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Key ingredients: zinc oxide (9.5%), hyaluronic acid, sea buckthorn oil, Indian gooseberry | Who it’s for: all skin types | Shades: 11 | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find the best tinted sunscreen shade for my skin tone
As much as we love these glow-inducing formulas, the biggest caveat when it comes to tinted sunscreens is the lack of inclusive colors, with most being optimal for light-to-medium skin tones. That said, several brands are getting it right and checking all the boxes in terms of protection, texture-blurring, and shade range. To find the best tinted sunscreens across all shade ranges, our diverse team of editors put the most popular formulas currently on the market to the test, and the above ranked high on our list of go-tos.
Like shades, tinted sunscreens also come in different formulas (liquid, cream, and powder), finishes (dewy, matte, and satin), and coverage levels (sheer, medium, and full). So whether you’re looking for a fabulous skin-care-makeup-hybrid product or just want to double up on your SPF, tinted sunscreens are the answer.
SPF ratings and UV filters are important considerations as well. Tinted sunscreens range from SPF 15 (below the American Academy of Dermatology’s minimum recommendation of SPF 30) to 50. Then, there are mineral, chemical, and hybrid formulas to test and choose between, based on your skin type and personal preferences. “[Mineral sunscreens] typically contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which create a white cast on the skin,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, explains. However, Dr. Green adds, the white cast represents a physical barrier—albeit a very unflattering one, especially on darker skin tones—and indicates that the sunscreen is working. That’s where tinted SPF formulas come in—they provide all the broad-spectrum protection without a white, ashy finish.
How to apply tinted sunscreen
Like any sunscreen you wear, we recommend applying AAD’s recommended amount of one ounce on your entire body—remember, every inch of your skin is susceptible to the damaging effects of UV rays. With that being said, we assume you’ll apply your tinted sunscreen only to your face (but it can be used anywhere!), so if that’s the case, New York-based board-certified dermatologist Carmen Castilla, MD, told Allure to follow the “two-finger method.” Simply dispense your sunscreen along the length of your pointer and middle fingers to ensure your face and neck have a proper layer of UV protection. “There really is no harm in applying extra sunscreen, so if you are unsure that you are adequately protected, just apply some more,” Dr. Castilla said.
Meet the experts
- James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
- Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York
- Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product that’s included in the review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
