Tinted mineral sunscreen — the product of summer, with a caveat
Tinted mineral sunscreens are now available in more shades by more brands than ever before.
Why it matters: They combine sun coverage and makeup in a product that appeals to " clean beauty" fans — but it's not a fit for everyone.
The latest: Searches for "tinted mineral sunscreen" hit an all-time high this month, per Google Trends data.
Skincare staples like Beauty of Joseon and EltaMD, and newer brands Merit Beauty and Tower 28, have launched tinted mineral sunscreens this year to meet growing demand.
How it works: To reduce the white cast on the skin left by mineral sunscreen, tinted versions (and some non-tinted kinds) use smaller particle sizes and add iron oxides, says Esther Olu, a cosmetic chemist and instructor.
What we're hearing: Tinted mineral sunscreens are "hydrating enough to replace your morning moisturizer" and can "offer just enough coverage that you can skip foundation or other coverup," says Nazanin Saedi, a dermatologist and associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
Consumers also like the fact that mineral sunscreens don't penetrate the skin and — though they're not truly reef safe — seem better for the environment.
They're especially appealing to people managing melasma or sensitive skin, "because allergic reactions to them are rare," Saedi said.
Yes, but: Despite marketing promises of being " lightweight" and having a " light-as-air finish," tinted mineral sunscreens can appear "ashy" and be hard to reapply without feeling "really cakey," particularly on deeper skin tones, Olu says.
It can be tough or impossible to find the right tinted mineral sunscreen: "We all have different undertones" and the available options are still "sparse," she says.
Olu reviews sunscreen in social media videos, where she's shown how pure mineral sunscreens leave a white cast on her skin, and learned the hard way that tinted mineral sunscreens can stain your clothing.
She prefers chemical sunscreen.
Pro tip: Before you buy tinted mineral sunscreen, test a sample, or watch a reviewer with a similar skin tone apply the shade.
Olu recommends creators @glowbyramon, @tamunoabbey and @capri.corneum for skincare insight.
Bottom line: The best sunscreen is one you'll actually use — and use enough of.
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