If you have dry skin and are looking for an affordable sunscreen, CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen might be a good choice for you.
Formulated with mineral UV filters and plenty of moisturizing ingredients, this tinted facial sunscreen fits into any skincare routine easily and works for a wide range of skin tones. However, the formula is heavy and might cause breakouts for people with acne prone skin.
This CeraVe sunscreen review will explain everything you need to know about CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen, its benefits, and how to use it.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Sheer Tint

At a Glance:
Best for: | Most skin types |
Key Ingredients: | Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide |
Approved? | Not for acne prone skin |
More like this: | CeraVe Healing Ointment Review↗ |
Key Ingredients
- 5.5% titanium dioxide
- 10% zinc oxide
- Three essential ceramides
Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are both mineral-based UV filters. They can cause a whitening effect which is why many people don’t like mineral sunscreens.
Thankfully though, this product doesn’t leave any white case thanks to the tint!
Three Essential Ceramides
Ceramides as an essential component of your protective skin barrier. There are three main ones that CeraVe is known for:
- Ceramide NP
- Ceramide AP
- Ceramide OP
MVE technology encapsulates ceramides and delivers them into your skin in a way your barrier can actually use them.
Other Ingredients
Other ingredients in the formula act as moisturizers, penetration enhancers, and stabilizers. Some of these include:
Hyaluronic acid
Sodium hyaluronate
Salicylic acid
Stearic acid
Citric acid
Cetearyl alcohol
Sodium chloride
Polyhydroxystearic acid
Xanthan gum
Capryloyl salicylic acid
Aluminum hydroxide
Sodium lauroyl lactylate
Propylene carbonate
Aluminum stearate
P anisic acid
Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate
These guys are popular hydrating ingredients. They bind to environmental water and help pull it into your skin, leaving your face feeling plump and moisturized.
Benefits

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen has tons of benefits like:
- Reducing dark spots
- Fighting premature aging
- Preventing skin cancer
Reduce Dark Spots
Because melanin is exacerbated by sun exposure, a sunscreen SPF 30 can give your skin an environment to heal and prevent uneven skin tone.
Fight premature aging
UV rays break down collagen and elastin in your body which, over time, leads to premature aging. Without sun protection, chronic UV exposure can cause:
- Fine lines
- Wrinkles
- Liver spots
- Sagging skin
By applying a tinted sunscreen formula daily, you can protect your skin’s natural barrier and keep your skin looking younger longer.
Prevent skin Cancer
While UVA rays are responsible for aging, UVB rays are responsible for burning and causing skin cancer.
Wearing a sunscreen can prevent you from getting a sunburn which increases your chances of developing melanoma.
What is the difference between mineral and tinted mineral sunscreen?


Mineral SPF is notorious for leaving a white cast due to certain filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These products can be fine for fair skin, but they’re not appropriate for all skin tones.
On the other hand, tinted sunscreen is ideal for a wide variety of skin tones as the tint seamlessly blends in. It can even replace your foundation since it leaves you with a natural finish.
CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30 Review

CeraVe
Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30
I tried this broad spectrum SPF 30 every morning for a few months, but I just couldn’t get myself to love it. It’s too thick and it made me break out way too much!
There are many other tinted sunscreens, so even if you end up not loving this one like me – don’t worry!
Texture
This product is very thick and will stain your clothes if you’re not careful! It doesn’t absorb easily, and while the bottle says it’s non comedogenic, it was way too heavy for my acne prone skin.
Tint
It’s definitely not a universal tint, but it does blend in very well across a broad range of skin tones. The tint is strong enough to cover up dark spots and acne marks as well.
Scent
I didn’t notice any scent with this product. It’s fragrance free which makes it more ideal for sensitive skin!
Packaging
This broad spectrum SPF comes in a squeeze bottle. It’s mess free, convenient to carry around, and easy to use.
Overall Thoughts
I really didn’t like the way this product felt on my face. It was too heavy and made my face breakout.
It may be more suitable for people with super dry skin that aren’t acne prone, but I won’t be purchasing it again.
How to Use CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Sheer Tint SPF 30

Follow these simple steps to use sunscreen as part of your everyday morning routine:
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
Apply vitamin C serum
Moisturizer
Wait for your moisturizer to absorb
Apply about two fingers worth of sunscreen SPF 30
And that’s it! I like to cover my neck and the backs of my hands in addition to my face.
Does CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen clog pores?

I found that CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen clogged my pores like crazy. That being said, I’m super acne prone.
If you have particularly dry skin or live in a cold climate, you’ll probably like this product.
Alternatives to CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
If you have super oily skin, I suggest you stay far away from CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen. Check out one of these instead:
Neutrogena
Hydro Boost SPF 50

La Roche Posay
SPF

Frequently Asked Questions

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen. It’s formulated with mineral sunscreen filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Yes, CeraVe Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is safe. It’s made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, both of which are mineral UV filters and safe for everyday use.