Tinted sunscreens are a great way to create a light amount of coverage with the benefit of saving your skin from sun damage. Technically, we should all be wearing sunscreen every day. Even if it’s cloudy out. Don’t worry, if you apply sunscreen… you will still absorb plenty of vitamin D.

According to a study conducted in Bogota, new cases of skin cancer related to sun exposure has risen from 3% to 8% worldwide. The use of sunscreen not only will reduce your chance of skin cancer, but will also slow your skins aging process. Just think, more sun without protection = risk of skin cancer, more wrinkles, and looking older… faster. A cruel realization that comes with age.

Luckily these days we have a host of tinted sunscreens to choose from. Our sunscreens have also evolved with time from the basic standards of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to others like avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, octisalate, and oxybenzone. The science behind zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is that they provide UVA and UVB protection. Other than that, it seems that research continues on these newer active ingredients like avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, octisalate, and oxybenzone in sunscreens. They all provide sun protection, however I wasn’t able to find the clear difference between them all.

On the Quest to Find What Fits!

I have tried more expensive brands to drug store brands. I’ll tell you my favorite at the end! There is definitely something for everyone depending on what you are looking for. Let the games begin!

Cera Ve Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen 30 spf

The active ingredients are titanium dioxide 5.5%, and zinc oxide 10%. The bottle states there are three essential ceramides and niacinamide in it. I have to say… I love the salicylic face wash by Cera Ve, so I thought I would love the tinted sunscreen. But it was a little too hydrating for me leading to clogged pores. If you do not have issues with a richer moisturizer, then this could be your option. The tint goes on with minimal glow, and leans more toward matte. The cost is $13. You can find this at Amazon or your local drugstore.

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue 30 spf

The active ingredient is titanium dioxide 6.2%. This is listed as a tinted hydrating gel cream. The product goes on with a glow, which is good for muting fine lines. This is a very hydrating tinted sunscreen. If your skin is not reactive to a richer moisturizer, then this could also be your ticket. You can try a mini from Sephora, which will run $23. The full-size product is $39 at Sephora.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer 30 spf

The active ingredients are Avobenzone 2.5%, Octinoxate 7.49%, Octocrylene 2.0%, and Oxybenzone 1.0%. This tinted moisturizer does not use the standard titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It goes on sheer and matte. Not too hydrating, but did the job over my usual serums I apply beforehand. Costs $29 for a mini bottle and $54 for full size.

Dr. Jart Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment 30

Active ingredients are titanium dioxide 2.8%, and zinc oxide 5.8% percent. This is not a tinted moisturizer, but it is a color corrector which turns beige on the skin, so that’s why I’ve included it here. Upon opening the jar, it almost looks like a clay face mask. It smells incredibly good, kind of like walking into a hippie dippy juicery and ordering a wheat grass shot or something like that. The grassy smell is clean and not overpowering. This requires application over a moisturizer and hasn’t caused any breakouts from being overly moisturizing. It will work as promised in evening out skin tone if you have a blemishes or any natural redness anywhere on your face. A little goes a long way with us. It costs $25 at Sephora for a mini jar, and $54 for a full-size.

Super Goop Glow Screen 40 spf

Active ingredients are avobenzone 3%, octisalate 5%, and octocrylene 10%. This is a higher SPF than most of the others tinted sunscreens in the market. It also has a glow to it as stated in the title. This is not overly hydrating. It is a good option for a light glowy sheer coverage. A mini bottle is $22, and a full size is $38 at Sephora.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector 20 spf

The active ingredients are octinoxate 7% and octisalate 3%. This product is not overly hydrating. It also includes retinol which is a helper in reducing fine lines. I find that this evens my tone with a low amount of glow. This is a good option and is a bit cheaper than the other sunscreens. If you are okay with the 20 SPF. This cost $15 at your local drugstore.

The end result

The fan favorites are:

– Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti Aging Perfector is cost effective and a good tinted sunscreen for sensitive skin.

– Super Goop Glow Screen is great for a higher spf, and higher glow. Again good for sensitive skin, and fine lines. Only downside is the cost is a l higher. An investment if you will.

Dr. Jart Cicapair is great complimentary option to go with a tinted sunscreen. Great for blemishes and uneven skin tones that a sheer tinted sunscreen doesn’t cover as much alone. Also with added protection from the sun! You don’t need much, so a mini jar at a time is plenty.

-Keri

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