In the middle of summer, at the beach, at the gym, or just for every day – tinted moisturizers are designed for days when you want a lightweight, natural looking base that nourishes and protects your skin while you wear it.
There’s a whole host of vegan beauty products out there, and luckily, vegan brands love to produce tinted moisturizers.
They’re extremely versatile, and people of all ages, races, and skin types can benefit from them. The tinted moisturizers we have listed below are vegan-friendly and designed to supply what your skin needs!
theBalm BalmShelter Tinted Moisturizer
Great for All Skin Types – SPF 18
This no-frills vegan tinted moisturizer has a natural finish that is great for all skin types as it isn’t too dewy or matte. It’s ideal for everyday wear because of its lightweight feel, natural coverage, and moderate SPF of 18.
What We Like
BalmShelter is super easy to apply with either your fingers, brush, or beauty sponge. The SPF is just enough to protect your skin, but not too high to cause a white cast after application.
What We Didn’t Like
Although the level of SPF in BalmShelter isn’t that high, the content of the actual sunscreen is. Because of this, some experience irritation in the eye area caused by the sunscreen. Be sure not to bring this tinted moisturizer too close to your under-eye area if your eyes are sensitive.
bareMinerals Complexion Rescue
Best for Dry and Irritated Skin – SPF 30
This vegan tinted moisturizer was massively popular last year because of its cooling gel texture and radiant finish. The texture is so light; it feels like the only thing you’re wearing is your own skin. It claims to increase hydration within your skin by a whopping 215% but still be oil-free!
What We Like
This moisturizer is hydrating and fragrance-free, making it great for skin that is generally sensitive, recovering from a breakout, or even after a skin treatment. It comes in 16 shades making it easy for anyone of any skin tone to find a match. It has a level of SPF at 30, which provides the perfect amount of protection.
What We Didn’t Like
Users note that this product is quite hydrating, even though it is oil-free. If you have oily skin, you may have a problem with the product sliding around or not lasting throughout the day unless you set it with a powder and/or use a matte powder.
e.l.f. Studio Tinted Moisturizer
The Budget Option – SPF 20
This wallet-friendly tinted moisturizer is easily attainable and great for everyday wear. The finish isn’t too oily or dry, making it great for everyone!
What We Like
Besides being budget-friendly, it contains ingredients that are great for skin, even when you’re not wearing it! It has vitamins A, C, and E, as well as aloe and cucumber that soothe skin. The texture is lightweight and won’t feel heavy on your skin as you wear it throughout the day.
What We Didn’t Like
This cruelty-free tinted moisturizer only comes in a handful of shades, none of which are very light or very dark. Those that fall into the midrange of skin tones are the only ones that will be able to wear this one.
Physicians Formula Organic Wear
The Organic Option – SPF 15
This tinted moisturizer contains 80% organic ingredients no harsh chemicals. Made with all-natural fruit water to give the skin a surge of moisture and a beautiful sheen with a very sheer level of coverage.
What We Like
The ingredients in Organic Wear are great for your skin as it contains jojoba oil, which is one of the best oils for skin as it is the closest oil to the sebum our skin naturally produces! The other plant-derived oils keep skin from becoming dehydrated throughout the day and keep it feeling lightweight.
What We Didn’t Like
Although naturally derived, this tinted moisturizer contains a large amount of lavender oil, which can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin or rosacea. Be sure to spot test!
100% Pure Tinted Moisturizer
As Natural as You Can Get – SPF 20
100% Pure is a unique company that specializes in making vegan cosmetics using only fruit and vegetable pigments! That means this tinted moisturizer is essentially edible – although we don’t recommend trying it.
The ingredients are ideal for nourishing skin. This isn’t makeup that you have to worry about damaging your skin throughout the day – if anything, it improves it!
What We Like
This tinted moisturizer has an SPF of 20 and also includes antioxidants. The combination of these 2 things makes a huge impact on how your skin ages as it is the ultimate protection from the sun. Also, a common problem with tinted moisturizers is that they don’t often come in very deep shades, but we’re happy to see that this one does!
What We Didn’t Like
Most of the shades in this range have a strong peach undertone to them, so that could cause problems for those with more olive undertones.
Which Tinted Moisturizer Is Right For Me?
- INGREDIENTS
When shopping through the overwhelming numbers of tinted moisturizers, keep an eye out for the common animal ingredients that might be present in non-vegan makeup such as honey, milk, beeswax, carmine, and lanolin.
- OILY SKIN
If you’re someone with extremely oily or acne-prone skin, find a tinted moisturizer that is either oil-free or has a matte finish. This will help to keep your oil production low, and your makeup looking flawless. Use your favorite vegan primer or setting powder for maximum oil control.
- DRY SKIN
If you have dry skin, you’re in luck because most tinted moisturizers cater to you! But, if you want to go the extra mile for your skin, look for a product with natural plant oils like jojoba and avocado oil. Additionally, water infused formulas, like coconut and cactus water, give your skin a cool boost of hydration as well.
- SENSITIVE SKIN
A common issue with plant-based tinted moisturizers seems to be for those with sensitive skin. Many tinted moisturizers are fragranced with essential oils and sunscreens that can cause irritation, rashes, and even breakouts for those with extra sensitive skin or rosacea. Look for fragrance-free formulas and sunscreen that is made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide!
Why so much SPF?
You may have noticed that almost every tinted moisturizer has sunscreen included in its ingredients. This is to give the product extra anti-aging and skin-protecting power!
Nothing is more anti-aging than sun protection, especially when partnered with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants that are found in quality tinted moisturizers.
There are different types of sunscreen though: physical and chemical. Chemical sunscreens tend to cause skin irritation and aren’t recommended for the face. Physical sunscreens, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are ideal for the face as they reflect and scatter UV rays that target your skin. Physical sunscreen is also the most gentle and causes the least irritation for sensitive skin.
Let Your Skin Breathe
Cruelty-free beauty products are beautiful; on the inside and out. Enhancing your natural beauty with a lightweight cruelty-free tinted moisturizer is a great way to keep your skin protected and your mind at ease knowing you are using products that are great for you, the planet, and for animals.
The brands listed above are great options for a wide range of skin tones and types, making it easy to find the ultimate tinted moisturizer that will fit all of your needs!