Best tinted sunscreens: 10 top choices to radiance and protection

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays while adding a sheer and radiant glow to your face by using the best-tinted sunscreen.

Tanya Shree Updated: 12 Jul 2024, 02:57 pm IST

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Imagine a skin care product that can shield your skin from sun damage along with imparting a radiant glow to your skin. That is what tinted sunscreens do! Unlike regular sunscreens, which are formulated with UV filters, tinted sunscreens contain zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, and mica. Vitamin E and other nourishing ingredients. These ingredients can block UV rays, provide the tint and help protect against visible light. Regular use of these sunscreens may even add shimmer, and luminosity to the skin and reduce the chances of developing hyperpigmentation. So, on days, when you are running late for work, you can easily ditch the long process of makeup and simply apply a tinted sunscreen for protection and glow. We have compiled a list of the best tinted sunscreens that you may try for even coverage and protection.

10 best tinted sunscreens

Check out this list of the best tinted sunscreens in India and pick the one that suits you best:

1. Aqualogica Glow+ Infused Tinted Sunscreen

Aqualogica Glow+ Infused Tinted Sunscreen promises to provide you a glowing and sun-safe skin. Enriched with the goodness of papaya, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen can make your skin look even toned and radiant. It also claims to lock in moisture, repair skin barriers and reduce tan. Regular use of this sunscreen can lighten spots and protect your skin against UV rays. The brand states that its product is free from cruelty, sulphates, parabens and mineral oils.

Also Read: 7 best sunscreen sticks for convenient and targeted application

2. Dot & Key Strawberry Dew Tinted Sunscreen

Enhance your skin health by using Dot & Key Strawberry Dew Tinted Sunscreen. Formulated with strawberry, niacinamide, UV filters and hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen may help heal sun damage, keep your skin fresh, correct dark spots, provide UV protection and boost hydration. With its ultra-light texture, this sunscreen blends seamlessly into your skin and provides light coverage without leaving any greasy residue. It comes in 3 different shades to match varied skin tones.

3. Uniqaya Tinted Sunscreen

Uniqaya Tinted Sunscreen claims to follow the 3R impact, which stands for repair, rejuvenate and restore. It is infused with the goodness of avocado oil, carrot seeds, lycopene and artichoke extract. Regular use of this sunscreen may help protect your skin from UV rays and reduce sun damage. By hydrating and moisturising your skin from within, this sunscreen can restore the natural glow of your skin. It can also reduce the appearance of wrinkles, minimise pores, enhance collagen production and repair the damaged skin. This lightweight and fast absorbing sunscreen is free from cruelty, toxic material, paraben and sulphate, which makes it safe for your skin.

4. Iba Bright Glow Tinted Sunscreen Serum

Iba Bright Glow Tinted Sunscreen Serum might be a good addition to your skincare routine. Packed with the goodness of UV filters and vitamin C, this sunscreen may help protect your skin against sun damage, prevent tanning and fade dark spots. It promises to suit all skin types and provide SPF 60 protection without leaving any white cast on the skin. The brand claims that this mineral-free, paraben-free and vegan skin care product has a lightweight, hydrating and non-sticky formula.

5. The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Tinted Sunscreen

The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Tinted Sunscreen promises to enhance the skin tone and boost radiance. Enriched with the goodness of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen can protect your skin against sun damage, retain moisture and improve the hydration level. This travel-friendly sunscreen claims that it has a safe and effective formulation that will offer a visible difference to your skin after every use.

6. Lakme Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen

Lakme Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen promises to blend into your skin and give a natural finish. Packed with SPF 50, it can shield your skin from UV rays that can lead to dark spots. It may also delay premature ageing, prevent skin darkening and fight other damaging effects of sun’s rays. The brand also claims that its product will make your skin look even without feeling sticky.

Also Read: Sunscreen: 10 myths about sun protection debunked!

7. Re’equil Sheer Zinc Tinted Sunscreen

Re’equil Sheer Zinc Tinted Sunscreen is packed with the goodness of zinc oxide, cyclopentasiloxane and lipochroman. This tinted sunscreen promises to improve the water-resistance of your skin and give a non-greasy touch. It contains antioxidants that can prevent oxidative stress and reduce the signs of premature ageing. The photostable filters of this sunscreen can form a protective barrier on your skin and shield it from UV rays. The brand claims that its fragrance-free product can help tame dullness, tanning and make your skin feel fresh.

8. Happier Tinted Sunscreen

Happier Tinted Sunscreen is packed with SPF 50 to provide your broad spectrum protection against UV rays. It promises to blend seamlessly into your skin to provide a flawless and natural appearance. By shielding your skin against sun damage, this sun protection product can add a radiant glow to your skin. Packed with zinc oxide and titanium oxide, it can also mitigate the harm caused by blue lights and help maintain your skin health.

9. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3-in-1 Matte Look

Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3-in-1 Matte Look may protect you from the sun and impart a natural glow to your skin. Infused with hops, birch and mallow, this sunscreen can detoxify your skin, promote brighter skin and make it soft. Regular use of this sunscreen may even prevent pigmentation, reduce UV damage and provide broad-spectrum protection. The brand claims that this product is free from cruelty, and paraben and is non-toxic.

10. Quench Daily Defense Tinted Sunscreen

Impart a natural glow to your skin while keeping it protected from sun damage by using Quench Daily Defense Tinted Sunscreen. This product promises to provide maximum protection against UVA rays, reducing the appearance of ageing. Available in four different shades, this sunblock may also help you get rid of the white cast by providing a stain-matte finish. Regular use of this sunscreen may help reduce sun spots, prevent tanning and boost hydration.

How to choose the best tinted sunscreens?

Here are a few things that you must remember while buying the best tinted sunscreens:

Understand your skin type as it can help you select the right tinted sunscreen. For dry skin, look for sunscreen with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Opt for lightweight and non-comedogenic sunscreen for oily skin.
Choose a sunscreen with soothing ingredients for ingredients like aloe vera for sensitive skin.
Check the SPF level of sunscreen and ensure that it contains at least an SPF of 30 or 50 for better protection.
Ensure that the product offers broad-spectrum protection against UV rays. It can help prevent premature ageing.
Test different shapes to find the one that matches your complexion.
Look for sunscreens that contain ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, niacinamide, and more nourishing ingredients.
Consider the finish and coverage of the product. For oily skin, opt for a matte finish product. Sunscreen that provides a dewy finish is perfect for dry skin.

Also Read: Sunscreen vs sunblock: What is better to protect your skin?

How to apply sunscreen?

To enjoy the benefits of sunscreen, it is important to apply it correctly. The American Academy of Dermatology Association suggests a few tips for applying sunscreen most correctly:

Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher. You can use tinted sunscreens as well as they contain iron oxide, which can protect your skin from the visible light of the sun.
Make sure to apply the sunscreen approximately 15 minutes before going out. Your skin will require this much time to absorb the sunscreen and protect it from UV rays.
Apply at least 30 grams of sunscreen for proper protection against sun damage.
Remember to apply sunscreen on the parts that are not covered by clothing like feet, legs, ears and tops of your feet.
To stay protected when outdoors, make sure to reapply sunscreen after every two hours.

What are the benefits of tinted sunscreens?

Some of the important benefits of tinted sunscreens include:

Tinted sunscreens are loaded with the goodness of broad-spectrum UV filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with added pigment as per the Harvard Health Publishing. These components can help reflect the visible lights while improving your skin tone.
These sunscreens can provide an instant glow to your skin while protecting it from UV rays.
Regular use of these sunscreens may help certain skin concerns like hyperpigmentation by blocking visible lights.
The presence of hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid in these sunscreens can help improve the hydration level of your skin, leaving it nourished and moisturised.
Enriched with the goodness of UV blocking ingredients and antioxidants, these sunscreens can help prevent the signs of premature ageing, risk of sunburn and skin cancer.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Does tinted sunscreen look like makeup?

Tinted sunscreens can provide an even coverage like BB cream or a foundation. They contain iron oxide that can help cover up the existing pigmentations, treat uneven skin tone and improve the appearance of your skin.

What ingredients to look for in a tinted sunscreen?

While buying a tinted sunscreen, pay close attention to its ingredients. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains UV filters and iron oxides. This will help prevent age-related skin damage and protect your skin against pigmentation as per the Harvard Health Publishing.

Is tinted sunscreen good for hyperpigmentation?

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, tinted sunscreens can help block visible lights that can cause dark spots and pigmentations. This skin care product is beneficial for those who have hyperpigmentation problems like melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

What is the difference between tinted sunscreen and regular sunscreen?

Tinted sunscreen contains pigments that offer skin tone coverage. It blends imperfections while protecting against UV rays. Regular sunscreens focus solely on protecting against UV rays without added pigments.

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