When it comes to picking a sunscreen for your face, tinted formulas offer an array of benefits. They can provide a light touch to help disguise imperfections such as dark spots and redness while also protecting your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. The sheer color of a tinted sunscreen is a fantastic option when you want a touch of coverage without putting on a full face of makeup. On the other hand, they can serve as the first step in your daily makeup routine by providing a smooth base for other products. “With all-mineral formulas, tinted sunscreens have the added benefit of offsetting the white cast that mineral filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can naturally have on your skin,” says board-certified dermatologist and LovelySkin CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger. Ready to give tinted sunscreen a try? Here are five of our favorites.
One of the best tinted facial sunscreens for normal, dry or sensitive skin, this formula provides a hydrating, dewy finish with a radiant, universal tint that adapts to your skin tone. All mineral UV filters—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—provide broad-spectrum protection for your skin with a smooth, lightweight liquid texture.
If you prefer a matte finish, this is the best tinted face sunscreen for you in the SkinCeuticals lineup. It has a sheer universal tint and a silicone base to help reduce the appearance of large pores, absorb excess oil and reduce shine throughout the day. It also provides 100% mineral broad-spectrum sun protection with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. You can wear it alone for a no-makeup look or use it as your primer step for a full face of makeup.
This multi-benefit face lotion is one of the best tinted sunscreens for your face if you have discoloration. A blend of four UV filters (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene) provides broad-spectrum protection for your face. In addition, it contains niacinamide to help improve existing discoloration such as dark spots and uneven tone while tranexamic acid and phenylethyl resorcinol help minimize future discoloration from forming on your skin. In a twelve-week clinical study, users saw a 24% improvement in visible discoloration on their skin. With a barely there universal tint and a touch of mica, a mineral known for its subtle sparkle, your skin is left instantly radiant and ready to start your day.
If you’re seeking big sun protection in a small package, this is one of the best tinted mineral sunscreens to tuck into your pocket or belt bag. A universal tint helps blur the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone while titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. You’ll also get added protection from Cell-Ox shield, an antioxidant complex that helps prevent free radical damage such as skin discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles.
One of the best tinted mineral sunscreens for the face, this 100% physical sunscreen relies on titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum UV protection. It has an extra-light liquid texture and a subtle tint that blends best with lighter skin tones. It provides eighty minutes of water-resistance and dries with a slight shimmer that’s not shiny or greasy.
Are you looking to improve your skin care routine but still keep things simple? You can learn how to take a minimalist approach to your skin care routine with SkinCeuticals.