Until recently, BIPOC have been largely ignored in the conversation around sun protection, the research on the sun’s damaging effects, and the product formulation testing process—so it’s no wonder that many with medium to dark skin grew up avoiding the chalky, white sunscreens that dominated shelves and believing the misconception that they couldn’t fall prey to sun damage. But while it’s true that melanin does provide some natural level of protection against UV rays and sunburn, and skin cancer rates are significantly lower in nonwhite groups, the prognosis for those who are diagnosed is much grimmer, since it tends to be in a later stage when discovered.
That’s why better sun protection education, starting at a young age, is crucial—and why all skin-care companies need to start creating and branding skin-care products that work for and appeal to everyone, including people of color. The good news is that there are plenty of both chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens on the market that blend seamlessly into more melanated skin and don’t leave any noticeable residue, even on darker skin tones, all while protecting you from sun exposure. We asked nine dermatologists of color to share their favorite.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($34)
“Don’t underestimate the importance of sunscreen for dark skin. Supergoop is fantastic, if you’re open to chemical sunscreens. [The brand] has so many formulations that are not only transparent but also make the skin better. The excuse of not wanting your face to look ashen or ashy because of sunscreen is just no longer valid.” —Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 ($34)
“This is my favorite sunscreen for medium to dark skin. It’s a tinted mineral sunscreen that has a matte finish, with no white cast left over. Since it’s a mineral sunscreen that relies on zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it’s perfect for people with sensitive skin or those who need protection from blue light. The liquid consistency is easy to apply and the universal tint provides a modest concealing effect as a nice bonus. It’s light enough to use as an everyday sunscreen but is also water-resistant up to 40 minutes, so you can bring it to the beach.” —Dr. Aanand Geria, a board-certified dermatologist in Rutherford, New Jersey
ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Ultralight Tinted Mineral Sunscreen ($66)
“[This product] has DNA repair enzymes to repair sun damage, antioxidants to fight environmental pollution, and zinc oxide, the best sunblock available. It rubs in completely and disappears, even on dark skin, with no residue.” —Dr. Peterson Pierre, a board-certified dermatologist in Thousand Oaks, California
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 ($36)
“This lotion blends really well with dark skin and is great for acne, rosacea, as well as both sensitive skin and oily skin, since it’s oil-free. In addition, it has great ingredients to promote healthy-looking skin, such as hydrating hyaluronic acid, exfoliating lactic acid, and niacinamide for antioxidant protection and more hydration.” —Dr. Sapna Palep, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
Dermablend Professional Cover Creme Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen SPF 30 ($39)
“Tinted sunscreen for dark skin is challenging. I feel like that’s where we just don’t have enough diversity that can cover all skin types from any of the medical brands, but I think it’s getting better. One brand that I do think is really trying to change the narrative is Dermablend Professional. [It’s] definitely more conscious and aware of having a lot of different tones that protect patients from visible light.” —Dr. DiAnne Davis, a board-certified dermatologist in Houston
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen ($30)
“This is a great, moisturizing, mineral sunscreen option for dark skin. While it is white, it easily and completely blends to a sheer finish, leaving the skin dewy and hydrated, without a white cast.” —Dr. Sejal Shah, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
Related: 7 Common Assumptions About Black Skin and Cosmetic Treatments That Are Totally Wrong
Replenix UltiMatte Perfection SPF 50 ($44.50)
“I’m a fan of mineral-based or physical sunscreens, especially for dark skin, due to the conditions I see [hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne]. Mineral sunscreens are an effective treatment and prevention strategy. Medical-grade SPF has micronized zinc oxide that is more sheer and transparent [and doesn’t make] the skin appear white, chalky, and ashy. I love Replenix BB cream and Colorescience brush-on powder [$65] for all skin types. The BB cream has antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E, and I love its multifunctional use—it’s [a sunscreen], moisturizer, and primer in one. Colorescience also helps with SPF and shine control.” —Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, a board-certified dermatologist in Danville, California
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($18.99)
“I am a fan of Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer because it offers broad spectrum SPF 30 and looks cosmetically elegant on all skin types.” —Dr. Dina Strachan, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair Broad-Spectrum SPF 34 Sunscreen ($68)
“My favorite facial sunscreen is SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair. It has an SPF of 34 that blocks UVA, UVB, and infrared radiation. It rubs right into my brown skin and isn’t chalky, plus it’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and does not clog your pores or break you out. I suffer from melasma, and the fact that this blocks heat and three different parts of the spectrum of the sun is simply fantastic.” —Dr. Jeanine Downie, a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey
