25 best sunscreens for dark skin, per BIPOC dermatologists

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We don’t have to put together a TED Talk to convince you to wear sunscreen. Slathering some on — to both your face and body — is recommended by board-certified dermatologists for your skin health.

However, as we kick our way into summer, purchasing SPF products is at top of mind. The average formulation comes out stark white, though, leaving those with dark skin tones to ponder the question: what’s the best sunscreen that won’t leave a white cast on my skin?

“Some sunscreen have higher amounts of titanium and zinc oxide in them, and so therefore they can leave a white cast,” Jeanine Downie, MD, director of Image Dermatology in Montclair, NJ who specializes in cosmetic dermatology, told the New York Post. “Sometimes this can be rubbed in and other times it cannot.”

Though Downie recommends warming the sunblock up in your hands by rubbing your hands rapidly together, and then firmly massaging the sunscreen into your face, to help mitigate the white cast, there are particular formulations recommended by board-certified dermatologists to consider ahead of your next SPF stock-up.

We turned to three BIPOC dermatologists to specially pick the 25 best sunscreens for dark skin tones. Additionally, find an in-depth FAQ section to learn more about application and wear.

“This is a great tinted sunscreen and a good color match,” Dr. Downie adds. “It has anti-aging heparan sulfate and Vitamin E in it.”

Additionally, this all-mineral, broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen helps protect against skin inflammation and hyperpigmentation that’s caused by visible light.

“This is a broad-spectrum, lightweight formula that blends easily without leaving a white cast on darker skin tones,” Michelle Henry MD, board-certified dermatologist and ACGME fellowship-trained Mohs micographic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon, told The Post.

What’s more, you’ll appreciate that this formulation is fragrance-free and water-resistant.

“The EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 40 is lightweight, transparent and so excellent for all skin types,” Sumayah Jamal, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, told the Post. “It’s also reef-friendly and comes with a matte finish.”

Even better, this particular formulation is infused with nutrient-rich Coconut Fruit Extract and packed with amino acids, electrolytes and antioxidants to help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

“The Neutrogena Purescreen+ Tinted Sunscreen for Face with SPF 30 contains think zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and vitamin E,” Downie lists. “The medium deep is a decent color match for some darker skin tones as well.”

More, this formulation contains 100% mineral actives, so it’s a purchase you’ll feel good about. One reviewer also says, “I really like this goes on smoothly and doesn’t have that white paste of so many sunscreens.”

Also, from Neutrogena, the Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70 is the perfect budget buy (just $10!) and is backed by nearly 15,000 rave reviews on Amazon for its efficacy, gentleness on sensitive skin and ease of application.

“This is a non-greasy, matte-finish sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and is suitable for all skin types, including darker skin tones,” Dr. Henry vets.

“The COOLA Mineral Sun Silk Moisturizer Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 30 is transparent, so excellent for all skin types and reef friendly,” Dr. Jamal highlights. “It also comes with blue light protection and a dewy finish.”

This unscented moisturizer with SPF also serves as an ultra-rich priming cream to allow your makeup to seamlessly blend for that all-over summertime glow.

“This is UVA, UVB and anti-infrared with antioxidants,” Downie says. “It rubs right in to darker skin tones, is anti-aging and not greasy at all.”

Downie also says this is the facial sunscreen she applies each morning and worth the splurge for your morning skincare routine.

Enter the facial sunscreen with more than 36,000 applauding reviews on Amazon (reaching best-selling acclaim) for its ability to apply without looking oily and efficacy for sensitive and acne-prone skin alike: the EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46.

“This is a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and contains niacinamide to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation,” Henry notes.

“The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zine Oxide SPF 50+ is reef safe, [offered at a] good price point and water resistant,” Jamal lists off. For less than $20, this formulation is also fragrance- and paraben-free and backed by nearly 13,000 positive reviews on Amazon for being “one of the best sunscreens ever — especially for fair skin” and even being “life-changing — especially in extreme heat.”

“This has DNA repair enzymes and can help repair past sun damage,” Downie says. “It comes out tinted and rubs right in.”

While it’s slightly more hydrating for dry complexions — according to her — the ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion SPF 50+ doesn’t block your pores or break you out.

All hail Supergoop! for being one of the most well-received SPF brands on the market for that summertime glow (that exclamation point marked at the end of the brand’s name truly represents how we feel — excited! In fact, the brand’s Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is recommended by both Downie and Henry.

“This is antioxidant-rich and oil-free,” Downie highlights. “It’s good for all skin types and rubs into a natural finish.”

More, Henry loves it for leaving “no white residue, which, in turn, makes it ideal for any shade of skin.

“This is a powder puff with light sheer color with sunscreen protection, that you can brush on on top of make up,” Downie explains. “Colorescience has many different shades and my patients love this; it’s a must-have in your bag for reapplying sunblock over make up during the course of the day and protect you from the blue light of your computer.”

While Colorescience has shades apt for dark skin tones, keep in mind that the brand doesn’t have every shade — something Downie points out.

“The Paula’s Choice RESIST Skin Restoring Moisturizer with SPF 50 is a moisturizing, broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains antioxidants and skin-replenishing ingredients to help fight against aging and sun damage,” Henry highlights.

Not only does it boast a silky formulation that applies like butter but it’s also ideal for normal to dry skin types, especially. For more, check out our full Paula’s Choice brand review.

“This is also a brush on sunscreen and protects from blue light,” Downie says, recommending the ISDIN Isdinceutics Mineral Brush Facial Powder SPF 50. However, do note in only comes in one shade that’s transparent enough to accommodate darker skin tones.

“The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 is a fast-absorbing, non-greasy sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and is formulated to be suitable for all skin types, including darker skin tones,” Henry says.

With more than 11,000 rave reviews on Amazon, this particular SPF is praised for its ability to absorb quickly, soothe the skin and leave the skin feeling moisturized.

“This is a mineral shield that rubs right in to darker skin tones, is oil-free and non-comedogenic,” Downie lists. “It’s excellent to use for running or outside activity.”

Impressively, SkinMedica’s Essential Defense Mineral Shield SPF 35 also has the highest PA rating at PA++++. For context, PA rating refers to the amount of protection the sunscreen offers from UVA rays, as SPF only ranks protection from UVB rays. The more symbols = the more protection.

The Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ is a budget-friendly option for darker skin tones, praised by more than 1,200 reviewers for being “great for dissolving makeup and impurities” and “giving much moisture to the skin.”

“This is a water-resistant, lightweight sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and is formulated to be suitable for all skin types, including darker skin tones,” Henry notes.

“The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 contains antioxidants and is fragrance free and PABA free,” Downie says.”It rubs right into all skin types and tones with a bit of a more moisturizing finish.

This particular formulation is praised by more than 15,000 Amazon reviews for being lightly tinted with 1% iron oxides, fast-absorbing and leaving a beautiful matte finish on the skin.

“The Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 is a moisturizing, broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe and hydrate the skin, making it ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin,” Henry highlights.

With more than 2,000 positive reviews on Amazon, you’ll appreciate how it’s a budget-friendly option (read: best Amazon items under $25) and is noncomedogenic, so not to clog pores on the skin.

“The Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 is a fantastic spray sunblock with full coverage from UVA and UVB,” Downie notes. “It’s good for all skin types and excellent for sporting events.”

For just $10, this option with 7,000+ reviews is “designed for your active family,” per the brand, and is ultra-lightweight when applied to the skin.

“The COOLA Organic Classic Body Guava Mango Sunscreen SPF 50 is an organic, mineral-based sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and is suitable for all skin types, including darker skin tones,” Henry says.

For less than $30, you can say ‘yes’ to this irresistible guava mango option — or add the fragrance-free formula ($27) to your cart.

“The Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 is full coverage from UVA and UVB,” Downie says. “It rubs right in to all skin types.” With nearly 30,000 rave reviews on Amazon for being cruelty free and soothing on the skin, it’s a tough one to pass up.

More, Downie recommends the brand’s Scalp & Hair Mist ($17) to offer your hair some protection from the sun.

“The Kiehl’s Since 1851 Super Fluid UV Defense Daily Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and contains vitamin E to help protect against free radical damage,” Henry highlights.

As one of our favorite skincare brands, its sunscreen offerings are no different. Its lightweight formula is noncomedogenic, leaves a matte finish and is paraben-free.

“The Obagi Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50 features a matte finish and rubs right into all skin types,” Downie says. More, it’s PABA free, oil- free and dermatologist tested.

With nearly 2,000 positive reviews on Amazon for being “the best lotion for your face” and “working for [you] long-term, it’s a formulation you’ll want to snag for your beach bag.

Meet one of the skincare brands garnering worldwide acclaim: Drunk Elephant. Its award-winning Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 exceeds our expectations just as its other products do, and, unsurprisingly, is recommended by Henry.

“This is a sheer, tinted sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection and contains antioxidants to help protect against environmental stressors,” she notes. It also helps target fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and dullness and uneven texture.

An FAQ on SPF for Dark Skin Tones

Ahead, our team of board-certified dermatologists answered some frequently asked questions pertaining to sunscreen for darker skin tones.

What to keep in mind when shopping for an SPF for your dark skin tone, per experts

According to Henry, “individuals with darker skin tones should bear in mind that they are still susceptible to developing skin cancer and other forms of sun damage despite having a greater amount of melanin in their skin.” Therefore, when selecting a sunscreen, it is important to choose one that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Just as important, choose sunscreens that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C or niacinamide which can help to mitigate the risk of hyperpigmentation.

Despite having more melanin, individuals with dark skin tones are still at risk of developing sun damage and skin cancer. “Therefore, it’s recommended that they use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply it every two hours or more frequently if sweating or swimming,” Henry notes.

It’s important to note that anyone can get skin cancer — no matter what their skin tone is. “That is why sunblock is essential every single day,” Downie stresses. “In the meantime, I strongly recommend the total body skin screen once a year by a board-certified dermatologist to check your scalp and other areas that you might not check on your own.”

The consistency of your SPF

The consistency of sunblock does matter to some people, so they prefer an SPF gel versus a cream. “I like a cream better, but not something too thick, and it must be oil free, so it does not block your pores and break you out,” Downie notes.

The consistency of sunscreen suitable for dark skin tones will depend on individual preference and skin type and if they are dry, oily, normal or combination, too.

“For instance, some individuals may prefer lighter, more fluid formulas that are readily absorbed by the skin, while others may prefer thicker creams or lotions,” Henry adds. “The key is to select a sunscreen that feels comfortable on the skin and does not cause any skin irritation or breakouts.”

The broad-spectrum SPF you use

Other things to keep in mind are some sunblocks are broad-spectrum protection with UVA/UVB and others are not so the consumer or patient must check the labels.

“If you live closer to the equator, sunblock needs to be reapplied every hour if you are further north then perhaps it is every two hours,” Downie recommends. “The blue light from the phone and indoor lighting can also affect your skin and cause hyperpigmentation and faster photoaging or wrinkling.”

What SPF is best for dark skin?

Dr. Jamal I recommends an SPF of 30 or higher — as is the case for most board-certified dermatologists. Some consider this the “gold standard” of SPF.

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