It’s a question that hit me somewhere between removing my makeup and reading the back of my tinted moisturizer. A preference for sheer, natural coverage over full-coverage foundation often leads to tinted moisturizers, yet what’s surprising is how hard it can be to find one without sunscreen.
Whether you’re headed out in the evening, live somewhere with minimal sun exposure, or just want a simple complexion product that doesn’t double as a UV shield, the search for a non-SPF tinted moisturizer can feel surprisingly niche. Many formulas on the market today contain mineral or chemical sunscreens, and it’s not always obvious on the front label.
So I considered three no-SPF formulas side-by-side: Tarte, Jones Road, and Glossier.
Why Go Without SPF at Night?
Dermatologists do of course stress that sunscreen is essential during the day. But after sunset? SPF can feel redundant.
There’s also a growing concern among ingredient-conscious users around the overuse of certain mineral filters like titanium dioxide. While safe in regulated amounts, they’re not always necessary — and not everyone wants them on their skin 24/7.
The Contenders: Tarte vs. Jones Road vs. Glossier
Tarte Maracuja Tinted Moisturizer $34 (1.01 fl oz)
Despite the lack of SPF claims, this formula includes Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxides, most likely for pigment. But it’s also packed with dimethicone, PEG-based emulsifiers, and synthetic preservatives (including phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate).
It’s not a bad list. In fact, it includes nice botanicals like turmeric, aloe, and radish root ferment, but it leans toward complex. If you’re someone who avoids PEGs or synthetic preservatives with possible contamination risks, this one may raise flags. Still, it’s vegan and fragrance-free.
Jones Road Just Enough Tinted Moisture Balm $44.00 (1.69 fl oz)
Also contains Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxides, again for pigment, but no SPF is claimed or marketed. The ingredient list is shorter, more minimal, and skips PEGs, EDTA, and several common preservatives. Instead, it relies on gentler emollients and safe multifunctional ingredients like 1,2-Hexanediol.
No strong botanicals here, but glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E offer enough skin comfort without the clutter. It’s also vegan + fragrance-free and feels more like a skincare-adjacent balm than a base product. (My full performance review will be published in a future Ingredient-Led Brief).
Glossier Skin Tint $28.00 (1 fl oz)
Glossier’s formula also uses Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxides for pigment but includes silicones like cyclopentasiloxane and cyclohexasiloxane for a silky, smooth feel. It has PEG-10 Dimethicone, polymethylsilsesquioxane, and alcohol, which may not suit sensitive skin types.
While it contains skin-conditioning oils like castor seed and corn oil, it also includes synthetic preservatives such as chlorphenesin and fragrance-adjacent ingredients. This formula feels more makeup-forward and less clean skincare, though it is vegan and cruelty-free.
Price Comparison
Jones Road is the most affordable per ounce at about $26.04/oz
Glossier comes next at $28.00/oz
Tarte is the most expensive at $34.00/oz
Jones Road offers the best value per fluid ounce among these three.
So… Which One Wins for Nighttime?
Since I’ve only tested Jones Road and Glossier so far, and will share my personal experience with a performance review soon. However, based on ingredients alone, Jones Road looks like the cleanest and most minimalist choice for night, while Glossier is a bit more makeup-forward.
Tarte’s formula is more complex and botanically rich but includes more synthetic ingredients. I haven’t personally tested it, so I’m sharing it for reference only. If you’re looking for a tinted moisturizer that doesn’t feel like overkill, and leans toward cleaner ingredients, Jones Road again takes the lead. (Full review coming soon).
| Feature | Tarte | Jones Road | Glossier |
|---|
| SPF Claim | None | None | None |
| Titanium Dioxide Present | Yes (colorant) | Yes (colorant) | Yes (colorant) |
| PEGs / EDTA | Yes | No | Yes |
| Preservatives | Phenoxyethanol, benzoates | 1,2-Hexanediol | Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol |
| Plant Oils / Extracts | Yes (botanicals + fermented ingredients) | Yes (simpler plant oils) | Yes (castor seed oil, corn oil) |
| Silicones | Yes (dimethicone-heavy) | Minimal | Yes (cyclopentasiloxane, cyclohexasiloxane) |
| Alcohol | No | No | Yes |
| Fragrance | No | No | No (but some fragrance-adjacent ingredients) |
| Vegan Status | Yes (confirmed) | Yes (confirmed) | Yes (confirmed) |
| Good for Nighttime? | Yes, but complex | Yes — minimalist and gentle | Suitable but less “clean” focused |
🛍 Where to Buy
Tarte Maracuja Tinted Hydrator
🛍 Brand Website | 🛒 Amazon Storefront
Jones Road Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer
🛍 Brand Website
Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint
🛍 Brand Website
Disclosure: As always, all products featured were purchased independently. If you buy through our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
