Obviously we should be wearing face SPF year round but once spring hits, the hustle to find a daily nontoxic face SPF gets REAL. I’ve spent the past few months testing tinted face SPFs so I wanted to detail out some of the nontoxic options I’ve tried. But first, choose nontoxic!
By: Lisa Fennessy
How And Why To Choose Nontoxic When It Comes To SPF
It’s super important to choose nontoxic. First, because our bodies are our largest organ and anything we apply on our skin has direct access to our bloodstream (bypassing our livers and any internal filters). Don’t believe me? Think about a birth control patch, a nicotine patch or topical hormone meds for example. #directaccess
I’m going to give you the quick hit here on how to read a sunscreen label but for a more comprehensive approach, be sure to check out: How to Read Sunscreen Labels
Check the Active Ingredients
There are two ways sunscreens will protect you from the sun: mineral barriers or chemical barriers. We want to be sure to choose a sunscreen with a mineral barrier. On the label, under “active ingredients” this will look like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Conversely, conventional sunscreens will use chemical barriers like:
- Oxybenzone: detected in nearly every American and found in mother’s milk; this chemical acts like estrogen in the body, alters sperm production in animals and is associated with endometriosis in women.
- Octinoxate: also detected in mother’s milk, this chemical has hormone-like activity and is associated with reproductive system, thyroid and behavioral alterations in animals.
- Homosalate: disrupts estrogen, androgen and progesterone.
- Octocrylene: relatively high rates of skin allergy
RELATED: How to Read Sunscreen Labels and Hair Sunscreen for All Hair Types.
Check the Inactive Ingredients
After we’ve checked out the “active ingredients” we also want to scan the “inactive ingredients” to make sure they are void of any health-compromising ingredients too. A quick way to do this is to scan the label for This Organic Girl’s top 4 ingredients to avoid in your skincare and this will cut out most of the junk:
- Fragrance/Perfume – because it can contain up to thousands of undisclosed chemicals. The Scientific American explains more here on toxic ingredients in fragrances.
- Any ingredient ending in “paraben” like methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, etc. Parabens have been shown to accelerate cancer cell growth.
- Ethoxylated ingredients can be identified with “eth” in their name like laureth, steareth or ceteareth which can be contaminated with 1,4 dioxane; a known carcinogen.
- PPGs or PEGs like PEG 180 which may also contain 1,4 dioxane.
Everyday Wear: Best Nontoxic Tinted Face SPFs
For all of us who prefer an all-in-one tinted moisturizer with SPF, I’ve detailed out a few for you here. And yes, I’ve tried more but these are the ones I like the best. These are listed in order with my top pick listed first.
I am also looking forward to trying Black-owned UNSUN which provides more than one shade of tinted SPF.
RELATED: Best Natural Sheer Face SPF (both everyday SPFs and sport SPFs)
#1 Ayuna’s Velo
Also as of summer 2020, the newly reformulated and repackaged Ayuna VELO is the latest and greatest when it comes to tinted barriers. It’s not technically an SPF but this 6-in-1 is formulated with both zinc and titanium dioxide and it wears so naturally.
Yeah, I just said 6-in-1. It also works as a protectant from pollution, oxidation, dehydration, “light”, dryness and the proliferation of bad bacteria. Basically, it does it all.
Good news/bad news. The bad news is it’s high end with a high price tag BUT the good news is you will absolutely fall in love with Velo. Consider this the crème de la crème of nontoxic tinted face SPFs.
- available in 1 shade
- this tint works to reduce white cast more than provide coverage
- can be considered a very light BB or CC cream
- depending on your skin type you could use this alone or layer over your moisturizer
- does not settle into my laugh lines
- leaves skin looking dewy and wears like a second skin
- not officially an SPF but contains zinc and titanium dioxide
- lightly scented with Ayuna’s signature scent
OVERALL: This is my top pick if you are looking for a tinted SPF that wears naturally, doesn’t oxidize and moisturizes without being greasy. A no-fuss experience that will leave your skin radiant, protected and balanced.
RELATED: Best natural body lotions for dry skin.
#2 Josh Rosebrook Tinted Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30
Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- very very light to sheer tint
- available in one “all skin types” color
- leaves skin looking and feeling dewy and alive
- no smell + packaged in glass
- this can be used as your moisturizer so no need to apply moisturizer before
- broad-spectrum SPF 30
- employs zinc oxide only as a mineral barrier – great for those who prefer to avoid titanium dioxide
- super clean with most all ingredients being organic, wilcrafted and/or non-GMO – all which work with and support skin function
OVERALL: This no-frills formula is a minimalists’ dream. This provides very little tint and is perfect for someone who values ingredient quality but isn’t looking for coverage.
Shop Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 30 here!
#3 ILIA’S Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
The other 2020 newbie is ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40. I’m obsessed with this trend of marrying skincare, makeup and sun protection and ILIA goes all out here.
- available in 18 shades
- I tried this in 4 shades and still haven’t found my perfect shade yet – I’m guessing I’m an 8 or even a 9.
- provides light coverage
- recommended to use alone as layering will weigh product down
- does not settle into my laugh lines
- leaves skin looking ultra dewy
- broad spectrum SPF 40
- uses mineral barrier non nano zinc oxide
- fragrance free
- oil-free + non-comedogenic
- recyclable bottle (cap and dropper can also be recycled with TerraCycle
- vegan
Use the shade finder to help color match.
OVERALL: This one sits a little too dewy for me but people rave about it and it might be a good fit for you too. I constantly find myself playing with layering moisturizers v. oil or using it alone to try and find the perfect balance here. Love the inclusion of hyaluronic acids, squalane and niacinamide. Love the inclusive shade range.
Shop ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 here!
RELATED: Read my full review on the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 here.
#4 Suntegrity 5 in 1 Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Suntegrity 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 30
- available in 5 shades: fair, light, golden light, medium and deep bronze
- golden light oxidized and turned too orangey on me (see middle pic above)
- light went on very light but blended in and was sheer enough to work with my olive skin (see far right pic above)
- provides light to sheer coverage
- depending on your skin type you could use this alone or layer over your moisturizer
- does not settle into my laugh lines
- leaves skin looking dewy and wears like a second skin
- broad spectrum SPF 30
- employs mineral barrier zinc oxide only
- fragrance free and has little to no smell
- vegan
- cruelty free
OVERALL: This all-in-one product works to even skin tone, moisturize and protect from the sun. The big downside for me here is this formula oxidized on me meaning it turned a little orangy on me after application. If you give this formula a try, I would recommend going a shade lighter to counteract.
Shop Suntegrity 5 in 1 Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen SPF 30 here!
Sport/Beach: Best Nontoxic Tinted Face SPFs
Then there are those days where you plan to be outside all-day-long. For these days, I recommend something a little more fortifying. Enter; sport formulas. These tend to be a little thicker, more water resistant and they hold up longer. The great thing about a tinted sport SPF is you get all of the protection while bypassing that sexy zinc-face-look.
The downside with tinted sport formulas is they don’t come in varied shades…yet. Looking forward to discovering some more inclusive sport formulas soon. This is definitely a gap in not only the clean beauty market but also the entire beauty market as a whole. Here are my top picks for now.
#1 Think Sun Tinted SPF 30
Love Think Sun’s Tinted SPF 30. Goes on smooth and is easy to spread plus it offers some skincare benefits too with the addition of ingredients like vitamin C, E, cranberry seed oil and hyaluronic acid. I love this formula for my kid’s faces too.
- water resistant offering 80 minutes of protection
- broad spectrum protection
- zinc oxide mineral barrier
- can use on face + body
- no animal testing
Try Think Sun Tinted SPF 30 here
#2 Raw Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer SPF 30
Super clean and super charged. Raw Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer SPF 30 does not mess around when it comes to protection as well as sustainability. This is truly a beach formula and not an everyday wear formula IMO (ie, a little thick, a little greasy but delivers big-time protection).
- water resistant offering 80 minutes of protection
- non-nano zinc oxide
- 100% USDA Certified Organic
- broadspectrum SPF 30
- non-GMO
- reef safe
- 1% For The Planet
Try Raw Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer SPF 30 here.
I’m also looking forward to trying the new Babo Daily Sheer Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 and the Made Good Tinted Mineral Sunscreen. Read here about my top picks on sustainable swimwear.
RELATED: Best Mineral Sunscreens & Best Eco-friendly Sunscreens.
What are you using these days?
Common questions about nontoxic tinted SPF:
Here is how to read a sunscreen label but for a more comprehensive approach, be sure to check out: How to Read Sunscreen Labels
Top 4 ingredients to avoid in skincare are perfume/fragrance, parabens, PPGs or PEGs, and ethoxylated ingredients. Read my guide here.
There is one way that nontoxic sunscreen protects you from the sun: mineral barriers. Traditional SPFs use chemical barriers.
Jenny
April 25, 2018Awesome! New to clean beauty and dieing for a clean spf!
I’ve used some in the past but got sunburned.? Not sure why. But thanks for the recommendations. I’ve tried a few samples but didn’t put moisturizer under. Will try that too.
thisorganicgirl
April 25, 2018Hi Jenny! Totally! That has happened to me too. If you are going to be out in the sun for the day like at the beach or a cookout for hours, I would recommend something stronger than all of these like the ones I linked to at the bottom of my post : )
Gwen
April 30, 2018Discovered the Kari Gran 365 this winter while down south! I love it! Do not need much product to cover and it works fabulously as well as does not break me out. That has been my issue with sunscreen that you want to layer on most every day.
Thank you!!!!
thisorganicgirl
April 30, 2018Oh this is an awesome testimonial Gwen! Thanks so much for sharing! I love 365 too, it’s so unique!
ANGELA HANSON
May 9, 2019Great post. I have been using earthwise beauty ferizad’s veil sun reflector. It is a zinc based powder you mix in your favorite facial serum. I have been mixing it with laurel’s sun damage repair for extra protection. So far no breakouts or irritation. Loving this combo!!
Lisa
May 9, 2019Hi Angela! YES! I have both of those and they are truly notable. Fantastic combo : ) xo
Lori
May 9, 2019I currently use the Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream. I have to un-tinted version, but think I’ll try the tinted one next. I like that it’s a moisturizer and SPF in one and that it works for my acne prone skin. The one thing I don’t like is that I can never layer it because it pills with any of my oils or serums. Lisa, have you tried the Hynt Beauty Sun Protect? I love for days when it’s not too sunny, since it only has an SPF of 25.
Lisa
May 9, 2019Hi Lori! Interesting! Mine doesn’t pill on me. I agree and absolutely dislike when that happens. And I have tried the Hynt Sun Prep (I love how it wears and smells) but the mineral barrier in this formula is titanium dioxide only and I wish they added zinc as well to make it more of a full spectrum barrier. xo!
Margot
May 9, 2019Great post Lisa! Thanks for mentioning our favorite Kimberly Sayer Ultralight. Can’t help but also use it on my neck and shoulders too.
Lisa
May 22, 2019I agree and theres enough product so you don’t feel bad about using more!
Brittney Sito
August 8, 2020Great post! I have tried several of these.! Current fave I’m using is Suntegrity Impeccable Matte. This version also has no silicones in it, which is important for my sensitive, acne prone skin. I am however on the hunt for a sheer, un-tinted SPF, that’s more affordable than Josh Rosenbrook. I loved his tinted version, but just too expensive for the amount and I found it ran out pretty quickly. I checked out the Kimberley Slayer and you mentioned it being good for acne prone skin, however, this has coconut oil in it, and it my opinion, and many other friends in the green beauty industry, people with blemish prone skin cannot use coconut oil. Instant breakouts!
Lisa
August 10, 2020I’m glad you found a fave! Have you tried the new tinted ILIA SPF 40?
Brittney Sito
August 16, 2020Hi there!
Thanks for your reply! No I haven’t. I am looking for a good sheer, untinted formula that I can use for sweaty workouts or outside use.
Natascha
April 7, 2021You have W3ll People on the above photo but did not cover it. This is the absolute best BB cream ever. Dewy but not oily, perfect coverage, gives a withing glow look, does not settle in lines and actually seems to smooth them out. Love this product.
Lisa
April 12, 2021So glad you found a winner Natascha! xo, Lisa
Alisa E
November 5, 2021Hi Lisa
I have rosacea and am looking for a water based, organic , green tinted moisturizer with sunscreen.
If you could offer any information on such products I would greatly appreciate your help!
Thank you so much!
Sincerely Alisa
Lisa Fennessy
November 12, 2021Hi Alisa! Okay, I have not come across a product that is all of that yet BUT check out Redness Rescue Cream – it’s everything on your list except for the sunscreen part and we love it. Hope this helps! xo, Lisa
Alisa
November 12, 2021Hi Lisa
Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly with this valuable information. I am searching for minimal products to use on my face because of the impact on my rosacea. I hope to find a cleanser to pair with this as well.
Thank you again! I enjoy all of the product information you have to offer viewers such as myself!
Sincerely,
Alisa
Lisa Fennessy
November 21, 2021So glad this was helpful Alisa! I responded to your other comment which I think answered this too! xo, Lisa
Alisa
November 14, 2021Hi Lisa
Thank you for this. I apologize but I have a few other questions:
Is this product fragrance free, non-comedogenic, and is it considered a moisturizer?
I am trying to wisely select and apply as few products as possible due to my rosacea.
Thank you – much appreciated!
Sincerely, Alisa
Lisa Fennessy
November 21, 2021It’s definitely considered a moisturizer and it has no added fragrances or essential oils. I don’t see any comedogenic ingredients but you can double check with the brand to be sure – hope this helps! xo, Lisa
Alisa
November 14, 2021Hi Lisa
Are you able to recommend cleansers and moisturizers for rosacea patients that would be lightweight non-comedogenic, oil free, fragrance and soap free, and possibly in a gel form?
I have used all of the creamy cleansers/moisturizers (recommended by my dermatologists) and they seem to remain on the surface of my skin, not absorbing, and thus feeling and looking oily.
Unfortunately with rosacea my face has patchy areas of flakiness, other areas oily, other places broken out, and last but not least areas of redness and broken capillaries. Quite frustrating! Therefore, I am doing my best to be selective and only apply as few essential products as possible.
Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Sincerely, Alisa
Lisa Fennessy
November 21, 2021Hi Alisa! I’m so sorry you are dealing with this. I would recommend looking at OSMIA – their skincare is designed to treat reactive skin. I like their Purely Simple Face Cream for a moisturizer. Also, I would recommend cleansing with an oil like jojoba or Pai’s Lightwork. Hope this helps! xo, Lisa
Alex
April 4, 2022Hi Lisa, happy to have run across you. I’m looking for an affordable “one stop shop” kind of tinted sunscreen. I see you recommend Thinks but wondered if you’ve tried Allgoods tinted version and if you had any reservations with that formulation or could speak to how either of these brands tinted versions “dries down”. Allgood also offers a tinted SPF butter which is advertised to be used the face. Do you anticipate that formula to be less likely to transfer than either a tinted liquid version? Thank you!
Lisa Fennessy
April 9, 2022Hi Alex! I haven’t tried All Good’s tinted SPF. The formula is good. I can’t speak to the performance. We are finalizing our top picks for 2022 tinted SPF and this one is our front runner! xo, L