Best Sunscreen For Dark Skin
The 10 Best Sunscreens For Deeper Skin Tones
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
Sunscreen has come a long way — but honestly, it took long enough. Unfortunately, the chalky, thick options of the past left many of us sun-lovers with darker skin unprotected. But luckily, now there are a crop of SPF choices in clear or easily absorbed formulas (even mineral ones!) that will give the level of coverage needed to keep our black from cracking — while literally leaving no trace. We know that melanin alone is just not enough to protect against skin cancer and premature aging, so let's do our skin a favor and add one of these skin protectors to the daily routine.
Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen ($29) was created by a woman of color specifically for darker skin tones. It's a mineral-based SPF minus the haunting white tint that most others leave behind.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60
Even though La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen ($36) has a lightweight texture, it doesn't skimp on blocking harmful UV rays. It gets the job done in the sheerest way possible.
Vichy Idéal Capital Soleil SPF 50 Sunscreen
Unlike other greasy sunscreen formulas, Vichy Idéal Capital Soleil SPF 50 Sunscreen ($28) has a matte finish and antioxidants that target other signs of aging that sunscreen alone can't do.
Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster
If classic SPF formulas are hard for you to get behind, try mixing Dermalogica's Solar Defense Booster ($53) into your foundation or daily moisturizer. You'll get the UV-blocking benefits without even knowing it's there.
Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer
If you prefer physical over chemical UV blockers, try one with a slight tint to it like Image Skincare's Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer ($39). Unlike traditional white versions, this one blends amazingly well into brown skin.
Urban Skin Rx DermShield
Sunscreen can be tricky for oily skin, but Urban Skin Rx DermShield ($28) helps mattify and takes down any excess shine while it protects.
Cover FX Clear Cover
The Cover FX Clear Cover ($45) gel SPF formula goes on effortlessly and also has tomato extract to protect against free-radical damage that can cause wrinkles.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($32) is a truly transparent formula that works really well as a primer. It'll simultaneously keep your makeup in place and shield skin from harmful UV rays.
Glossier Invisible Shield
There's really so much to love about Glossier Invisible Shield ($25) — especially the velvety, clear finish that won't mess up your melanin glow.
Bare Republic Clearscreen Sport SPF 30 Sunscreen Gel
Generally, if you're on the deeper end of the skin tone spectrum, sunscreen gels are the way to go. Bare Republic Clearscreen Sport SPF 30 Sunscreen Gel ($14) is another winning option. It also comes at a great price — so there's literally no excuse not to cover up every day.
