We tested 12 tinted sunscreens. These 2 provided the most natural, skin-enhancing finish

CNN

07-08-2025

The best tinted sunscreens we tested
Best tinted sunscreen: Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50
Best mineral tinted sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF 40 A great tinted sunscreen does double duty as a skin care essential and a seamless base for your complexion. These SPFs can go beyond your average face sunscreens and toe the line between makeup and sun protection.
But finding a tinted sunscreen that feels nice to apply, works for different skin tones and provides adequate coverage is tricky. That's why we found four CNN Underscored editors who were up to the task of testing 12 popular formulas to find the best tinted sunscreens for your routine. And while sunscreen is certainly top of mind during summer, I'll never miss an opportunity to remind you that it's a year-round essential, and these picks will benefit you throughout all seasons.
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Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50
We loved the natural finish and seamless application of this broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen. It's a hybrid formula that uses both mineral and chemical sunscreen filters.
Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen SPF 40
This Korean sunscreen has a serum-like texture that is light and offers just enough coverage for an enhanced complexion. While we wish it came in more shades, the current offerings are flexible enough to work with a variety of tones. Supergoop! is one of our go-to sunscreen brands, and this tinted SPF didn't disappoint. Digital content strategist Madison Yerke tested the Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint and confirmed that it's a great finishing touch to her skin care routine.
'This formula is lightweight and seamlessly blended into my skin,' Yerke said. It stands apart from the other products we tested because it's a hybrid formula, using both chemical (homosalate and octisalate) and mineral (zinc oxide) filters to create a lighter, smoother texture. It also contains ectoin, a hydrating and soothing ingredient, as well as hyaluronic acid-infused clay to help with oil control.
Another highlight was the shade range that includes different undertones and 14 total options. Yerke felt like the 30W Medium Golden shade was spot-on for her skin, making it foolproof to blend and apply. With light coverage, it enhanced and evened her skin while adding a glowy finish. Yerke thought the $44 price point seemed high for the 1.18-ounce bottle, but its skin care-packed formula and gorgeous finish made it worth the value.
Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skin care brand that went viral for its sunscreen. This year, it launched the Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen, its first 100% mineral-tinted SPF. For those prone to hyperpigmentation and melasma, a mineral-based sunscreen may be even more favorable, as some studies have shown that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide filters are better at blocking visible light, which worsens those conditions. Mineral sunscreen is generally the safest choice for sensitive skin types too.
Made with zinc oxide, the Beauty of Joseon skin tint has a silky, fluid formula that gives sheer coverage. I prefer a natural finish when wearing foundation or tinted moisturizers, and I found this formula to give just that. It's in the sweet spot just between makeup and sunscreen. Because it's so light, it layers well both on top of my vitamin C serum and daytime moisturizer and underneath my other makeup, like blush and bronzer.
The Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen comes in 12 shades, which is a good start, but the range could be broader. As I got a bit of a tan during testing, I found myself between LN110 and LP110, so I'd mix the two shades. Since the product is only $20 — less than half the price of Supergoop! and some others we tested — I can justify buying two shades to find or create the best fit.
The assortment of products we tested includes dermatologist-recommended formulas, internet-loved skin tints and drugstore standbys. We had four CNN Underscored staffers try at least two formulas each, evaluating each product after multiple uses over two weeks. Our testers have a range of skin types and differing familiarity with tinted sunscreens. Here are the criteria we took note of.
Formula: Did the formula feel light or heavy on the skin? Was it comfortable? Did it layer well with other products?
Coverage: Some tinted sunscreens have a touch of pigment just to combat any white cast, while others provide coverage similar to foundation or tinted moisturizer. Which category did yours fall into? Did it have enough coverage to replace your foundation?
Finish: Did it leave your skin looking matte, dewy, oily or something else?
Re-application: Sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day, but this isn't always possible over makeup. If you did reapply your formula, was this process easy? How did it look after?
Value: Do you think it's worth the price? Would you buy it again?
Kosas DreamBeam SPF 40
This viral sunscreen is lightweight and comes in two flexible shades: the original DreamBeam for lighter tones and DreamBeam Sunlit for darker shades. Besides protecting from the sun, it has peptides, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin.Read our review Kosas' DreamBeam earned top scores from senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus, but testing writer Michelle Rae Uy reviewed it for another story and found it to be incompatible with her sensitive skin. The zinc oxide-based SPF has a watery consistency that Kraus said 'was super easy to blend, lightweight and it made me look like I just got back from the beach and like I didn't snooze my alarm three times.'
Kraus tested it after getting a tan on a trip to Miami, Florida, and opted for the Sunlit shade, which was nearly an identical match to her current skin tone. 'I normally finish off my tinted SPF with bronzer and blush (and sometimes highlighter) but felt this formula covered all my steps in one swoop, so all I needed was mascara and I was ready for the day!' she said. Kraus loved the glowy, bronzy finish of the tinted SPF, which lasted all day. Because it replaced multiple steps in her makeup routine, she felt the $40 price tag was worth it.
Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
This unique formula has color-changing pigments that create a medium-coverage tint. Since I first tested the SPF last year, Colorescience has added two additional shades. Read our review Colorescience's Face Shield Flex sunscreen is truly unlike other tinted SPFs. The serum-like formula comes out of the bottle white, and as you blend it in with your fingers, the iron oxide pigments change colors to create a flexible tinted shade with no white cast in sight. When I originally reviewed Face Shield Flex, I tested the Medium shade, which was the second lightest shade at the time. It wasn't a perfect match for my skin and erred more olive-toned after the formula was blended and oxidized. This time around, I tested the new Light shade, which is between the lightest Fair shade and Medium, and found it to be a much better match.
It isn't the lightest or most comfortable formula I've tried, especially if you're applying the recommended nickel-sized amount to get enough SPF coverage, so it lost some points there. The tinted sunscreen provides foundation-like coverage, however, so it's a great option if you're looking for a buildable base for your makeup. Because it doubles as a foundation, it'll save you a step in your routine. This, along with the innovative formula, also justifies the higher price point.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50
La Roche-Posay's dermatologist-approved formula is another 100% mineral tinted SPF that recently got a shade expansion. The original Tinted shade provided enough pigment to cancel out white cast for lighter skin, and now Medium, Medium-Deep and Deep shades offer a better match for deeper tones. I tested this formula in Tinted and also enlisted my partner to try the Medium shade. As someone with medium to deep skin, my partner prefers tinted formulas if he's using a mineral SPF, since white cast easily shows on him. He liked that the La Roche-Posay tinted sunscreen didn't look or feel like wearing makeup. The fluid formula is oil-free, safe for sensitive skin and infused with additional antioxidant protection.
We both found our respective shades to be sheer, although the shade match could've been a bit better for me. With my summer tan, I'm somewhere in between Tinted and Medium, and I would sometimes mix the two. I also thought it felt a bit heavy after layering on the appropriate amount (two finger-lengths' worth) for adequate SPF coverage. Similar to the other formulas I tested, I always needed to wash my hands after applying the tinted sunscreen because a decent amount of pigment stayed on my fingers. While similar in consistency to the winning Beauty of Joseon formula, the limited shades and higher price point kept this SPF in the middle of the pack.
e.l.f. Skin Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30
This e.l.f. Skin drugstore product was one of the most affordable sunscreens we tested. It's more of a primer than a tinted moisturizer, and we liked the glowy finish and how easy it was to layer with makeup. Updates writer Ellen McAlpine loved the radiant finish of this chemical SPF but noted that the three shades it comes in are just a choice between cool, warm or tan, rather than a correcting color to hide blemishes, redness or dark circles. This makes sense for the product, since it's described as a primer; you can easily layer a concealer, tinted moisturizer or foundation over it.
'I did like layering this under my concealer for a lighter coverage look that gave my skin a dewy, hydrated look,' McAlpine said. 'This is something I think I'll wear ahead of beach or pool days with friends, when I don't mind wearing minimal makeup but want just a touch of glow.' She thought it was easy to reapply on those minimal product days, but it would be too messy to reapply on days when she wore more makeup on top.
In addition to its radiance, McAlpine appreciated that the formula included hyaluronic acid and squalane, which helped keep her skin stay moisturized throughout the day.
Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
This tinted sunscreen easily doubles as a buildable foundation, and it's available in 17 shades. It's recommended by makeup artists and is a true makeup-skin care hybrid. Tower 28's SunnyDays was the most makeup-like tinted SPF we tested, making it a great option for those looking for a multipurpose product. Best of all, the mineral formula is safe for sensitive skin and even has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. I found it easiest to apply it with my fingers, although I've seen people online use a BeautyBlender or makeup brush too. At first, it has a shiny finish, but it dries down within a minute and leaves behind even coverage and a natural look, taking the place of foundation. One downside was that it oxidized after a couple of hours and appeared a bit darker than the shade I initially applied. Since it's summertime, I can get away with a more bronzed look, but I may try to opt for a slightly lighter shade than my natural skin tone next time.
Given that it looks and feels more like makeup than sunscreen, I'd still recommend layering it over your daily moisturizer and even a regular face sunscreen for good measure. Oftentimes, with tinted sunscreens, you need to apply more than the standard recommended amount for adequate sun protection. As a reminder, two finger lengths or about a nickel-sized amount is the minimum dermatologists recommend. But a product as pigmented as SunnyDays can feel heavy-handed, so I prefer to layer it over another mineral SPF for the best look and for confidence in my sun protection.
Isdin Photo Eryfotona Ageless Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Isdin's mineral sunscreens come highly recommended by dermatologists. While we liked the water-like texture and light consistency of the Eryfotona Ageless Tinted SPF, it only comes in one shade and had a strong fragrance. As someone with fair skin, McAlpine liked that this sunscreen offered SPF 50 and that the formula was super light and provided a satin finish. However, she wouldn't consider the tint universal, as it only looked good if she applied self-tanner to the rest of her body. That said, the advanced formula is loaded with anti-aging skin benefits — peptides, antioxidants and sun-damage-repairing DNA Repairsomes — that make it a good option for mature skin looking for a sheer tint.
CeraVe Sheer Tint Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
The under-$20 price point makes this CeraVe tint a worthy option, but it probably won't replace any of your makeup. Available in three flexible shades, this drugstore mineral SPF is safe for acne-prone skin, as it's free from fragrance and noncomedogenic. It also contains skin barrier-supporting ceramides, soothing niacinamide and hydrating hyaluronic acid. Kraus, who tested the Medium shade, found the formula to be generally pleasant.
She said it 'took a little more elbow grease' to blend in compared to Kosas' DreamBeam and looked oily at first but became more matte throughout the day. 'If you want a tinted SPF that replaces your normal foundation or has heavier coverage, this is probably not for you,' Kraus added.
Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer SPF 40
This K-beauty tinted moisturizer provides light coverage and comes in six shades that are meant to adapt to a range of skin tones. While we liked the tint, we found it looked too cakey and dull. Back when beauty balm (aka BB cream) became mainstream in the US in the 2010s, Dr. Jart+'s tinted moisturizer quickly gained popularity. It's a light-coverage product that delivers skin care benefits with niacinamide and glycerin, but we thought it fell short overall. Yerke tested it in Medium-Tan, and although it was a good shade match, she said she wouldn't replace her concealer or foundation with the BB cream. She thought it felt 'stiff to rub in,' cakey to reapply and found the matte finish to look straight-up dull.
According to the brand's website and Sephora, it contains mineral and chemical sunscreen filters, but we found it odd that no active ingredients are listed on the product pages. The SPF filters are present on the packaging itself, but for those shopping online, it's nearly impossible to discern, which can pose issues if you have sensitivity to UV filters.
Lightsaver Tinted Activated Mineral Sunscreen SPF 33
This tinted mineral sunscreen has been in my rotation for a couple of years, and Kraus, who tested it for this story, also liked its creamy whipped texture. However, the singular shade probably won't work for deep skin tones. Lightsaver is a dermatologist-founded brand, so this sunscreen is made to address various skin concerns and sensitivities. It has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and contains ingredients to help repair damage from the sun and blue light. Kraus said it didn't feel like she was wearing anything after she blended it in, but it also didn't look like she was wearing a tinted SPF either.
'The only downside is that it doesn't offer multiple shades, so it's not really meant to replace foundation or other face makeup like Kosas did for me,' Kraus said. She also noticed a 'smidge of a white cast' on top of her summer tan, which was easy for her to camouflage with bronzer and blush but wouldn't be as compatible with darker skin.
Tula Skincare Radiant Skin Brightening Serum Skin Tint SPF 30
Another option for those looking for a foundation replacement, Tula's skin tint provides glowy coverage with a hydrating formula. It comes in 30 shades — the most inclusive range of any of the products we tested — although many are currently sold out. McAlpine described this tinted SPF as having 'solid coverage' that helped hide her rosacea. 'The formula was thicker than I anticipated, but it still blended out easily while feeling lightweight on my skin,' she said. She liked its radiant finish that fell between looking oily and matte. Like the Tower 28 SunnyDays tube, you only get 1 ounce of product, though, which McAlpine felt made the $42 price too steep for that amount. She would be more inclined to repurchase if it were $10 cheaper (which SunnyDays is, by the way).
The following FAQs have been answered by double board-certified dermatologists Dr. Brendan Camp and Dr. Madalyn Nguyen.
Do dermatologists recommend tinted sunscreen?
Do dermatologists recommend tinted sunscreen?
Yes, both dermatologists I consulted for this story, and many others I've reached out to for our other sunscreen coverage, said they recommend tinted sunscreen.
'Tinted sunscreen is as effective as regular sunscreen,' said Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York. The tinted component of the formula may provide protective benefits that are particularly beneficial for people with darker skin tones. 'Tinted sunscreens are tinted because they include iron oxide pigments, which also protect skin from visible light,' he added. According to Texas-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Madalyn Nguyen, this means they 'may be even more effective in preventing hyperpigmentation in skin of color' as visible light has been studied as a contributor to melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Is it OK to use tinted sunscreen every day?
Is it OK to use tinted sunscreen every day?
Yes. Camp and Nguyen both approve of using tinted sunscreen as your daily SPF. They also noted it may even be preferred for the added benefits of offsetting the white cast of mineral sunscreens, evening out skin tone or concealing skin imperfections.
Is tinted sunscreen the same as BB Cream?
Is tinted sunscreen the same as BB Cream?
BB creams are multitasking makeup products that act as a moisturizer, primer, foundation and, sometimes, sunscreen all in one. But BB cream doesn't always contain SPF, however, so it is not the same as tinted sunscreen.
To help us decide which tinted sunscreen was best, we organized a testing panel consisting of four Underscored staffers with different skin types and tones.
Senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus, who has normal to dry skin, prefers using tinted sunscreens over foundation and concealer. She looks for light coverage tinted sunscreens that add a glowy look, especially for summer.
Updates writer Ellen McAlpine deals with a little redness with her dry to normal skin. She likes products that give a 'my skin but better' effect and is used to layering a tinted SPF over a regular sunscreen.
Beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw has combination skin that gets oily by midday. She prefers light- to medium-coverage tinted sunscreens that feel weightless and provide a glowy, not greasy, finish.
Digital content strategist Madison Yerke is new to tinted sunscreens. She typically opts for a minimalist makeup look and would like a priming formula that provides a natural glow.
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights on tinted sunscreen.
Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York
Dr. Madalyn Nguyen, board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas
CNN Underscored has a skilled team of writers and editors with many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products who ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when it makes sense to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item.
For this story, four Underscored staff members, including beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw, personally tested each of the tinted sunscreens featured to find the very best options.