Our Pick: The Best Sunscreens For Dark Skin

People with darker complexion usually struggle in finding a suitable SPF formula. While there are plenty of sunscreens available in the market, not all are designed for deeper skin tones.

Generally speaking, SPF-based creams are created to shield the skin from UV rays, blue light, and environmental stressors. However, not all formulas are made equal, which means that some sunscreens can feel greasy and may even leave behind a white cast.

Sunscreens with white residues and cakey feeling are a big NO for dark-skinned folks, so what's the best alternative they can try? Keep reading to find the best sunscreen formulas for darker complexions, which provide excellent protection against the sun's rays and leave no white cast behind.

Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen

Price: $36

Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen is infused with zinc oxide and titanium oxide, two of the most touted sunscreen ingredients. This rich formula is fast-absorbing and contains antioxidants that protect against environmental stressors. It also leaves no white residue.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

Price: $15

CeraVe's product lineup comprises hydrating skin-care products, including cleansers, face washes, and sunscreens. This Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 shields the skin from UVA/UVB rays while also strengthening its natural protective barrier.

Elta MD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Price: $37

Elta MD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a lightweight formula designed to protect and soothe sensitive and acne-prone skin. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act as physical blockers, protecting the skin from UV rays and environmental stressors.

Dr. Brandt's Liquid Sun Shield Daily Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Price: $65

This SPF 50 mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide and blends seamlessly with all skin tones to provide a glowy finish. It shields the skin against UVA/UVB rays, reduces hyperpigmentation, and corrects the skin tone.

Paula's Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid

Price: $33

Paula's Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid is a broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula that shields the skin against UV rays and environmental stressors. It hydrates the skin, making it supple and healthy without feeling greasy or leaving a white cast behind.

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

Price: $35

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor is a refillable formula that can work as a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It is a lightweight, oil-free SPF cream that makes the skin sun-ready, reduces pigmentation, and improves the complexion for a healthy, radiant look.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Price: $48

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a light-coverage, weightless serum that blends seamlessly with your skin without any greasy or cakey feeling. It contains zinc oxide, which shields the skin from UV, blue light, and infra-red rays.

Also present are skin-nourishing ingredients like squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, which provide deep hydration, leaving the skin soft, smooth, supple, and glowy.