TOP 7 Sunscreens For Darker Skin Tones

It can be difficult for women with darker skin tones to find sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast. New formulations make it possible to protect dark skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun. There are many options available, and you should not be surprised.

Sunscreen is the first line of defense against sunburns, and it should be worn consistently, all year. Yolanda Lenzy M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist who also owns Lenzy Dermatology &Hair Loss Center in Massachusetts. She says that sunscreen will be an important insurance policy against premature aging.

Excessive UV damage can make hyperpigmentation worse and increase your risk of skin cancer. Michelle Henry, M.D. is a dermatologist who is board certified at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, New York City recommends broad-spectrum sunscreens with a SPF 30 daily and 50 for extended outdoor time.

These sunblocks are melanin-friendly and worth your time.

1. Black Girl Sunscreen 30SPF ($15.99 Target.com)

The brand sunscreen was designed with melanin in mind. The sunscreen’s chemical formula is safe and non-toxic. It uses active filters to absorb the UV rays of the sun before they reach your skin. This moisturizing sunscreen is great for both your skin and your body. It also contains a mix of natural ingredients such as avocado oil to moisturize and sunflower oil to soothe inflammation.

2. ISDIN Eryfotona ageless ($70 at Isdin.com)

This 100 percent mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 is designed to combat photoaging. It contains zinc oxide to protect against UV rays. Lenzy claims that this sunscreen is her favourite, mainly because of its emulsifying properties. She says that emulsions are great because they’re light and tinted. This product blends well. It also contains photolyase enzymes for sun damage repair and peptides that stimulate collagen production.

It’s important to know that mineral sunscreens can often contain physical blockers (zinc dioxide and titanium dioxide) in order to deflect the UV rays. They often leave a white cast. Henry says that these ingredients have been micronized, i.e. reduced to fine particles, in modern formulas. This makes them less noticeable on darker skin.

3. Unsun Cosmetics Everyday Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen ($17.99, UnsunCosmetics.com).

This lightweight, water-resistant, mineral-based formula with SPF 30, is another Black brand. It promises seamless application for deeper colors. It also contains skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, which provides ultra moisture, and green tea extract to repair skin damage and slow down the aging process.

4. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($42; Sephora.com)

This product claims to blend seamlessly into skin and reduce wrinkles thanks to its transparent, non-nano Zinc Oxide. This protective formula is packed with antioxidants like lingonberry, sea buckthorn and free-radical damage.

5. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 46 ($37, EltaMD.com)

This soothing sun protector has been recommended by dermatologists as a trusted product. It is formulated to fight new acne and reduce blemishes. This multitasker can also be used for mature skin because it contains lactic acids, a chemical exfoliator which speeds up skin cell turnover and reduces dullness.

6. MELE DEW The Most Sheer Facial Cream with SPF30 Sunscreen for Melanin Rich Skin (target.com, $13.99)

MELE was cofounded by Sarah Irby and Esi Eggleston–Bracey, Unilever executives. This dewy cream, which won the Glamour beauty award, claims it absorbs quickly and leaves no residue. It is also rich in vitamin E to provide all-day hydration, and niacinamide for hyperpigmentation. Another reason to consider this brand is the fact that it’s so affordable. All brand products are below $30.

7. Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer ($28, BoldenUSA.com)

Vitamin C and sunscreen are an effective combination when it comes to reducing dark spots. This Black-owned brand moisturizer has SPF. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that combats hyperpigmentation. It also helps to prevent sun damage. Squalane, an emollient, is another key ingredient. It promotes soft, supple, and prevents the development of free radicals that can accelerate the aging process.