Everyone, no matter your skin type or tone, should use sunscreen daily — including people with melanin-rich skin. That’s because the natural melanin in skin doesn’t provide enough standalone protection from UV rays, which can lead to other consequences including sun damage, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry. However, finding one that doesn’t leave a white cast and provides the necessary protection to prevent skin damage can be a journey — and historically speaking, can be difficult.
Below, we spoke to experts about how to shop for sunscreens for dark skin tones and how to best protect melanin-rich skin. We also highlight their recommendations as well as NBC Select favorites that complimentdarker complexions.
SKIP AHEAD The best sunscreen for dark skin | How to shop for sunscreen for dark skin
Selected.Our top picks
Best overall
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
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$18.99
Black Girl Sunscreen
Learn moreBest for dry skin
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$78.00
Learn moreBest for sensitive skin
$13.50
$15.99
Learn more
We only considered sunscreens that protect against both UVA rays (rays that age the skin) and UVB rays (rays that burn the skin.) The experts we spoke to also recommend keeping the following characteristics in mind:
- Type: There are two types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, sit on the surface of the skin and reflect UV light using active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV light and use chemical filters, like oxybenzone, avobenzone and octisalate, to convert it into heat that your body then releases, according to experts we spoke to in our guide on the best face sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens will typically leave a white cast on the skin, while chemical sunscreens do not, according to experts.
- SPF protection: Experts recommend using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection, which is in line with the minimum SPF rating recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Consistency: Sunscreens come in various formulations, including lotions, gels, sprays, powders, oils and sticks. Lotions and sticks are easy to spread and apply, while sprays and powders are better for reapplying throughout the day.
- Water resistance: Some sunscreens are water-resistant, but none are sweat- or waterproof, says Henry.
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Below is a roundup of our experts’ favorite sunscreens for dark skin tones. We also included some top-rated sunscreens and NBC Select staff favorites we think you should know about. All of the sunscreens below have at least an SPF of 30.
Best overall: Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
Black Girl Sunscreen, a Black-owned brand that makes sunscreens specifically for people of color, comes recommended by all four dermatologists we spoke to. “To me, Black Girl Sunscreen doesn’t feel like SPF,” says NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown. “It feels like a body lotion that just so happens to have sunscreen in it. The jojoba oil is key — it just feels so nourishing and absorbs relatively fast. It also leaves a really nice sheen on my skin,” says Brown.
Type: chemical | SPF: 30 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: 80 minutes
Best chemical sunscreen: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
What we like
- Suitable for all skin types
- Also filters blue light
- Sits well under makeup
Something to note
- Higher price point
This chemical sunscreen has a gel consistency and broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection. “I like the Supergroup Unseen because it’s absolutely clear,” says Henry. “It’s almost like a primer, but you’re still getting SPF.”
The sunscreen leaves a natural finish and has ingredients like red algae and frankincense to help soothe and moisturize the skin, according to the brand. Supergoop also makes a body version with SPF 40.
Type: chemical | SPF: 40 | Consistency: gel | Water resistance: 40 minutes
Best hybrid sunscreen: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
What we like
- Lightweight
- No strong scent
- Natural finish
Something to note
- Pump can be difficult
This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and has active ingredients found in both chemical and mineral sunscreens — zinc oxide (mineral) and octinoxate (chemical). Therefore, it willblend into your skin like a chemical sunscreen, leaving no white cast behind, but come with the protection of a mineral sunscreen shielding UV rays instead of absorbing and filtering them, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara. It also has niacinamide, so it particularly helps with acne-prone skin, she says. It also comes in a tinted version with multiple shades and SPFs.
Type: mineral and chemical | SPF: 46 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: none
Best face oil: Mele No Shade Sunscreen Oil SPF 30
What we like
- Fast absorbing
- Moisturizing
- Easy to apply
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
This Mele sunscreen oil is lightweight, nongreasy and formulated specifically for melanin-rich skin because it dries clear, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mara Weinstein Velez. It was created with dermatologists of color to prevent UV damage and ensure it doesn’t leave any residue behind on the skin, according to the brand. The oil’s also free of parabens and alcohol, which dry out the skin, and mineral oil, which can clog pores, according to experts.
Type: chemical | SPF: 30 | Consistency: oil | Water resistance: none
Best lightweight: Dr. Brandt Skincare Liquid Sun Shield Daily Brightening Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50
What we like
- Lightweight
Something to note
- Higher price point
- Has a scent
Although this is on the pricier end, it’s worth the money, especially if you want a more glowy complexion, according to Brown. “After a couple of months, my face definitely looked brighter and felt healthier in general,” she says. Start off using a small amount since a little goes a long way.
Type: mineral | SPF: 50 | Consistency: serum-like | Water resistance: n/a
Best powder sunscreen: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection SPF 50
What we like
- Easy to apply
- Portable
- Antimicrobial bristles
Something to note
- Higher price point
This Colorescience tinted sunscreen comes recommended by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie because its powder form makes it easy to reapply throughout the day. Although it comes in four shades — fair, medium, tan, deep — Downie says most of her patients (which have melanin-rich skin) are happy with the color match. “It works as a powder by just brushing it all over your whole face and neck and it complements your complexion,” she says. Her patients also like the fact that it reduces the shine and the oil from their faces. This sunscreen has a hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic formula to avoid irritation and breakouts, according to the brand.
Type: mineral | SPF: 50 | Consistency: powder | Water resistance: 80 minutes
Best for sensitive skin: Cerave Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30
What we like
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
This Cerave mineral sunscreen looks great on dark skin because it has a sheer finish, says Henry. Its formula has a blend of yellow, red and black iron oxides, which creates a tint that’s blendable on all skin tones and helps minimize the chance of a white cast appearing, according to the brand. It’s suitable for those with sensitive skin since it’s noncomedogenic and fragrance-free — it alsohas ceramides, an emollient that helps improve the skin’s appearance and texture, in its formula, says Henry.
Type: mineral | SPF: 30 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: none
Best for dry skin: The Seaweed Bath Co. Invisible Mineral SPF 50
What we like
- Hydrating
- Fast absorbing
- Smooths skin
Something to note
- Only comes in 1.7 ounces
This serum-like, fast-absorbing mineral sunscreen blends in easily into my tan complexion and doesn’t create a white cast or cause irritation for my sensitive, eczema-prone skin. It’s one of the more hydrating options in my sunscreen rotation, so I would only recommend it for those with dry skin since it can be a bit too oily for other skin types. Overall, it gives me a dewy, hydrating glow and it sits nicely under my tinted moisturizer without pilling or disrupting my makeup.
Type: mineral | SPF: 50 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: none
Best fast-absorbing: SkinMedica’s Total Defense + Repair SPF 34
What we like
- TSA friendly
- Suitable for all skin types
- Reduces fine lines
Something to note
- Higher price point
Downie recommends this fast-absorbing sunscreen because it’s a chemical formula that blends in easily to skin, minimizing the possibility of a white cast. The sunscreen has SPF 34 and is suitable for all skin types; you should apply it as the last step of your skin care routine, according to the brand.
Type: chemical | SPF: 34 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: 80 minutes
Best for oily skin: Neutrogena Clear Face
What we like
- Weightless feel
- Matte finish
- Fragrance-free
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
This oil-free sunscreen is a great option for oily and acne-prone skin, according to Weinstein. It’s noncomedogenic and dries matte on the skin, so it doesn’t leave you looking oily or shiny throughout the day, according to the brand. The same formula also comes in SPF 30 and a sport version that has SPF 70 and is designed to resist sweating, water, rubbing and swiping, according to Neutrogena.
Type: chemical | SPF: 50| Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: 80 minutes
Best for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Mineral Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50
What we like
- Matte finish
- Fast absorbing
- Suitable for all skin types
Something to note
- One universal shade
Because of the tint, this sunscreen looks great on dark skin, according to Henry. It’s formulated with iron oxides, which are mineral pigments that create tint, and titanium dioxide to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, according to the brand. It also has vitamin E (a humectant) to keep your skin hydrated since it absorbs water as well as dimethicone, an emollient that helps retain water, she says.
Type: mineral | SPF: 50 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: 40 minutes
Best tinted: Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36
What we like
- Lightweight
- Evens skin tone
- Blue light protection
Something to note
- Higher price point
Suitable for all skin types since it’s noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic, this tinted sunscreen is a favorite of Weinstein’s because it’s hydrating and reduces the risk of a white cast. It’s also a great option for those who want blue light protection (in addition to UVA and UVB protection) since it has antioxidants, like ectoin, which help do so, according to the brand.
Type: mineral | SPF: 36 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: 40 minutes
Best scented: Hyggee Vegan Sun Cream SPF 50
What we like
- Easy to apply
- Safe for reactive skin
- Moisturizing
Something to note
- Has a natural scent
“I’ve struggled with sunscreens leaving white casts, having super strong smells or just irritating my skin overall,” says former NBC Page Mikhaila Archer. “This one is super gentle, blends in seamlessly and smells very fresh, too.” The cream has a lightweight texture that makes it easy to spread, according to Hygee. It also has ingredients like marine algae and beet root extract to hydrate the skin, according to the brand.
Type: chemical | SPF: 50 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: N/A
Highest SPF: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
What we like
- Fragrance-free
- Lower price point
- Long lasting
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
“A little goes a very long way with this sunscreen,” says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez, who has a medium complexion. “A small squeeze of it covers my entire face withoutleaving a visible white cast,” he says “The bottle is flat in shape, so it’s also great for travel since it doesn’t take up space in your bag or Dopp kit, according to Fernandez.
Type: chemical | SPF: 70 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: 80 minutes
Best for a natural finish: Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Broad Spectrum Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30
What we like
- Serum-like consistency
- Noncomedogenic
- Moisturizing
Something to note
- Nothing to note at this time
“I wasn’t expecting this sunscreen to work as well as it did, because upon first application, the color was looking very scary on my skin,” says NBC Select associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris. “However, after giving it a minute or two to absorb, it proved to be a great option — no white cast, no excess greasiness, and no strong chemical smell, and it also held up against the scorching beachfront sun on my recent trip to Jamaica,” she says. Key ingredients in its formula include squalane for hydration and zinc oxide for sun protection.
Type: mineral | SPF: 30 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: none
Best body oil: Vacation Baby Oil SPF 30
What we like
- TSA friendly
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Gives a shine to skin
Something to note
- Has added fragrance
Unlike a tanning oil, which will stimulate the body to produce more melanin, sunscreen oils provide sun protection by absorbing rays, according to our experts. This formula from Vacation, which has a 4.-8-star average rating from more than 220 reviews at Ulta, has jojoba oil in it to hydrate the skin and should dry clear on all skin tones, according to the brand. It’s also free of mineral oil, so it’s a great option for those who worry about clogging their pores. It does have a baby oil scent, so if you’re sensitive to fragrance this may not be your best option.
Type: chemical | SPF: 30 | Consistency: oil | Water resistance: none
Best budget pick: Good Molecules Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
What we like
- Suitable for all skin types
- No greasy residue
- Natural finish
Something to note
- Takes time to rub in
I use Good Molecules’ Sheer Mineral Sunscreen daily and love that it’s not greasy and dries clear. It takes a second to rub in but afterwards, it gives me a dewy finish that sits well under my makeup. That dewiness, in part, comes from hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid that doesn’t dry my eczema-prone skin out. It’s also noncomedogenic, so it’s great for those with acne-prone skin.
Type: mineral | SPF: 30 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: none
Best mineral: Supergoop Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
What we like
- Whipped texture
- Easy to blend
- Fragrance-free
Something to note
- Small size
One of the newest sunscreens in my rotation is this mineral formula from Supergoop. It has a lightweight, almost mousse-like texture that blends in easily without leaving a white cast and feels gentle on my sensitive skin. My 10-year-old brother, who also has dry skin and a tan complexion, commonly struggles with white casts but has had no problems so far after I got him his own bottle of this.
Type: mineral | SPF: 40 | Consistency: lotion | Water resistance: 40 minutes
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When shopping for sunscreen that’s suitable for darker skin tones, our experts recommend considering key factors like the sunscreen type and consistency. Here’s what else to keep in mind while shopping:
SPF 30You should look for sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher regardless of skin tone, according to our dermatologists. For days where you are outside with more exposure, consider sunscreens with at least SPF 50 protection, says Henry.
That’s because SPF 30 only blocks 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 will give you slightly more protection by blocking 98% of UVB rays, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. However, no sunscreen (regardless of how high the SPF is) can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays, according to Henry.
Mineral versus chemicalBoth mineral and chemical sunscreens come with their own benefits and limitations for those with darker skin tones — the choice is ultimately a personal one, according to our experts. Mineral sunscreens will reflect UV light, while chemical sunscreens will absorb it, convert it and then release it.
Chemical sunscreens typically have one of the following chemical filters in their formula: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, hom*osalate and/or octinoxate. Historically, chemical sunscreens don’t leave behind an ashen white appearance on the skin, making them a reliable choice for those with darker skin, says Henry.
A mineral sunscreen will typically have active ingredients like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both. It’s best for kids and those with sensitive skin because the skin won’t absorb it, so they can avoid irritation, which is commonly seen with chemical sunscreens. It’s also great for pregnant women because oxybenzone (one of the main filters in chemical sunscreen) is linked to birth defects, according to experts in our guide to pregnancy-safe skin care.
Mineral sunscreens will generally provide more protection against harmful indoor light from common household items like light bulbs and computer screens compared to chemical sunscreens, according to Gohara. If you don’t protect your skin, exposure to this light can lead to conditions like melasma, she says. (Melasma is mostly seen in women who have medium to dark skin tones, according to the AAD.)
The caveat with mineral sunscreens is that they typically leave white casts.
Consistency- Lotions, gels and oils are easy to rub in and distribute an even layer of the product, according to our experts.
- Spray sunscreens are typically easier to apply for children but you still need to rub them in to avoid a speckled, uneven application.
- Powders help reduce shine for oily skin and are also easy to reapply on top of makeup.
- Sticks are a great option for the face area specifically around the eyes, according to the AAD. This is because they’re easy to control and maneuver, according to Weinstein.
No sunscreen is sweat-proof or waterproof, according to Henry. However, some are water-resistant, which refers to how long the sunscreen will stay on and remain effective even after you get wet, according to the AAD. For example, if a sunscreen has 60 minutes of water resistance, you will need to reapply it 60 minutes after getting wet. If your favorite sunscreen isn’t water resistant, Henry recommends adding another sunscreen on top that is — especiallyif you plan on engaging in activities that will make you sweat or coming in contact with water.
Skin typeIf you have sensitive skin, our experts recommend using a mineral sunscreen. Since mineral sunscreens sit on top of your skin, they won’t absorb into the skin and, therefore, won’t trigger an unwanted, irritating reaction, according to experts. You should also avoid fragrances and other potential irritants, and when possible opt for a hypoallergenic sunscreen, according to our experts.
Dry skin types should look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, while those with oily and acne-prone skin should look for noncomedogenic sunscreens because they are typically free of ingredients that would normally clog pores and cause further breakouts.
TintSome sunscreens have a tint to match your skin color. They will typically have iron oxide, which adds another layer of protection from UV rays or blue light emitted from your screens, says Weinstein. They also typically don’t leave behind white casts due to their pigmented formula.
Frequently asked questions
One of the biggest misconceptions is that people of color, especially those with a darker complexion, don’t need sunscreen. People with darker skin tones have more melanin, which is not only responsible for the skin’s pigment, but also naturally provides sun protection. However, the protection you get from melanin alone is very minimal.
“Skin color is not sufficient protection from UV light to prevent burning or potential skin cancer in the future,” Henry says. Even though you may have melanin-rich skin, you’ll need external help in the form of sunscreen to avoid potential harm.
In fact, 90% of visible signs of aging come from unprotected daily sun exposure, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. These signs come in the form of wrinkles, but in black and brown skin tones it might appear as hyperpigmentation, according to Gohara. Blue light can also worsen hyperpigmentation, specifically in people with dark skin, according to Henry. To combat this, many sunscreen brands use iron oxides to shield against visible light, like blue light.
“Tinted mineral sunscreens tend to blend a little bit better on darker skin tones,” says Weinstein.
They provide the same amount of protection from UVA and UVB rays as nontinted sunscreens, and they also protect the skin from visible light, too, because they are usually formulated with 3% iron oxides, which is the most effective amount, says Weinstein.
Appropriately applying sunscreen is the key to getting the most out of your SPF. Henry recommends layering your SPF on top of your daily face moisturizer.
- For the body, Weinstein recommends a lotion or cream because it’s easier to rub into the skin. “A spray can leave us speckled, it’s not necessarily an even application,” she says. For children, a spray may be easier to apply and you’ll need to rub it in quickly. When using a lotion or cream, you should use as much as it would take to fill a full shot glass and reapply every two hours.
- For the face, Weinstein recommends a lotion, oil or stick sunscreen because it better creates an even layer of protection. An easy trick to ensure you are applying enough is to place a line on your pointer finger, middle finger and ring finger and apply that amount to your face. To make sure you are evenly applying a stick sunscreen, you should swipe it across your face back and forth three times, she says.
In line with all of our experts’ guidance, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours. If sweating or swimming, you may have to reapply earlier based on the water resistance of your sunscreen of choice, which typically varies from 40 to 80 minutes. Sprays, misting oils and brush-on powders are usually easier to reapply throughout the day compared to other types of sunscreens, experts told us.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Jeanine Downie is a board-certified dermatologist with Image Dermatology in Montclair, New Jersey.
- Dr. Michelle Henry is a board-certified dermatologist with the Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan in New York City.
- Dr. Mona Gohara is a board-certified dermatologist with the Dermatology Physicians of Conneticut and associate clinical professor at Yale University.
- Dr. Mara Weinstein Velez is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor with the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter for NBC Select covering self care and beauty topics. For this piece, she interviewed four dermatologists with various backgrounds and researched highly rated sunscreens for darker skin tones on the market. She included direct product recommendations from experts as well as formulas NBC Select staff have tried ourselves.
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Bianca Alvarez
Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter at NBC Select.
