One of the most pervasive sunscreen myths is that people with darker skin tones don’t need SPF. That’s far from true. While melanin does give darker skin tones some amount of protection, it’s still not enough to ward off harsh sun rays. That means no matter the skin tone, anyone can get affected by UV rays. Frequently skipping sunscreen may increase a person’s risk of cancer. In addition to that, foregoing sunscreen may also worsen hyperpigmentation.
However, all things aside, we know that not all sunscreens are made the same. Historically, most of these options have not been made keeping melanin in mind. Sunscreen is hard to blend on dark skin as it leaves a white cast. What black girls need is specially-made sunscreen for black girls. Thanks to the recent advancements in the beauty industry, there is a new line of sunscreen in the market that won’t leave a residue.
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10 Best Sunscreen for Black Girls
To help you pick a black girls’ sunscreen that is right for you, we have compiled a list of the best ones!
1. Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral SunscreenPrice: $36
At first squeeze, the Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen may look like it won’t blend into your skin at all. However, it is crafted with a special formula that is perfect for women with darker skin shades. It has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide formula that doesn’t need much rubbing in to absorb into your skin. Additionally, it is a mineral-based sunscreen that is packed with antioxidants from the marigold and black chokeberry extract. The best thing? It leaves no white cast behind!
2. Ultra Sheer SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen by Black Girl Sunscreen
Price: $16
No one knows black skin better than black girls. This is exactly why you shouldn’t think twice before purchasing this sunscreen. This is a sunscreen made for brown skin and by women of color. You guessed right. The formula of this sunscreen is completely clear and gives the skin a dewy look. It is not heavy, it blends in easily, and also hydrates the skin without making it greasy. It also makes a pretty effective base for applying makeup.
3. No Shade Sunscreen Oil by Mele
Price: $20
If you hate the feel of lotion sunscreen, you should try a sunscreen oil instead. The No Shade Sunscreen Oil by Mele has a lightweight SPF 30 formula that has been created to protect melanin skin. This sunscreen is made of mineral oil and sans alcohol and blends perfectly into the skin. However, if you have oily skin, you should avoid this one!
4. All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 by Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
Price: $42
This is a new launch from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare line. The All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Sunscreen has an SPF level of 30 and is created to blend seamlessly into the skin. It has an effortless blend and is perfect for every skin tone, because of the non-nano zinc oxide transparent formula.
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5. Clear Ultra-Light Daily Fluid SPF 30+ by Paula’s Choice
Price: $33
It is always best to use broad-spectrum sunscreens that are oil-free and non-comedogenic. If you are always complaining of oily skin and enlarged pores, then this is the one for you. This could be the ultimate Powerpuff girls sunscreen, and they could have prevented skin damage from UV and concentrated solely on fighting crimes, if only they knew about this product.This ultra-lightweight sunscreen by Paula’s Choice checks all the boxes and has a liquid, hydrating formula that absorbs into the skin instantly, leaving no white cast.
6. Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen by Fenty Skin
Price: $35
Fenty Beauty is every black girls’ holy grail beauty and makeup brand. If you are still not convinced that you should wear SPF every day, maybe only Rihanna can persuade you. As a woman of color, Rihanna is committed to educating the melanin community that they need SPF as much as anyone else.
The Hydra Vizor is a 2-in-1 moisturizer and sunscreen that has a hydrating formula of SPF 30, niacinamide, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid. The niacinamide helps in reducing the appearance of dark spots and blemishes, aloe vera soothes the skin while hyaluronic acid hydrates it.
7. Mineral Tinted Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen by Unsun
Price: $29
Unsun is a trailblazer. It was one of the OG brands that started manufacturing sunscreen for women with darker skin tones. Since its launch in 2016, Unsun hasn’t disappointed its fans with any product launch.
Similarly, the mineral-tinted broad spectrum face sunscreen is one of the best in the market. It comes in two shades: Light/Medium and Medium/Dark. It has hydrating ingredients like coconut oil, glycerin, and aloe-leaf juice. If you are looking for year-round protection, this is the one you should go for.
8. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion
Price: $16
Unfortunately, sun damage doesn’t discriminate with age. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion is the best affordable broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50. It is lightweight, easy to blend, and leaves no trace of white residue on your skin. The formula is so seamless, that it also provides a natural and dewy base for makeup.
9. Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 by Ilia
Price: $48
The Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a three-in-one makeup, moisturizer, and sunscreen. If you have a busy morning routine that leaves no time for skincare or makeup, this is your perfect fit. A perfect black girls sunscreen, it comes in 18 shades and has a buildable blemish coverage. It has moisturizing hyaluronic acid and squalene that protect your skin. An SPF of 40 is pretty good for melanin-rich skin. This product may seem a little bit on the expensive side but think about the money you would be saving in the long run.
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10. Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35 by Venus Williams
Price: $50
Last but not least, we have one of the best sunscreen for black girls from the house of Venus Williams. This is a lightweight, fragrance-free sunscreen that has 25 percent zinc oxide. It applies a sheer, transparent sheen on the skin, making it perfect for every skin tone. This one’s our personal recommendation!
Conclusion
If you are diligent about applying sunscreen daily, you must check out these products!
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