Vogue First goes beyond just sharing the latest fashion news—it gives Vogue Shopping readers early access to shop exclusive designer collaborations and capsule collections before they officially launch. Sign up for the Vogue Shopping newsletter so you never miss out. After all, before it’s in fashion, it’s in Vogue.
Dermatologists and skincare experts agree that mineral sunscreen is the gold standard for sun protection. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose explains, it forms a physical barrier that blocks the sun’s harmful rays from reaching the skin. However, mineral sunscreens—which rely on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—often leave a white, chalky residue. The solution? Tinted formulas, which use iron oxide pigments to blend seamlessly with different skin tones.
That’s why Merit chose to debut its first-ever SPF as a tinted mineral sunscreen. According to Aila Morin, the brand’s chief marketing officer, the idea dates back to 2019, before Merit even launched. After extensive customer surveys, they knew their sunscreen had to be mineral-based—but without the heaviness, greasiness, or white cast of traditional options. Essentially, they wanted a mineral sunscreen that felt like a chemical one.
The breakthrough came with new pigment-dispersion technology, allowing the formula to blend smoothly with a high percentage of zinc while maintaining consistent color across all shades. Without this innovation, Morin admits, they might have waited much longer to release an SPF.
This sunscreen also reflects Merit’s origins—Morin and founder Katherine Power bonded over their struggles with acne-prone skin as adults. They wanted the brand to address those concerns, prioritizing clean, non-comedogenic, non-irritating formulas. Both had found chemical sunscreens too harsh for their sensitive skin.
### Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral SPF 45
Price: $38
Why We Love It: Morin describes it as an “SPF you don’t feel on skin.” It combines the lightweight feel of a chemical sunscreen with the powerful protection of a mineral one. Powered by 100% natural zinc oxide, it uses plant-based ingredients to balance moisture and deliver a soft, velvety finish. Just two pumps provides enough coverage to even out breakouts and dark spots—without settling into fine lines or fading throughout the day.
Key Ingredients:
– 100% zinc oxide
– Plant-derived emollient
– Plant-based mineral SPF booster
SPF Level: 45
Finish: Natural
Coverage: Sheer-to-light
Shades: 15
Size: 50 mL
The brand conducted extensive testing—internally, with consumers, and through third-party panels—to perfect the texture and shades for all skin types and ages (testers ranged from 20 to 80 years old). Unlike other tinted sunscreens, The Uniform isn’t overly emollient. Instead, it provides just enough moisture to balance the zinc without feeling heavy. This is thanks to a plant-based emollient (a natural alternative to silicone) and fine natural powders that create a silky, blurred finish.Here’s a natural and fluent rewrite of your text while keeping the original meaning intact:
—
The sunscreen offers UV protection with a 100% natural, ultra-fine zinc oxide SPF 45—sourced from a Coral Reef Alliance-certified manufacturer. For those who care about European standards, the formula is also EU-compliant. To improve wear time and prevent irritation, it doesn’t contain any actives.
Photo: Courtesy of Merit
Since Merit perfected the base formula years ago, most of their effort went into refining the shade range and ensuring each one adapts well throughout the day. Mineral SPF tends to oxidize, so the pigments had to be carefully calibrated. “It has to look great right away and still look flawless eight hours later,” they explain. There are 15 shades in total, based on their popular Minimalist foundation-concealer stick. (The distribution isn’t perfectly even—because zinc is white, lighter shades are easier to adjust, while deeper shades have fewer variations. Just refer to the shade chart to find your match—I found mine easily this way.)
“It’s as sheer as possible without leaving a white cast,” says Mornin. Still, I was surprised by how much coverage a few drops provided. On most days, you can wear it alone instead of your usual skin tint or foundation, maybe adding a bit of concealer where needed. It enhances skin in that signature Merit way—so natural you won’t even look like you’re wearing anything. Apply it with your fingers (like regular sunscreen) or a brush (my preference, since I don’t like pigment on my hands). Just be sure to use two full pumps for proper sun protection. The finish is balanced—not too matte or dewy—making it great for all skin types and concerns, from breakouts to wrinkles. So far, it hasn’t pilled on me.
The Uniform excels in simplicity. Designed to pair with Merit’s Great Skin serum and moisturizer, it’s meant to be your daily sunscreen—your new skincare staple. “We considered everything people dislike and optimized it at every level.”
Merit The Uniform Tinted Mineral SPF 45
$38 | MERIT
—
This version keeps the original meaning while making the language more natural and conversational. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!