Summer is here and temperatures are rising! It may start to feel uncomfortable to continue wearing a heavier or layered foundation that is typically more appropriate for colder months which is why many of us make the switch to a tinted moisturizer around this time. Choosing a lightweight tinted moisturizer with SPF will allow the skin to breath and keep it hydrated, while simultaneously protecting it from the sun. However, one of the main concerns with SPF products is the toxins in chemical sunscreen and its damaging effects on the body. In this article we will review the top 5 best tinted moisturizers with SPF and provide a careful review of how clean the ingredients are and whether they are organic or naturally derived. We will also look at the chemicals in added SPF and provide you with recommendations based on what is best for your skin type, and of course, the price point! With many options on the market, this may feel overwhelming but we’ve done the work and research for you so let us help you find the best tinted moisturizer with SPF for your skin type with the cleanest ingredients possible!
The problem with chemical sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens are detrimental in multiple ways. Chemical sunscreens block UV rays by absorbing them, which is why we have to reapply chemical sunscreens so frequently. Chemical sunscreens contain toxic chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate and octocrylene. The FDA published research illustrating how these harmful chemicals can specifically be absorbed more easily into skin. These chemicals have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and skin irritation. It has also been reported oxybenzone may be linked to issues in fetal development for pregnant women.
Another thing to consider is the type of UV ray you’re exposed to. UVA rays have longer wavelengths and prove to be harsher in aging of the skin, while UVB rays are associated with sunburn. Octinoxate and homosalate only protects the skin from UVB rays and not UVA, and is also detrimental to coral reefs. “Reef Safe” is not an official certification so it means next to nothing when placed on packaging because there are no requirements to market it as such. In order to make something actually safe for reefs, it should not include nanoparticles of any chemical as those harm ocean life; essentially they should be federally banned from production all together.
As much as we may love the accessibility of conventional skincare and sun protection products, it is up to us, the consumers, to regulate them on our own given the lack of federal regulation. By doing this, we are able to weed out products that are not only harmful to our health but also detrimental to the environment and by supporting brands and companies that are dedicated to the safe and naturally derived ingredients, we can make a difference together.
What are the clean alternatives?
Mineral sunscreen is the answer! And the good news is there are many options now on the market! Mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays and are the preferred option. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are two great mineral sunscreen ingredients to search for when looking for a good tinted moisturizer with SPF product. They’ve proved to be safe and effective in research done by the FDA. Zinc oxide protects against both kinds of rays, and titanium dioxide protects against UVB and some UVA.
1. ILIA Skin Tint - Super Serum Skin Tint Balos ST3 | ILIA Beauty
Ilia is a Sephora and online sold brand that is dedicated to organic and natural cosmetics. Their official website claims. “We believe in skin that looks like skin– and radiance that comes naturally.” Ilia’s products range from lipsticks, eyeshadow, powders, skin complexion products, and much more. With their product packaging being composed of recycled materials, it is obvious to see the positive impact they are achieving. The Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint is a SPF 40 skin tinted serum that has gained popularity via Tiktok with claims of being ‘lightweight and dewy’, the perfect duo for summertime. This tinted serum contains Hyaluronic Acid, Plant-based Squalane, and Niacinamide, which with daily use, has been said to visibly improve bare skin and create a skin barrier to lock in hydration. This product does not stop there. Being silicone, fragrance, chemical sunscreen free , oil free, and being certified for sensitive skin, it is obvious to see why this product is so popular. With the price of $48.00 and 30 shades to choose from, I can see the Super Serum Skin Tint being number one.
2.) Organic SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer - BB | Juice Beauty
Juice Beauty is a highly graded organic and natural beauty brand. Skincare and cosmetics, they have it all. The Organic Tinted Mineral Moisturizer of an SPF 30, is a mineral based sunscreen product. With a ‘sheer’ and ‘sand’ shade, the product uses mineral pigments to adjust to one's tone. The tinted moisturizer is formulated with a plant-derived hyaluronic acid to help lock in moisture. Being free from parabens, petroleum, propylene glycols, silicones, talc, carbon black, phthalates, parabens, as well as being cruelty free, with a price of $32.00, Juice has an alternative.
3.) Saie Slip Tint | Clean Tinted Moisturizer | Non-Toxic Beauty
Many brands that are upcoming are starting to cater to ‘clean’ and ‘natural’ makeup. Saie Beauty is one of them. Their Slip Tint is an Allure Best of Beauty, Cosmopolitan Holy Grail 2021, and Women’s Health Beauty award winner. This tint is a cruelty and gluten free product with SPF 35that is made up of 100% mineral zinc-oxide, that caters to delivering the consumer with a dewy glow. Just like BareMinerals and Ilia, Saie has included skincare benefits into this product. Not only does the Slip Tint include Hyaluronic Acid for great hydration, but by using this product, you will also gain the benefit of a brighter complexion thanks to Licorice Root. Not to mention, Pansy Flower is an ingredient that helps fight free radicals and provide the skin with amazing antioxidants. With a shade range of 14 and a price point of $35.00, Saie is in the mix of the best lightweight complexion products.
4.) CCC Clean Corrective Tinted Moisturizer | Honest
Honest Beauty, founded by actress Jessica Alba, was created to give consumers “natural makeup from a safe formula and naturally-derived ingredients”, according to their official Honest Beauty website. With their products ranging from cosmetics, spa essentials, skincare, and baby products, Honest gives options for everyone. The CCC Clean Corrective with Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer with an SPF of 30, gives those who are looking for an organic option a lightweight substitute. This product is said from their website to be a ‘6-in-1 skincare-hybrid”. Much like the other tinted moisturizer options above, Honest’s version is comparable with the skincare aspect. Made with mineral sunscreen, vitamin c, blue light defense, and with the price of $23.99, this is an amazing organic option.
5) Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer | Beautycounter
With their products excluding over 1,800 toxins, Beautycounter is a new and dedicated organic beauty brand. Their ‘social mission’ as it is labeled on their website claims,”One by one, we are leading a movement to a future where all beauty is clean beauty. We are powered by people, and our collective mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone. Formulate, advocate, & educate—that’s our motto for creating clean beauty products that truly perform while holding ourselves to unparalleled standards of safety. Why? It’s really this simple: beauty should be good for you.” With an array of products including skincare, cosmetics, bath, and body care, they have it all. Beautycounter’s Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer has won the 2020 Byrdie Eco Beauty Award and for good reason. This sheer and lightweight product contains SPF 20 mineral sunscreen to protect from damaging sun rays, as well as skincare positive ingredients. Vitamin C and black currant seed oil to assist in a firmer and more luminous glow over time with consistent use. Based on a study of 32 individuals, this product was proven to show skincare benefits. For the price of $50 for a 1.35 component, and the amazing benefits that your skin will receive from safer ingredients, this product is a great alternative on the market.
Coming up with a regimen that is clean and contains lesser toxic ingredients may seem challenging when considering all that's involved. However, being exposed to chemicals commonly found in most cosmetics can have serious effects in the long run. Whether it's parabens, chemical sunscreen, or phthalates, we must look into what is best for us. Thanks to these companies providing us with an organic, natural, and lightweight option, we are able to choose that life of more natural beauty.
Sources:
- https://www.madesafe.org/whats-in-that/sunscreen/
- https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/
- https://coral.org/en/blog/sunscreen-101-protecting-your-skin-and-coral-reefs/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6736991/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen