“Wait… why am I wearing SPF at night?”
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?
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
| 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 |
Disclosure: All products featured were purchased independently.
Beauty Editor’s Pick: Jones Road Just Enough Tinted Moisturizer takes the win for nighttime use. Minimalist, gentle, and thoughtfully formulated without unnecessary SPF, PEGs, or harsh preservatives, it feels more like a skincare balm than a foundation. Perfect for evening routines or low-sun days, it strikes a clean, fuss-free balance that makes it our top choice for everyday wear.
[…] post is a follow-up to Do You Really Need SPF at Night? A Look at Tinted Moisturizers Without Sunscreen, exploring two popular SPF-free tinted moisturizers—Jones Road and Glossier—and how their […]