Frequently Asked Questions
What is the appeal of tinted sunscreen over a regular sunscreen?
Tinted sunscreen contains iron oxides, pigments that give it its tint, and it helps shield skin from visible light (visible sunlight and blue light), something regular sunscreen doesn’t do. “This is important because visible light can worsen conditions like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” explains Dr. Olamiju. It also solves a common complaint with traditional mineral formulas: Dr.Olamiju notes that tinted sunscreen “minimizes white cast” while camouflaging discoloration already on the skin. Beyond that extra shield, Dr. Spearman points to the practical payoff: “Tinted sunscreens appeal to many patients because they combine daily UV protection with an immediate cosmetic benefit, which makes consistent wear much easier.”
What’s the difference between mineral, chemical, and hybrid tinted sunscreens?
The three formulas differ mainly in how they interact with UV rays. “Mineral tinted sunscreens rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block and reflect UV rays, and they tend to be better tolerated by sensitive or reactive skin types,” says Dr. Spearman. Chemical formulas work the opposite way, absorbing UV radiation and converting it into heat for a lighter, more invisible finish, though Dr.Olamiju warns they can occasionally sting the eyes if the product drips. Hybrid sunscreens split the difference: Per Dr. Spearman, they “combine both approaches to balance comfort and protection.”
Meet the experts
- Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York
- Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Brianna Olamiju, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product that’s included in the review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best tinted sunscreens, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
