8 Best Acne-Safe Tinted Moisturizers

Tinted moisturizers are a fantastic way to even out your complexion, cover up skin imperfections, and smooth out uneven skin texture without needing to apply a heavy and suffocating foundation.

However, tinted moisturizers, like regular moisturizers, contain a blend of ingredients, including humectants, emollients, and occlusives, which help draw moisture into the superficial layers of the skin, provide nourishment by mimicking our natural lipids, and create a protective barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent damage from environmental aggressors.

Now, some of these ingredients are beneficial for all skin types, while others, such as the heavier type of emollients and occlusives, can cause skin concerns such as acne to those who have a predisposition to develop this inflammatory condition.

Some common emollients and occlusives found in most moisturizers, both tinted and regular that can be comedogenic or pore-clogging and contribute to acne breakouts include silicones, stearates, oils, and petrolatum.

Therefore, to avoid acne issues down the line, you have to be more diligent about the moisturizers you apply to your skin.

Which is why, in this article, we have reviewed eight acne-safe tinted moisturizers that are suitable for various skin types and conditions, including oily, dry, sensitive, aging, and reactive skin, but also cater to acne, which is a common skin concern every skin type can experience through using comedogenic products.

Best for Oily Skin

The Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense is an excellent product for those with oily and acne-prone skin.

This mineral-based sunscreen incorporates zinc, yet it avoids leaving a white cast due to its tinted formula. Additionally, the product is also loaded with antioxidants that help repair damaged skin cells and encourage healthy cell formation.

Suitable to be used as a makeup primer for a full coverage base or on its own, the Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense delivers a super-mattifying finish that won’t allow oil to seep through to the skin’s surface during the day.

Extra-long wearing and with a fantastic ability to cover up redness, blemishes, and skin imperfections, all while hydrating the skin and boosting healthy cellular function, this product is perfect for anyone dealing with excessively oily skin and acne.

Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense Pros:

• Lightweight and hydrating.
• Contains cell-repairing antioxidants.
• The tinted formula covers up redness, acne, and imperfections.
• Leaves a long-lasting matte finish.

Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense 

• While the tint adapts to various complexions, it might not be suitable for deep skin tones.

The Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF 30 is an excellent choice for oily and acne-prone skin due to its soft matte finish, which is ideal for controlling shine and preventing excess oil from ruining makeup throughout the day.

Additionally, the product is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores and cause breakouts, and offers good sun protection, which is a common concern when picking out sunscreen for those with oily skin.

Finally, the tint offers good coverage that evens out the skin tone and hides imperfections without causing a heavy and greasy feeling.

Best for Acne Scarring

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint is an excellent tinted moisturizer for those looking to cover up acne scars such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, redness, and even atrophic scarring left from severe acne.

This lightweight moisturizer contains hydrating hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and butylene glycol, which is a multitasking ingredient that softens and smooths out skin texture and helps the product spread evenly and stay on the skin for a long time.

The tinted moisturizer is also oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores and lead to further breakouts and more acne scarring down the line.

Finally, the Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint has a lightweight formula that dries into a velvety matte finish for a natural look and coverage that lasts all day long.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Pros:

• Lightweight and hydrating.
• Contains softening and texture-smoothing ingredients.
• Provides good coverage that hides imperfections and acne scarring.
• Long-lasting.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint Cons:

• None!

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Tint is ideal for covering acne scars due to its tinted formula that evens out skin discoloration and leaves a velvety smooth finish behind that makes atrophic acne scarring less prominent.

The hydrating formula ensures the skin stays hydrated throughout the day, minimizing excessive oil production while giving you a healthy, plump look.

Finally, the formula is non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores, making it a fantastic choice for those who want to cover up active acne and scarring.

Best On a Budget

The Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator is an excellent option for those with acne-prone skin who want to even out their complexion and hide imperfections without breaking the bank.

The product is infused with hydrating glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and skin-softening squalane, a component similar to our natural skin lipids and effective at protecting the skin from dryness and discomfort.

The Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator also has a lightweight formula that delivers a buildable light to medium coverage that’s perfect for a natural day makeup, while the velvety matte finish will prevent excess oil and shine from becoming prominent on the skin’s surface throughout the day without making your complexion look cakey and overdone.

Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator Pros:

• Lightweight and non-comedogenic.
• Contains hydrating and skin-softening ingredients.
• Long-lasting natural matte finish.
• Buildable coverage.

Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator Cons:

• None!

With a less than $10 price tag, the Wet n Wild Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator is definitely one of the most affordable tinted moisturizers on the market.

And its skin-friendly formula, adjustable coverage, long wear time, and non-comedogenic formula make it an excellent choice for all skin types, especially acne-prone skin.

Therefore, since the price, quality, and versatility the Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator offers are hard to beat, this definitely makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a budget-friendly tinted moisturizer that doesn’t compromise on performance.

Best With SPF Protection

While most tinted moisturizers on the market will contain UV protective filters, the DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46 is definitely one of the better ones when it comes to those dealing with acne breakouts, fungal infections, and other skin-related woes.

Lightweight and non-greasy, this moisturizer comes in luxurious airtight packaging and boasts a universal tint that adapts to all skin tones, including deep and dark complexions.

Made with elegant UV filters and an addition of skin-beneficial ingredients such as hydrating hyaluronic acid, cell-repairing vitamin E, and oil-balancing niacinamide, this product is suitable for all skin types and concerns, including those with oily skin and those dealing with fungal acne.

Finally, the velvety finish will give your skin a natural radiance that lasts throughout the day while confidently protecting your skin from environmental damage, premature signs of aging, or UV-caused discoloration.

DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46 Pros:

• Offers high, broad-spectrum protection.
• Adapts to all skin tones, including deep and dark complexions.
• Lightweight, non-greasy formula with added skin benefits.
• Suitable for fungal acne.

DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46 Cons:

• Pricey.

The DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46 has a high SPF, which is why it’s the best-tinted moisturizer for those looking for a product with particular attention to preventing UV damage.

Additionally, its lightweight and non-comedogenic formula that consists of skin-soothing and acne-fighting ingredients such as vitamin E and niacinamide makes it suitable for many skin types and skin concerns, including acne and fungal acne, and a popular choice among those with problematic and reactive skin types.

Finally, the universal tint being adaptable to all skin tones makes the DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46 a no-brainer option for anyone looking to treat themselves to a new product that will improve their overall complexion.

Best Tinted Moisturizer for Fungal Acne

The Neova Silc Sheer 2.0 Photo Finish Tint SPF 40 is an innovative, high-performance product formulated to address cellular damage that has led to skin imperfections, such as discoloration, uneven texture, and acne.

However, the best part about it is that it’s not only suitable for those dealing with bacterial or the more common type of acne, but it also doesn’t contain any ingredients that could potentially trigger fungal acne.

Fungal acne, an inflammatory skin condition that appears on the skin in the form of red, itchy, and clustered bumps, results from yeast overgrowth.

This condition can also be challenging to treat because it doesn’t typically respond to regular acne treatments and is more sensitive to many components found in cosmetics, so those dealing with it must be extra careful with the products they apply to the skin.

However, you can rest assured that the Neova Silc Sheer 2.0 Photo Finish Tint SPF 40 won’t exacerbate your fungal acne and can even improve your skin’s health and appearance due to having a lightweight, silky smooth consistency that sits comfortably on the skin and provides a sheer tint that aims to unify and smooth out your complexion.

Boosted with cell DNA-repairing technology, which works to correct occurring and prevent future damage caused by exposure to environmental pollutants, this product is fantastic for anyone looking to achieve clear and healthy skin without having to give up on wearing makeup.

The sheer tint also provides a natural, velvety finish that cancels out redness and covers up blemishes, dark spots, and acne without clogging the pores and causing further skin complications down the line.

Neova Silc Sheer 2.0 Photo Finish Tint SPF 40 Pros:

• Contains cell DNA-repairing technology that prevents further environmental damage.
• Lightweight, skin-perfecting tint that covers up imperfections and evens out the complexion.
• Provides high UV protection with SPF 40.
• Suitable for fungal acne.

Neova Silc Sheer 2.0 Photo Finish Tint SPF 40 Cons:

• Pricey.

Despite the pricey tag attached to it, the Neova Silc Sheer 2.0 Photo Finish Tint SPF 40 is a fantastic choice for those dealing with fungal acne who are looking for a complexion product that will even out their skin without sacrificing its health and appearance in the long run.

Lightweight, with a natural finish and skin tone-adapting tint, this high-protection product offers specific benefits that are definitely worth every penny.

Best for Sensitive Skin

The Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer is fantastic for those with sensitive skin as its formulation is free from irritating chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, drying alcohol, and fragrances, making it less likely to trigger skin reactions.

This tinted moisturizer also distinguishes itself from most similar formulas on the market by incorporating a mild concentration of vitamin C, a powerful, cell-repairing antioxidant that aids in skin brightening, reducing cellular damage that has led to inflammatory skin reactions, and improving skin’s overall health and appearance.

Furthermore, the tinted moisturizer also boasts a high SPF of 30 and a blend of soothing components such as rosemary, sunflower, and allantoin, all renowned for their naturally anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, making them fantastic for calming irritation and reducing symptoms such as redness, itching, and stinging.

Finally, its lightweight consistency and sheer tint effortlessly cover skin imperfections while maintaining a weightless feel.

Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer Pros:

• Formulated with skin-brightening and cell-repairing vitamin C.
• Free from irritating chemicals.
• Provides high broad-spectrum UV protection.
• Lightweight consistency with a sheer tint covers skin imperfections without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.

Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer Cons:

• Limited shade range.

What makes the Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer particularly suited for sensitive skin is its careful selection of nourishing and repairing ingredients.

A mild concentration of vitamin C repairs skin damage on a cellular level, reducing the risk of future irritating reactions along with rosemary and allantoin, both known for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties, instantly soothe redness and discomfort.

Lastly, the lack of irritating components such as alcohol, fragrance, dyes, and sulfates commonly found in cosmetics makes this product even less likely to trigger or exacerbate irritation and reactions in sensitive and reactive skin.

Best For Aging Skin

The Clinique Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator SPF 25 can be a handy daily hydrator for those who want to plump out premature signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, and cover discoloration.

Loaded with hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, and a component with immaculate plumping properties to instantly fill out uneven skin texture, this moisturizer will leave you with an even and glowy complexion as soon as it settles.

The addition of aloe, cucumber, and marine extracts makes it even better for those with sensitive and reactive skin, as thanks to its soothing and calming abilities, any redness and irritation will be thoroughly eliminated.

Furthermore, the Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator SPF 25 also contains caffeine, which is a component that works by constricting the blood vessels under the skin to promote an instant lifting effect.

The product also offers mild sun protection, shielding you from harmful UV rays that can further accelerate the aging process, while the skin-adapting tint and lightweight consistency make it perfect for those who want to even out their complexion without the feel of makeup.

Clinique Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator SPF 25 Pros:

• Contains hydrating hyaluronic acid to plump out visible lines and wrinkles.
• Soothing components reduce the appearance of redness and the discomfort of irritation.
• Lightweight consistency makes it suitable for those who don’t enjoy the feeling of heavy and greasy makeup.
• Sheer yet buildable tint effectively covers up visible imperfections.

Clinique Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator SPF 25 Cons:

• Limited shade range.

The ingredients of this product make the Moisture Surge Sheertint Hydrator SPF 25 particularly suited for aging skin as hyaluronic acid works by drawing moisture to the skin and retaining it in the superficial layers, which promotes a plump and filled complexion with reduced visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.

Additionally, with added aloe, cucumber, and marine extracts in its formulation, this tinted moisturizer provides a soothing and irritation-relieving feel, while caffeine constricts enlarged blood vessels and provides an instant structure and contour to loose skin.

Lastly, the added SPF not only protects your skin from photoaging but helps prevent the formation of age spots, making this product a superb choice for aging skin.

Best For Dry Skin

With a simple formula consisting of 1% hydrating hyaluronic acid, skin-nourishing emollients, and silicones that prevent environmental damage, the L’Oréal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum is likely to be enjoyed by those dealing with dry skin, exacerbated texture, and rough, flaky patches.

Its lightweight consistency is nothing like a standard foundation, and this liquid serum boasts a sheer tint that provides buildable coverage with a natural but better finish.

With its ability to effortlessly cover up skin imperfections without making your skin look and feel cakey and suffocated, you are sure to enjoy a healthy-looking glow once the tinted serum settles onto your skin.

Plus, it comes with a decent price tag, so you are definitely getting a high-end product at a budget-friendly expense.

L’Oréal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Pros:

• Hydrates and nourishes dry skin.
• Smooths out rough patches and flakiness.
• Lightweight consistency doesn’t settle into fine lines and dry patches.
• Sheer but buildable tint covers up imperfections without suffocating the skin.

L’Oréal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum Cons:

• Some users have reported that the dropper applicator can be messy.

When it comes to dry skin, the L’Oréal True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum stands out with its hydrating properties.

The product contains a high percentage of hyaluronic acid that acts as a moisture magnet, binding water molecules to the skin and helping maintain a healthy moisture balance.

The inclusion of nourishing emollients further amplifies this hydration, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and nourished.

Moreover, the lightweight consistency does not leave the skin feeling weighed down or greasy, which is a common downside of many overly hydrating products.

The sheer tint adds a glow without exaggerating the look of makeup and cakiness, along with dry patches and flakiness, making it an excellent choice for dry skin that’s more prone to these concerns compared to other skin types.

How We Tested The Best Tinted Moisturizer For Acne-Prone Skin?

To compile a selection of top-notch tinted moisturizers for various skin types and a particular skin concern in mind, we considered several key factors.

Primarily came the ingredient list of each product, which consists of components that are not only suitable for acne-prone skin but can also be beneficial in soothing redness and inflammation surrounding the pimples.

This is why most of the products on our list contain acne-fighting ingredients such as niacinamide, zinc, and various soothing extracts that instantly calm irritations and cover up redness.

Next was the consistency of each product, and knowing that acne-prone skin often fares better with lightweight, oil-free formulas, as opposed to thick and creamy ones, is why we specifically picked products that don’t feel heavy on the skin and won’t clog pores with potentially comedogenic ingredients.

Finally, we poured over reviews from various platforms penned by users grappling with various skin concerns, such as excessive oiliness, dryness, irritation, and sensitivity, who also deal with one primary concern: acne.

These first-hand experiences provided insights into the efficacy of the products on different skin types, needs, and concerns, which helped determine which tinted moisturizers should be included in the list.

Therefore, judging by the beneficial ingredients, unique formulas that are suitable for various skin types, and the reviews from people’s experiences, we came up with a list of the six best tinted moisturizers for acne-prone skin.

How To Apply Tinted Moisturizer on Acne-Prone Skin?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply tinted moisturizer on acne-prone skin:

1. Cleanse Your Skin: Use a gentle, acne-friendly cleanser to remove the accumulation of oil and impurities that might’ve stuck to the skin for a better and more hygienic application.
2. Use a Primer: A tinted moisturizer will apply smoother and last longer throughout the day when applied over a thin layer of primer.
3. Use a Clean Tool: Avoid using your fingers to apply your tinted moisturizer, as they can transfer oils and bacteria to your face and potentially exacerbate acne. Instead, use a clean makeup brush or a beauty blender to apply your tinted moisturizer.
4. Apply the Tinted Moisturizer: Squeeze a small amount of your chosen tinted moisturizer onto a clean surface, such as a makeup palette, or directly onto your clean application tools and blend in sections for smooth and even coverage. Make sure to blend the product well around your hairline, jawline, and neck to ensure a natural and seamless finish.
5. Set Your Makeup: If you have oily skin or you want your tinted moisturizer to last longer and not slide off your face by midday, set your base with a light translucent powder with a large fluffy brush to avoid disturbing the tinted moisturizer underneath and achieve a natural, non-cakey finish.

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