Dermatologist-Approved Sunscreens For Dark Skin Tones

There's a common misconception that those with darker skin don't need sunscreen. The fact is everyone needs sunscreen, but not every formulation out there is suited for dark skin tones. That dreaded white cast is already an issue for those with light skin and even more so for those whose skin tone is beyond the shade of olive. Since sunscreen is necessary to avoid sun damage and premature signs aging of aging such as lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, here are the best dermatologist-approved sunscreens for dark skin tones that will not leave a white cast.


Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30

Black Girl Sunscreen was made by people of color for people of color. This broad-spectrum sunscreen has avocado and jojoba oil to soothe and moisturize skin, cacao to even out the skin tone, carrot juice to promote healing and sunflower oil to prevent irritation. It's safe for face and body use and is vegan, cruelty-free and reef safe. There's also a kid's version with SPF 50.

Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer

As InStyle shares, Bolden is a brand built by Nigerian sisters Chinelo Chidozie and Ndidi Obidoa and they've made sure that their products suit a wide range of skin tones. This moisturizer has vitamin C to reduce skin discoloration, squalene to reduce fine lines and skin roughness and safflower oil to reduce inflammation and repair the skin's delicate moisture barrier. Since it already has SPF 30, it's economical and saves you one step in your skincare routine. Just apply after you cleanse and tone and you're good to go.

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion

Allure assures that the lightweight Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion will leave no white cast with its invisible finish. It's affordable, water resistant for 80 minutes and is available in SPF 30 and SPF 50. SPF 30 is good for daily use while SPF 50 is better for prolonged times outdoors. InStyle also recommends Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dy Touch Sunscreen with SPF 55.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

The name says it all. Supergoop's gel formula dries down clear and since it's oil free and dries down matte, it's a great choice for those with oily and acne-prone skin. It can also serve as an effective makeup primer.

Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50

This sunscreen boasts a peach-toned tint and applies evenly on all skin tones. It's a 100 percent mineral sunscreen that protect skin from both indoor and outdoor light. Since we've all been spending a lot of time on front of our computers, blue light may be an issue and this sunscreen also protects skin from that.

Glosser Invisible Shield SPF 35

Allure recommends this for all skin types since Glossier's formula is transparent and leaves no white residue. It's also non-comedogenic, vegan and cruelty-free.

Palmer's Eventone Suncare Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30

If you're skin in on the dry side, you'll benefit from the cocoa butter, shea butter, vitamin E and coconut oil in this broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50

If you don't like to layer a liquid sunscreen over your moisturizer or if you have oily skin, try this powder sunscreen by Colorscience. It comes in four shades, Fair, Medium, Tan and Deep, so you can be sure to find one that suits your skin tone. You can layer it over your moisturizer or liquid foundation.

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