Skincare 101

Top Rated Tinted SPF Sunscreens 2025

Non-Comedogenic Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin

Tinted Sunscreen Selection Criteria

To identify the best tinted sunscreens of 2025, we:

  • Analyzed hundreds of user reviews from Amazon, Credo Beauty, and brand websites
  • Evaluated ingredient quality, including SPF level, tint shades and coverage, and whether formulas were mineral-based, fragrance-free, or non-comedogenic
  • Considered how well each product worked across different skin types and concerns (acne, sensitivity, dryness, aging)
  • Included our own personal experiences and testing insights

Whether you want lightweight tint on no-makeup days, coverage for post-procedure redness, or an everyday SPF that hydrates and protects, these top picks deliver.

When and Where to Wear Tinted Sunscreen

Tinted SPF is perfect for everyday use—especially if you're running errands, going for a walk, working from home, or don’t want a full face of makeup. It's also ideal post-procedure (think microneedling or laser), as many provide gentle coverage while calming and shielding the skin.

Wear tinted SPF:

  • As your sole base product for a natural look
  • Under makeup as a primer with added protection
  • After cosmetic procedures when you want to cover redness while protecting healing skin
  • Daily—yes, even indoors. UVA rays can penetrate windows, and blue light exposure may contribute to hyperpigmentation.

Chemical vs. Mineral Tinted SPF: What’s the Difference?

  • Mineral sunscreens (aka physical blockers) use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays. They’re ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin and are often reef-safe.
  • Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and typically offer a thinner texture and more transparent finish. They may irritate very sensitive skin or eyes.

All of the sunscreens on our list are mineral-based, offering broad-spectrum UV protection that’s gentle on skin.

What to Look for in a Tinted Sunscreen

When choosing a tinted SPF, consider:

  • SPF rating: Go for SPF 30 or higher for daily use.
  • Mineral vs. chemical: Mineral is often preferred for sensitive skin.
  • Shade range: Some products are tone-adapting, others come in 10+ shades.
  • Finish: Dewy? Matte? Luminous? Match your preferred look.
  • Ingredients: Look for hydrating ingredients (like hyaluronic acid), calming agents (like niacinamide or squalane), and avoid pore-clogging oils if you’re acne-prone.

Why Opt for a Tinted Sunscreen?

  • Great for no-makeup days
  • Helps even skin tone and provide light coverage
  • Ideal for post-procedure or post-acne redness
  • Often hydrating and soothing
  • Acts as a makeup primer or can stand alone

Top Rated Tinted SPF Sunscreens

⭐ Best Tinted SPF for Color (& SPF) Coverage: Skinbetter Science sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact ($65)

This unique compact SPF provides high sun protection and a buildable tinted, tone adapting coverage. If you’re looking for an SPF that can sub for makeup - this is it. It leaves the skin looking radiant and even toned, and you can build coverage for a flawless look. It’s commonly used post-procedure to cover redness while providing high SPF protection.

Pro and a con, this compact comes in only one shade - which makes purchasing online easy, but the shade may not be a 100% match for some. 

User reviews say: Users love the level of coverage that this provides for no-makeup days, the strong sun protection and the convenience of being able to easily fit it in a purse for touch ups throughout the day. 

⭐ Best Tinted SPF on a Budget (Under $20): Versed Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 ($19.99)

The Versed Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a sunscreen unlike any other. A lightweight serum formula, this SPF glides on and leaves skin feeling hydrated and looking glowy. Added bonus - it’s clean formula won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin. Made in 14 shades (and with a color matching tool available on their site), you can easily find the perfect color match. 

User reviews say: This serum SPF is super hydrating, and smells or feels nothing like an ordinary sunscreen. It provides the perfect color match and buildable coverage works to cover freckles, broken capillaries, breakouts and dermatitis. Doesn’t cause breakouts.

⭐ Best Tinted SPF for Acne-Prone Skin: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 ($79)

Yes, it’s pricey - but this tinted SPF is worth every penny. This lightweight formula is often recommended by dermatologists not only due to its broad-spectrum coverage, but also because it offers a beautiful tint that leaves skin looking glowy - without clogging pores. Having passed the test for comedogenicity, it’s ideal for those who are prone to acne (and all other skin types, too). 

(If you’re looking for a more affordable solution, the Versed Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is another great option for acne-prone skin).

User reviews say: This SPF evens out the complexion and provides a velvety finish. Perfect under makeup or on its own for a natural look. Worth the investment!

⭐ Best Tinted SPF for Dry skin: RMS Beauty SuperNatural SPF 30 Sunscreen ($49)

This tinted mineral-based sunscreen is formulated with niacinamide and natural peptides, which nourish the skin while providing broad spectrum SPF protection. Its pearlized filter, GlowPlex™-powered technology and subtle tint work to cover imperfections, balance skin tone and leave the skin looking luminous. 

User reviews say: This SPF makes your skin look like you - but better! The formula is super lightweight and glides on, leaving skin looking glowy and not greasy.

⭐ Best Tinted SPF for Sensitive skin: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

You’ve likely seen this award-winning tinted serum on Instagram - Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40’s dewy and flawless coverage is share-worthy. Made with thoughtful ingredients, this skin tint not only protects, but also hydrates and improves the appearance of blemishes, redness, pores and wrinkles. Free from fragrance, oil, silicone and parabens, it’s ideal for sensitive skin.

Formulated in 30 shades, you can find your perfect color match. 

User reviews say: Love the consistency and coverage (described as both lightweight and medium). Leaves skin looking very dewy - never cakey - and stays put all day. Only downside is that it has a slightly strange smell. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tinted Sunscreens

What's the difference between tinted sunscreen and tinted moisturizer with SPF?

Tinted sunscreen is primarily a sun-protective product with pigment, while tinted moisturizer focuses on hydration and may not offer broad-spectrum or mineral-based protection. Tinted SPF is usually better suited for reliable UV defense.

Can tinted sunscreen replace foundation?

Yes, many tinted SPFs (like Skinbetter Tone Smart or Ilia Super Serum) offer buildable coverage that evens out skin tone and can replace foundation on casual or dewy skin days.

Is tinted sunscreen safe for acne-prone skin? 

It depends on the formula. Look for labels like "non-comedogenic," "oil-free," and mineral-based. Alastin HydraTint and Versed Skin Tint are both great options.

Tip: If you're also after a non-comedogenic moisturizer, check out these top rated moisturizers for oily and acne-prone skin.

Does tinted sunscreen protect against blue light?

Some tinted SPFs contain iron oxides or antioxidants that help protect against blue light. Alastin HydraTint, for example, includes ectoin for blue light defense.

Will tinted sunscreen stain clothes or towels?

Some may transfer slightly, especially those with rich pigment. Letting the product absorb fully before dressing or applying makeup can help reduce transfer.

Can I wear tinted sunscreen every day?

Absolutely—daily use is recommended. Tinted sunscreens offer the same UV protection as untinted versions and often include added skincare benefits.

Comparison Table: Top Rated Tinted SPF Sunscreens for Various Skin Concerns and Budgets

*Ratings as of May, 2025 from Credo Beauty and Amazon.

Skinbetter Science sunbetter TONE SMART SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact Versed Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 RMS Beauty SuperNatural SPF 30 Sunscreen Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
Rating* 5.00 4.80 4.60 4.80 4.60
Price$65$19.99$79$49$48
Volume0.42 oz1 fl oz3.2 fl oz1 fl oz1 fl oz
Skin typeAll skin typesAll skin typesAll skin typesAll skin typesAll skin types
ConsistencyCompactSerumLotionLotionSerum
CoverageMedium, buildableLightweight, buildableLightweight-mediumLightweight-mediumLightweight-medium
Shade variety1 shade, tone-adapting14 shades1 shade, tone-adapting3 shades30 shades
SPF level6840363040
Chemical vs MineralMineralMineralMineralMineralMineral
Fragrance free?YYYN (from essential oils)Y
Non-comedogenic?NYYNN
Key ingredients Titanium dioxide 8.4%, Zinc oxide 10.0% Zinc oxide 13.1%, Hyaluronic acid, Kakadu plum extract Zinc Oxide 3.4%, Phytoene & Phytofluene, Ectoin Zinc oxide 20.4%, Quinoa Seed Extract, Niacinamide and Pea Extract Zinc oxide 12.0%, Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Plant-based squalene
Users say Super convenient for touch-ups, great color and SPF coverage. Not your ordinary sunscreen - glides on, perfect color match and buildable coverage. Doesn’t cause breakouts. Natural coverage with a velvety finish, evens out skin tone. Perfect under makeup or alone. Super lightweight, provides a beautiful glow without looking greasy. Looks great by itself or under foundation. Leaves skin looking ultra dewy. Lightweight consistency and impressive coverage.

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