8 Great Sunscreens for Skin of Color (That Won’t Go on Chalky)

You’ve likely heard time and time again that you need to wear sunscreen every single day. Personally, even though I’ve read (and written) numerous stories on the importance of using sunscreen, as a Black woman and beauty editor I’ve been let down by formulas that leave my melanated skin looking ashy, chalky or dry. Yet, I recognize that wearing SPF is key to protecting myself from both premature aging and worse, skin cancer.

Still, the rumor that “Black people don’t need to wear sunscreen” persists. So much so that I asked Dr. Sumayah Jamal, MD-PhD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York, to clarify. “Melanin provides an SPF anywhere from a level of 1.5 to 4. While skin of color takes longer to burn, this does not mean that it cannot burn,” she explains. “SPF also only refers to UVB protection; however, UVA also damages skin.” To protect against both types of rays, Dr. Jamal recommends a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher.

A broad-spectrum formula that you like enough to apply daily can be lifesaving. Skin cancer occurs in all skin tones, and “those with skin of color are more likely to die from the deadliest form of skin cancer called melanoma,” says Dr. Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, a board-certified dermatologist in California. Underestimating the risk contributes to the higher death rate among people of color, who “may not receive a thorough skin cancer screening due to this misconception,” Dr. Badreshia-Bansal says.

Which Ingredients to Look For (And Avoid)

When it comes to active ingredients, Dr. Jamal prefers physical sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) over chemical sunscreens (such as avobenzone). Physical sunscreens are typically less irritating to sensitive skin than chemical ingredients, but often leave a chalky cast which can become worse with sweating. “When I test physical [sunscreens] that show good transparency initially, I’ll put them on before a workout to determine if they also pass the ‘sweat test,’” Dr. Jamal says. If your skin isn’t sensitive to them, chemical sunscreens can provide a more transparent option (many popular formulas are made with a blend of both chemical and physical ingredients to offer the best of both worlds).

According to Dr. Badreshia-Bansal, the ingredients to avoid are any that can cause allergic or irritant reactions, which can result in hyperpigmentation—the number-one concern among her patients of color. “If you have sensitive skin, choose [a sunscreen with] calming ingredients such as green tea and niacinamide,” she advises, along with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

Best Sunscreens for Skin of Color

While the options for skin of color aren’t 100% there yet, a few brands have started to get things right. Over a two-week span, I tested a variety of sunscreens—here’s what made the cut.

5. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (1.7 fl. oz.)

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (1.7 fl. oz.)

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$44.00

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Dermatologists and editors alike have been raving about this sunscreen for years. The formula was a bit thicker than the others I tested, but once I rubbed it in, it pretty much disappeared. “This is a pretty good physical sunscreen for skin of color—and leaves more of a matte finish,” adds Dr. Jamal. Bonus points for the oil-free formula designed for both acne-prone and sensitive skin.

6. Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30 (1.7 fl. oz.)

Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30 (1.7 fl. oz.)

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$49.00

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Since COVID-19, I’ve been reading up about the impact blue light has on skin—and I have been spending more time on my laptop and phone. This fast-absorbing, lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen uses antioxidants and minerals to protect against four major skin concerns: UV rays, blue light, free radical damage and pollution. I’m definitely planning on keeping this sunscreen in the rotation.

7. Soleil Toujours Organic Set Protect Micro Mist SPF 30 (2 fl. oz.)

Soleil Toujours Organic Set Protect Micro Mist SPF 30 (2 fl. oz.)

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$36.00

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Consider this love at first mist. This 70%+ certified organic micro mist is formulated with clear, broad-spectrum UV protection. You can use it alone or on top of makeup, and it’s super portable and mess-free. “The best SPF is the one you will use,” Dr. Badreshia-Bansal tells me, but take care when applying spray sunscreen. In effort not to miss any spots, she suggests applying them on your hand first, then rubbing them in.