Iron Oxides

Also known as tinted mineral pigments, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499

What are iron oxides?

Iron oxides are the mineral pigments that give tinted sunscreens and foundations their color. They block visible light, including blue light, which regular sunscreen filters let through. Visible light darkens melasma and dark spots, so a tinted SPF protects better than an untinted one.
Best forMelasma Dark spots Visible light protection Deeper skin tones

Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides

Shop all 39
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Sunscreen EltaMD 1.7 fl. oz. Shop at Exclusive Beauty EltaMD EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 $24.50 Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex Hero Image shop at Exclusive Beauty Club Colorescience Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 $58.00 EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 Broad-Spectrum DUO ($90 Value) Sunscreen EltaMD Shop at Exclusive Beauty EltaMD EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF 46 Broad-Spectrum DUO ($92 Value) $92.00 EltaMD UV Restore Tinted SPF 40 1.7 oz shop at Exclusive Beauty EltaMD EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 Tinted $25.50

Pairs well with

  • Zinc oxide
  • Titanium dioxide
  • Vitamin C
  • Niacinamide

Use with caution

  • A shade that doesn't match (test first)
  • Applying too thin a layer

Iron Oxides FAQs

Iron oxides block visible light and add to your sunscreen's protection. They don't replace UV filters like zinc oxide.

Visible light triggers melasma, and only tinted formulas with iron oxides block it. Studies show fewer relapses with tinted SPF than untinted.

Iron oxides are safe and gentle. They sit on top of your skin and rarely cause reactions.

Iron oxides block blue light. The sun gives off far more of it than phones and laptops do.

Related reading

The 7 best tinted sunscreens in 2026 How blue light affects your skin Dermatologist-approved melasma treatments

This content on this page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always speak to a dermatologist before starting a new skincare routine.