Results From My Search For The Best Tinted Mineral Sunscreen That Won’t Break Me Out
I’ve spent a lot of time (and money 🥲) searching for the best tinted mineral sunscreen that I can wear on a daily basis. I’ve tried 20+ products—so you don’t have to—and am sharing my results!
If I could go back in time and give college-me one piece of skincare advice, it would be this: Wear. Your. SPF.
Back then, I was basking in the San Diego sun, trading the reality that UV exposure was fast-tracking my skin to fine lines and pigmentation in favor of a year-round bronze. I was buying skincare products to “brighten” my skin and “prevent signs of aging” while ignoring that the number one protection we have against aging isn’t some $200 serum—it’s SPF.
Every dermatologist, skincare expert, and podcast I’ve ever listened to agrees: nothing ages the skin faster than unprotected sun exposure. Not even bad sleep, too much sugar, or stress.
The best time to start wearing SPF daily was 15 years ago. The second best time? Today! And luckily, I’ve tested so many tinted mineral sunscreens in my search to find the best ones—so you don’t have to.
If you’ve been on the hunt for a tinted mineral SPF that won’t break you out, plays well with makeup, and is great for daily wear, I’ve got you!
Why Mineral Sunscreen?
Before we get into the results, let’s talk about why I stick to mineral vs chemical sunscreens for my face.
Here’s the difference:
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat before releasing them from the skin. Some studies suggest that certain chemical filters (like oxybenzone) can cause hormone and endocrine disruption.
Mineral sunscreens (aka physical sunscreens) use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays.
A common issue with mineral sunscreens is that most leave a white cast, which is why tinted formulas are a game changer. A good tinted mineral SPF can double as light coverage and even out skin tone, and my goal throughout this search was to find something that could be used as my base makeup.
What I Was Looking For
My priorities when it comes to SPF:
✅ Mineral, not chemical – Made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
✅ Tinted – So it can double as light coverage on no-makeup days.
✅ SPF 30+ – Preferably SPF 50+ for full protection.
✅ UVA & UVB protection – Broad-spectrum is a must.
✅ Low or no comedogenic ingredients – Won’t clog pores or break me out.
✅ Doesn’t oxidize aggressively – Because I’m not trying to turn 3 shades darker by noon.
Bonus points for:
✨ Wears well under makeup
✨ Has skincare ingredients
✨ Lasts all day without turning greasy or flaky
✨ Ranks well when tested for clean ingredients
Results
🏆 Best Makeup Replacement for Everyday Wear- Tower28 Sunny Days
A Non-Greasy 2-in-1 Sunscreen Foundation with Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 Sun Protection and Light-Medium Buildable Coverage that leaves no white cast.
Perfect for everyday wear, this has become my go-to base makeup replacement. I don’t *love* having to layer face makeup on top of SPF so this is the perfect solution. It provides enough coverage to even my skin tone while still letting my natural skin shine through. Below are some stats and pros and cons from my experience.
SPF: 30
Cost: $32
Color I got: #15 Melrose
Pros:
Easy to blend and apply.
Provides light to medium coverage (buildable).
Best daily wear makeup replacement.
Great for sensitive skin!
Cons:
Lower SPF.
Two pore-clogging ingredients.
🏆 Best Makeup Replacement for Higher Sun Exposure - Odacite Tinted Mineral Drops
A triple-action tinted mineral sunscreen that performs like skincare, protects like sun care, and perfects with natural, complexion-correcting coverage.
This was by far my favorite option to use as a base makeup on sunny days due to the higher SPF! I received several compliments on my complexion when I was testing this out and when I told people it was just my tinted mineral sunscreen they were shocked. I wear this one to film and it does a great job at smoothing my complexion and layering really well with makeup. Below are some stats and pros and cons from my experience.
SPF: 50
Cost: $48
Color I got: 2 (I could have gone with shade 1 but I like the subtle bronze)
Pros:
Serum-like skin tint.
Provides medium, glowy coverage.
Wore really well throughout the day and was a great substitute for a base makeup.
Cons:
Very dewy so you’d need to use powder on areas you don’t want shine.
One pore-clogging ingredient.
🏆 Best Fully Non-Comedogenic - Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection FLEX
Features innovative tone-adapting pigments that provide buildable color coverage, delivering a flawless, natural look while protecting against environmental aggressors.
This is my go-to for light, complexion-correcting coverage for casual makeup days. I wear this one on the weekends when I’m going to brunch and want a “no makeup makeup” look. It works well with my makeup products and I like the feel of it on my skin. The way the product adapts to your skin-tone when you apply it is pretty wild. Below are some stats and pros and cons from my experience.
SPF: 50
Cost: $54
Color I got: Medium
Pros:
No pore-clogging ingredients.
The finish isn’t too matte or too dewy. Gives the skin a nice subtle glow.
Plays well with makeup and can be worn as a “clean girl” makeup base.
Cons:
Doesn’t rank super well when tested for non-toxic ingredients.
🏆 Best Clean Ingredient - Suntegrity 5 in 1 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer
This multi-tasking BB cream renews, hydrates, protects, primes, and covers the skin, providing a flawless, natural look while offering broad-spectrum protection.
This is my new go-to on days I’m not wearing makeup. I love that even though this product is the last step of my skincare routine, it feels like the first step of a “clean girl” makeup moment and offers very light coverage to even out my skin-tone juuuuust enough. I like that this isn’t mattifying but also didn’t need to be powered—the finish looks hydrated without being greasy. Below are some stats and pros and cons from my experience.
SPF: 30
Cost: $48
Color I got: Golden Light
Pros:
EWG ranking: 1.
Nice finish and light coverage.
Loved how it wore throughout the day. Not greasy and didn’t need to be powdered.
Cons:
Only SPF 30.
Very light coverage so I wouldn’t wear this as a makeup replacement.
One pore-clogging ingredient.
What’s Your Go-To Tinted Mineral Sunscreen?
If you’ve found a holy grail mineral SPF, I need to know! Tap the link below to leave a comment—I love hearing your recommendations.
xo,
Olivia
Recipes You May Have Missed:
Top Left: Turkey Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy
Top Right: Gluten-Free 30-Minute Seeded Buns
Bottom Left: Easy, Savory Breakfast Bowls
Bottom Right: Gluten-Free Spaghetti and Meatballs
Suntegrity is my FAV sunscreen of all time. I’ve actually tried both the 5-in-1 (white with orange font) and impeccable skin (orange bottle with white font) and found the orange bottle one provides more coverage and I don’t need makeup on top. Elta MD AOX tinted sunscreen is another I rotate through
Looking forward to trying some of these!