Best Tinted Sunscreen for Face (2025)

I LOVE a tinted SPF. I’ve been using clean tinted sunscreens on my face for years. Below are my 4 picks for the best tinted sunscreen for face application, depending on what “look” you’re going for – as in not makeup-like at all to practically foundation.

I can’t remember when I first tried tinted sunscreens, but I know that it may have been the single best moment of my life. Ok. Maybe not. But it has been a great discovery for me. It made me more likely to put SPF on my face everyday, helped me cut back on beauty products when traveling, and between great skincare and tinted sunscreen, I was able to basically stop wearing foundation!

I’ll break each of these SPFs down below for more info on how to pick the best tinted sunscreen for you, but if you just need the quick product links, here are my picks:

1. Minori (code LUCI20 for 20% off) (minimal coverage and tint)
2. Daybird (code LUCI15 for 15% off) (decent coverage, dewy complexion, no makeup needed)
3. Crunchi Tinted SPF (currently 25% off) (soft dewy coverage, can double as a foundation)
4. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint (very dewy coverage, can double as a foundation)

Tinted Sunscreen vs. Tinted Moisturizer for Face

So, I see a lot of searches for these two terms and there’s some ‘science’ to understand why you want a tinted sunscreen and NOT a tinted moisturizer for your face.

Sunscreen is designed to sit on top of your skin – creating a barrier to the sun’s rays. Moisturizer is designed to sink into your skin, providing hydration. For this reason, a sunscreen won’t be able to provide the hydration you’d expect from a moisturizer. You’ll never be able to get both needs taken care of.

Since a ‘tint’ is like makeup (no matter how much coverage you have), you don’t put on makeup to penetrate your skin. You want it to (beautifully) rest on top of your skin. If your moisturizer is tinted, then you’re pressing those colorants into your skin – for no reason and not getting the full benefits of a moisturizer.

For this reason, I opt for tinted sunscreens not tinted moisturizers on my face.

Minori Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30

Minori is a recent discovery of mine and it’s so handy. The goal of any tinted sunscreen is to avoid that ‘white cast.’ Though I have fair skin, I can still see that white cast with some products. Minori SPF is tinted with banana peel and goes on easily. It has minimal coverage in terms of covering your skin like makeup and easily blends into any skin tone.

I keep this in my workout bag to apply as needed on my walk (like the occasions I forget to apply sunscreen or to put on the back on my hands when I remember. I don’t need a mirror to worry about any coloring and I don’t feel the need to wash it off my hands right away!

Minori SPF QUICK FACTS:

• SPF 30
• Zinc-Oxide
• Reef Safe
• One color suits all

Use code LUCI20 for 20% off your purchase.

Daybird Tinted Sunscreen Review

Daybird has been a favorite of mine for a few years. It goes on easily; has decent coverage but doesn’t require other makeup; and the main part of the packaging is curbside recyclable. It goes on super easily and provides light coverage and a bit of dew – not too much. If you use a sponge or foundation brush to apply, you can get more coverage (a trick I use with all of my tinted sunscreens on my face)! This is my FAVORITE foundation brush!

You can learn more and read my complete Daybird SPF review here: Best tinted moisturizer (but really an SPF).

Use code LUCI15 for 15% off.

Daybird SPF QUICK FACTS:

• SPF 50
• Zinc-Oxide
• Available in 3 colors

Crunchi Tinted SPF Review

The Crunchi Tinted SPF 30 is my most recent addition to my facial sunscreens – and I love it. This one definitely provides some coverage (not opaque like a foundation, however). It also has a light dewy sheen but nothing that might be overwhelming. A healthy glow, really!

I absolutely use this as a foundation when I’m traveling and even on the day to day with the foundation brush, merely adding more product as needed. Learn more about this tinted sunscreen in my Crunchi makeup review!

Crunchi Tinted SPF QUICK FACTS:

• SPF 30
• Zinc-Oxide
• 5 shades

Currently 25% off! Use Crunchi discount code ADVOCATE10 for 10% off first orders. Discounts cannot be stacked.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Review

I used to swear by this ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint Review. Shake properly and the sunscreen comes out like an oil, so it applies super easily and well. It can also be applied with a brush or sponge for more coverage.

The Super Serum has a similar coverage to the Crunchi Tinted SPF (possibly a bit less), but it is very dewy! The difference in the last two is a consistency and sheen preference. I personally like the Crunchi one better. It feels lightweight on my skin and gives me just as much coverage, but this is still a great product.

ILIA Super Serum QUICK FACTS:

• SPF 40
• Zinc-Oxide
• 30 shades

Looking for other clean beauty and SPF recommendations? Read my Crunchi foundation review (it’s the best natural foundation) and check out these posts:

Learn more about becoming a Crunchi advocate with Luci’s Morsels!