The Best Sunscreens For Darker Skin Tones
There's a myth that those with deep skin tones don't need to wear SPF, but *all* skin needs to be protected from UV rays that are present all year round.
Finding the best sunscreen for your skin can be a challenge, but it can be more difficult for those with darker complexions. There's the whole white cast issue, which refers to the pale residue some formulas can leave on the skin and is often more noticeable on deeper skin tones.
Plus, there's hyperpigmentation to contend with. It occurs due to excess melanin production and is more pronounced in darker skin tones, where pigmentation is naturally stronger - so any sun damage is more likely to leave behind dark marks.
Keep reading to discover our best options for sunscreen for dark skin, focused on those with zero white cast and to help with hyperpigmentation, or shop our sunscreens for deep skin tones now.
mesoestetic Mesoprotech Melan 130 Pigment Control
This sunscreen for black skin delivers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection against UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared radiation. Designed with hyperpigmentation-prone skin in mind, it contains a subtle tint to help visibly even skin tone, while its hero ingredient, azeloglycine, works to regulate melanin production and reduce the risk of future pigmentation. Featuring a weightless, silky formula that melts effortlessly into the skin, it leaves no greasiness, stickiness, or white cast.
Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF 50
Featuring an oil-free, dry-touch texture, this SPF for dark skin delivers broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, visible light and IR-A (infrared-A) radiation. Suitable for all skin types (including sensitive and acne-prone) it’s packed with powerful antioxidants and active ingredients to help repair sun damage and minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation. The formula stars a subtle tint and blends seamlessly into the skin, effortlessly adapting to your natural skin tone - there's certainly no white cast here.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
Starring the brand's new exclusive UV filter MEXORYL40 to help protect skin against UV damage, this lightweight, non-greasy SPF is perfect for deeper skin tones. Leaving an invisible finish with no white cast, the hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested formula is water, sweat and sand resistant, and can also be safely applied around the eyes.
Ultrasun Anti-Pigmentation Face SPF 50+
This SPF doesn't mess around when it comes to powerful ingredients - it includes Illumiscin and Asyntra SL, which work to lighten dark spots and prevent more hyperpigmentation from forming. With a wealth of antioxidants and hydration hero ectoin added for good measure, this broad-spectrum sunscreen nourishes, protects and smooths in one.
Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30
You don't see an SPF mousse everyday, but this innovative formula from EVY is worth adding to your routine. It includes Sepicalm, which lessens the look of hyperpigmentation, and Vitamin C to brighten and add an extra layer of defence against UV rays. Providing high UVA and UVB protection, this water resistant sunscreen has also been laboratory tested to prove that it retains its SPF after 8 hours of use.
SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50
Blending broad-spectrum UV protection with potent ingredients designed to target hyperpigmentation, this light-as-air SPF brightens, evens and smooths the skin. It contains 1% tranexamic acid to deactivate the inflammatory mediators responsible for forming melanin, and 2% niacinamide to blur the appearance of existing hyperpigmentation.
Best Sunscreens For Black Skin Very high factor sun protection with UVB 131 and UVA 67 for skin with pigmentation imperfections. An oil-free dry touch sunscreen that’s clinically proven to protect against UVA and UVB. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ is a very high UVB/UVA sun protection for the face, specifically developed for sensitive skin. It contains their new exclusive UV filter MEXORYL40 to help protect... This broad spectrum all-in-one sunscreen will help reduce appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation whilst nourishing and protecting your skin with its lightweight, oil free formula. Retains skin’s natural moisture whilst protecting and enhancing skin’s protective barrier. This ultra-lightweight SPF combines broad-spectrum UV protection with a potent blend of discolouration targeting ingredients for a brighter and more even complexion.
Choosing the right sunscreen for deeper skin tones (one that’s lightweight, blends evenly and leaves no white cast) makes daily UV protection simple - and will also support long-term skin health to keep your complexion looking in great condition for as long as possible.
