The 20 Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin, According to Editors, Experts and Reviewers
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We can’t emphasize enough how important sunscreen is in your skincare routine. And while many promise to protect your skin from harsh UV rays, they’re not always catered to all skin tones. Whether you prefer a chemical or mineral sunscreen, there are some formulas that may leave a chalky finish behind. Luckily, we found the 20 best sunscreens for dark skin that will blend seamlessly with your complexion (no Casper the Friendly Ghost here).
Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin at a Glance
Meet the Experts
How We Chose the Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin at a Glance
We tapped our editors to share the best sunscreens they've used for their melanated skin. We also chatted with dermatologists who cater to skin of color and researched products that reviewers are currently loving right now. Whether you prefer a tinted serum like Ilia’s, a body sunscreen like Supergoop! or a formula specifically catered to Black and Brown skin (hello, Black Girl Sunscreen), check out our list below.
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1. Black Girl Sunscreen Sunscreen Lotion
This chemical sunscreen was created specifically for melanated skin. It’s formulated with natural ingredients (like jojoba oil, cacao oil and avocado oil) that protect and moisturize the skin. The crown jewel is definitely the finish, which one PureWow writer describes as so beautifully sheer that it makes a white cast nearly impossible. "It’s lightweight but not watery, and leaves no cast whatsoever. In fact, instead of an ashy appearance, Black Girl Sunscreen actually gives your skin a healthy-looking glow upon application. Who would’ve thought such a product existed?," they say.
2. Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion
This non-greasy formula is lightweight and colorless, so you don't have to worry about a white cast. Formulated with sunflower, rosemary and rice bran extracts, the lotion works to protect, condition and soften the skin while you're laying under the sun. It also absorbs quickly and has a fresh scent that's not-at-all sticky or tacky. As one editor previously shared, "If I had to pick one staple product in my skincare routine, it would have to be my SPF. Like many people in my community, I didn’t grow up using sunscreen. I would always hear the expression, “We’re Black, we don’t need sunscreen.” But that’s not true at all. Not only does sunscreen act as a protective barrier for my skin, but it stops premature aging. And to be honest, I want to age gracefully!”
3. Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil
Here's why you should consider this sunscreen for dark skin, straight from our Sales & Deals editor, Destinee Scott: "I use this sunscreen oil spray all year round. I love that I can use it to slightly tan on the go (FYI, you won't really tan unless your under the sun for hours) and stay protected with SPF 25. But overall I'm obsessed with the glowy sheen it leaves on my skin. If you like using body oil to get a glow, I would highly recommend using this instead since you get sun protection, too! I put all my friends and family on it and they love it. And the coconut smell? Just a cherry on top!"
4. Urban Skin Rx SheerGlow Even Tone Daily Defense Mineral Moisturizer
Rogers appreciates sunscreens with nourishing formulas and this one from Urban Skin Rx fits the bill. Infused with safflower seed oil, grapefruit extract and bisbolo, this mineral-based sunscreen combats dryness, clogged pores and discoloration. Plus, there's zinc oxide to protect your skin against UVB and UVA rays. The aesthetician also notes that it has a sheer finish that absorbs nicely into melanated skin without leaving a noticeable cast.
5. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen
This mineral-based sunscreen gets a stamp of approval from Dr. Hu. The oil-free formula has a velvety finish that hydrates and goes on smoothly without clogging pores or feeling heavy on the skin. As Dr. Hu shares, "This sunscreen offers high SPF protection and has a non-greasy texture. It’s also fast-absorbing and doesn't leave a white cast on darker skin."
6. Kinlo Golden Rays Sunscreen
Dr. Boakye recommends this tinted sunscreen for darker skin tones because it protects against sun damage, blue light and harmful free radicals, while also brightening deeper complexions. Formulated with zinc oxide, niacinamide, green tea extract and vitamin E, the active blend also helps control shine, reduces the appearance of pores and offers a natural glow. "It's available in three different shades to prevent a white cast that is commonly seen on darker skin tones using other mineral-based sunscreens. It's also sweat-proof, water-resistant and reef-safe," she adds.
7. Sun Bum Face Mist
Edwards suggests trying this face mist that promises a nice glow for darker skin tones. The lightweight formula protects against the UV rays and incorporates witch hazel to soothe sensitive skin. It's also a great for spritzing on-the-go—plus, it leaves a subtle banana scent that Edwards describes as "yummy."
8. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen
With over 33,000 5-star reviews, we can see why people are constantly adding this sunscreen to their carts. The gentle formula has a broad-spectrum SPF 46 and is loved by editors, reviewers and dermatologists alike. "The UV Clear stands out for its inclusion of niacinamide and lactic acid. The lactic acid serves as a gentle exfoliant and the niacinamide makes this an excellent choice for acne-prone skin. Both physical (zinc oxide) and chemical (octinoxate) filters play a role, and iron oxides protect from visible light," says Dr. Awan.
9. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
This Korean beauty find is praised by many reviewers for its lightweight formula and Dr. Awan stands by it. "This is a personal favorite of mine. It has a number of brightening, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory ingredients including ceramides, centella, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid. It also has a radiant finish that is best suited for dry skin and works very well under makeup," says Dr. Awan.
10. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen
Who says you have to drop major $$$ to get a sunscreen that provides UVA/UVB protection, a clear finish and a boost of hydration? Thanks to Neutrogena’s signature Helioplex technology (aka the brand’s proprietary blend of chemical blockers that protect your skin), the gel-based formula blends easily onto the skin for under $20. "[I] use it as a face sunscreen [and it] rubs in clear. [It's] fantastic for people of color, who don't want that chalky, grey undertone," says one Amazon reviewer.
11. Melē Dew The Most Sheer Moisturizer
We’re always down for a hybrid skincare product—especially one that’s developed by dermatologists of color. This moisturizer is infused with SPF 30 to protect and moisturize your skin, minus any white residue. And thanks to the formula (which features niacinamide and vitamin E), it delivers 24 hours of hydration to keep your skin soft and plump all day long. "I love how well it works with melanin rich skin! Other sunscreens can leave a white film on the skin, [but] “Dew The Most” didn't leave a film on my skin whatsoever. It blended in with my skin easily and left no white cast. Not only was it lightweight but it was also hydrating! My skin felt so smooth after application. I didn't feel like I was wearing sunscreen at all," shares one Walmart shopper.
12. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint
Can you imagine having skincare, makeup and sun protection rolled into one product? Well, that’s exactly what you get with Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint. This triple threat offers a light, dewy coverage while also protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays, blue light and more. Rich with hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide, it also hydrates and supports your skin, while blending seamlessly with your complexion. It's editor-approved, but also is a huge hit with reviewers. As one shopper shares, "I was hopeful that I could match my dark/reddish undertones skin online, and I was right! Ilia does a good job of representing the different shades and undertones in dark skin, so my serum was a perfect match when it arrived. I live in humid South Florida, so the added SPF is a bonus."
13. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer
This two-in-one is designed to soothe, hydrate and protect your skin. The lightweight blend features kalahari melon extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and aloe to even out skin tone and reduce the look of dark spots and scars, so you can say bye-bye to hyperpigmentation. The moisturizer also contains SPF 30 to protect your skin from future sun damage. "There is no white cast, and it only feels greasy for like 10 minutes, but then you are just glowing. It gives a beautiful dewy look and keeps your face moisturized for so long. I have dry skin and fully did not expect it to be this hydrating and softening," says a Sephora shopper.
14. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
This sun lotion is ready to protect you through it all—whether you’re tanning, swimming or doing a HIIT workout outdoors. It’s crafted with a SynchroShield technology, which creates an invisible layer of protection due to heat and water. The formula is also packed with green tea extract and rose apple leaf extract that helps prevent any UV damage. Shoppers say it goes on clear, spreads evenly and maintains moisture all day long. "This sunscreen is amazing. I like it because there is no white cast, it doesn't break me out, and leaves my skin feeling really moisturized and dewy. This is a more fluid sunscreen, and if you are worried about it being oily... I personally do not find it to be greasy at all. I love the way it sits under makeup too. Overall 10/10," shares one Sephora customer.
15. Acaderma Invisible Shield Defense Serum
Dr. Hu also recommends this SPF-infused serum with active ingredients (like sesame seed extract, peony and summer snowflake) that further protect skin against harsh sun rays, blue light and pollution. The serum also includes 11 antioxidant-rich ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
16. COOLA Sun Silk Drops Sunscreen
If lotions feel too thick on your skin, consider adding sunscreen drops to your routine. This one by COOLA features hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, while the neroli flower extract works to calm and hydrate the skin. It also has SPF 30 to protect against infrared rays, blue light and pollution. As one customer raves, "Absolutely worth it. Wear alone or underneath makeup. [It's] a staple for a woman living in the south. As a black woman, I can attest that this truly goes on invisible!!! Yes, yes, yes the protection I’ve been needing and blue light [protection]. Amazing formula!"
17. Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen
If a product labels itself as “the sunscreen for people who hate wearing sunscreen,” we're going to have high hopes for it. Luckily, it delivers. With hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, aloe leaf extract and H2O, there's no chance of getting dry patches or an uneven application. Plus, the water-gel texture feels like a lightweight and refreshing serum when you put it on. "I decided I need to add a sunscreen into my skincare routine and I tried this on a recommendation. It's perfect! It doesn't feel heavy or greasy, leaves no white cast (extremely important for darker folks like me!) and [overall] does its job," shares one Sephora reviewer.
18. Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral Primer
This 3-in-1 acts as a sunscreen, a moisturizer and a primer. Whether you wear it alone or under makeup, it will give you a natural glow (and no awful white cast). According to reviewers, the mineral-based formula feels lightweight and melts onto dark skin with ease. "I've tried so many sunscreens but [was] always disappointed at how tacky they felt or [the] white cast that looks awful on brown skin or if they felt and looked good, then they didn't have enough SPF protection. Hueguard is the first sunscreen that does all of that for me. Absolutely love it and highly recommend!" says one Ulta customer.
19. Eleven By Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum
Prepare to marvel at how smoothly this sunscreen glides onto your face without feeling sticky or greasy. Crafted with zinc oxide, prickly pear stem extract and safflower, it helps to hydrate, calm and protect skin against outside stressors. Give it a good shake, apply a few drops and enjoy the demi-matte finish. "I was in the market for a clean ingredient sunscreen and this is it! I love that my face stays matte all day, but feels so moisturized. It blends well with my moisturizer as well. It goes on nice and smooth and it doesn't leave a white cast on my melanated skin," says one Ulta customer.
20. Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen
Whether it’s the sun, pollution or blue light, this daily sunscreen protects against all sorts of potential skin damage. The gentle blend of probiotic extracts, pineapple and papaya ensures no clogged pores or excessively greasy coverage. Instead, you’ll get smooth skin and a natural glow. "I've used many sunscreens in my life in India and the US and this is the only sunscreen matches to my daily skin with no white cast. In fact, it gives a great shiny glow with a concealer on top is my go-to option," shares one Sephora reviewer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much SPF is Best for Darker Complexions?
All the experts recommend using SPF 30 or higher for adequate sun protection, regardless of your skin tone. There's a common misconception that those with darker skin don't need sunscreen or that their skin isn't affected by sun damage. But according to Dr. Hu, that's not true. "Darker skin tones do have more natural protection from the sun because their skin contains more melanin, however, it doesn't eliminate all possibility of the risk of sun damage," she explains. "Without sunscreen application, [those with] dark skin tones are susceptible to sunburns, hyperpigmentation and photoaging. While the risks are lower due to the amount of melanin in their skin, they can still experience sun damage over time."
Is Mineral or Chemical Sunscreen Better for Dark Skin?
Dr. Awan says there's beauty in both options for dark skin. "Both are excellent at protecting against UV radiation. [Personally], I use both chemical and mineral sunscreens, but because people with dark skin tones are more prone to pigmentation, I’m a big fan of tinted mineral sunscreens with iron oxides as it gives more protection against visible light." He adds, "The best sunscreen is going to be the one that you use regularly and liberally," meaning find one you actually enjoy using (or at least don't mind putting on your skin).
Often, chemical sunscreens are favored for having no white cast, but Dr. Awan says you shouldn't dismiss mineral sunscreens too quickly. "Newer physical sunscreens have greatly improved on their blending issues," he assures. Once you find the sunscreen that best matches your skin type—regardless of whether it is chemical or physical—make sure to use the appropriate amount, which is about half a teaspoon's worth to cover the face and neck."
How to Find the Best Sunscreen for Dark Skin
The experts share four key things to look for when shopping the best sunscreens for dark skin.
The One (but Very Crucial) Mistake You Might Be Making with Sunscreen
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