7 best sunscreens for dark skin that I've tested for no white-cast
Finding the best sunscreens for dark skin should be simple, since face SPF application is arguably the most important step in any skincare routine. Even on days when you’re not spending time directly in the sun. “Darker skin has some natural UV protection with melanocytes producing more melanin which absorbs UV light — but not enough. Sun exposure still causes DNA damage, skin cancer, and pigmentary change,” says Dr. Jonathan Dunne, co-founder of London skin clinic Montrose.
But when you take into account that many options don’t show up well on darker skin tones – leaving you looking more like Casper the Friendly Ghost than a glowing, summer-ready goddess – things can get a little tricky. Mineral sunscreens, in particular, have a reputation for leaving white casts on dark skin since, according to Brittany Oliver, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, they “both absorb and reflect UV radiation.”
I have oily skin, and richer creams tend to make my face feel heavy or slick with oil. This means I like to stick with lighter products, but there are plenty of facial sunscreens that can address other needs like dryness, sensitivity, and more. With help from a few contributors, testers, and dermatologists, I've sifted through dozens of SPF products, narrowing down which formulas are truly the best for dark skin. I looked at how each sunscreen blended into deeper complexions, how well it layered under makeup, and whether it left behind any chalky residue or unwanted shine. Ingredients also mattered — hydrators like hyaluronic acid, calming niacinamide, and antioxidants were all major pluses. Now, it's time to change the narrative surrounding sunscreen for dark skin once and for all. I, for one, am ready to put that horrible history behind us. With me?
The best sunscreens for dark skin, at a glance:
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How I tested sunscreens for dark skin:
It goes without saying that the most important factor when choosing a sunscreen is this: will it leave a dreaded white cast? Thankfully, SPF products have come a long way in this pursuit; gone are the days where we look like we’ve smeared Sudocrem on our faces before we’ve left the house. For the most part.
To make sure, I spent one whole month – from the day after received this commission to the day of submission – testing a different one of the sunscreens for dark skin featured in this edit each day. I scored them based on how it layered on top of my skincare, how quickly it sunk in, texture and consistency. I did find some of them rather runny, but we’ll get into that later.
I also took into consideration any added skincare ingredients that'd work hard for your complexion during wear – including their benefits – as well as smell (or lack thereof), and the finish. I personally love a dewy look, so the results of this testing period are heavily skewed towards products that offer glow.
Why you should trust me:
I've been in the fashion and beauty industry for over 12 years now (where has time gone!) – and I’ve held roles within both British GQ and British Vogue. In that time, I have been to many press events for new product launches and I've tested hundreds of beauty products. If you can name it, I probably have it in my beauty cupboard.
I used to be that naive girl who didn’t think I needed to wear sunscreen because I am black, but speaking to countless experts and dermatologists as a part of my job meant that I (finally) saw the light. That’s what countless years of working in the fashion and beauty industry will do to you. Now, sunscreen is the one thing I wear everyday, even if I don’t leave the house; I live to make sure others see the light too. SPF 50 should be my middle name.
Ahead, my edit of the very best sunscreens for black skin that don't leave a white-cast.
1. Most Lightweight: La Roche Posay Anthelios UV Air Serum
Why I loved it: "I have been loyal to La Roche Posay sunscreens since I first tried the OG UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid. This sunscreen made me realise that sunscreen does not need to leave a white cast – and ever since, when any new iteration as part of the brand's Anthelios range has been released (the very best sunscreens for sensitive skin), I've been the first in line to try. I can say I've never been disappointed – and this sunscreen is no different.
"I loved the UVAir sunscreen from the moment I got my hands on it. It was super light and felt so weightless on the skin. So, I knew that this serum version would be a winner too. I was correct. This product sinks in quickly, no endless rubbing into the skin needed.
“What I think I love the most is the added skincare benefits. You’ve got hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin E: skincare and sun-care in one. One thing I will say about this product is that on the day I tested it, I went straight to a photoshoot. When I sat in the chair to have my makeup done, my makeup artist did mention that the shine that the sunscreen had left on my skin was a lot. Once I was under the bright lights, let’s just say a lot of setting powder was used to keep it under control. This probably wouldn't have mattered so much if I wasn't being photographed, but you should know it gives some serious glow.”
READ MORE: The best sunscreens for acne-prone skin, tested.
2. The Splurge: Dior Hydrating Invisible UV Fluid
Why I loved it: "I'm not going to lie, I’m quite skeptical when it comes to designer skincare – let alone designer sun-care – but I'm glad to say that I was proven wrong with this Dior Hydrating Invisible Fluid.
"I didn’t think Dior had it in them to create a sunscreen like this, but they did. It’s moisturiser-esque in texture which is probably why it sinks in so quickly even when you apply a healthy amount like I did when I was testing it. It does exactly what it says on the tin: she really is invisible and non-sticky; she leaves nothing behind but a protective layer and a subtle glow.
“You may find that this sunscreen is quite heavily scented. I don’t hate the scent, but those who are sensitive to smells may want to give this product a miss. I would also say that this sunscreen is a little more on the pricey side for only 30ml of product – it's over £50 at full price – so you might want to skip the three fingers of sunscreen and stick to two to get your money's worth.”
3. Best For a Radiant Finish: Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen
Why I loved it: "All you ever hear about these days is how great Korean skincare is. Now don’t get me wrong – it is great – but you know what’s just as good? Japanese Skincare. It’s all about using ingredients found in nature and combining them with advanced skincare technologies to take them to the next level. Which is what Tatcha is all about. Their newest sunscreen, The Milky Sunscreen, really hit the nail on the head with its name. It is very, very milky in texture – meaning it is light as a feather on the skin. You really don’t notice it. Thank you, Japanese technology.
"This sunscreen also leaves a very radiant finish once it has settled, which I greatly appreciated. It layers well with both my skincare underneath, no pilling in sight, and my makeup on top.
“Did I mention it is very milky? Yeah – so milky that when I was applying, it it was running through my fingers. Bear that in mind: you do have to move a little quicker when using this one, but i’m not mad at it. Thank god the packaging comes in pump form. Anything else and you’d be asking for a real mess.”
READ MORE: The best Korean sunscreens on the market right now.
4. Best Gel Formula: Naked Sunday CabanaClear™ Water Gel Serum
Why I loved it: "I wasn’t so sure what type of product this Naked Sunday sunscreen was going to be before I tried it. I see Naked Sunday almost as makeup with added SPF benefits, but this sunscreen has proved me so wrong. CabanaClear is a water-based gel, meaning it’s not greasy at all. It is a tiny bit thicker than some of the other sunscreens on the market, though – but i’m not mad at it.
"I appreciate that it’s a gel formula, as I found most sunscreens for dark skin on the market right now tend to be fluid in texture. Som a change in texture was well received. I went for a run after wearing this and I can confirm there was no stinging in the eyes – something you sometimes get once you sweat and things start slipping.
‘I will say that it did take longer than most to sink into the skin, which left me with a fear white cast, but once I gave it a chance to settle and really worked it into my complexion, I can confirm that it did not. That said, as it did take a little while to sink in, I found it also sat in my smile lines. I had to give extra attention to that area to make sure it was all gone. It has more of a chemical scent rather than that holiday-like scent that I’m accustomed to when it come to sunscreen, but I still thought the texture and its staying power (and lack of white cast) meant it deserved a place in this edit."
5. Best Moisturiser with SPF for Dark Skin: Murad Superactive Moisturiser SPF Brightening
Why I loved it: "I’ve never been a believer of one product that claims to do it it all – because surely it will have to fall short somewhere. Right? Is it a moisturiser or is it a sunscreen? Surely it can’t do both well. I was wrong.
"This Superactive Moisturiser by Murad looks like a moisturiser and feels like one, too. But if you’re one of those people who sometimes forgets to apply sunscreen as their final step, this will really help, because it contains SPF50.
"It’s one of the thickest moisturisers with SPF that I've tested – almost like a rich cream or night cream, but it’s not heavy on the skin. And because of the added vitamin C, it leaves a very stunning glow, which I loved. Is this what convenience feels like? I rather like it.
“The one downfall to this sunscreen I found was that when I used it as a traditional sunscreen layered on top of my skincare, it pilled quite a bit. This was, though, my mistake. Instead, once I omitted my actual moisturiser from my routine and replaced it with this product as my only final step, the pilling stopped. Use it this way and I'd totally recommend.”
READ MORE: The best lip balms with SPF for full protection.
6. Best Affordable Sunscreen for Dark Skin: Byoma Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50 Sunscreen
Why I loved it: "Is it too much to ask for a sunscreen that is affordable, doesn’t leave a white cast, leaves the skin with a healthy glow and is as light as air? Apparently not – because luckily, this sunscreen for dark skin from Byoma does all of the above.
"It has all of the protection and none of the drawbacks of sunscreens I've used in the past. What I appreciate about Byoma as a brand is that they are fully committed to caring for our skin barrier – and that is no different when it comes to their sunscreen. The formula features their Cera-Sun Technology (which is essentially a mix of ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and astaxanthin) designed to support the skin barrier. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free which is always a plus for me. Oh, and it's also fragrance free, making is great for sensitive skin girlies. I say that – I did find there to be a slight scent to it, but you honestly won’t even notice and it almost doesn't even need mentioning.
“Honestly, I can’t really complain about this product, especially for the price. Perhaps I should mention that there is a slight tackiness to it that no amount of rubbing in will get rid of, but if you just leave it to dry down for a second, before applying foundation, then you’ll be good to go.”
7. Best For Winter: Revive Soleil Superiéur
Why I love it: "Most sunscreen formulations tend to lean more towards the fluid side, but we can’t forget about the creams. This one from RéVive took five years to perfect, and it is just gorgeous.
It is definitely the thickest sunscreen that I’ve tested which I think will work really well in the winter months – yes, we are wearing sunscreen even in winter. That said, even though it is thick, it melted into my skin so effortlessly and feels very lightweight on the skin. My skin felt so moisturised and hydrated which, once again, will come in handy in the winter months when our skin is usually dying of thirst. I know mine always is.
"On the day I tested this sunscreen, I went into town and stopped by a couple of events where I bumped into a make-up artist friend of mine who literally stopped me to ask what base I was using because my skin was glowing. I very smugly replied that it was just this sunscreen with some concealer under my eyes and some blush on my cheeks – which the sunscreen didn’t disturb.
“Be prepared to pay a steep price for this one, but that £100 is what you have to pay for a product as luxurious as this is.”
Your Dark Skin Sunscreen Questions, Answered:
How to choose the best sunscreen for dark skin?
Don’t know where to start when picking your sunscreen for dark skin. First, look at the SPF level. Per Sumayah Taliaferro, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Atlanta Dermatology and Aesthetics, SPF (or sun protection factor) is just a measure of how well your sunscreen will protect your skin from the UV rays. Most dermatologists would recommend that you use SPF 30 or above, but in some cases, the ideal SPF level depends on what you’re doing and where you are. “Any broad-spectrum SPF 50 with UVA and UVB protection is essential” reaffirms Dr Dunne.
“For darker skin, texture and finish matter – as traditional mineral sunscreens can leave a visible white tone. “The primary challenge for dark skin is the white cast left by certain UV filters,” Dr Dunne says.
| Chemical formulas: | These use ingredients like tinosorb S, avobenzone, octisalate, and oxybenzone. They work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat. Because they are organic compounds, they typically rub in completely clear. |
| Tinted mineral formulas: | Traditional mineral filters, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are physically white. "Tinted sunscreens containing iron oxides offer an added advantage: protection against visible light, which drives conditions like melasma and hyperpigmentation.” |
| Hybrid formulas: | These combine the gentle effect of minerals with the transparency of chemical filters. |
As for ingredients and formulations to avoid? That would be the below.
| Non-Nano Zinc/Titanium: | Unless tinted, "non-nano" physical blockers have larger particles that sit on top of the skin, often leaving a white, grey or purple cast. |
| Alcohol-Heavy Sprays: | While they dry quickly, high alcohol content can overly dry skin, especially for those with conditions like eczema, which is common across all skin tones. |
Lastly, look at the product type. These days, you can find sunscreens in a variety of forms and consistencies from powders to creams to sprays. The type of sunscreen you choose all comes down to personal preference, as there are pros and cons that come with each. A lotion, for example, will give you the most even spread, as stated by Dr. Taliaferro, but some lotions can be messy, runny, or oily when left in the sun.
Sunscreen sprays, on the other hand, tend to be less messy in comparison to lotions, and they come in handy on days when you need to reapply your sunscreen over makeup or other product that might be sitting on your face. That said, if you’re using a mist, you also run the risk of not covering the entire surface area of your face or body with the right amount of product.
“With sunscreen sprays and mists, extra care must be taken to rub in the product to ensure adequate coverage and to not inhale the product,” Dr. Oliver explains. “I therefore recommend that those choosing to use sprays avoid directly spraying onto the face or during windy conditions.”
Sticks are also handy if you want a non-messy application. “Sunscreen sticks require multiple passes over the same area followed by rubbing it into the skin to make sure you benefit from the level of SPF listed on the bottle,” she adds. “This also makes it less likely that you’ll miss a spot!”
READ MORE: The best scalp sunscreens I've tried.
Why is it important for people of every skin colour to wear sunscreen?
When it comes to the sun, UVA and UVB rays do not discriminate. “UV radiation causes cumulative DNA mutations. While melanoma is less common in darker skin, it is often diagnosed at a later, more dangerous stage,” Melanie explains. “Let’s also not forget melanin slows down creasing and wrinkling, but UV rays still break down collagen and elastin, leading to leathery skin texture and sagging over time.”
When applying your daily sunscreen the two finger rule is a guide for a reason as Melanie shares – who has worked with the likes of Victoria Beckham and Joan Smalls – that most people under-apply, effectively turning their SPF 50 into an SPF 15. And don’t forget to reapply throughout the day which can seem really annoying but when you factor in that filters break down after 2 hours of direct sunlight or sweating you really have no choice. And you can’t use wearing make up as an excuse as there are many different types of sunscreens out there that can help combat this - i’m talking sunscreen sticks, mists and powders.
But remember prevention is only half the story. At Dr Dunne’s clinic Montrose, they do mole mapping with a specialist consultant using total body photography and dermoscopic tracking to help detect subtle changes, leading to earlier diagnosis of skin cancer which improves outcomes. Melanie also reminds us to check the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the fingernails. “ When skin cancer does occur in dark skin, it frequently appears in areas with less pigment that people forget to check,” she says.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
“Sunscreen lasts an average of two to three hours, so you should reapply every two to three hours when in the sun,” says Dr. Taliaferro. If you’re wondering how much sunscreen to apply, dermatologists recommend the two-finger rule for the face. “Draw the sunscreen out on your index and middle finger, roughly about half a teaspoon, or if easier, try for around a nickel-size amount,” Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, previously told Glamour. And don’t worry, sunscreen does not prevent tanning, so lather up.
READ MORE: The best sunscreens for mature skin.
Meet the experts:
- Brittany Oliver, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Supriya Rastogi MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
- Paula Bourelly, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Sumayah Taliaferro, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Atlanta Dermatology and Aesthetics
- Maryam Safaee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Dr. Kenneth Mark, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
A version of this story originally appeared on Glamour US.
