15 of the Best Brown-Girl-Approved Sunscreens
Brown skin beauties, listen up! Gone are the days of making our skin tones work for our beauty products. Now, we make our beauty products work for us—and yes, that includes our SPF. If you’re naturally dark, you know: Slathering on sunscreen (unless it’s the sheer, spray kind) can be a project. You can blend to eternity and it’ll still leave behind that tell-tale white veil, not only on your face but on places that you can’t easily see—like your cheeks—and nope, not the ones on your face. Luckily, the struggle (which is so real) to find products that work for our dark skin is getting easier day by day. And while we’ve done a few deep dives into the topic of makeup (like highlighter and foundation for darker skin), the SPF category may be the most important of all.
It’s no secret that sunscreen is an absolute must for all skin tones. It’s non-negotiable. And while darker skin may not burn quite as easily as fair skin, it’s a common misconception among people with brown skin that skipping SPF isn’t such a big deal—when it actually really is. In fact, people with darker skin are often not diagnosed with skin cancer until it’s in its late stages, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
“In dark skin, sun exposure can also increase chances of hyperpigmentation and melasma,” says Dr. Dina Strachan, a board-certified dermatologist at Aglow Dermatology in NYC. So what is it in SPF that leaves behind that chalky, white residue? “Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in physical sunscreens are responsible for creating a white to grey overcast, while chemical sunscreens with ingredients like avobenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate leave less,” according to Dr. Strachan. But this doesn’t mean you have to choose one over the other. Many SPFs now incorporate these skin protectors into formulas that are virtually invisible. To help you find the right one for you, we’ve put together a list of SPFs that’ll blend into dark skin tones seamlessly, with no marks or mask left behind.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Dina Strachan is a board-certified dermatologist at Aglow Dermatology in NYC.
15 SPFs for Deeper-Skin-Tone Beauties to Try Now
1. Best Hydrating SPF
FENTY SKIN Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
Face it: If Rihanna’s a fan, so are we. That’s why we're crushing on this must-have moisturizer and sunscreen combo. It smooths on with a lightweight feel while providing heavy-duty sun protection. And its light pink tint is the secret to its ability to blend into all skin tones with zero chalkiness left behind.
2. Best SPF for City Life
FARMACY BEAUTY Green Defense Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Live in a big city? Consider this baby your go-to. This mineral sunscreen does all the right things. It’s non-greasy, shields skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays, protects from the blue light emitted from your smartphone, and fends off environmental pollution—all while it blends seamlessly into all skin tones.
3. Best Barely-There SPF
SUPERGOOP! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
This ultra-sheer, oil-free SPF is virtually invisible when applied (we think it’s part magic) and leaves behind no residue whatsoever. Its velvety formula smooths on like butter and is completely transparent, and the best part is that it delivers a healthy dose of SPF with an extremely lightweight feel.
4. Best SPF With Benefits
JOSIE MARAN Argan Daily Moisturizer Mineral SPF 47
Why layer on the skincare when you can opt for one product that does it all? This nourishing formula delivers high SPF protection that’s chemical-free, non-greasy, and jam-packed with good-for-skin antioxidants. Plus, it’s made with aloe, jojoba oil, and argan oil to leave skin with a radiant glow.
5. Best SPF for SPF Haters
GLOSSIER Invisible Shield
If you’re totally turned off by the thought of applying a heavy layer of sunscreen under your makeup, this barely-there option is your new BFF. The uber transparent formula is made with active microcapsules that instantly absorb into your skin like a gel serum. No greasy residue and absolutely no white cast left behind.
6. Best Brightening SPF
DR. BRANDT SKINCARE Liquid Sun Shield Daily Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
These radiance-boosting drops may be small, but trust us—they’re packing major skin-protecting power. Each drop of this lightweight mineral sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum sun protection to skin while protecting from harmful blue light exposure, infrared radiation, and pollution. Its formula is a super light, silky consistency that’ll rub on clear and disappear in seconds (but not before it majorly boosts your glow).
7. Best Good-for-Skin Sunscreen
BIOSSANCE Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
This non-toxic SPF protects skin from sun damage while adding a moisturizing, cooling, and calming effect. The lightweight formula uses a sheer zinc mineral sunscreen to protect the skin’s outer barrier and deflects harmful rays while blending into all skin tones quickly—minimal rubbing in needed.
8. Best SPF for Sensitive Skin
DRUNK ELEPHANT Umbra Sheer Physical Defense
While not all SPFs are one-size-fits-all, when you’ve got sensitive skin, the search for sun protection can be even tricker. Luckily, this blocker goes on clear and calms skin quickly. It’s loaded with powerful ingredients that contain antioxidants and antimicrobial, skin-calming abilities (hello, aloe!), to keep your complexion youthful and protected.
9. Best SPF on a Stick
TULA Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Swipe on this invisible shield to shoo away sun damage while welcoming in a gorgeous glow. This broad-spectrum SPF protects against UVA and UVB rays, pollution, and environmental aggressors that can cause lasting damage to skin. Its non-comedogenic formula won’t clog up pores, works well under makeup, and leaves behind a yummy scent.
10. Best Long Wear SPF
COOLA SUNCARE Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 in Piña Colada
By far the easiest way to dodge white sunscreen residue is to reach for a sheer SPF spray—and this sheer, tropical-scented formula is one of our faves. It’s waterproof and specifically formulated to keep you sun safe all day without leaving behind a heavy, tacky feel. Spritz it on with no worries!
11. Best SPF for Oily Skin
REN CLEAN SKINCARE Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen
When oily skin meets SPF, it can sometimes mean breakout city for your skin. Luckily, this mineral formula promises to keep pores unclogged, mattify your skin (without silicone!), and keep your skin safe from the sun thanks to 22% nano-zinc oxide, rice starch, and antioxidants. Smooth it on your face and neck for shine-free protection. Fun fact: It also makes a great primer for your makeup.
12. Best Anti-Aging SPF
SONÄGE SKINCARE Protec Plus Natural SPF 30
This skin-saving SPF works overtime to protect skin from sun damage while fighting signs of premature aging. The red algae in this silky-smooth sunscreen is the key to helping it blend in like butter to an invisible veil of protection, while macadamia and sandalwood barley help keep signs of sun damage at bay.
13. Best Everyday SPF
SUNDAY RILEY Light Hearted Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Daily Face Sunscreen
We can’t stress enough just how important it is to wear SPF every. Single. Day. Luckily, this super thin formula makes it easy. The formula provides heavy duty broad-spectrum protection and blends into a transparent finish—no greasy feeling left behind (we promise). Plus, it’s both a physical and chemical sunscreen that uses plant-based xanthophyll and turmeric to provide an added boost of blue light and environmental protection.
14. Best Beach-Day SPF
SHISEIDO Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Ready to hit the beach? Apply this invisible SPF stick anywhere, and it won’t leave a streak behind. Even better, its waterproof formula combines SHISEIDO's WetForce Technology with its HeatForce Technology to create a water-resistant sunscreen formula that actually gets stronger when it's exposed to heat and water. Even better, it promises to survive water and sweat for up to 80 minutes (yup!) before you need to reapply.
15. Best SPF for Acne-Prone Skin
KINSHIP Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide SPF 32
Finally—an SPF that’s specifically made for breakout-prone beauties. This protector blends in clear with a hint of mattifying power to keep your skin looking balanced, dewy, and not dry. The mineral-based formula uses 22.4% non-nano zinc oxide to provide UVA and UVB ray protection, along with turmeric and kinbiome, a plant-based probiotic that supports clear skin.
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