I’ve Tested Dozens of Tinted Mineral Sunscreens on My 50+ Complexion, and Can Confirm These Are the 5 Best for Mature Skin
When warm weather arrives and the days get longer, my skin-care routine gets shorter. Who wants to take time slathering on layers of products when the sun is shining and the great outdoors is calling? Not me. That’s why tinted sunscreen moisturizers have been my spring and summer go-to for years— I love that I can get sun protection, nourishing skin ingredients, and a hint of color in one easy application.
There was a time when my criteria for choosing a product was nothing more than price and good reviews. But now, I'm much more discerning about looking for options with anti-aging ingredients and other actives that are beneficial to my mature skin. And a few years ago, when the FDA called into question the efficacy and safety of certain SPF ingredients, I decided to ditch my usual chemical sunscreens for mineral ones, just in case.
Unlike chemical formulas, which absorb into the skin, mineral formulas use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that sit on the skin and physically block out UV rays. Traditionally, this has meant that they come along with that dreaded, chalky white cast, but in recent years, an increasing number of tinted options have come along to leave any concerns about looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost squarely in the past.
After testing dozens of options on my 50+ complexion, I narrowed it down to five best-of-the-best mineral sunscreens for mature skin. One thing to keep in mind: Like all sunscreens, these products need to be reapplied every two hours—but since they’re portable and easily fit in a bag, that shouldn’t be a problem. And if you find one you love, there’s no reason not to wear it year-round, because experts agree we need to protect our skin from the sun 365 days a year.
Best tinted mineral sunscreen for mature skin
With this product, you get a lot of bang for your buck—it’s a moisturizer, primer, and foundation, plus offers SPF 20 protection. The formula is infused with skin-beneficial ingredients like hydrating sodium hyaluronate, chamomile to soothe and calm skin, and aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamin E for a dewy finish. I love this product because it has a tint that leans toward fuller coverage. Unlike most tinted sunscreens, it comes in a variety of shades and makes my skin glow. One caveat: the SPF 20 is less than the SPF 30 derms recommend, so you may want to add a layer of sheer sunscreen underneath if you’re going to be outside or near any sun-drenched windows.
Created by dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, this mineral sunscreen comes in a universally blendable shade and is full of anti-aging ingredients. A few worth noting? Lipochroman, an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage and improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots; and ecotin, which nourishes, smooths, and hydrates the skin while providing protection against HEV blue light and environmental aggressors. The zinc oxide formula has a creamy texture, gives just a hint of color, and feels amazingly hydrating. And the added defense against pollutants and indoor light from screens and devices is definitely a bonus.
With one bottle sold every 90 seconds, Bliss Block Star has gained legions of fans and gone seriously viral on TikTok. Don’t let the word “invisible” fool you— the product has a sheer universal tint designed to blur pores and uneven skin tone. A combo of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide provides sun protection, while rose canina fruit oil helps to control excess oil—a major perk in the heat. It goes on smoothly and does a great job of covering any discolorations or slight breakouts on my skin.
This SPF 40 formula with zinc oxide for sun protection also has ingredients to moisturize and repair existing sun damage. There are ceramides to help restore the skin’s natural lipid layer, and antioxidant vitamins C and E to protect against free radical damage. The product has a buttery texture and gives a natural-looking matte (as opposed to dewy) finish, making it a good option for those with oily skin.
This nearly-weightless formula uses translucent color spheres to boost radiance and promote an even finish on the skin. The product has both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sun protection, along with artemia salina, a plankton extract known to increase skin’s resistance to UV- and heat-induced stress. It’s also suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin. Because it’s a fluid formula, the product is very sheer and lightweight, making it a good option if you’ll be exercising or swimming.
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