A Derm Explains Why This Tinted Sunscreen Is Like a Filter Come to Life—And It’s Finally Back in Stock

As a beauty writer, I’ve tried hundreds (yes, really, hundreds) of skin-care, makeup, and haircare products over the past 10 years covering the beat. And while each beauty category has its nuances, in my opinion, sunscreen is the most difficult product to perfect. After all, unlike other beauty products—say, lipstick, mousse, or AHAs—sunscreen is one product type that is recommended (read: urged) for everyone, regardless of gender, age, skin type, or skin tone.

Because of this, brands are constantly debuting exciting, new SPF formulas in an attempt to cater to all complexions, even if the formulations really aren’t all that exciting—or new for that matter. As a result, I’ve often found that many sunscreen formulas simply don’t work for my sensitive, redness-prone, combination oily-dry skin. But that’s not to say I opt out of SPF. Instead, I always fall back on the one brand I can always count on: Tatcha.

I’ve been using Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++ for three years and have never once had an issue with the lightweight, mattifying product. It quickly sinks into skin after application, minimizes the appearance of pores, and it works well on its own, as well as under makeup. It’s a feat that no other sunscreen I’ve tried can attest to, and for that reason, it’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a sunscreen—I truly believed that I couldn’t ask for anything more in a high-quality everyday SPF. Of course, then Tatcha one-upped themselves and answered my unasked prayers.

Enter: Tatcha’s new The Silk Sunscreen Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ ($60).

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide — $60.00

Like the original cream Tatcha SPF, this new liquid SPF is a mineral sunscreen. However, unlike the original white cream, this new higher-SPF option features the slightest universal peachy tint to visibly even skin tone and reduce redness. Plus, it’s formulated with additional skin-loving ingredients, like plumping hyaluronic acid and anti-inflammatory niacinamide. When I learned this, I knew I had to give it a try. And as soon I did, I made a permanent place on my vanity for this new skin-care wonder.

While I was sold on the new Tatcha sunscreen formula as soon as I saw how radiant it made my makeup-free face look—and how well it filtered out my rosacea without making my skin look dull or completely colorless—I was intrigued to learn why it works so well. To find out, I chatted with NYC-based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green.

According to Green, The Silk Sunscreen has become an overnight sensation (with days of its launch, it sold out at Sephora—Tatcha was only able to finally restock this week) thanks to its multi-faceted, skin-soothing formula. For starters, she points out that, as a general rule, mineral sunscreens (aka physical sunscreens) tend to be more gentle than chemical sunscreens, thanks to the way they come in contact with the skin.

“Mineral sunscreens are made of ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide, and sit on top of the skin to physically block the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays,” she explains. “Chemical sunscreens, with ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate, form a chemical reaction with UV rays and convert them into heat that dissipates into the environment.” Because of this, she says that chemical sunscreens have a higher chance of causing irritation. “So physical sunscreens[—like the new Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen—]are highly recommended for those with sensitive skin,” she adds.

It’s not just The Silk’s SPF type that Green thinks is so effective, though—it’s what the sunscreen is infused with, too. “Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that is naturally found in our body; it is a humectant, which means it retains moisture,” she says, noting that HA has the ability to hold a thousand times its weight in water. “As we age, our skin loses key components like HA, collagen, and elastin. Incorporating HA into your skin-care routine can help regain and retain hydration and plumpness.”

The niacinamide is a notable addition, too. “Niacinamide, also known as nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B3 that has shown to have a wide range of benefits to the skin; it aids in synthesis of proteins such as keratin, which is an essential component of our skin that keeps it firm and healthy,” she explains. “It can also have anti-inflammatory effects in acne and rosacea.”

Additionally, she says that niacinamide helps the skin retain hydration, which further promotes a dewy, radiant complexion. “A benefit of hydrated skin is the reduced appearance of pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles,” she adds. “The hydrating benefits of niacinamide is not only good for dry skin, but it’s also great for oily skin because it prevents the sebaceous glands from producing excess sebum that leads to oily skin.”

Needless to say, if you’re looking for a new sunscreen that will protect your skin from harmful UV rays while also boosting its health and essentially turning back the clock on aging, Tatcha’s The Silk is a must-try. Best of all, unlike many mineral sunscreens, it doesn’t leave a white cast, so there’s nothing not to love about this complexion-perfecting protectant.

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