<p>Tinted sunscreens “contain unique blends of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxide,” said <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/drpearlgrimes/?hl=en” target=”_blank”>Pearl E. Grimes, M.D.</a>, board-certified dermatologist at <a href=”https://pearlgrimesmd.com/” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>The Grimes Center for Medical & Aesthetic Dermatology</a> in Beverly Hills. “Iron oxide provides the best protection against visible light (blue light).” </p><p>Though all mineral sunscreens (tinted or not) contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or a combination of the two, these <strong>tinted broad-spectrum options “<a href=”https://jddonline.com/articles/impact-of-iron-oxide-containing-formulations-against-visible-light-induced-skin-pigmentation-in-skin-S1545961620P0712X/” target=”_blank”>protect against UVA and UVB radiation <em>and</em> visible light</a></strong>,” explained <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/author/12466/danusia-wnek/” target=”_blank”>GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek</a>, whereas traditional broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against just UVA and UVB radiation. Visible light can cause pigmentation and redness, Wnek adds.</p><p>The <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/about-the-institute/a19748212/good-housekeeping-institute-product-reviews/” target=”_blank”>Good Housekeeping Institute</a> Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab has tested countless SPFs over the years, from <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/tips/g256/natural-sunscreens-460608/” target=”_blank”>natural sunscreen</a> to <a href=”https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/anti-aging/g26541068/best-zinc-oxide-sunscreen/” target=”_blank”>zinc oxide sunscreen</a>. For this article, Wnek evaluated seven tinted sunscreens; we’ve included top picks from that evaluation, as well as Lab-tested and editor-loved picks. Ahead, the <strong>top 13 tinted sunscreens on the market</strong>, and keep scrolling to learn about what to look for when shopping for one.</p>”/>
1
Best Overall Tinted Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
1
Best Overall Tinted Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight formula that can be used every day
Cons
- Offered in only one shade
Great for everyday use, this La-Roche Posay is everything you could want in a tinted sunscreen: broad spectrum SPF 50, water-resistant and lightweight. The fragrance-free mineral sunscreen is one of our Beauty Assistant’s favorites; she wears it every day under makeup. “The tint acts as a primer to even out my skin tone,” she shared. “I can even wear it on its own without foundation on a light makeup day.” It’s offered in just one shade, and it can sometimes look a little orange on very light skin tones if not rubbed in fully.
| Sunscreen active | Titanium dioxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
2
Best Value Tinted Sunscreen
Bubble Plus One Tinted Daily Mineral Sunscreen
2
Best Value Tinted Sunscreen
Bubble Plus One Tinted Daily Mineral Sunscreen
Pros
- Hydrating formula that absorbs well
- Doesn’t leave skin looking or feeling oily
Cons
- Formula is dark upon initial application
Priced under $20, Bubble’s tinted SPF is a great bargain buy and was Wnek’s favorite option she evaluated for this story. “The initial texture of the product is like a hydrating lotion and it absorbs quickly,” she shared. Though it’s great for any skin type, she especially likes it for combination or oily skin. “The color coverage is sheer to light, and the finish is matte radiant, not oily,” she adds. “I was taken aback at how dark it is upon application, but the final shade is similar to my skin tone.”
| SPF | 40 |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen active | Zinc oxide |
3
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Oily Skin
SkinBetter Science Sunbetter Tone Smart Sunscreen Lotion
3
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Oily Skin
SkinBetter Science Sunbetter Tone Smart Sunscreen Lotion
Pros
- Lightweight mousse texture
- Matte finish is great for oilier skin
Cons
- Very sheer coverage
Despite a high level of mineral SPF, this formula proved to blend well with no white cast when Wnek tested it. She likes the mattifying mousse-like texture for oilier skin types. “Of the water-resistant tinted face sunscreens, I liked this one especially for those with oily skin,” she said. “It feels light and matte throughout the day.” Take note that this option won’t give you a ton of coverage, as it’s very sheer and feels more like a regular sunscreen than a tinted one.
| Sunscreen active | Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 75 |
4
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen
4
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen
Pros
- Watery texture feels like nothing on skin
- Includes nourishing skincare ingredients
- Blends into skin easily
Cons
- Expensive
If you’re willing to splurge on sunscreen, this is the one to try. Featuring skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this SPF simultaneously protects your skin from the sun while keeping it moisturized and nourished. The formula is more watery than others we’ve tried, so it feels like nothing on your skin. And the peachy tint blends seamlessly, leaving no white cast behind. Our Beauty Assistant loves the dewy glow that it leaves on her dry but acne-prone skin. “It layers amazingly under makeup or stands on its own,” she said.
| SPF | 50 |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen active | Zinc oxide |
5
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Dry Skin
EltaMD UV AOX Elements Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen
5
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Dry Skin
EltaMD UV AOX Elements Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen
Pros
- Hydrating, lotion-like texture is ideal for drier skin types
- Applies smoothly on skin
Cons
- Can appear too orange and dark on lighter and cooler skin tones
EltaMD is widely loved by experts, derms, editors and consumers alike. This tinted SPF from the brand applies smoothly on skin. “It feels nice, hydrating and so smooth on skin,” said Wnek. “I thought it is a bit heavier than the UV Clear version, so it may be better for normal to dry skin. It’s almost like a lotion in texture.” Expect light color coverage and a natural finish with this sunscreen. Note that this is likely best suited for medium to dark skin tones that pull warm, as it is too dark and orange on lighter or cooler skin tones.
| Sunscreen active | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
6
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Coverage
Alleyoop Sunsational Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
6
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Coverage
Alleyoop Sunsational Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Pros
- Offered in multiple shades to match various skin tones
- Provides enough coverage that you can skip foundation when using this
Cons
- Not ideal for those who want a sheer sunscreen
Some tinted sunscreens don’t provide a lot of coverage, but that’s not the case with this one. GH Beauty Director April Franzino calls it her “overall favorite tinted SPF” and loves that it is a medium coverage option. “It matches my skin tone perfectly, provides great coverage and evens skin tone beautifully, so much so that I can skip tinted moisturizer or foundation afterward,” she raved. Offered in multiple shades (including options for dark skin tones), it also spreads well and feels soft on skin, she reports, adding that “you can hardly believe it’s a high-level mineral sunscreen.” If you prefer a sheer sunscreen, this isn’t the one for you.
| Sunscreen active | Zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
7
Best Drugstore Tinted Sunscreen
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint
7
Best Drugstore Tinted Sunscreen
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint
Now 13% Off
Pros
- Formulated with skin-loving ingredients
- Doesn’t irritate acne-prone skin
Cons
- Can make skin look greasy
Formulated with ceramides and niacinamide, CeraVe’s well-priced creamy and lightweight tinted sunscreen is great for soothing and protecting skin at the same time. “I love that it functions as a moisturizer, SPF and foundation, cutting down on the time it takes me to get ready,” said GH Digital Content Director Lauren Matthews. She appreciates that it provides smooth, even coverage with zero white cast, and notes that “it doesn’t make my acne-prone skin break out and makes my skin glow,” though some online reviewers find it makes their skin look more greasy than glowy.
| Sunscreen active | Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
8
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Mature Skin
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen
8
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Mature Skin
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen
Pros
- Lightweight fluid is seamless on skin
- Smooths and evens skin
Cons
- Formula may be too watery for some users
What’s the secret to a product being good for mature skin? It shouldn’t emphasize things like texture, fine lines and wrinkles. A plethora of online reviewers with mature skin rave about this sunscreen, sharing that it smooths their skin and evens skin tone, with many noting they’ve used it for years. GH Freelance Beauty Editor Dori Price also loves this product; she shares that it’s a “super light fluid that goes on seamlessly and feels so nice on the skin. It’s a physical sunscreen but you would never know by how sheer (and not chalky) it is.” However, some online reviewers think the fluid is a little too thin and watery for their liking.
| Sunscreen active | Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
9
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Glowing Skin
Supergoop Glowscreen
9
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Glowing Skin
Supergoop Glowscreen
Pros
- Gives a subtle, sun-kissed glow
- Offered in multiple shades
Cons
- May pill under makeup
Widely loved on TikTok, Supergoop’s Glowscreen is often used under makeup or on its own to give skin a sunkissed look. It’s the rare tinted sunscreen that has chemical actives (rather than mineral, which is more common when it comes to tinted options). Some online reviewers complain that it pills under makeup, though our Beauty Assistant has never experienced that. “This is amazing to wear for a subtle, summery glow,” she shared. “I love that it’s offered in multiple shades so it matches my skin tone better than other options that sometimes look too orange on me.” The four shades offered range from fair to deep.
| Sunscreen active | Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene |
|---|---|
| SPF | 40 |
10
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Body
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield
10
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Body
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield
Pros
- Feels moisturizing on skin
- Larger bottle means you won’t go through this super quickly
Cons
- Takes some time to fully rub into skin
Though most tinted sunscreens are for the face, this option from Colorescience is for the body instead (so it’s offered in a bigger bottle than others). Offered in a lighter pinkish shade and a darker bronze shade, you can pick based on your skin tone. In her evaluation, Wnek found that it “feels moisturizing but takes a while to rub in; there is some resistance to it,” she shared, though this tends to be the case with mineral sunscreens. She liked the pink undertone of this SPF as it “worked as a brightening pigment,” she explains.
| Sunscreen active | Zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
11
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen
11
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen
Pros
- Gives a natural, glowy finish
- Has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance
- 17 shades available
Cons
- Dries down slowly on skin
AAPI-owned brand Tower 28 caters to sensitive skin types, and this tinted sunscreen is no different. It has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, and GH Deputy Editor Jessica Teich loves it for her dry, sensitive skin. Upon application, you’ll find it gives a natural-looking, glowy finish, and she likes that it still lets freckles show through. Plus, it’s sold in 17 shade options, more than any other tinted sunscreen we’ve seen. However, Teich noted that “it takes a while to dry down and may be too hydrating for oilier skin types.”
Read our full review of Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen
| Sunscreen active | Zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 30 |
12
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Face
Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum
12
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Face
Bloomeffects Tulip Dew Sunscreen Serum
Pros
- Soothes dry skin
- Tint helps balance skin tone
Cons
- Pricey
Sunscreen in a serum form is ideal for the face. This mineral SPF from Bloomeffects has a rich, thick texture and includes skincare ingredients like niacinamide and allantoin. These help make the formula “soothing and softening on my dry skin,” said Franzino. She also likes that the sheer tint gives a bit of a glow and balances skin tone as well. It’s on the pricier side, but for sunscreen and skincare benefits in one, it’s a worthy investment.
| Sunscreen active | Zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
13
Best Mineral Tinted Sunscreen
Cotz Flawless Complexion Richly Tinted
13
Best Mineral Tinted Sunscreen
Cotz Flawless Complexion Richly Tinted
Pros
- Offered in two shades
- Texture is good for drier skin
Cons
- Sunscreen may separate in tube
Most of the tinted sunscreens you’ll find on the market are mineral, including this one Wnek evaluated. She likes that it’s offered in two shades. This Cotz sunscreen give sheer, light coverage, delivering a dewy finish. “It is thicker in texture and there is some weight to it on skin,” she said, recommending it for drier skin types especially. Ensure you check the “best by” date on this tube or give it a good shake before applying, as the sample she had “was separating, so I worry about the integrity of the sunscreen active in this formula,” she explained.
| Sunscreen active | Zinc oxide |
|---|---|
| SPF | 50 |
How we choose the best tinted sunscreens
Though the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab hasn’t done a test specifically on tinted SPFs, our scientists have evaluated countless options, from body sunscreens to face sunscreens, and their testing has included tinted formulas. To gather the absolute best tinted sunscreens on the market, we pulled winners from those tests and editor favorites. On top of that, GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek evaluated seven tinted sunscreens, taking into account if the formula was non-greasy, hydrating, lightweight, blendable and more. The top performers from this evaluation are also included in this roundup.
What to look for when shopping for a tinted sunscreen
A key to loving a tinted sunscreen is finding one that’s best suited for your skin type and tone. Wondering how to find the right one for you? Here are some of our tips:
✔️ Active type: Most tinted SPFs are mineral formulas, likely because the tint is offsetting the white cast that’s traditionally associated with mineral sunscreens, Wnek shared. However, some are chemical formulas or even combine the two. You can choose one based on your personal preference.
✔️ SPF: Dermatologists, Dr. Grimes included, suggest using SPF 30 or higher. For extra protection, our GH Beauty Lab recommends using at least SPF 50.
✔️ Ingredients: Some tinted sunscreens offer additional skincare benefits beyond sun protection, Dr. Grimes noted. Niacinamide, antioxidants such as vitamin C or E, hyaluronic acid and others are great to look out for.
How much tinted sunscreen should you apply?
“Most consumers do not apply enough traditional sunscreen to their face to obtain the SPF listed on the label,” said Wnek. “When it comes to makeup with SPF or tinted sunscreen products, they apply even less.” To achieve a sufficient amount of sun protection, remember to apply at least a nickel size amount to your face and re-apply every two hours, she advised.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
GH Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn works closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to help deliver fact-based, science-backed beauty coverage. Over the years, she has interviewed experts, written product reviews and tested hundreds of skincare products including all kinds of sunscreens; some of her favorites are included in this list, and she’ll never leave the house without SPF on.
GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek has been testing skincare products for more than seven years at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She has experience in using specialized skin evaluation lab equipment to gauge changes in skin moisturization, firmness and facial features like wrinkles and texture before and after product use. She also regularly polls our consumer panels on their purchasing and product use habits as well as weighs in on the benefits of skincare ingredients.
Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.
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