The 18 Best Sunscreens Perfect for Darker Skin Tones

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We're betting you've heard it countless times before—sunscreen is should be worn every day. But the fact is, not all formulas are optimal for every skin tone—which is why keeping a short list of the best sunscreens for darker skin tones is key. Whether chemical or mineral, these beloved sunscreens seamlessly disappear once they're rubbed in, with little to no effort.

"When formulated incorrectly, opaque ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can cause a white cast," Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College, says. Rather than go without SPF entirely, Henry recommends looking for formulas that include micronized versions of their key ingredients, or incorporating masking pigments to avoid dealing with a stark white cast.

Of course, we also recommend keeping an eye out for the right level of broad-spectrum sun protection and when it's time to re-up. "I recommend SPF 30 for daily use and SPF 50 whenever you are outside for more than an hour. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours," says Henry.

Here, we've pulled together a few expert-loved sunscreens from Black-owned and tried-and-true brands, like Black Girl Sunscreen, EltaMD, and Fenty Skin, that make it a no-brainer to keep melanin-rich skin protected from the elements

Related: The Best Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens for Oily Skin

Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Henry recommends Black Girl Sunscreen to her clients, which is a culty among shoppers who've looked high and low for SPF that genuinely disappears once it's applied to deeper skin tones. Plus, this tube has a vegan, fragrance-free formula that works for both face and body, making it super versatile.

One satisfied customer writes: "My review is the only one you need to read! While everyones skin is different, from my perspective, this sunscreen is perfect! No white cast, feels amazing on my skin, just 10/10! (Again everyone is different, but I really love it!)" —Ty

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No Shade Sunscreen Oil

Not a fan of how sunscreen feels on your face? Consider adding an oil to your daily regimen instead. Mele's lightweight SPF 30 formula is created specifically for melanin-rich skin, and is made without alcohol, mineral oil, or parabens.

One satisfied customer writes: "Echoing what many other reviews have shared, this oil based sunscreen just melts right into your skin. A little goes a long way and the light scent is very nice and dissipates quickly. How is it possible for an oil to not be greasy at all? Honestly, I was sold before I ever even applied the sunscreen because the bottle is so aesthetically pleasing and smartly designed. It just looks nice sitting on the counter." —Alexis

UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

With over 5,100 reviews and close to a five-star rating from Dermstore shoppers, Henry's next product pick for melanated skin has a serious cult following. One reason is that EltaMD's UV Clear is a great option for those with acne-prone skin, as it contains ingredients like niacinamide and lactic acid to help control oil.

One satisfied customer writes: "I have used this sunscreen for about four years now. It is perfect. It applies very smoothly and dries down quickly. It feels more like a serum than a sunscreen. For years I dreaded applying sunscreen, but this is amazing. I have from time to time wandered away from this product, but always come back. No other sunscreen compares." —Jessica

The Mineral Melt

Dune Suncare's Mineral Melt peptide- and plant antioxidant-rich formula is so transparent, you may even forget you're wearing any at all—which is rare for a mineral sunscreen. It protects skin from UV rays, pollution, and even HEV light using SPF 30, and also happens to be reef-friendly and non-comedogenic to boot.

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Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 Face transparent Tint

For an expert-approved option, Henry also suggests CeraVe's tinted sunscreen. It provides lightweight SPF 30 protection and features a subtle tint to even your skin tone. And since it's oil-free, lightweight, and contains niacinamide, it's also great for combination skin.

One satisfied customer writes: "I bought this product last summer and it has been great! I am not a make-up person because of my oily and prone to acne skin so this tinted sunscreen does it for me! I want to buy this for my Mom, Aunt and whoever else—highly recommend!" —Iris

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Hydra Vizor SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer

One of Rihanna's unofficial goals with her namesake brand Fenty Skin is make suncare glam—and effortless—for all skin tones and types. Enter: The Hydra Vizor SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer, which combines hydration and broad-spectrum protection into one easy step.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is the perfect moisturizer & sunscreen for my skin. It's not oily or leave a film on my face. Perfect under makeup." —Amy O.

Golden Rays Sunscreen SPF 50+

This tinted sunscreen from tennis star Naomi Osaka's Kinlò collection is an everyday staple in her beauty routine. "I like to keep things simple for my day-to-day makeup as I don't really wear much, but to prep for meetings and interviews, I typically use our Kinlò Golden Rays Sunscreen," she previously told Bazaar. "It has a slight tint, which gives me a great glow on Zoom. It also helps protect my skin against damage from blue light."

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One & Done Everyday Cream Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

Here's another moisturizer that doubles as a mineral sunscreen, from Thirteen Lune co-founder Nyakio Grieco. It also contains niacinamide, plus a blend of hard-working antioxidants, for a literal "one and done" application that covers all the skincare bases.

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this One and Done face cream. It makes my skin so smooth. I love the moisture it gives. Plus I live the fact that it has SPF 40 in it for sun protection—it really is one and done. I only have to wash my face and it's that easy." —Youngatheart

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Isle Glow Face Moisturizer with SPF 45 and Niacinamide

Supermodel Winnie Harlow's sun care line, Cay Skin, is made with sensitive types in mind. This glowy moisturizer contains broad-spectrum SPF 45 along with niacinamide to tone and smooth your complexion.

One satisfied customer writes: "Favorite face sunscreen. Leaves a great glow, not oily." —bwilso2

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Make It Matte SPF 45 Sunscreen

If you have oily or combination skin, consider reaching for this broad-spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen from the brand that's not only fragrance-free, but also leaves behind a matte finish.

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this product. It's great for oily skin and it does what it's supposed to do. Does not feel heavy on my face. I usually wait about five to 10 minutes before applying make up." —Jewels

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Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

We awarded Keys Soulcare's Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer with a 2023 Skincare Award for a reason. Not only does it apply next to invisibly, but the moisturizer also gives your skin a healthy, luminous glow once it's applied.

One satisfied customer writes: "Great SPF 30 moisturizer! Easy to dispense! It absorbs quickly into the skin and has a lightweight feel, but yet it's very hydrating! No white cast and an amazing, clean scent!" —annac445

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Green Defense Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen

Over 700 beauty enthusiasts agree: This nongreasy mineral face sunscreen from Farmacy is one of the best options for darker skin tones. In addition to protecting against UV rays, the sunscreen also helps block damage from blue light while being reef-safe to boot.

One satisfied customer writes: "I don't know if sunscreens can get any better than this. I have tried a lot of zinc based sunscreens and they often sit on my skin in a noticeable way, makes me break out or feels too greasy. Green Defense is an awesome product that I use at the end of my skincare routine." —Tricia F.

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Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This tinted mineral sunscreen from Unsun is created with darker tones in mind. It also works well as a primer and color-corrector and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes per wear.

One satisfied customer writes: "I give this product five stars. I feel so lucky to have found it. Purchased it in a light color for winter and medium for summer. A little goes a long way. I apply with my fingertips and the finish is amazing. Leaves the tiniest bit of color and is very moisturizing. I often use it with a drop of tinted moisturizer mixed in it and the effect is beautiful. It’s also a gorgeous base for foundation. It’s a little pricey but well worth it!" —Peggymag

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Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Beauty editors and enthusiasts swear by Unseen Sunscreen from Supergoop, since it not only rubs in invisibly but is also oil-free and leaves a soft, velvety texture behind. The versatile formula helps filter blue light to boot, and happens to be water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is my favorite face sunscreen. It is super lightweight and doesn’t leave any residue. I love how it is clear too!" —Nancy

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All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Suncreen SPF 30

This featherweight mineral SPF from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare effortlessly melts into all skin tones, thanks to its transparent, micronized zinc oxide formula.

One satisfied customer writes: "I’ve used this product for 3 weeks and it is amazing. No white cast. The best thing about this product is that I have acne prone skin and over the last 3 weeks my skin has been completely clear. Nothing else has changed except for me using this." —SB99

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Self Reflect Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 32

Over 500 Credo Beauty shoppers and counting love using this moisturizing, reef-safe mineral sunscreen. In addition to providing broad-spectrum protection, it also uses a plant-based probiotic to help fortify the skin's barrier—talk about getting your money's worth.

One satisfied customer writes: "I use this sunscreen every single day! It comes out the tube slightly tinted but goes on clear. Absolutely zero white cast. I've wasted so much money trying other sunscreens claiming to have no white cast but this is the real deal." —SKW

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Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 40

Created by tennis pro Venus Williams, this fragrance-free sunscreen applies like your go-to serum and features 25 percent zinc oxide. Added naturally-derived skin soothers like prickly pear makes it a dream to wear every day before stepping outside.

One satisfied customer writes: "Loved this instantly! I haven't put it through it's paces in a sweaty outdoor workout or anything, but it's a lovely, radiant, easy daily sunscreen for work. Really pleased." —Rose

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SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer

An equal part moisturizer and sunscreen, Bolden Skincare's fan-favorite SPF 30 formula includes brightening vitamin C and deeply moisturizing squalane to improve skin's texture and tone over time. The antioxidant-rich cream also nicely minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and happens to be non-comedogenic for those with acne-prone skin.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is my favorite moisturizer. It makes my skin so soft and the glow is life changing." —Tracy H.

Meet the Experts

• Michelle Henry is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College.

Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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