The Best Tinted Sunscreens for full coverage with SPF Benefits

Sunscreen is one of the most important skincare products that everyone, no matter how old or young you are, should use daily to protect your skin (the largest organ in your body) from sun damage, which can cause melanoma, dark spots, and premature aging. Many sunscreen formulas used to leave a chalky white residue on your face, but not anymore. Enter tinted sunscreens.

Our top picks for the best tinted sunscreens

Like eye creams, tinted moisturizers, and other skin care products, the number of choices on the market for this type of sunscreen can be dizzying. “There are many tinted sunscreen products available on the market nowadays,” says Robert Cohen MD, a cosmetic physician and professor at UCLA Schools of Medicine and Public Health. “You want one with 40 to 50 SPF, and I like the ones with zinc and titanium oxide,” he says.

Another tip Dr. Cohen shares is to look up products on the EWG.org website to find out more about it before you put it on your face. “Tinted sunscreens are great, but you want to make sure what you are using will protect, not harm, your skin,” he says.

How we chose the best tinted sunscreens

We analyzed the ingredients and reviewed all our products' SPF levels. By fact checking, talking to skin care experts and doctors, personally testing, and scouring hundreds of reviews, we selected our top picks from various retailers. Our comprehensive list covers tinted sunscreen options for all complexions.

What to consider when buying tinted sunscreen

When shopping for tinted sunscreen, check the SPF amount first. Also, since tinted sunscreen is also a cosmetic, consider if you want a sheer tint or a tint close to your complexion. Price is also a consideration—because you need to reapply tinted sunscreens every two hours, you may need to replace this product often, so it should be affordable for your budget.

The best way to apply tinted sunscreen

First, wash your face and apply your everyday skincare products. Sunscreen works as a barrier, so you want to make sure it goes on last. Always use your hands to apply tinted sunscreen to make sure you get enough of it onto your face to protect your skin.

Dot the product on your face focusing on the nose, forehead, cheeks, and chin. Just like when you use corrective cream or foundation, smear the tinted sunscreen in long, smooth strokes and go up to the hairline so your forehead is fully protected. Blend all the sunscreen in, and remember to check all sides of your face and apply to the neck and chest, too.

What is tinted sunscreen, and what does it do?

Tinted sunscreens use added pigments to create a shade that mimics various skin tones. They’re formulated with minerals, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, to filter out the sun’s damaging rays. This combination of ingredients creates tinted sunscreen. Sunscreens tinted with pigment color protect against sun and blue light damage and give you a slightly sunkissed look without exposing you to harmful rays.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which brand of tinted sunscreen is best?

There are many great brands of tinted sunscreen available, but for full sun protection, look for one with an SPF of at least 40 or 50.

Are tinted sunscreens good?

Most tinted sunscreens are safe to use and protect against sun damage. “Tinted sunscreen is a revolutionary product that goes beyond traditional sun protection,” shares Cohen. “By incorporating iron oxides, it offers enhanced protection against blue light, preventing age-related skin damage and excess pigmentation.”

Is tinted sunscreen better than regular sunscreen?

Interestingly, Cohen says some tinted sunscreens may do a better job of blocking blue light than regular sunscreen because of the tint’s reflective properties. Choose one with a high SPF to ensure adequate coverage against UVB rays, plus make sure it offers broad-spectrum coverage.

How often should you apply tinted sunscreen?

All sunscreens, tinted or not, should be applied before you go out and reapplied every two hours. You may need to reapply more often if you are swimming or sweating.

Does tinted sunscreen look like foundation?

Some tinted sunscreens provide more coverage than others, depending on the brand. Overall, tinted sunscreens can even out skin tone and create a smooth matte texture, similar to makeup like foundation or concealer.