CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen Review

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen is a 100% mineral sunscreen that provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection while also creating a healthy glow thanks to a universal tint.

Plus, the formula contains supporting key ingredients — like ceramides, niacinamide, and sodium hyaluronate — to strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture.

Below we’ll give you all the details on CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen, including the key ingredients in the formula and the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care. We’ll also share some reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this CeraVe sunscreen.

Is CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen Right For You?

Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen is right for you.

Key ingredients? Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), ceramides, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate
SPF? 30
Available shades? One universal tint
Skin type? Recommended for all skin types (including sensitive skin and acne-prone skin)
Texture? Lightweight and silky
Fragrance? No
Cruelty free? No
Vegan? Yes
Cost? Depends where you purchase; $16.99 USD for 1.7 oz on Ulta.com
Rating? 4.2 out of 5 stars

What Are The Key Ingredients in CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen?

In order to determine how well CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen performs, we’ll have to evaluate the key ingredients in this formula. Let’s get started.

Mineral Sunscreens: Create a Protective Film to Reflect UVA/UVB Rays

There are two mineral sunscreen ingredients in CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Also known as physical sunscreens, these ingredients protect your skin by using physical UV filters to block or deflect UV light.

Physical sunscreens tend to be better tolerated by most skin types because they are not absorbed into the skin. Thus, they are especially useful for those with heat sensitive skin (i.e. rosacea patients) as well as those with acne-prone skin as they are typically less pore-clogging.

However, physical sunscreens are thicker than chemical sunscreens and can often leave a white cast after application. That’s the reason CeraVe added a tint to this product; the tint allows the formula to seamlessly blend into most skin tones to offset any whitening effect of the mineral sunscreen ingredients.

Ceramides: Strengthen The Skin Barrier

All CeraVe skin care products — including CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen — contain essential ceramides. But what exactly are ceramides and how can they benefit your skin?

Ceramides are a family of waxy lipid molecules that are naturally produced by the skin and are vital in supporting the stratum corneum (the outer layer of skin).

According to Healthline, the stratum corneum is sometimes described as a brick wall. The corneocytes (dead skin cells) that make up the cell envelope are layers, like bricks, mortared together by lipids (ceramides), that create the outer water barrier.

A properly functioning stratum corneum is essential for healthy skin as it maintains epidermal hydration and serves as a barrier that responds to environmental stressors, infections, irritants, and allergens.

Without ceramides, the skin barrier is weakened, just like without mortar a brick wall would be weak and unstable. The result is skin that can easily become dry, itchy, or irritated. That’s why applying products that contain ceramides — such as CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen — can help to replenish ceramide levels, thus restoring the skin’s natural barrier.

Niacinamide

We love that CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen contains a decent amount of niacinamide, which is one of the best skin care ingredients, in our opinion.

Here’s why we love niacinamide: A publication in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, states that niacinamide can repair the skin barrier and improve skin moisture, as well as reduce inflammation, blotchiness, hyperpigmentation, acne, and wrinkling. Pretty impressive, right?

Sodium Hyaluronate: The Salt Form of The Moisture Magnet Hyaluronic Acid

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen includes sodium hyaluronate, the sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid. Sodium hyaluronate and hyaluronic acid are basically the same, and the two names are used interchangeably in the skin care industry.

The main differences are that sodium hyaluronate is more stable, easier to formulate, and cheaper. That’s why it is common to see sodium hyaluronate on an ingredient list even though the product name might say hyaluronic acid. Once applied to the skin, sodium hyaluronate provides the same benefits of hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG), a long polysaccharide (sugar molecule) that’s able to absorb and hold a large amount of water. In fact, hyaluronic acid is able to hold more water than any other natural substance—up to 1,000 times its weight in water!

This is why using products with either hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate — like CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen — can help to improve skin hydration.

Emollients: Create a Silky, Smooth Skin Feel

Lastly, we wanted to briefly discuss the emollients in this formula, such as C12-15 alkyl benzoate, isohexadecane, and isononyl isononanoate, just to name a few.

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen contains high concentrations of these emollients, which all contribute to its lightweight silky texture that won’t leave your skin feeling greasy, sticky, or heavy. Rather, these emollients will help the skin to feel supple while also protecting dry skin.

How to Use CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen?

Apply CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. This product should be applied after your serum, but before makeup. The brand recommends reapplying CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen at least every 2 hours.

Where to Buy CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen?

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen and other CeraVe skin care products are not sold on the brand’s website. You must buy CeraVe skin care products on third party online retailers, such as Ulta, Walmart, Target, Amazon, and more.

CeraVe skin care products are also sold in physical retail locations throughout the United States, such as Walmart, Target, Walgreens, etc. The brand has a store locator on their website so you can find a location near you.

How Much is CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen?

The price of CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen will depend on the retailer where you purchase the product. For example, CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen is $16.99 on Ulta.com and $23.49 on Amazon.

What is The CeraVe Return Policy?

CeraVe does not have a return policy on their website since they do not sell products on their website and, therefore, don’t accept returns.

Is CeraVe Cruelty Free?

CeraVe is not cruelty free. CeraVe is owned by L’Oréal, a company that tests on animals. L’Oréal does not conduct animal testing on their products or ingredients, nor ask others to test on our behalf, except when required by law. Since L’Oréal products are sold in China, they must test their products on animals by law.

Is CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen Vegan?

Yes, CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen is vegan.