9 Best Tinted Sunscreens of 2025, Approved by Beauty Editors
Discover editor-tested tinted sunscreens that blend skincare protection, hydration, and coverage for every skin type and tone.
When it comes to sun protection, why settle for just one benefit? The latest wave of tinted sunscreens delivers broad-spectrum SPF alongside customizable coverage and nourishing skincare ingredients. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, there’s a formula for your needs—and you won’t have to layer foundation on top. Ready to swap your old SPF for a multitasking upgrade? Here are the top editor-approved tinted sunscreens of 2025, reviewed for coverage, skin feel, and finish.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Tinted Sunscreen?
- Our Top Picks for 2025
- How to Choose the Right Tinted Sunscreen
- Application and Pro Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Tinted Sunscreen?
Tinted sunscreens are hybrid heroes, offering both sun protection and just enough coverage to help you skip foundation or BB cream entirely. Here’s why they’re a must-have in your routine:
- Broad-spectrum protection: Shields against both UVA and UVB rays, helping prevent sun damage and premature aging.
- Even skin tone: Sheer to medium coverage formulas blur redness, hyperpigmentation, and blemishes.
- Adaptable finish: Many tints come in multiple shades, offering options for various undertones and skin colors.
- Boosted defense: Some use iron oxides, which provide added protection against visible light—a trigger for hyperpigmentation in many skin tones.
- Extra skincare: Modern formulas often include hydrating and soothing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and niacinamide.
Our Top Picks for the Best Tinted Sunscreens of 2025
Our beauty editors tested dozens of formulas to bring you this definitive list. Each pick is evaluated for SPF protection, wearability, shade range, skincare benefits, and overall value.
1. Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50
- SPF: 50
- Type: Mineral and chemical
- Number of shades: 14
Supergoop’s cult-favorite Protec(tint) Skin Tint offers lightweight, buildable coverage that blurs imperfections while providing high-level sun protection. Its formula is hydrating but non-greasy, suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. The pigment blends seamlessly using just your fingers and delivers a breathable, ‘your skin-but-better’ finish. The range of 14 shades raises the bar for inclusivity, and many find their ideal match with ease.
Pros:
- Easy to blend and build up coverage
- Hydrating formula minimizes step in morning routine
- Friendly to acne-prone and sensitive skin
Cons:
- Shades trend slightly warm—finding an exact match may require testing
Editor’s note: “This sunscreen makes my morning routine so much easier. Just apply, and my skin looks even and protected right away.”
2. EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen
- SPF: 46
- Type: Mineral and chemical
- Shades: 2
Dermatologist-recommended for its gentle, lightweight feel, EltaMD UV Clear is the go-to for acne-prone and sensitive skin types. Enriched with niacinamide, it soothes inflammation and supports clear skin, making it a frequent favorite on social media (and for celebs like Hailey Bieber). The formula blends invisibly, even on deeper skin tones, making it a great choice for a wide range of users.
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Pros:
- Lightweight, non-greasy texture
- Soothes and calms redness
- Broad-spectrum protection plus targeted skincare
Cons:
- Only two shades available
- Not hydrating enough for very dry skin (try EltaMD’s UV Daily Tinted for a richer formula)
3. DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46
- SPF: 46
- Type: Mineral and chemical
- Shade: Universal (sheer tint)
This hybrid moisturizer and sunscreen offers dewy coverage ideal for dry, combination, and mature skin types. The formula features niacinamide, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid, so it blurs imperfections while hydrating and brightening the complexion. While marketed as ‘universal,’ the shade will be too light for deep skin tones.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight and comfortable
- Hydrates and treats skin while protecting
- Imparts soft, dewy finish
Cons:
- Single tint not suited for all skin tones
4. Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer SPF 35
- SPF: 35
- Type: Mineral and chemical
- Shades: 14
This hydrating, clean-beauty tinted sunscreen stands out for how easily it glides onto skin and its impressive hydration, owing to ingredients like squalane and hyaluronic acid. Its sheer but buildable coverage leaves skin plump and radiant instead of dry or cakey.
Pros:
- Natural, dewy finish
- Hydrating formula with squalane and hyaluronic acid
- Broad, inclusive shade range
Cons:
- Dewy finish may be too glowy for oily skin
5. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Sheer Tint Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 45
- SPF: 45
- Type: Mineral and chemical
- Shades: Multiple
This multitasker combines high SPF, ample hydration from hyaluronic acid, and a soft, natural tint. The formula’s lightweight texture means it absorbs quickly and never feels heavy or greasy. Particularly suited for normal and dry skin types.
Pros:
- Moisturizing and plumping thanks to hyaluronic acid
- Comfortable for all-day wear
Cons:
- Sheer coverage won’t conceal major imperfections
6. Tower 28 SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
- SPF: 30
- Type: Mineral only
- Shades: 14
A 100% mineral sunscreen, Tower 28’s formula is uniquely tailored for sensitive skin types, including those prone to eczema. Coverage is sheer but evens out tone beautifully, and the lightweight formula is free of fragrance, alcohol, and gluten. Great for daily makeup-free looks.
Pros:
- Gentle, allergy-tested formula
- Good shade variety
- Free from irritants
Cons:
- Lower SPF compared to others on the list
7. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
- SPF: 50
- Type: Mineral only
- Shade: Universal
This silky, fluid sunscreen delivers potent UV protection with a lightweight feel and a subtle tint that blends across a spectrum of light to medium skin tones. The formula is water-resistant, non-comedogenic, and good for daily use—even under makeup.
Pros:
- Water-resistant up to 40 minutes
- Sheer tint for easy blending
- Sensitive skin-friendly
Cons:
- Only one universal shade—not suitable for deep skin tones
8. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
- SPF: 40
- Type: Mineral only
- Shades: 30+
This best-selling formula is a serum and sunscreen in one, offering a high concentration of skincare actives (including niacinamide, squalane, and hyaluronic acid) alongside customizable, dewy coverage. It’s vegan, non-comedogenic, and blends well for all but especially dry or combination skin. ILIA’s shade range is one of the widest on the market.
Pros:
- Huge variety of shades
- Buildable coverage, dewy finish
- Rich in skincare actives
Cons:
- May be too radiant for oily skin
9. Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- SPF: 30
- Type: Chemical
- Shades: Invisible (goes on clear, suitable for all skin tones)
While not truly tinted, Hydra Vizor’s unique clear formula was included for users wanting glow without color. Lightweight, ultra-hydrating, and packed with antioxidants like niacinamide and baobab, it protects while leaving a radiant, non-whitecast finish especially suited for deep and dark skin.
Pros:
- Invisible on all skin tones
- Rich in antioxidants
- Can be worn alone or under makeup
Cons:
- Lower SPF compared to physical blockers
Comparison Table: Key Features at a Glance
| Brand | SPF | Type | Shade Range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supergoop! Protec(tint) | 50 | Mineral/Chemical | 14 | Oily/Combination |
| EltaMD UV Clear | 46 | Mineral/Chemical | 2 | Sensitive/Acne-prone |
| DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer | 46 | Mineral/Chemical | 1 (universal) | Dry/Normal |
| Saie Slip Tint | 35 | Mineral/Chemical | 14 | Dry/Normal |
| Peter Thomas Roth Hyaluronic Cloud | 45 | Mineral/Chemical | Multiple | Dry/Sensitive |
| Tower 28 SunnyDays | 30 | Mineral only | 14 | Sensitive/Allergy-prone |
| SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion | 50 | Mineral only | 1 (universal) | Sensitive, Light/Medium |
| ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint | 40 | Mineral only | 30+ | Dry/Combination |
| Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor | 30 | Chemical | Invisible | All skin tones |
How to Choose the Right Tinted Sunscreen
Different tinted sunscreens are formulated for different needs. Here’s how to find your perfect match:
- Skin Type: Oily and acne-prone types benefit from lightweight, oil-free formulas with niacinamide; dry types should look for hydrating bases with hyaluronic acid and squalane.
- Chemical vs. Mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sunscreens are best for sensitive skin and offer instant protection; chemical (avobenzone, octinoxate) absorbs smoothly and suits most complexions.
- Shade Range: Choose from brands offering a wide variety of tones and undertones, especially for deeper or very light skin.
- Coverage: Sheer formulas subtly even tone; medium-to-full coverage doubles as lightweight foundation for no-makeup days.
- Finish: Dewy formulas add glow (great for dry skin); matte and natural finishes keep oily skin shine-free.
Tinted Sunscreen Application Tips
- Use enough: Apply the same amount as regular SPF—about two full finger lengths for your face.
- Blend well: Most tints blend best with fingers for a natural finish; some favor sponge or brush for extra coverage.
- Reapply: Reapply every two hours when outdoors, or after sweating and swimming.
- Layer smartly: If you layer additional SPF on top, apply tinted sunscreen first. Powder and concealer may be added afterward, but keep layers light to avoid pilling.
- Don’t skip moisturizer: If you have dry skin, layer a hydrating moisturizer underneath.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is tinted sunscreen?
Tinted sunscreen is a sun protection product that contains added pigment, designed to even out skin tone while offering SPF coverage. Most formulas also layer in skincare ingredients for hydration, brightening, or soothing benefits.
Can tinted sunscreen replace foundation?
Many tinted sunscreens offer enough coverage to substitute for lightweight foundation or BB cream, especially for natural and no-makeup looks. For more formal occasions, you can use them as a primer under makeup.
Is tinted sunscreen suitable for all skin types?
Yes. The current crop is formulated for every skin type, from oily and acne-prone to dry and sensitive. The key is to look for formulas targeting your specific needs and desired finish.
How often should I reapply tinted sunscreen?
SPF rules still apply: reapply at least every two hours when in direct sunlight or after swimming or sweating, even if you rely on tinted formulas.
Will tinted sunscreen leave a white cast?
Quality tinted sunscreens should not leave a white cast. Brands with inclusive shade ranges and transparent formulas are best for avoiding this issue, especially for deeper skin tones.
Are mineral or chemical tinted sunscreens better?
Mineral formulas are often recommended for very sensitive skin or those seeking reef-safe options, while chemical formulas tend to disappear more rapidly and work better under makeup. The best choice depends on your skin’s tolerance and personal preferences.
Final Thoughts
The tinted sunscreens of 2025 combine the ease of makeup with robust UV protection and skin-loving ingredients, making it easier than ever to stay sun-safe and confident. From sheer finishes to foundation-like coverage, there’s a match for every complexion and lifestyle. Remember to choose a formula that best fits your skin type and daily preferences for maximum benefit.
References
- https://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/g36174698/best-tinted-sunscreen/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g36559905/best-tinted-sunscreen/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/a64842184/merit-the-uniform-spf-review/
- https://cayskin.com/blogs/news/cosmopolitan-2
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/gallery/top-tier-tinted-sunscreens-you-need-right-now
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