The 15 Best Tinted Sunscreens for Summer 2025, According to Derms
<p class=”body-text”>Tinted sunscreens are often also <a href=” target=”_blank”>SPF</a> hybrids, which means they’re formulated with both chemical- and mineral-based ingredients. The key to wearing sunscreen every day, as recommended, is finding a product or two that you actually look forward to applying. To help you find a new favorite even faster, we’ve pulled together some of the best tinted sunscreens that have received their fair share of glowing customer reviews and expert recommendations, along with a stamp of approval from <em>Bazaar</em> editors. Keep scrolling to find the best match for your skin type and concerns, plus more expert tips on how to keep your skin protected this summer. </p><p><a href=” target=”_blank”><strong>Related: The Best Facial Sunscreens You’ll Actually Want to Wear Every Day</strong></a></p><hr>” data-next-head/>
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Pros
- Noncomedogenic
Cons
- Only one shade
There are a number of non-greasy and oil-free tinted formulas available just for acne-prone skin, including this beloved option from EltaMD. Along with being hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, it’s also noncomedogenic, so you won’t have to worry about breakouts. Its tinted formula also features niacinamide to help reduce redness, plus hyaluronic acid to keep skin plump.
One customer writes: “I bought this sunscreen to protect my face from the damaging rays. I am so thankful for a sunscreen that does not clog pores or makes my acne worse!” —BrookeH
Expert Pick
MERIT The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Pros
- 15 shades
- 100 percent mineral zinc oxide
“This is a stunning sunscreen formula available in 15 shades—one of my favorite new launches of the year,” says Katie Intner, Bazaar’s beauty market and commerce editor. “The fine powders instantly make skin look brighter and smoother without adding any weight. It just looks like beautiful, natural skin.”
One customer writes: “Really wanted to find something wrong with this but I absolutely love it. I brought another skin tint from a different brand but I was so curious to try this out. Looks beautiful on the skin, blends in nicely. It makes my skin look airbrushed!”—Idaliadenise
Best Mineral
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
Pros
- Zinc and titanium dioxide blend
Cons
- Only one shade
This cult-classic mineral sunscreen uses a blend of zinc and titanium oxides to protect against damaging UVA/UVB rays. Its lightweight, waterlike consistency sinks right in, with a universal tint powered by iron oxide spheres that enhance skin’s natural tone.
One satisfied customer writes: “Lightweight, watery consistency that is easy to spread, wears well under makeup, and keeps me protected. I love that my skin feels more moisturized than it does tacky like some sunscreens.” —Stephanie
Best for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Light Fluid SPF 50
Pros
- Matte finish
Cons
- Only one shade
Mineral sunscreens tend to be less irritating for people with sensitive skin, and this SPF 50 titanium oxide version from La Roche is no exception. While some mineral sunscreens can be thick and hard to spread over the skin, this one has a non-greasy, fluid texture that absorbs quickly, leaves behind a matte finish, and layers well under makeup. Another pro is that the sunscreen is formulated with the brand’s signature thermal spring water to soothe the skin.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have very dry, sensitive, reactive skin. I don’t like when sunscreen feels heavy or sticky on my skin. This sunscreen was moisturizing throughout the day. It doesn’t feel heavy or sticky. I finally found a tinted mineral sunscreen that works for me!!!” —DWK
Most Lightweight
Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF 50
Pros
- 14 shades
Although it’s designed to be buildable, this tinted SPF 50 sunscreen provides a natural finish that makes skin look healthier and more even with just one layer. Along with mineral and chemical protection, it’s also formulated with hyaluronic-acid-infused clay to help balance the skin’s oil and hydration levels. Plus, the ingredient ectoin is key in shielding your face from external stressors like pollution and radiation.
One satisfied customer writes: “This is the best skin tint on the market right now. Looks like skin, but better. Wears beautifully and you don’t need to powder if you have dry skin. Natural finish and not too dewy, just a perfect finish!” —TalyiaSharnise
Expert Pick
SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34
Pros
- Contains antioxidants
Cons
- Only one shade
SkinMedica’s Total Defense + Repair SPF 34 is a personal favorite for Jeanine B. Downie, a board-certified dermatologist based in Montclair, New Jersey. In addition to evening skin tone, the chemical sunscreen is enhanced with an antioxidant complex that helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture over time.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have tried many other broad-spectrum sunscreens at the advice of my dermatologist. This one is by far the best! It’s extremely lightweight and spreads evenly with ease. The fact that it’s tinted is wonderful. I don’t have to wear heavy makeup after applying this tinted sunscreen because the coverage is so good. This is a huge plus during the hot and humid months of the year!” —Cindy
Best Reef-Friendly
Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad-Spectrum SPF 36
Pros
- Adds a pretty glow
Cons
- Only one shade
This popular pick is another of Downie’s favorites. It’s hydrating, fragrance-free, reef-safe, and provides a long-lasting tint to boot. Its mineral-based formula offers broad-spectrum sun protection and is even water-resistant for up to 40 minutes—a bonus if you plan to exercise outdoors this spring and summer.
One satisfied customer writes: “I have used this for over two years. It is light and protective and gives my skin a bright and dewy glow. I love it!” —Elizabeth M
Best Shade Range
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Foundation
Pros
- 17 shades
Cons
- Some users felt the shades ran a little warm
Here’s a tinted mineral sunscreen that is perfect for anyone in search of a sun protection product with serious coverage benefits. SunnyDays’ buildable SPF 30–infused formula looks and feels like a lightweight liquid foundation (only better) and is perfect for masking redness and reducing the appearance of dark spots while allowing your natural skin to shine through. And since it’s made without alcohol and fragrance, it’s also a good match for sensitive and reactive skin types.
One satisfied customer writes: “I love this product! For someone with sensitive, acne-prone skin and hyperpigmentation issues, it’s a win-win. Honestly I break out from everything, and this does not have any comedogenic ingredients. It’s perfection!” —justbsoulful
Best for Glow
Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50
Pros
- 4 shades
- Contains vitamin C
This glow-boosting SPF 50 mineral sunscreen provides both immediate and long-term benefits. Its golden, universal tint delivers on dewiness without the shimmer to leave your face looking ultra-radiant. Plus, vitamin C and niacinamide work overtime to even skin’s tone and shield against blue light and UV rays.
One satisfied customer writes: “Love this stuff!! It’s beautiful on its own and gives a beautiful glow. When I wear makeup with it, it’s a great primer!” —sheeba84
Best for Melanated Skin
Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50
Pros
- 11 shades
Cons
- Some users don’t love the scent
Thanks to this SPF’s hyaluronic acid and sea buckthorn oil formula, dry skin is met with an extra dose of hydration and plumpness. Available in 10 versatile shades, it uses non-nano zinc oxide to protect skin against harmful rays without leaving behind a white cast. Another key quality: The sunscreen also happens to be both water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes (but, of course, don’t forget to reapply).
One satisfied customer writes: “A lot of tints I’ve tried are either too watery or too oily. This skin tint is the perfect in-between. It leaves me so glowy, and I just add some powder on top if I want a softer finish. LOVEEEEE.” —Sophia
Best for Oily Skin
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50
Pros
- Also protects from blue light
Cons
- Only one shade
On top of providing SPF 50–level sun and blue light protection, this beloved routine staple also helps reduce common oily skin issues. The jack-of-all-trades product minimizes pores, absorbs excess oil, and nicely provides a matte finish.
One satisfied customer writes: “I use this product every day! It sits well on top of my moisturizer and does not appear heavy on my skin. Though it is matte, it does not dry out my skin.” —Fallon B
Best Chemical Formula
ZO Skin Health Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Now 24% Off
Pros
- Self-adjusting tint
Cons
- Only one shade
If you prefer a chemical sunscreen formula, consider this top pick from ZO Skin Health. It uses SPF 50 to guard against UVA and UVB rays, as well as HEV light—better known as the blue light emitted by your phone and laptop. Its non-greasy, creamy formula is also infused with an antioxidant complex featuring vitamins A, C, and E, which protects skin from environmental aggressors for up to 12 hours. The “smart tone” in its name refers to the formula’s self-adjusting tint that complements and color-corrects most skin tones.
One satisfied customer writes: “Purchased for honeymoon trip to Jamaica where I knew, due to heat, I wouldn’t want to wear a lot of makeup. However, I definitely wanted protection from the sun. This product was exactly what I needed!” —Rebecca D.
Best Drugstore SPF
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen With Sheer Tint SPF 30
Now 13% Off
Pros
- Three shades
- Great price
Cons
- Can feel a bit oily on the skin
This budget-friendly pick retails under $15 and is available at most local drugstores, which comes in handy when you forget to pack sunscreen. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it’s a great option for dry skin types or anyone generally looking to add more moisturizing products to their routine. As a bonus, the sunscreen has even earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
One satisfied customer writes: “I really like this tinted moisturizer! It gives a little coverage and doesn’t leave my skin feeling cakey at all. At first it does look a bit greasy, but after a few minutes, that goes away. I have VERY sensitive skin, and this does not break me out or anything! Definitely recommend!” —Lindsey
Best Under Makeup
Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Pros
- Two flexible shades
Cons
- Some users found it to be too warm
Housed in vibrant peach-and-pink packaging, this mineral sunscreen from Kosas looks great alone or can create the perfect canvas for base makeup. Another thoughtful design touch is the tube’s skinny applicator nozzle, which helps you dispense just the right amount of product. Its peach pigment aims to brighten skin while seamlessly offsetting the white cast of zinc oxide.
One satisfied customer writes: “The best thing about this is the tiny applicator. It ensures it doesn’t dispense too much like other brands, and is easier to control. I love the glow and moisturizing effect it gives too. This needs to be more hyped!” —hana2
Best for Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Isdin Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50
Pros
- Contains peptides and antioxidants
Cons
- Only one shade
Experts often recommend Isdin’s bestsellers, so it’s no surprise this mineral sunscreen from the brand is on our list. In addition to preventing future sun damage and premature signs of aging, its SPF 50 mineral formula uses peptides and antioxidants to repair existing sun damage and wrinkles. It has a super-luxurious, silky consistency that absorbs quickly, feels relatively weightless, and best of all, doesn’t leave behind a white cast.
One satisfied customer writes: “I use this product as part of my daily morning skincare routine. It is lightweight with a pleasant fragrance, and I like the added color tint.” —Carol
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Jeanine B. Downie is a board-certified dermatologist and director of Image Dermatology PC in Montclair, New Jersey.
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner is a board-certified dermatologist, an associate professor of dermatology, and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
What are the benefits of tinted sunscreen?
On top of protecting skin from UVA/UVB rays and blue light, the pigment in tinted sunscreen helps provide a light level of coverage. For some, tinted sunscreen may completely replace a base makeup product like foundation or concealer. “Tinted sunscreen is a sunscreen that has a bit of color/added pigments to add a sheer tint to it,” Downie notes. “The benefit of tinted sunscreen is, you do not have to put on bronzer or foundation.”
What should you look for in a tinted sunscreen?
The most important characteristic to look for in a tinted sunscreen is sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection with an SPF 30 or higher. If you’re shopping for a tinted sunscreen, Downie recommends looking for a product with a tint that complements your complexion.
If you’re looking for a tinted sunscreen that doubles as a foundation, make sure the product promises some level of coverage. “When choosing a sunscreen, look for one that provides additional benefits that address your skin’s needs, whether it is to brighten, hydrate, reduce shine, or mattify the skin,” Zeichner adds. “Many of these products bridge the line between skincare and makeup.”
How much tinted sunscreen should you apply?
To get the full SPF protection listed on the label, tinted sunscreen should be applied just like regular sunscreen. For the face, Zeichner recommends applying about a quarter-sized dollop. You should also reapply every two hours if you’re going outdoors, or more frequently if you’re sweating or going in water. Remember to check your sunscreen’s label to see how long the formula is water-resistant.
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