We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Skincare The Best Tinted Sunscreens We’ve Ever Tested Protect your skin and create a flawless base with these top picks. By Stefanie Waldek Stefanie Waldek Stefanie Waldek is a writer with 10+ years of experience in the home and travel industry. She has written for Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and The Washington Post, among other publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Ali Faccenda Ali Faccenda Ali Faccenda is a lifestyle, pop culture, and commerce writer with experience in video content creation. She was previously a market writer at BuzzFeed and also produced short-form video content for their various social platforms. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 27, 2024 Fact checked by Emily Estep Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics that range from film and beauty to science and the automobile industry. Her plant biology degree has a focus on sustainable agriculture, and she’s an expert on growing your own food, environmental sciences, and all topics relating to houseplants. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process More to Consider How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Lecia Landis If there's one thing you must add to your beauty routine, it's sun protection—and that's true whether or not you plan to go outside! For those who love a one-and-done product, tinted sunscreens are the best solution, combining the best of skincare and makeup. "Tinted face sunscreen is as effective as non-tinted face sunscreen," says cosmetic physician Vivian Chin of Koru Wellness & Aesthetics. "They can be used as an all-in-one facial lotion or as a primer for your skincare routine." To determine the best tinted sunscreens, we tested a variety of popular options based on factors such as coverage, hydration, wear, and value. We also took into account skin type, offering recommendations that we felt worked great for those with oily, sensitive, dry, or mature skin. In addition to Chin, we also spoke with Dr. Adeline Kikam, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin DermChin, for extra advice on shopping for the right tinted sunscreen. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen at Sephora $32 Jump to Review Best Mineral: SALE Neutrogena Purescreen+ Tinted Sunscreen at Amazon $29 $22 Jump to Review Best for Oily Skin: Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted BB Cream at Amazon $17 Jump to Review Best for Sensitive Skin: EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum at Bluemercury.com $35 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex at Amazon $54 Jump to Review Best for Dry Skin: Supergoop! Glowscreen at Amazon $18 Jump to Review Best Drugstore: Eucerin Age Defense Face Sunscreen Tinted Lotion at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best Lightweight: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Best Glowy: Kinfield Sunglow at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense at Skinstore.com $72 Jump to Review Best Overall Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen PHOTO: Sephora $32 at Sephora $30 at Credo Beauty $32 at Kohls.com What Stands Out It's safe for sensitive skin and won't cause breakouts. What Could Be Improved The formula needs to be applied with a brush, as it spreads out streaky when with hands. Let's be straightforward—we love the Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation so much! The non-greasy formula comes in 20 shades and is quite thin, so it works well under makeup, and it provides a natural look. But at the same time, it provides enough coverage to hide acne scars and rosacea, particularly if you apply it with a brush (we learned during testing that using your hands can create a streaky finish). It's also very hydrating, smoothing out dry patches instead of settling into the cracks. Tower 28 claims that this tinted sunscreen is safe for sensitive skin, and that it won't cause breakouts; in our tests, we found this to be true, though we'd want to test the product even longer to ensure that's the case. Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, prickly pear, aloe vera | SPF: 30 | Size: 1 fl oz. | Number of Shades: 20 Real Simple / Amanda Klein Real Simple / Amanda Klein Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jessica Juliao Real Simple / Jhett Thompson Best Mineral Neutrogena Purescreen+ Tinted Sunscreen PHOTO: Amazon $22 at Amazon $15 at Target $28 at Ulta What Stands Out It doesn’t create a texture under makeup. What Could Be Improved The packaging isn’t very secure. If you're a fan of a natural look when it comes to tinted sunscreens, this mineral sunscreen from Neutrogena is for you. We found its tint to be extremely sheer with a barely-there finish, which is fairly impressive given that there are only four shades. What we also really like is that there's no white cast, which is common with mineral sunscreens—the tint neutralizes it completely. Plus, this formula has mineral-only active ingredients (no harsh chemicals), and it's also vegan, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free, which makes it suitable for sensitive skin. This tinted sunscreen is also ideal for layering beneath makeup, as it didn't pill at all after we went through our full-face beauty routine. However, it still delivered non-greasy hydration, allowing for more breathability. Just be careful when you're opening up the bottle, as we found it spills easily. Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 30 | Size: 1.1 fl oz. | Number of Shades: 4 Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best for Oily Skin Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted BB Cream PHOTO: Amazon $16 at Amazon What Stands Out Its hypoallergenic formula doesn’t irritate or cause flare-ups on sensitive, acne-prone skin. What Could Be Improved It dries out throughout the day, though that may be a plus for those with oily skin. The Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Sunscreen goes above and beyond when it comes to reducing oil on the skin. This tinted sunscreen doesn't feel greasy at all during application, drying to a powdery finish. And the formula is safe for those with both sensitive and acne-prone skin, since it's a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic mineral sunscreen rather than a chemical one. Regarding coverage, there's enough to even out imperfections, but it's generally sheer. Funny enough, the very reason why we chose this as our best pick for oily skin is also the product’s only major drawback: it feels too dry. While this may be perfect for those with very oily skin, if you have slightly oily or combination skin, you may find that this product won’t give you a dewy look since it’s extremely matte. Despite this, the decent SPF and cover up you get without the worry of causing breakouts more than makes up for this. Key Ingredients: Kakadu plum, eucalyptus, red algae | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 fl oz | Number of Shades: 3 Best for Sensitive Skin EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum PHOTO: Amazon $35 at Bluemercury.com What Stands Out It moisturizes with hyaluronic acid, and it soothes skin with bisabolol and ginger root. What Could Be Improved Only one tone option is available. Due to its fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula, we found that the EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Sunscreen is a great pick for those with sensitive skin. Moreover, during testing, the product kept our skin perfectly hydrated without feeling greasy throughout the day, and it didn’t feel too thick or too thin. However, one major con with this product is its very limited range of shades — there’s only one. While this shade matched our skin tone with a sheer finish, it may be too dark for fair skin, and too light for dark skin. But, if this shade does match your skin tone, and you have very sensitive skin that doesn’t handle fragrances or harsh chemicals very well, this product is an excellent pick. Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Number of Shades: 1 Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Splurge Colorescience Sunforgettable Face Shield Flex PHOTO: Amazon $54 at Amazon $54 at Dermstore $54 at Skinstore.com What Stands Out It keeps skin hydrated throughout the day. What Could Be Improved The coverage is not the most buildable. Despite its high price tag, the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield tinted sunscreen succeeds in a number of ways. First, we found it to be hydrating without feeling greasy, absorbing quickly into the skin after application. This consistency allowed us to apply makeup on top of it, offering some coverage if needed. Moreover, the product also helped reduce redness for an even complexion. Where it falls short, however, is its buildability, though that may not be a problem if you're going for a no-makeup look. While this tinted sunscreen has medium coverage that allows your natural features to shine through while simultaneously blurring your skin, adding more foundation on top of it proved to be a challenge during testing. There are four shades, however, and given the medium coverage, they should work for a number of skin tones. Key Ingredients: C12-15 alkyl benzoate, butyloctyl salicylate, lauryl PEG-8 dimethicone | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.8 fl oz | Number of Shades: 4 Real Simple / Katie Bowler Real Simple / Katie Bowler Real Simple / Katie Bowler Real Simple / Katie Bowler Real Simple / Katie Bowler Best for Dry Skin Supergoop! Glowscreen PHOTO: Supergoop! $18 at Amazon $22 at Sephora View on Supergoop.com What Stands Out The silky formula applies easily and evenly to skin and doesn't cake up over dry patches. What Could Be Improved The product might be too shiny for some. Easy to blend into your skin with its silky formula, the Supergoop Glowscreen leaves your skin feeling super hydrated without any caking at all. As we wore it throughout the day, we didn't find that it settled into our dry patches, either. Instead, we noticed that it adds luminosity to dull, dry skin. Even when it's covered by foundation, the glow shines through, leaving your skin looking radiant and supple. Tint-wise, this sunscreen is very sheer, and it's not buildable like a foundation. We think Supergoop could push the range one shade deeper beyond its existing four shades, but it did match our fair skin well. Just note that its shine is a little strong, which may not be suitable for those who prefer a more matte finish. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, niacinamide, sea lavender | SPF: 40 | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Number of Shades: 4 Real Simple / Kate Geraghty Real Simple / Kate Geraghty Real Simple / Kate Geraghty Real Simple / Kate Geraghty Best Drugstore Eucerin Age Defense Face Sunscreen Tinted Lotion PHOTO: Target $16 at Amazon $16 at Target View on CVS What Stands Out The high SPF is great for sun protection. What Could Be Improved You'll need to use powder to set this sunscreen. This budget-friendly tinted sunscreen from Eucerin offers solid sun protection with a gentle tint to help even out your skin tone. The product is very sheer (albeit there’s only one shade) but we did find it to be somewhat buildable for some natural-looking coverage. We love the inclusion of hyaluronic acid as a moisturizing ingredient, as it helps to restore the skin barrier. And we found the formula to be very easy to spread across your skin evenly. During testing, we noticed that this tinted sunscreen has a very dewy finish, so much so that we actually thought it looked quite oily, even if it didn't feel oily on our skin. If you're not into that much sheen, you'll want to use a setting powder to mattify your skin. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, 5 antioxidants | SPF: 50 | Size: 2.5 fl oz | Number of Shades: 1 Real Simple / Heather Jelken Real Simple / Heather Jelken Real Simple / Heather Jelken Real Simple / Heather Jelken Real Simple / Heather Jelken Best Lightweight La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen PHOTO: Amazon $38 at Amazon $38 at Target $38 at Dermstore What Stands Out For a mineral sunscreen, the consistency is delightfully thin. What Could Be Improved It doesn't feel substantial enough for heavy sun exposure. For a barely-there finish, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen does the trick. This product is an ultra-sheer, super non-greasy tinted sunscreen with an SPF 50 rating. So even though it feels and looks like you have nothing on, your skin is protected from harmful UV rays. That said, we do feel like it's best for daily use rather than extensive sun exposure. When we tested this tinted sunscreen on our very acne-prone skin, we didn't break out at all, though your mileage may vary depending on your skin. Do note that since there's essentially no coverage, you'll have to layer on some foundation if you're looking to hide blemishes or discoloration. Key Ingredients: Cell-ox shield technology, titanium dioxide, mineral pigments | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Number of Shades: 1 Real Simple / Kacey Davis Real Simple / Kacey Davis Real Simple / Kacey Davis Real Simple / Kacey Davis Best Glowy Kinfield Sunglow PHOTO: Credo Beauty $35 at Amazon View on Credo Beauty View on Kinfield.com What Stands Out The luminosity is subtle when used alone, but it still shows beneath a layer of foundation. What Could Be Improved The single shade is best for warm or neutral undertones, not cool ones. Glowiness can be a tricky effect to get just right, but we found that this tinted sunscreen hit the mark. It didn't feel or look particularly oily or greasy, but instead created a very natural-looking glow. Moreover, while we'd consider this formula to be fairly light coverage, it's buildable to get into the medium range if you need to cover up any problem areas. The only downside to this tinted sunscreen is that it comes in one shade that definitely skews warmer in undertone. That being said, those who have a fairer complexion may not find the single shade to their liking. Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, glycerin, sunflower seed oil | SPF: 35 | Size: 2 fl oz | Number of Shades: 1 Real Simple / Nicole Lund Real Simple / Nicole Lund Real Simple / Nicole Lund Real Simple / Nicole Lund Real Simple / Nicole Lund Best for Mature Skin SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense PHOTO: Dermstore $72 at Skinstore.com $42 at Skinceuticals.com $72 at Dermstore What Stands Out The blurring effect is very forgiving on pores and fine lines. What Could Be Improved It's not heavily hydrating, and it can leave your skin feeling a little greasy. The key feature to look for in a tinted sunscreen for mature skin is a blurring effect, and the SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense hits the spot. After application, a close look at our skin showed a lovely blurring effect over fine lines and pores, with a gentle reduction in redness. But ultimately, this is a sheer tinted sunscreen, so you might want to layer it with additional products if you need some extra coverage. We did have some issues with hydration though, as we found it didn't hold up to dry skin particularly well. It also left a slightly greasy feeling, which might not work well with oily skin. However, if you have combination skin, you’ll likely find this product to suit your skin type with minimal hassle. Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, artemia salina | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Number of Shades: 1 Real Simple / Cara Milhaven Real Simple / Cara Milhaven Real Simple / Cara Milhaven Real Simple / Cara Milhaven Real Simple / Cara Milhaven Final Verdict Our top pick is the Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen Foundation. It comes in a range of 20 shades (a very wide range for a tinted sunscreen) and its formula is non-greasy with buildable coverage. While we found this product to be great on sensitive, acne-prone skin, for those who really want to minimize breakouts, we also recommend the Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen, a completely non-greasy, oil-free alternative. Our Testing Process We tested each tinted sunscreen by wearing it three to four times per week throughout the testing period, making sure to closely follow any manufacturer instructions that were provided with the product. For products without instructions, we first cleansed our skin, followed our normal skincare routine, then applied the tinted sunscreen with 2–3 fingers' worth of product. We rubbed it in until it was absorbed, then added a second layer for more coverage. If we used the tinted sunscreen as primary sun protection, we reapplied it every few hours. Once the tinted sunscreen was applied, we analyzed the coverage. We applied multiple layers to test buildability, then evaluated whether or not our skin tone appeared evened out, rating the blurring and smoothing effects. If we wore makeup over the tinted sunscreen, we evaluated the product's value as a primer. We also evaluated hydration, noting how moisturized our skin felt both at the time of application and throughout the day. During wear tests, we noted how the tinted sunscreen felt on our skin — whether sheer and lightweight, or thick and greasy. We also analyzed the finish, noting if we thought we needed to set the sunscreen with powder. We considered shade match as well, taking note of not only the match of the specific shade we tested, but also the full range of shades offered by the manufacturer. Lastly, we analyzed the scent of the product, evaluating the specific fragrance as well as its longevity. After testing a product, we considered the value of the tinted sunscreen, establishing whether or not we'd buy it again at its list price, and comparing its cost to other tinted sunscreen products we’ve used in the past. More Tinted Sunscreens to Consider e.l.f. Suntouchable! Whoa Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen: For those on a budget, e.l.f.'s tinted sunscreen both protects your skin and serves as a very solid primer. We did find it to be quite "grabby" rather than silky smooth like some pure sunscreens, but this might be a benefit if you plan on layering makeup on top. There are only three shades, though, which means you might not find a perfect match. Hero Cosmetics Superbeam Sunscreen SPF 30: If you’re not a fan of full-coverage foundation, this tinted sunscreen is super sheer with a subtle glow. Moreover, it’s lightweight and non-greasy, allowing you to apply with ease and not feel like it's caked on. However, the product’s limited number of shades, as well as its ultra-light coverage, made it fall behind other tinted sunscreens that provided just a little more blur. How to Shop for Tinted Sunscreens Like A Pro Formula Sunscreens typically consist of two types—chemical and physical (mineral). There are positives and negatives of both types so it ultimately comes down to finding one that works for your skin type and will fulfill your personal needs. Chemical sunscreens tend to absorb into the skin better and layer well under other makeup products. Physical (also known as mineral) sunscreens are usually made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They also tend to be non-comedogenic and work well for people with acne-prone skin types since they sit on top of the skin instead of being absorbed. “Chemical sunscreens can be systemically absorbed into the bloodstream whereas physical sunscreens are not…unless they are nano mineral sunscreens. This just means their particle size has been broken down to a smaller molecular weight and thus can be absorbed through skin. The benefit of this is to minimize the white cast that is associated with mineral filters in their original molecular weight. This makes them suitable for patients of color who may not want the white cast from mineral sunscreens,” Dr. Kikam. Shade and Coverage Some tinted sunscreens provide little to no coverage, while others have a more medium to full-coverage finish. What you’re looking for in terms of coverage is up to personal preference. If you’re planning on doing physical activities or lounging by the pool, you’ll be better off opting for a sheer coverage tinted sunscreen. If you’re headed to an event or want to hide any imperfections or discoloration on the skin, opt for something with fuller coverage. At the very least, you’ll want a product that will blend with your skin tone, so consider the shade ranges offered. Along those lines, you'll also want to take note if the sunscreen is chemical or mineral-based when it comes to choosing a shade. "Physical mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxides can leave a whitish cast, but often the tint masks the cast," says Chin. "That said, new formulations of mineral sunscreens blend better with an increasing variety of skin tones." Broad Spectrum Protection When shopping for tinted sunscreens, you should always prioritize products that provide "broad spectrum protection," meaning the product will protect against two kinds of UV rays. "The sun produces two main forms of ultraviolet (UV) light that can damage the skin: UVA and UVB. Both are harmful," says Chin. "UVA light causes wrinkles and aging, while UVB light tends to burn the skin." It’s also advisable that even if you’re not going outdoors, you should still have some level of SPF protection. SPF Regardless of skin tone or sunscreen type, the American Academy of Dermatology advises everyone to use an SPF of 30 or above. Anything above that doesn't provide that much more protection. "An SPF greater than 30 is great and can protect for longer, but only marginally," says Chin. "The most important aspect of a face sunscreen is that you wear it daily and reapply regularly." Note that reapplying sunscreen applies to all SPF levels, from SPF 15 to SPF 100+. Questions You Might Ask Is tinted sunscreen as effective as regular sunscreen? Yes, tinted sunscreens protect against UV rays the same as regular sunscreen. In fact, tinted sunscreens usually contain iron oxides, which are particularly effective at blocking blue light. “[Tinted sunscreens] can also be used to cover blemishes, redness [from] rosacea, and other skin issues,” says Kikam. Is tinted sunscreen better than foundation? The determining factor is whether it features SPF. If the foundation you are interested in is marketed as having an SPF of 30 or above in the formula then it will offer the same protection as a tinted sunscreen of the same SPF. If your foundation doesn’t have an SPF in it, then a tinted sunscreen is better for protecting against UV rays and should be used underneath if you still plan on wearing foundation. However, keep in mind that in order to receive adequate sun protection, you will need to use enough product, which will likely be more foundation than you want to use (adults need roughly a quarter-sized dollop every two hours). “Foundation should not be used in place of sunscreen,” says Kikam. How often should you apply tinted sunscreen? You should apply tinted sunscreen as often as you would apply any sunscreen—every two hours, or sooner if swimming or sweating. Does tinted sunscreen clog pores? It can, that’s why it’s important to research the different formulas on the market. Also, just because a sunscreen is marketed as non-comedogenic (which isn’t supposed to clog pores), doesn’t mean that it won’t. Always be sure to cleanse your skin morning and night to prevent breakouts and consult a dermatologist if you’re unsure what is a good tinted sunscreen selection for you. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Allison Faccenda, a lifestyle, pop culture, and commerce writer with experience in video content creation, and later updated by Stefanie Waldek, a freelance writer with a decade of experience writing home, travel, and lifestyle content. For this article, we spent several days testing the best tinted sunscreens, taking into account factors such coverage, hydration, finish, shades, and more. For expert tips, Allison spoke with Dr. Adeline Kikam, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Brown Skin Derm, while Stefanie consulted cosmetic physician Dr. Vivian Chin of Koru Wellness & Aesthetics. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.