In a time when consumers are smarter, savvier, and more ingredient-conscious than ever, Colorescience has seamlessly blended skincare with science-backed sun protection and cosmetics that work double duty. From humble beginnings to becoming a dermatologist-recommended favorite, the brand has carved out a niche for itself in the world of clean, high-performance beauty. If you’re looking for products that enhance your skin while actively protecting and improving it, this is a brand worth knowing.
Colorescience was founded in 2000 by Diane Ranger, a pioneer in the mineral makeup industry. She had previously created the brand Bare Escentuals in 1976 (the parent company that launched bareMinerals in 1995) and coined the term “mineral makeup” in 1977. After leaving Bare Escentuals in 1990, she focused on further developing her concept of loose mineral cosmetics, which ultimately led to the creation of Colorescience.
Colorescience was created with the goal of merging the benefits of mineral-based cosmetics with advanced sun protection and skincare. This is reflected in their focus on using 100% mineral formulations, particularly zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, for broad-spectrum physical sun protection rather than chemical sunscreens. Colorescience’s proprietary EnviroScreen Technology further distinguishes the brand by offering protection not only against UV rays but also against pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation.
Initially a cult favorite, Colorescience gained broader recognition after being acquired by SkinMedica in 2012. Under the leadership of Mary Fisher, the brand underwent a transformation that included product reformulations, updated packaging, and a refined focus on physical sun protection, skincare, and color. While most mineral sunscreens were chalky, greasy, or difficult to blend, Colorescience changed the game with formulas that were light, breathable, and wearable every day.
Today, Colorescience continues to innovate with dermatologist-developed, clinically tested, multitasking products that combine SPF protection, skincare actives, and color correction in one. It has become a go-to brand for dermatologists, estheticians, and skincare enthusiasts alike.
What makes Colorescience stand out in a world saturated with skincare brands? Here are five reasons:
1. 100% Mineral Sunscreens
Colorescience is dedicated to using only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two physical mineral UV filters that sit on top of the skin to reflect UVA and UVB rays. They are reef-safe, non-irritating, and ideal for sensitive or post-procedure skin.
2. Skin-Benefiting Formulas
Many Colorescience products are hybrid multitaskers that offer SPF along with skincare benefits like niacinamide, peptides, and antioxidants. These ingredients help prevent and repair damage to the skin rather than simply covering it up.
3. No Harsh Chemicals
Colorescience products are free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes, and chemical sunscreens. This makes them ideal for sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin.
4. Color Correction
The brand is known for its color-correcting technology, particularly products that address redness, pigmentation issues, or dullness. Its tone-adapting pigments and tinted sunscreens provide sheer coverage with a natural finish.
5. Recommended by Professionals
Colorescience is frequently used in clinical settings, including after laser treatments or chemical peels. It’s trusted for supporting recovery while providing both sun protection and cosmetic enhancement.
Below are 10 standout Colorescience products – each with a specific benefit and purpose:
Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield
This lightweight, hydrating SPF 50 sunscreen is available in multiple finishes, including Classic, Matte, Glow, Bronze, or Flex (with four flexible tone-adapting shades). It provides antioxidant protection and offers 40 minutes of water resistance. Ideal for daily wear under makeup or on bare skin.
Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy
This award-winning, multitasking under-eye treatment combines SPF 35, color correction, and anti-aging ingredients to reduce dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines while brightening tired eyes and shielding the delicate skin around them from sun damage. The cooling applicator helps reduce puffiness and primes the skin for smooth eye makeup application. Available in four neutral shades.
Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield
This award-winning, all-mineral, actives-infused sunscreen is a cult favorite. It features a self-dispensing antimicrobial brush, making it ideal for on-the-go reapplication over makeup or on bare skin. It provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and helps defend against blue light, infrared rays, and pollution damage. Available in four versatile shades.
Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm
These tinted balm sticks deliver sheer, buildable color for lips, cheeks, and eyelids while providing SPF 50 protection. Available in versatile shades like Berry, Bronze, and Blush, they offer a quick way to add both color and sun protection in one swipe. The formula hydrates and conditions the skin while remaining water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. The convenient stick format makes them perfect for travel or mess-free, on-the-go touch-ups.
Sunforgettable Lip Shine
A nourishing treatment that leaves lips plump, soft, and smooth. Formulated with peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E, it hydrates, refines texture, and conditions. It combines a touch of color with subtle shine and SPF 35 protection, offering 40 minutes of water resistance. Maxi-Lip Peptides help support collagen and elastin for a fuller, more plumped appearance.
Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield
Don’t neglect the skin below the chin with this broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 50 mineral body sunscreen. The lightweight liquid formula hydrates while delivering a boost of antioxidants. It provides invisible coverage with no white cast, in a universal shade suitable for all skin types.
Total Eye Hydrogel Treatment Masks
For a quick eye-area refresh and de-puffing treatment, try these cooling eye masks that instantly soothe, hydrate, and reduce dark circles while delivering antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients in just 10 minutes. They’re ideal before a big event or after a long night. Each set includes 12 pairs of masks.
Tint Du Soleil Whipped Foundation
A skincare-makeup hybrid that provides light coverage to blur imperfections and even skin tone while delivering SPF 30 protection. Ceramides and lipids hydrate and replenish the skin, while collagen-building peptides and a multivitamin complex help improve skin health with every application. Available in four versatile shades designed to complement all skin tones.
Total Lash Mascara
This award-winning 3-in-1 eyelash serum, conditioner, and mascara is clinically proven to increase lash length, nourish, and strengthen while reducing breakage and creating a buildable, intensely defined lash line. Botanical extracts promote healthy root growth and help prevent fallout, while peptides boost lash volume and thickness by stimulating follicles to encourage continued growth. Panthenol and jojoba hydrate and condition lashes, improving elasticity and smoothing the cuticle. Iron oxide delivers intense, long-wear pigment, while natural waxes and copolymers lock in moisture and maintain water resistance. The tubing formula wraps each lash in a rich, flexible coating that lasts all day yet slides off easily during cleansing for damage-free removal.
Pep Up Collagen Boost Face & Neck Treatment
This award-winning, peptide-rich serum is designed to support collagen and elastin production, improving skin firmness, tone, and texture over time. Powerful antioxidants help defend against environmental aggressors, while plant extracts soothe and calm. Hyaluronic acid and NS Phytomoist plump the skin and enhance moisture retention. It’s Colorescience’s most repurchased product.
Colorescience is rooted in science, safety, and visible results. Whatever your skin concerns, the brand offers effective, convenient solutions while protecting against future damage. With clean ingredients, mineral sunscreens, and skin-beneficial formulas, Colorescience makes it easy to elevate your skincare routine.
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com
