The best sunscreens for dark skin don’t just protect melanated folks from harmful UVA and UVB rays—they do so without leaving a chalky, blue-tinged white cast or feeling greasy, cakey, or tacky. And contrary to popular opinion, if you’re someone with a medium to deep skin tone, you do need daily sun protection if you want to prevent issues like premature aging, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and most importantly, skin cancer. This is especially true of mineral formulas.
We looked at how they blended (or didn’t blend) into deeper complexions, layered under makeup, and whether or not they left behind any chalky residue or unwanted shine. Ingredients also mattered—hydrators like hyaluronic acid, calming niacinamide, and antioxidants were all major pluses. In doing so, we discovered a tint with an extensive shade range, a mineral formula that leaves no trace on melanated skin (seriously!), a hybrid sunscreen that checked all the boxes, and more below.
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50, $40 Best Tinted Sunscreen: Supergoop Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint SPF 50, $44 Best Mineral Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $47 Best Body: Australian Gold Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 30), $12 Best Stick: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Clear Stick SPF 60, $33 Best Water-Resistant: Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 60, $9 Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen (SPF 50) What we love: What could improve: Texture isn’t too thick None Invisible Includes antioxidants ICYMI: Earlier this year the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added a new chemical sunscreen filter to its list of approved active ingredients that can be used in over-the-counter sunscreens. Bemotrizinol or BEMT, as it’s called, has been available for use in Europe and Asia since 2000, but it’s slowly being incorporated into sunscreen formulas sold in the US. Its approval here is a major deal since it’s known to be more photostable than filters like avobenzone, not to mention that it has a very low level of skin absorption and is less likely to leave behind a white cast.
Following that decision, it was only right that La Roche-Posay’s beloved Anthelios sunscreen lineup got an update with an all-new product featuring the ingredient. The sunscreen still has the same light, milky texture as the previous formula, but since it’s made with a new (to the U.S.) chemical filter, you can expect it to look invisible and blend in more flawlessly. Also included is a special technology that works like a shield to protect your skin against environmental stressors and damage.
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Supergoop Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint (SPF 50) What we love: What could improve: Extensive shade range It doesn’t cover acne or blemishes The bottle is pretty small for the price Tinted sunscreens, when done right, can be a beauty minimalist’s dream. Not only do they provide the benefits of wearing two products in one, but they also offer an alternative to wearing heavy makeup by providing a very light layer of color that also protects against sun damage. The drawback is that some formulas don’t offer very extensive shade ranges—and that’s where Supergoop! comes in.
Protec(tint) is available in 14 shades, from very deep to very fair, with a variety of undertones. It also features hydrating hyaluronic acid and ectoin to defend against blue light and environmental stress. Best Mineral Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum (SPF 46) What we love: What could improve: Tinted formula Deepest tint might not work for the deepest skin tones Feels light and airy Our best mineral sunscreen pick is a dermatologist- and editor-favorite that helps avoid the dreaded white cast with its tinted hybrid formula.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
