The 20 Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin (So You Can Finally Stop Looking Like Casper the Ghost)

editor@purewow.com (PureWow)
·9 min read

We can’t emphasize enough how important sunscreen is in your skincare routine. And while all sunscreens promise to protect your skin from harsh UV rays, they’re not all catered to every skin tone. Whether you’re team chemical or mineral sunscreen, there are some formulas out there that leave a dreadfully chalky, white finish behind.

Thankfully, we found a few picks that will blend into dark skin seamlessly. Whether you prefer a tinted serum like Ilia’s, a body sunsceen to take on-the-go like Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion or a classic formula that’s specifically dedicated to Black and Brown skin like Black Girl Sunscreen, here are the 20 best sunscreens for dark skin.

The Best Sunscreen for Dark Skin At A Glance:

RELATED: The Black Girl’s Guide to SPF (Plus, the 7 Best Options to Get You Started)

1. Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion

Best Overall

Why We Love It: Black-Owned, SPF 30, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes

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 is so beautifully sheer that it makes a white cast nearly impossible.

Buy It ($16)

2. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion

Best Drugstore

Why We Love It: Non-greasy, SPF 50, water resistant for up to 80 minutes

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 and it’s budget friendly.

Buy It ($16)

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen

Best Splurge

Why We Love It: Mineral-based, SPF 50, fragrance-free

Yes, the price tag is worth it—trust us. This lightweight mineral-based sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection, sheer coverage and an instant glow. Plus, its universal tint technology makes it a match for all skin tones.

Buy It ($44)

4. Melē Dew The Most Sheer Moisturizer

Best Moisturizer

Why We Love It: Black-owned, SPF 30, blue light protection

We’re always down for a hybrid skincare product—especially one that’s developed by dermatologists of color. This moisturizer is infused with SPF 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.

Buy It ($21)

5. Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection

Most Hydrating

Why We Love It: Mineral-based, SPF 50, water/sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes

If total protection is in the name, expect to say goodbye to harsh rays. The mineral-based sunscreen offers an invisible coverage that matches all skin tones. Plus, it’s loaded with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide that soothe and shield your skin.

Buy It ($39)

6. Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Best Makeup with SPF

Why We Love It: Clean ingredients, SPF 40, 30 shades

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. With hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide, it also hydrates and supports your skin. And with a 30 shade range, you can’t go wrong with finding the right match for your skin tone.

Buy It ($48)

RELATED: 6 PureWow Staffers Tried Ilia's Skin Tint Serum to See If It Deserves the Hype

7. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer

Best for Hyperpigmentation

Why We Love It: Black-owned, SPF 30, clean ingredients

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, while protecting your skin from future sun damage.

Buy It ($38)

8. Cerave Hydrating Sunscreen

Best for Sensitive Skin

Why We Love It: Mineral-based, SPF 30, non-greasy finish

Don’t let the tint scare you into thinking you’ll look like Casper. This hydrating sunscreen has a universal tint that blends seamlessly for all skin tones. It’s formulated with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, making it an especially soothing option for people with sensitive skin.

Buy It ($17)

9. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Why We Love It: SPF 46, cruelty-free, fragrance-free

With over 3,000 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, as well as niacinamide and lactic acid to clear pores and reduce shine, which makes it a great choice for acne-prone skin.

Buy It ($39)

10. Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen

Best Clean

Why We Love It: SPF 30, vegan formula, fragrance-free

This mineral-based sunscreen is reef-safe, silicone-free and vegan. The formula includes moringa water and winter cherry to refresh and protect your skin against pollution and blue light. Whether you have dry, oily or combo skin, the sunscreen absorbs quickly without feeling greasy or heavy.

Buy It ($36)

11. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion

Best Body Sunscreen

Why We Love It: SPF 50+, water resistant for 80 minutes

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 special technology that creates an invisible layer of protection, so it goes on clear, spreads evenly and maintains moisture all day long.

Buy It ($49)

12. Coola Makeup Setting Sunscreen Spray

Best Spray

Why We Love It: SPF 30, water resistant for 80 minutes, vegan formula

FYI, you should be reapplying sunscreen while wearing makeup. Thankfully, this setting spray takes care of that and it reduces unwanted shine. The lightweight formula—featuring 70 percent organic ingredients—keeps your skin protected and your makeup intact for a summer shindig.

Buy It ($36)

13. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen

Best Matte Finish

Why We Love It: SPF 40, fragrance-free

From its colorless and scentless texture to its oil-free formula, you can forget all about the white cast. This sunscreen includes red algae, frankincense and meadowfoam seed to soothe your skin and protect against blue light and UV rays. It also has a velvety soft finish, so you won’t look like a shiny disco ball by the poolside.

Buy It ($36)

14. Glossier Invisible Shield

Most Lightweight

Why We Love It: SPF 35, vegan formula

If a product labels itself as “the sunscreen for people who hate wearing sunscreen,” it’s only right to check it out. Its hydrating ingredients like vitamin E, aloe leaf extract and H2O leave no room for dry patches or an uneven application. Plus, the water-gel texture feels like a lightweight and refreshing serum when you put it on. The sweet orange scent adds a nice touch.

Buy It ($25)

15. Live Tinted Hueguard 3-in-1 Broad Spectrum Mineral Primer

Best 3-in-1

Why We Love It: API-owned, SPF 30, clean formula

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. Most importantly, the mineral-based formula feels lightweight and melts onto dark skin with ease.

Buy It ($32)

16. Urban Skin Rx Complexion Protection Moisturizer

Best for Dry Skin

Why We Love It: SPF 30, vegan formula, refreshing cucumber scent

This hybrid formula tones and hydrates your complexion, while providing you with daily UV protection. The squalene, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin C mix fights against clogged pores, dryness and discoloration. And its sheer finish absorbs into melanated skin without leaving any noticeable cast.

Buy It ($20)

17. EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum

Best Serum

Why We Love It: Black-owned, SPF 30, clean ingredients

Let this sunscreen serum glide smoothly over the face without feeling sticky or greasy. It’s crafted with zinc oxide, prickly pear stem extract and safflower to hydrate, calm and protect against outside stressors. Give it a good shake, apply a few drops and enjoy the demi-matte finish.

Buy It ($50)

18. Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer

Best for Oily Skin

Why We Love It: Mineral-based, SPF 47

Whereas some sunscreens feel too heavy on your skin, this lightweight moisturizer does the exact opposite. Yes, it shields you from the sun, but it also provides a dash of radiance—minus the greasy finish. Plus, the universal tint works especially well with medium to dark skin, and it adds a subtle warmth to your complexion.

Buy It ($36)

19. Bolden Brightening Moisturizer

Best for Dull Skin

Why We Love It: SPF 30, gentle formula

A sunscreen that combines SPF and vitamin C? Yes, please. This moisturizer brightens up your skin tone, while diminishing other signs of sun damage and boosting hydration. We also appreciate that it absorbs into your skin clearly, so you never have to worry about any chalky streaks.

$28 at Amazon

20. Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen

Great for Combination Skin

Why We Love It: SPF 30, non-greasy formula

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 ensure no clogged pores or excessively greasy coverage. Instead, you’ll get smooth skin and a natural glow.

Buy It ($36)

RELATED: The One (but Very Crucial) Mistake You Might Be Making with Sunscreen

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