Tested and Dermatologist-Approved: 9 Sunscreens That Melanin-Rich Skin Will Love
- Our Top Picks
- Best Invisible Finish
- Best Luxury
- Best Matte
- Best Shade Range
“It's important to debunk the misconception that darker skin doesn't require sunscreen,” explains Hannah Kopelman, DO , a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery in New York City. “Melanin provides some protection, but it's insufficient to fully protect against skin damage, hyperpigmentation, or skin cancer.” That’s why, she continues, “I always emphasize consistent, daily use of sunscreen as a crucial step in skin-care routines for individuals of all skin tones.”
If you have darker skin tones, you should also look for a sunscreen with a higher sun protection factor, or SPF.
“While melanin offers some natural UV protection (roughly SPF 13), it’s still essential for darker skin to use SPF 30 to 50 daily [because] UV exposure contributes to uneven pigmentation and hyperpigmentation, common concerns in skin of color,” explains Shannon Humphrey, MD , medical director at Humphrey and Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Although I know the importance of wearing sunscreen, I've disliked wearing it in the past. As a woman of color, many of the less expensive brands I found left a white film on my skin, especially my face. And it was hard to justify spending more on a higher-cost product without knowing if the sunscreen would actually work for me. I was also concerned about sunscreens feeling sticky or not layering well under my makeup.
So, I decided to check out several dermatologist-recommended, well-reviewed sunscreen brands. I applied each the way I normally would, with two goals in mind: to find out if they were worth the price, and to see if they fully absorbed into my skin. I'm pleased to report I found several that I liked, and that work for a variety of budgets.
Read on to learn more about my experience, see what dermatologists recommended and why, and find out how much protection sunscreen really gives someone with melanated skin.
Our Top Picks for Best Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones
- Best invisible finish: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
- Best luxury: Dr. Few Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
- Best matte: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte
- Best shade range: Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50
- Best spray: Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Spray
- Best value: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
- Best water-resistant: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick
- Best for acne-prone skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Deep Tinted
- Best for mature skin: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield
Best Invisible Finish
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Pros
- Feels light and barely-there
- Offers a choice of SPF strength
- No white cast
- Water and sweat resistant
- Goes on smooth
Cons
- Small container
- Costly in higher amounts
Key Specs
- SPF: 40–50
- Weight: 15 mL; 0.5 fl oz
- Coverage area: Face
Smooth. Clear. Completely effortless. When I first spread Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen on my face, those are the adjectives that came to mind. What I loved about it most, though, is what wasn’t there. Supergoop offers the best invisible finish, hands down. Once rubbed all the way in, this sunscreen is indeed unseen.
The consistency is a cross between a gel and clear baby oil. It’s light and is barely noticeable once it’s rubbed in. There’s no scent, and it doesn’t hide my features or skin tone.
However, this sunscreen comes at a price. When I first took it out of the box, I was shocked by how small the tube was — 0.5 fluid ounces (fl oz). While the cost per ounce is more reasonable if you purchase a larger bottle, you still get a lot less product than other sunscreens offer. But if you’re looking for an effective sunscreen that you can almost forget you’re wearing, this is it.
Best Luxury
Dr. Few Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
Pros
- Can serve as a light makeup foundation primer
- Moisturizes skin
- No white cast
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Pumps out evenly
Cons
- Light stickiness once applied
- Costly
Key Specs
- SPF: 30
- Weight: 50 mL;1.6 fl oz
- Coverage areas: Face, neck, and décolletage
Dr. Few’s Tinted Mineral formula felt like the Cadillac of sunscreens. When I took it out of the box, the first thing I noticed was how heavy the bottle itself was. The weightiness of it made me feel like I was getting an item of substance. Considering the cost and the natural ingredients that this vegan sunscreen is made of, my expectations were high. Dr. Few’s Tinted Mineral didn’t disappoint.
First of all, the pump made it easy and convenient to use. And I love that it has a brownish tint to it, which matched well with my skin. When I rubbed it into my skin, I immediately noticed this sunscreen’s lotion-like consistency. My skin looked glowy and moisturized, with the added benefit of having enough tint to serve as a foundation primer. Dr. Few’s Tinted Mineral sunscreen didn’t feel as light as I thought it would, and I could still tell there was something on my face. But knowing I was using a holistic, vegan sunscreen, with antioxidants and a great finish, made it worthwhile.
Best Matte
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte
Pros
- Comes out clear
- Softens and smooths skin
- No white cast
- Water-resistant
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Felt oily on initial application
- Doesn’t feel as light on skin
Key Specs
- SPF: 45
- Weight: 50 mL; 1.7 fl oz
- Coverage area: Face
We chose this sunscreen as our favorite matte option because it gives your skin a smooth, soft, matte finish at a reasonable price. It has a higher SPF of 45, which is beneficial for melanated skin.
The moment this clear sunscreen came out of the tube, I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about any white residue. It has a consistency similar to baby oil, and it feels light to the touch. I initially worried that the oiliness would translate into a greasy look; thankfully, it didn’t. Once I rubbed it in, it had a matte finish. I also liked the way it moisturized and softened my skin.
While the finish looked matte, I noticed that when I touched my face, a lot of the makeup I applied over the sunscreen came off on my hand. My face didn’t feel greasy, but the makeup seemed to slide off more easily. While that’s something to be mindful of, the soft skin and protective finish, combined with its reasonable cost, made this highly rated sunscreen a top pick.
Best Shade Range
Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint 50 SPF
Pros
- Several shades to choose from
- Sprays evenly
- Water and sweat resistant
- No white cast
- Works as a light makeup foundation
Cons
- Oily
- Runs when applied
Key Specs
- SPF: 50
- Weight: 40 mL; 1.35 fl oz
- Coverage area: Face
Limited shade options are a common problem with sunscreens, so we were delighted when we found one that offers options for such a wide variety of skin tones. When I went online to order Live Tinted Hueguard, I loved that there were 11 — yes, 11 — different shades to choose from. The photos on the website were also helpful for finding the best color match for my skin.
The sunscreen applies with a small spray range and spreads easily. It is very runny when you initially put it on, so that’s something to be mindful of. It’s also oily, and I felt like it was all over my hands after rubbing it in; a sponge may work better for application.
I especially loved that Live Tinted’s sunscreen worked well as a light foundation. It’s perfect if you want sun protection that blends with your skin and saves you a step in your morning routine. That part alone makes it worth the additional cost.
Best Spray
Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Pros
- Easy-to-use spray
- Doesn’t feel heavy
- Water resistant
- No white cast
- Rubs on clear
Cons
- Slight stickiness after rubbing it in
- Somewhat runny texture
Key Specs
- SPF: 50
- Weight: 4.5 oz
- Coverage area: Face and body
Blue Lizard functions like most spray sunscreen products, offering the convenience of easy, wide application. It wins as the best spray for us because it applies evenly and smoothly, and it doesn’t feel oily or heavy. A lot of spray sunscreens can also leave a white film; this one doesn’t. While it comes out white, it rubs in clear. Its high SPF is an added benefit for people with darker skin tones.
While I did notice a slight stickiness on my hands after rubbing it in, it wasn’t significant. For ease of application and its ability to blend in with your skin, Blue Lizard is the ideal spray sunscreen for quick coverage.
Best Value
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Pros
- Hydrating mineral formula
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- No white cast
- Reasonable cost
Cons
- Lower SPF
- Sheer tint may not be ideal for darker skin tones
Key Specs
- SPF: 30
- Weight: 3.0 fl oz
- Coverage area: Face
We selected this moisturizing lotion because not only does its smooth, creamy texture hydrate your skin, it’s also the most inexpensive option of the sunscreens for darker skin tones we reviewed. “Many mineral-based sunscreens leave a noticeable white or grayish cast, so the ideal picks are ones that provide full-spectrum UV protection while remaining invisible on deeper skin tones,” says Dr. Humphrey. “CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is an excellent and readily available … brand that provides hydration along with sun protection.”
Although it’s a lotion, it’s lightweight on your skin. It can function as a light foundation, though the available shades may not match darker skin tones. However, even if you use it just for sun protection, at less than $15, it’s a worthwhile purchase.
Best Water-Resistant
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick
Pros
- Stick form is easy to apply
- Clear and lightweight
- Water resistant
- No white cast
- Convenient packaging
Cons
- Have to blend after rolling onto skin
- Small size
Key Specs
- SPF: 50+
- Weight: 0.7 oz
- Coverage area: Face and body
This sunscreen is perfect for fun at the beach or relaxing days by the pool. We chose Shiseido’s stick sunscreen for its water-resistant properties. I dabbed some on my hand and ran it under water; the droplets sat on top, which is what you’d want to see in a water-resistant sunscreen.
While the smaller size of this sunscreen means you get less product, it also means it can easily fit in your purse. The roll-on applicator also makes it easy for quick touch-ups throughout the day. Overall, Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick is a great choice to bring along for fun in the water and the sun.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Deep Tinted
Pros
- Two tinted color options
- Lightweight
- Good for sensitive skin
- No white cast
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not best for very dry skin
- Costly
Key Specs
- SPF: 46
- Weight: 1.7 fl oz
- Coverage area: Face
We picked EltaMD as the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin because its oil-free formula caters specifically to sensitive skin. “You'd be hard pressed to find a derm that doesn't recommend EltaMD sunscreens — the formulas are comfortable and safe for all skin types and tones,” says Geeta Yadav, MD , board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto. “This formula … [is] oil-free and noncomedogenic, making it especially ideal for those who have acne-prone skin or rosacea ; the formula contains niacinamide to help calm irritation, inflammation, and redness while promoting a more even skin tone.”
Because it is tinted, it can also function as a light foundation. The sunscreen blends in nicely, without leaving a white cast. While this formula isn’t hydrating enough for very dry skin, it offers calming ingredients and lightweight coverage that provides a smooth, noncomedogenic finish for acne-prone skin.
Best for Mature Skin
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield
Pros
- Matched my skin tone once absorbed
- Water- and sweat-resistant
- No white cast
- Feels light and smooth
Cons
- Initial white film until rubbed in
- Costly
Key Specs
- SPF: 50
- Weight: 55 mL; 1.8 fl oz
- Coverage area: Face
Colorescience’s formula is very hydrating and left my skin feeling light and smooth. I loved how it matched my skin tone and could function as a light foundation. While it does take a few moments to rub in and ensure a white film doesn’t remain, once the product fully absorbed, I was left with a smooth finish. The product is a little more costly at nearly $60 a bottle, but with its dual makeup and sunscreen functionality, it felt worth it.
Comparison Table
How We Tested Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones
Testing sunscreen goes beyond what it says on the packaging. As a woman of color, it was important for me to apply the sunscreen to my skin to get a true representation of the look, feel, and smell of many of our selections.
We also reached out to several skin-care and dermatology experts to learn what sunscreen products they recommended, and why. They provided insights to help us understand what factors to consider when selecting sunscreen and specific things that a person with melanated skin should look for. These experts included:
- Nathan Newman, MD , Beverly Hills–based board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon
- Geeta Yadav, MD
- Hannah Kopelman, DO
- Shannon Humphrey, MD
Lastly, we conducted extensive research and vetted studies to present the most accurate information to help you make your decision on what to purchase.
What to Look For When Buying Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones
It’s just as important to know what should not be in your sunscreen , too. “Ingredients or features to avoid include heavy concentrations of mineral actives (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) that leave visible residues, strong fragrances that might irritate and trigger hyperpigmentation, and overly thick or chalky formulas that don't blend properly. Additionally, low SPF levels or insufficient UVA protection can lead to increased pigmentation issues for darker skin tones,” Dr. Kopelman adds.
Other factors to consider include whether you’re looking for a formula for sensitive skin, how greasy or heavy the sunscreen is, and, of course, cost.
FAQs
If you’re going to be outside and your skin is not covered by clothing, you should use sunscreen. Even when it’s cloudy outside and you don’t see the sun, it can still emit harmful UV rays.
While many chemical sunscreens may be lighter in texture, the thicker feel of mineral sunscreens gives almost immediate protection from the sun’s harmful rays. It also has the added benefit of using more natural ingredients, as opposed to being filled with chemicals.
Why Trust Everyday Health
Lydia J. Johnson, MD
Medical Reviewer
Lydia Johnson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist. Her medical career of more than 20 years has included work in private practice and in an academic medical center, as well as various medical leadership positions, including department chair. In 2020, Dr. Johnson embarked upon a passionate journey to utilize her medical knowledge and experience to help create a more widespread and lasting impact on the individual and collective health of our community. She is doing this as a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician, board-certified dermatologist, and certified health coach.
Johnson envisions a future of healthcare that prioritizes and values maintenance of health, holistic well-being, and disease prevention. Through lifestyle medicine certification, she is committed to being a part of that transformation. As a coach, she empowers others to enjoy lives of optimal well-being and identify the ways to do so through lifestyle behaviors that are accessible to all. Her purpose is to help others thrive in all aspects of their lives, with a foundation of optimal health.
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- How to Decode Sunscreen Labels. American Academy of Dermatology . April 2024.
- Skin Care and Aging. National Institute of Aging .
- How Does Sunscreen Work? Understanding UV Protection. MD Anderson Cancer Center . June 18, 2024.
- Krutmann J et al. Photoprotection for People with Skin of Colour: Needs and Strategies. British Journal of Dermatology . November 9, 2022.
- Lyons AB et al. Photoprotection beyond ultraviolet radiation: A review of tinted sunscreens. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology . May 2021.
- Sunscreen FAQs. American Academy of Dermatology Association . February 11, 2025.
- The Difference Between Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens. Cleveland Clinic. May 24, 2024.
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