPF 50	$	3 oz.	titanium dioxide, zinc oxide	reef-friendly	can feel heavy on your skin	people looking for a vegan and cruelty-free sunscreen
SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense SPF 30	$$$	1 oz.	glycerin, niacinamide, tranexamic acid	brightens skin tone	expensive	people looking to lighten dark spots
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra-Light Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50	$$	1.7 oz.	titanium dioxide	high SPF rating	not formulated with zinc oxide	people looking for a gentle product for sensitive skin
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream	$$	1.18 oz.	titanium dioxide	available in a wide range of shades	can be shiny	people looking for medium coverage
Colorescience Face Shield Flex SPF 50	$$	1.8 oz.	zinc oxide	available in multiple shades	some say it may pill wearing with makeup	people looking for full coverage
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen	$$	1.7 oz.	squalane, zinc oxide, water lily	reef-safe	leaves a white cast	addressing dryness and redness for sensitive skin
SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 Tinted Sunscreen	$$$	2.3 oz.	octinoxate, octisalate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide	offers infrared protection	expensive	reducing signs of aging
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation	$$	1 oz.	zinc oxide	offers an extensive range of shades	customers say it has a strong smell	people looking to even out skin tone and complexion

When to talk with a doctor

If you notice skin irritation or a burning sensation after applying tinted sunscreen, consider switching to a different formula or one with a higher SPF, and consult a physician if symptoms persist.

See a doctor if your sunburn includes:

• extreme pain
• headache
• fever
• nausea

Frequently asked questions

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

Tinted sunscreens often include iron oxides, which help block both UV and blue light. They also have pigments that blend into skin, serving as a light alternative to foundation and eliminating the white cast some mineral sunscreens leave.

Is tinted sunscreen as effective as regular sunscreen?

Yes. Tinted sunscreens protect against sun damage in the same way traditional sunscreens do.

Is tinted sunscreen better than makeup?

If you want light coverage, a tinted sunscreen can replace your everyday foundation.

Takeaway 

Tinted sunscreens are an easy method to incorporate more SPF into daily skincare rituals.

Whichever tinted sunscreen you choose for your skin type, the key takeaway is that sunscreen should be used daily to protect skin from damaging sun exposure. Reapply throughout the day to maintain effective coverage.