Is Aveeno Positively Radiant a tinted moisturiser?

Which Aveeno product are you looking at?

The US Positively Radiant products combine daily moisturiser with broad spectrum sunscreen, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. Aveeno markets both with soy for more even skin tone and texture. That is a different purpose from choosing a coloured product to match your complexion. The name 'Positively Radiant' is not a shade chart, however optimistic the bottle sounds.123

How do SPF 15 and SPF 30 differ?

For sun protection, choose SPF 30 rather than SPF 15: dermatologists advise SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection and water resistance. The SPF 30 version meets the first two criteria, but Aveeno tells you to use a water resistant sunscreen for swimming or sweating. Neither product should be your choice solely because you want a tint.14

How should you apply it?

1. 1Apply generously and evenly to dry skin 15 minutes before sun exposure, following Aveeno's directions.
2. 2Cover exposed areas, including your face, neck and ears. General sunscreen guidance calls for at least 1 teaspoon for the face; a thin cosmetic layer is not enough to assume the labelled protection.
3. 3Reapply at least every 2 hours when outdoors. An SPF moisturiser still needs reapplication.
4. 4Use a water resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating, and reapply after swimming, sweating or towel drying.

What if you want coverage or less white cast?

A tinted sunscreen that matches your skin tone can help avoid the white residue some sunscreens leave. A tinted sunscreen should match your skin tone, rather than merely matching the enthusiasm of its product name. Look for SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection and water resistance as well as a suitable shade. Tinted sunscreens containing iron oxide also help protect against visible light from the sun, which can worsen dark spots, particularly in darker skin tones. Do not assume those benefits from the word 'radiant' alone.34

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Both formulas contain fragrance. For sensitive or allergy prone skin, choose a sunscreen without fragrance. If sunscreen stings or burns, a mineral sunscreen with only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as its sunscreen ingredients is a better option to consider. Do not apply either Aveeno product to damaged or broken skin. Keep the product out of your eyes and rinse with water if it gets in them. Stop using the product and ask a doctor if a rash occurs.124

What else should you check before buying?

Match the full product name and SPF on the bottle, because these two formulas differ. For UK sunscreen shopping, look for SPF 30 or higher and at least four star UVA protection; a UVA symbol inside a circle indicates the EU standard. Check the expiry information before use. Protect either Aveeno bottle from excessive heat and direct sun, and protect the SPF 15 version from freezing. Sunscreen does not replace shade, protective clothing or a hat that shades your face and ears.1256