Tinted Mineral Sunscreen

Tinted sunscreen is just that, sunscreen that has a little bit of natural-looking pigment. The purpose of a tinted sunscreen is to help you achieve a more even skin tone and protect your skin from the sun. Wearing tinted sunscreen can often replace the need for makeup if you prefer a more natural look.

Tinted sunscreens can be the color of your natural skin or have a bronze hue, to help you achieve a tanned complexion—without the long bouts of sun exposure and skin damage. To choose the right tinted sunblock* for you, consider the end result you want. If you want to achieve a no-makeup look, you’ll want to pick the shade closest to your skin color and apply light but buildable coverage. Our tinted sunblocks* are easy to build up in order to conceal complexions better.

There are two different categories of tinted sunscreen: tinted chemical sunscreen and tinted mineral sunscreen. Tinted chemical sunscreen is the traditional sunblock* formula that absorbs into the skin to block UVA and UVB rays. However, since it can absorb into the skin, it can also make its way to the bloodstream, having potentially harmful side effects—like interfering with hormonal functioning.

Tinted mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, is a physical sunscreen. With tinted physical sunscreen, the sunblock* creates a barrier between your skin and the sun by remaining on the surface of your skin and reflecting the rays away. Since mineral-based physical sunscreens don’t penetrate the skin, you don’t have to worry about harmful side effects.

At Colorescience, we’ve created several tinted mineral sunscreens for your face and body:

• SUNFORGETTABLE® BRUSH-ON SUNSCREEN SPF 30: This mineral powder formula is available in four tinted shades—fair, medium,tan, and deep (as well as a sheer shade)—and is packaged in dispenser with a brush tip that makes it easy to apply your tinted mineral sunscreen on the go. This sunscreen can be worn under or over makeup.
• SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ BRUSH-ON SHIELD SPF 50: Just like our SPF 30 version, this brush-on tinted mineral sunscreen protects your skin while buffing out imperfections. However, with SPF 50 and EnviroScreen® Technology, this tinted mineral sunscreen takes protection to the next level, shielding your skin from UVA and UVB rays, as well as pollution, blue (HEV) light, and infrared radiation.
• SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ FACE SHIELD BRONZE SPF 50: Achieve a natural-looking glow while shielding your skin from the sun with this liquid-formula, bronze-tinted mineral sunscreen. This formula also features our EnviroScreen® Technology to provide 100% mineral protection from environmental aggressors.
• SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ COLOR BALM SPF 50: Your lips and cheeks shouldn’t be left out of your sunscreen routine; that’s where our Color Balm comes in. This tinted mineral sunscreen stick is available in three flattering shades—berry, blush, and bronze—to provide a subtle pop of color.
• SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ BODY SHIELD BRONZE SPF 50: Enjoy full-body protection and a sunkissed glow (without the sun damage) with this liquid tinted mineral sunscreen. This powerful tinted sunblock* provides 100% mineral protection from environmental aggressors such as UVA/UVB, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation.

There are many advantages to using a tinted sunscreen. One of the main reasons tinted mineral sunscreen is so popular is that you can wear it by itself or over or under your makeup. You should use tinted mineral sunscreen if you prefer not to wear much makeup, but also want to even out your complexion.

In addition to light coverage that helps buff out imperfections, tinted mineral sunscreen provides the protection your skin needs. Not only does it block UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin, but it shields you from environmental aggressors including pollution, infrared radiation, and blue light (from your phone and computer screen).

Tinted sunscreen has also been shown to help reduce relapses of melasma and minimize hyperpigmentation. So, not only can you rely on the coverage provided by tinted mineral sunscreens to help dull the appearance of these common skin struggles, but you can also use them to help control the worsening of their side effects.

However, not all tinted sunscreens are the same. When choosing a sunscreen, you want to look for several key factors:

• SPF 30 or higher
• Broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB rays)
• Mineral-based formula
• Chemical-free ingredients list
• No white residue

Whether you’re looking for a mineral powder sunscreen or a liquid formula you can lather on, we have the right tinted sunblock* for you.

To make sure you’re receiving the level of protection you need to prevent sun damage, lower your risk of skin cancer, and keep your skin looking youthful, make sure you apply your sunscreen correctly. When using tinted mineral sunscreen, you should:

1. Wear your sunscreen over makeup for a natural finish or on it’s own for light to medium coverage
2. Apply generously for even coverage before you leave the house (don’t forget your ears, neck, and hairline).
3. Reapply at least every two hours when you’re out in the sun.
4. If you are sweating or swimming, you’ll need to apply more frequently—every 80 minutes or less, to be specific.

It’s understandable that you may be worried about tinted sunscreen causing acne. For many people, making sure they get adequate sun protection means having to compromise on clear skin. However, Colorescience has formulated sunscreen for acne-prone skin, so you don’t have to worry about breaking out when trying to protect your skin.

However, as we mentioned earlier, chemical tinted sunscreens do penetrate the skin, which means they can cause irritation for those with sensitive complexions and may even contribute to breakouts. This is because these tinted sunblocks* are filled with chemicals like oxybenzone that can clog pores.

Our tinted mineral sunscreens are made with ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are non-comedogenic (meaning they don’t clog pores). If you have oily skin, have no fear—we also have sheer matte brush-on sunscreen that controls oiliness and shine with the same non-comedogenic ingredients.

If you’re considering our Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-on Shield, another concern for those with acne-prone skin might be that bacteria will get trapped inside the bristles. However, no need to fear because it’s made with antimicrobial bristles and you can purchase our special brush-cleansing wipes to keep it clean.

With formulas that are hypoallergenic and gentle on sensitive skin, our tinted mineral sunscreen can also be used by those with conditions such as rosacea, without the fear of uncomfortable irritation.

Whether you’re looking for a matte tinted sunscreen or something that gives you that perfect sun-kissed glow, our mineral formulas will provide the protection you need to confidently take on any day. Shop our selection of tinted physical sunscreens to find the right one for you.

*Sunblock is not a term approved by the FDA. Colorescience refers to our products as sun protection.