I tested 10 tinted sunscreens – meet the formulas that impressed me most
Featured in this article
I've always said that if I had to pick one beauty product to take to a remote desert island, tinted sunscreens would definitely take priority. For starters, every dermatologist I've ever interviewed has told me that daily application of face sunscreens is the best thing that you can do for your skin. Mix that with a hint of coverage (like a tinted moisturiser, but better), and you've got yourself the ultimate skincare/makeup hybrid that will protect your skin from UV rays. And deliver a glowy, even base for an everyday look.
That part's important: I'm a beauty journalist who's always out and about, so I always welcome a product that complements my pared-back routine. Tinted sunscreens offer the easiest shortcut there is, delivering just enough coverage to cover up my redness while still letting my natural texture and freckles peek through. I rely on these formulas just as much as I do other lightweight heroes, such as BB creams and CC creams.
That said, as is the case with all complexion products, my biggest qualm with tinted SPFs is their often sparse shade range. While a few standout brands do offer a healthy range to suit every skin tone and undertone (more on these below), the sad reality is that the vast majority don't cater to darker skin tones, resulting in an unflattering, ashy finish.
The formulas I love? Tinted sunscreen formulas that offer a slightly different approach, instead adapting various skin tones by enhancing your complexion with a subtle bronze (similar to bronzing drops) or a peachy glow. Think ‘your skin but better’.
Below, I've put together a definitive edit of the very best tinted sunscreens that the beauty industry has to offer. From high-end formulas to the more affordable picks, I've personally tested the creme de la crème to help you find the best fit for your exact preferences. Here's everything you need to know.
SKIP TO FAQs: Is using a tinted sunscreen just as effective as a 'normal' SPF? | What are the benefits of a tinted sunscreen? | Are tinted sunscreens suitable for all skin types? | Shop the best formulas.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Sam Bunting: Dermatologist and founder of Dr Sam's.
- Dr. Eteri Kenkadze: Dermatologist at Evolution Aesthetics Clinic.
- Dr Sonia Khorana: Cosmetic Doctor & Dermatology Expert.
- Dr Emmaline Ashley: Cosmetic Physician.
How we tested tinted sunscreens
Throughout the years, the GLAMOUR team has collectively tried dozens of tinted sunscreens, testing said formulas on a variety of skin types, tones, and age groups. When reviewing each formula, we've assessed its final look, whether it lasts all day, value for money, and innovation compared to other options on the market. Find out more about how we test.
More sunscreens content:
- The best sunscreens for sensitive skin
- All the sunscreens for oily skin we adore
- Tried and tested sunscreen sprays
- The best sunscreens for dark skin
- Best scalp sunscreens
Discover the best tried-and-true tinted sunscreens…
Supergoop! Protec(Tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50
- Shade range: 14.
- UV protection: SPF50.
- SPF type: Chemical.
Why we love it: One of the latest launches from Supergoop, this SPF50 skin tint is seriously impressive. Offering buildable coverage, this multi-tasking formula is infused with a handful of hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ectoin to keep your skin nice and cared for throughout the day.
“I love how breathable it feels on the skin, delivering just enough coverage to even out my skin tone. When applying, this skin tint blends super effortlessly and melts like butter, resulting in a radiant finish that enhances my natural complexion,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Kate Somerville Illuminating SPF50+ Drops
- Shade range: 1.
- UV protection: SPF50.
- SPF type: Mineral.
Why we love it: If your eyes sting whenever throughout the day as a result of wearing an irritating SPF, it could be because you haven't tried a quality mineral formula. Meet the Kate Somerville Illuminating SPF50+ Drops, which come with a slight tint that seamlessly adapts to every skin tone. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, this clever formula also features ectoin to help soothe and nourish the skin.
“I reach for this formula whenever I'm after an effortless natural look with a dewy finish. As someone who has sensitive eyes, I'm impressed that this SPF doesn't result in any watering or stinging. Genuinely one of my favourite beauty launches of 2025 so far,” says Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
Glow Hub Defend Yourself Tinted Facial Sunscreen SPF 30
- Shade range: 7.
- UV protection: SPF30.
- SPF type: Chemical.
Why we love it: First, just look at that price point; if you're looking to dabble in tinted sunscreens but don't want to make a big investment, this is a great starter product. The lightweight formula feels practically undetectable on skin and has a subtle tint for that extra radiance on summer skin.
Ultra Violette Daydream Screen SPF50 Tinted Veil
- Shade range: 15.
- UV protection: SPF50.
- SPF type: Chemical.
Why we love it: The ultimate all-rounder, Ultra Violette's tinted SPF is a representation of all that's good about the brand: it's modern, innovative, and offers top notch protection from its native Australia. Offering one of the widest shade ranges (as mentioned, tinted sunscreens are notoriously short on these), this formula (rich in antioxidants) has an impressive level of lightweight coverage, which is somewhat buildable also.
It offers a silky, natural-luminous finish (suitable for oily skin too), and makes ditching the foundation during summer months even easier. For a matte finish, be sure to top it with a blurring setting spray or a quality setting powder.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid Tinted
- Shade range: 1.
- UV protection: SPF50.
- SPF type: Chemical.
Why we love it: La Roche-Posay's face sunscreen is some of the very best on the high street, and its tinted offering is just as highly respected. With a sheer tint that's somewhat buildable, this is perfect for those off-duty days where you're seeking ‘my skin but better’ vibes. For heavier coverage, you'll need to combine this with an added base, but for carefree summer times, this is truly ideal. That said, some users report it feeling a bit greasy on the skin, so do make sure to take this into consideration.
Kosas DreamBeam Sunscreen SPF30
- Shade range: 2.
- UV protection: SPF30.
- SPF type: Mineral.
Why we love it: After a tinted sunscreen that will give your skin that bronzy glow? Say less. This unique formula from Kosas is essentially the SPF/bronzing drops hybrid that you didn't know you needed. It also comes available in a pinky hue, which also offers a sheer hint of light coverage to revive your complexion back to live in an instant. It easily melts into the skin, making the application that much easier. Plus, it's also packed with ceramides for that extra boost of moisture.
- Shade range: 10
- UV protection: SPF30.
- SPF type: Mineral.
Why we love it: One of Fenty's newest launches, this clever formula is the swiss army knife of tinted sunscreens, promising to, “hydrate, boost skin elasticity, visibly fade dark spots + protect with mineral SPF.” Phew! And that's not to mention its ingredients list, which features Kalahari Melon and Baobab Extracts, high in vitamin E and vitamin C content. With 10 shades that are blendable and flexible, there's definitely an option to suit everyone here, and the natural glowy finish means there's little need for foundation in the summer months.
ILIA C Beyond Triple Serum SPF30
- Shade range: 3.
- UV protection: SPF30.
- SPF type: Mineral.
Why we love it: Is it a facial serum, a skin tint or a sunscreen? Yes to all. Offering optimal UV protection of SPF30, this mineral formula will brighten and smoothe the skin over long-term use while shielding it on an everyday bases. It has a water-free base and features three sheer shades to neutralise white cast while adapting to a wide range of skin tones. Hands down, one of the most unique SPF formulas we've seen.
Raaie Sun Milk Drops Tinted SPF50
- Shade range: 1.
- UV protection: SPF50.
- SPF type: Mineral.
Why we love it: A beautiful peachy tint with SPF 50 protection, Raaie's tinted sunscreen works beautifully before makeup application, or simply worn alone. It only comes in one shade, but promises to work for all skin tones as it's sheer and blendable. The product has a silky texture too, which makes the application process thoroughly enjoyable, and also features niacinamide in its ingredients list, famed for improving skin texture.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Tinted Facial Sunscreen
- Shade range: 1.
- UV protection: SPF46.
- SPF type: Mineral and chemical.
Why we love it: As far as Amazon beauty bestsellers go, the EltaMD Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Tinted Facial Sunscreen genuinely deserves all the hype it gets. Wear it on its own or underneath makeup, this quality sunscreen formula is ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, thanks to its calming properties and a non-irritant nature. It also comes infused with niacinamide, which is great for reducing redness on blemishes and fading dark spots.
Is using a tinted sunscreen just as effective as a 'normal' SPF?
If you're an SPF buff and want to ensure your skin is always getting the best possible protection, you need not worry about using a tinted formula instead, the experts agree. “Tinted SPFs can be just as effective as non-tinted SPFs in protecting against UV damage if they offer the same SPF level (e.g., SPF 30) and broad-spectrum SPF protection. The tint itself does not compromise the sunscreen lotion's ability to block harmful UVA and UVB rays,” explains Dr Emmaline.
In fact, says Dr Sonia, you may feel the benefits of tinted formulas more than ‘normal’ SPFs if you have certain skin concerns: “Tinted sunscreens have been found to reduce relapses of melasma more than non-tinted, broad-spectrum protection sunscreens,” she begins, before adding: “Tinted sunscreens have also been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation, both on the skin surface and under a microscope. Iron oxide, in particular, appears to be particularly effective at blocking blue light.”
Dr Sam just reminds all sunscreen users to be diligent with application, no matter if you're reaching for a tinted formula or clear one: “The key is to apply the correct dose for any sunscreen - this is 2mg/cm2 of skin. Practically, this is about ½ teaspoon for the face and neck, or you can use lines of SPF as long as both your index and middle finger as a guide.”
What are the benefits of a tinted sunscreen?
Among the many benefits, the ability to wear a lighter, more breathable base particularly during the summer is perhaps most appealing, especially if you get clogged pores or are acne-prone. “Tinted SPFs can effectively replace foundations or heavier bases in the summer months, offering a more breathable and comfortable alternative,” notes Dr. Eteri. “The lightweight formulation allows the skin to breathe and reduces the risk of clogged pores, which is particularly beneficial in hot and humid conditions.”
As well as offering a safe protective shield from harmful UV rays, “many tinted SPFs provide a natural, sheer coverage that enhances the skin's appearance without the heavy, cakey feel of traditional foundations,” Dr. Eteri continues. “This makes them ideal for achieving a fresh, dewy look that is perfect for summer.”
Dr Emmaline adds that tinted sunscreens can “even out skin tone, blur imperfections, and provide a more polished look without the heavy feeling of traditional foundations.”
Are tinted sunscreens suitable for all skin types?
As mentioned previously, tinted sunscreens can be particularly suited to those who may experience hyperpigmentation or melasma. They're also handy for anyone acne-prone or who may break out in the summer, and thus would benefit from a lightweight base that also offers sun protection.
In addition, many tinted formulas are actually mineral sunscreens, which can benefit certain skin types. “Mineral sunscreens tend to work best for those with very sensitive skin and concerns like eczema, perioral dermatitis and rosacea,” says Dr Sam.
Dr. Eteri expands: “Mineral sunscreens, which contain active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays rather than absorbing them. This makes them less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions compared to chemical sunscreens. However, it is worth noting that some mineral-based tinted SPFs may leave a slight white cast, particularly on darker skin tones, though many modern formulations have improved to minimise this issue.”
