10 Best Sunscreens for Darker Skin Tones
One of the most common and detrimental misconceptions is the idea that people with darker skin tones do not need sunscreen. Everyone, regardless of skin tone, should be wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen everyday. Wearing sunscreen correctly can prevent skin cancer and premature skin aging caused by sun rays. Sunscreen can also help tackle other skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation, which can worsen with more sun exposure.
That being said, a lot of sunscreen formulations do not complement darker skin tones and instead leave a white cast. Here are 10 options that provide full coverage for people of color.
1) BLACK GIRL SUNSCREEN
It would be impossible to talk about sunscreen formulated with darker skin tones in mind without BGS. Founded by a Black woman, the brand’s goal is to change the conversation around sun safety. Her product is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 that applies clearly on skin,leaving skin protected, moisturized and with a healthy glow. It retails for $16.
2) SUPERGOOP
Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is just as its name suggests unseen. It is an invisible, lightweight formula that offers protection from both UVA rays (responsible for premature aging, wrinkles and age spots) and UVB rays (responsible for sunburns), while blending perfectly into skin. It is also a great option for makeup wearers, as it primes skin for seamless makeup application. It retails for $34.
3) KRAVE BEAUTY
Krave Beauty’s The Beet Shield is a lightweight formula with a silky finish. It is formulated with vitamin c to fight environmental aggressors. It protects skin from the sun’s rays, and is packed with antioxidants to protect skin. It also works well underneath makeup by leaving a sheer finish. It retails for $20.
Photo via Glossier
4) GLOSSIER
Glossier’s Invisible Shield is a very light sunscreen with the consistency of a serum. It is formulated with active microcapsules, which are packed with UVA and UVB filters that deliver broad-spectrum protection to skin while being gentle and lightweight enough for daily use. It retails for $25.
Photo via COSRX
5) COSRX
The Aloe Soothing Sun Cream by COSX is a sunscreen with the feel of a light moisturizer. It’s main ingredient is aloe leaf extract to soothe skin while offering broad spectrum protection. It absorbs into skin effortlessly without a white cast. It also retails for only $16.
@esthejosierain / EltaMD
6) ELTAMD
EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum 46 was formulated with sensitive skin types in mind. It is gentle enough for people with skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. It is also formulated with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, which hydrates skin and maintains a healthy skin barrier, but promote healthier looking skin. It retails for $38.
Photo via Paula’s Choice
7) Paula’s Choice
Paula’s Choice Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50 is a lightweight formula packed with antioxidants that help protect skin from UVA and UVB rays and fight off free radicals and environmental aggressors. It has a water-like texture with a satin finish that blends easily into skin and gives a nice glow. It retails for $33.
8) Farmacy
Green Defense Mineral Sunscreen is a broad spectrum mineral sunscreen by Farmacy Beauty that provides protection from the sun’s harsh rays without feeling greasy after applying. It also contains marigold extract to fight against environmental aggressors. This sunscreen retails for $36.
Allure / La Roche Posay
9) La Roche Posay
La Roche Posay’s Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60 is an oil-free formula that protects skin from UVA and UVB rays without clogging pores. It is fragrance-free, allergy tested and gentle on sensitive skin. It also melts into skin seamlessly without a white cast. It retails for $19.99.
10) Drunk Elephant
Umbra Sheer Physical Defense is a serum-like sunscreen packed with antioxidants including grape juice and sunflower shoot extract to fight off free radicals and a blend of marula and raspberry seed oils to target fine lines. This sunscreen is fragrance-free and cruelty-free and retails for $34.
Written by Rahama Sadiq
