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Mineral versus chemical, cream versus oil, ideal SPF filter—there are many factors to consider when shopping for the best sunscreen. But of all the questions posed, the latest discourse has been around tinted versus un-tinted, which is better?
Vogue’s Favorite Tinted Sunscreens
- The Natural Finish: Merit The Uniform Tinted Sunscreen, $38
- The Drugstore Find: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Light Fluid Sunscreen, $40
- The Mature Skin Pick: Dr. Few Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, $85
- The High SPF: Supergoop! Protect(tint) Daily SPF Tint, $44
- The K-Beauty Favorite: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF 40, $20
- The Glowing One: Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40 PA++++, $40
“I wouldn’t say that tinted sunscreens are overall better than traditional sunscreens (as a dermatologist, getting patients to regularly apply any sunscreen is a win!), but I will say that tinted sunscreens are better for certain skin needs than other kinds of sunscreens,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman tells Vogue, and fellow dermatologist Dr. Elyse Love agrees. “Tinted sunscreens are similar to their un-tinted counterparts from an SPF filter perspective, but they contain added pigment in the formula—typically composed of iron oxide and pigmentary titanium dioxide,” which she says provides visible light protection. “This is particularly relevant for darker skin tones. Visible light can cause and worsen pigmentation in darker skin tones.”
Basically, as nurse practitioner Catie Boucher explains, the iron oxides that give the tint, act as a physical barrier on the skin to reflect and scatter visible light. “More specifically, iron oxides also shield against another component of visible light called blue light,” she says. “We know that blue light can stimulate pigment cells known as melanocytes, which can lead to pigmentation disorders such as melasma. When it comes to treating and preventing pigment disorders, it takes a village. Choosing a tinted sunscreen provides another layer of protection that is much needed.” So, anyone with deeper skin tones or pigmentation prone (be it melasma, post-acne scarring, or sun spots) should consider working in a tinted sunscreen instead. And there’s a wealth of evidence to support it, too. Hartman cites a 2022 research study, for example, that demonstrates using tinted sunscreen as an effective strategy in reducing melasma.
Naturally, narrow, “universal” shade ranges pose a challenge to finding an appropriate tint; a limitation and an outdated norm the industry is finally moving away from. In recent years, thoughtful reformulations of the best tinted sunscreens have coincided with more expansive offerings, taking into account varied undertones and shades from fair to deep. Merit’s latest, The Uniform, features 15 shades, mirroring those of its beloved The Minimalist complexion stick. It’s a similar story across the pond for Beauty of Joseon’s tinted serum, offering 12 shades in an impressive range. Even La Roche-Posay recently introduced three new shades to its classic Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40+—now offering Medium, Medium Deep, and Deep alongside a separate universal tint. And for those more interested in a glow, options by iNNBeauty Project and Kosas work to illuminate and bronze the complexion, adding a radiant gleam in lieu of a traditional complexion-evening tint.
Shade aside, the actual composition of your tinted sunscreen is of equal importance. Non-comedogenic formulas are very important to Beverly Hills-based esthetician and founder of Shani Darden Skin Care, Shani Darden. “I actually researched to find as many non-comedogenic tinted sunscreens as I could find, and I have a whole PDF!,” she says. “Most mineral-based formulas have oils in them which can contribute to congestion and breakouts, so I steer clear of those for myself and when recommending to clients.” Merit’s, for what it’s worth, is oil-free and non-comedogenic, per Darden’s point, as is Colorescience’s Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50—known for its innovative color-matching technology. “Ideally your sunscreen would also have hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can help add a boost of moisture to the skin and also make the sunscreen more cosmetically elegant,” Dr. Hartman adds.
And as usual, opt for something with at least an SPF of 30 with broad-spectrum coverage to ensure you’re adequately shielded from UV rays. “The ’2 fingers’ for the face or ‘3 fingers’ for the face and neck is a good, easy application technique,” Love says. “If the user finds that this provides too heavy of a coverage, they should look for a tinted sunscreen with a more sheer tint.” According to Dr. Hartman, just be sure to apply at least 15 minutes before sun exposure to be safe.
Below, a look at Vogue’s favorite tinted sunscreens that blend efficacy with weightless coverage.
Meet the Experts
- Catie Boucher, FNP-C, DCNP, is a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner and founder of SavvyDerm.
- Shani Darden is a Beverly Hills–based esthetician and founder of Shani Darden Skin Care.
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Dr. Elyse Love is a New York City–based and board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic treatments with a holistic approach to skin wellness.
