11 Best Sunscreens For African American Skin – 2023
Keep your skin protected from heat and UV rays with specially formulated products.
Becky SturmEsthetician
Expertise: Hair Care, Skin Care, & Nail Care
Experience: 30+ years
Becky Sturm is a multi hyphenate beauty maven who has been in the salon and spa industry for 30+ years as a hairdresser, esthetician, as well as product development and product expert. After graduating in the HORST/Aveda Institute Advanced ... more
Expertise: Product Reviews
Experience: 5 years
Sakshi Bahal is a commerce writer with a master's degree in English Literature from Calcutta University. She was a part of the editorial team of her school magazine. Her love for writing inspired her ... more
Expertise: Fitness & Lifestyle
Experience: 3 years
Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication fro... more
Krati DarakCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years o... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Sunscreens ideally protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But generic sunscreens may also leave a residue if your complexion is a bit darker. Thus, for a darker complexion, you need the best sunscreen for African women. These sunscreens are specially formulated to blend with darker skin colors. Unlike conventional sunscreens, these sunscreens do not make your skin appear chalky or ghostly. A sheer or tinted sunscreen goes well with this complexion. In addition, dermatologists recommend sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, ideal for dark complexion. In this article, we compiled the best sunscreen for African women. Check them out below!
In This Article
Top 11 Sunscreens For African American Skin
1. Best Overall:EltaMD UV Sport Full Body Sunscreen
The EltaMD UV Sport Full Body Sunscreen is the perfect sunscreen for those with an active lifestyle and people who love spending time outdoors. It is a mineral-based and water-resistant sunscreen. You don’t have to worry about it washing off in the water or burning your eyes when you sweat.
The antioxidant-rich sunscreen protects against free radical damage caused by UV and IR radiation. You get broad-spectrum sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen is formulated with zinc oxide and is suitable for use on the face and body. It does not leave a whitish cast on the skin.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Oil-free
- Water-resistant
- No white cast
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-drying
Cons
None
Remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 10,079 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best For Daily Use:La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Sunscreen
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Sunscreen is a perfect choice if you have sensitive skin. It is a dermatologically tested moisturizing sunscreen and is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. You get a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB filter, which helps prevent sun damage and premature aging. It is particularly effective against short UVA rays due to the presence of professional-grade Mexoryl SX (ecamsule) in the formula.
The moisturizing effects of this sunscreen keep the skin hydrated for up to 24 hours. The non-greasy, lightweight formula is suitable for use under makeup. With so many promising benefits, it is hardly surprising that this sunscreen has won multiple beauty awards since the time it was launched.
Pros
- Suitable for use under makeup
- Non-sticky
- Broad-spectrum SPF 15
- Provides 24-hour hydration
- Allergy tested
- Octinoxate free
- Oil-free
- Fragrance-free
- PABA-free
- Oxybenzone-free
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Contains parabens
3. Best Fragrance-Free:Thrive Natural Daily Defence Sunscreen Balm
The Thrive Natural Daily Defence Sunscreen Balm is a skin repairing face moisturizer that also provides sun protection. The broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen lotion nourishes, hydrates, and rejuvenates your skin while treating any damage caused by the sun and environmental stressors.
The clinically tested sunblock formula is infused with antioxidants to protect against free radicals. It is a lightweight composition formulated with a zinc oxide mineral base, making it a healthier and safer alternative to chemical sunscreens. It is perfect for dark complexions as it is non-tinted and leaves no white residue on the skin when applied.
Pros
- Reef-safe
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30
- No chemical sunscreen filters
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- GMO-free
- Non-greasy
- Vegan
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not moisturizing enough
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 2,539 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.
EltaMD UV Sport Full Body Sunscreen Best Overall | La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Sunscreen Best For Daily Use | Thrive Natural Daily Defence Sunscreen Balm Best Fragrance-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.4 x 2 x 7 inches | 2.13 x 1.5 x 3.8 inches | 1.5 x 1.1 x 4.8 inches |
| Weight | 3 Ounces | 3.4 Ounces | 2 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 10,079 | 1,702 | 2,539 |
| Price | $28 | $33.99 | $23.92 |
4. Best Water-Resistant:Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil
The Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil is ideal when you want lightweight moisturization along with your sun protection. It has a non-greasy formula that leaves your skin with a dewy, radiant glow without feeling heavy. The skin-nourishing ingredients in this sunscreen oil include meadowfoam seed oil, marigold extract, and grape seed oil. Take a look at this video review to learn more about the reviewer’s experience of the product.
The high SPF in the sunscreen provides fantastic UV protection and prevents the signs of UV damage. The spray oil is rich in antioxidants, giving the skin superior sun protection. It also helps that the formula is water-resistant, so you can have your fun-filled day at the beach without worrying about getting burned.
Pros
- No greasy residue
- Provides intense hydration
- Adds a dewy glow to your skin
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50
- Water-resistant
- Rich in antioxidants
- Lightweight formula
- Clinically tested
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May cause breakouts.
5. Best For All Skin Tone:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
The Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion is an excellent sunscreen for African American skin tones. It is an intensely moisturizing lotion, enriched with the goodness of shea butter and coconut oil. The sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it serves you well for a day at the beach. Remember to reapply at regular intervals.
The formula also contains vitamin E and offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 sun protection. It is specially formulated to leave a sheer radiance on the skin without any white, pasty residue.
Pros- Suitable for all skin tones
- Sheer finish
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Provides intense hydration
- No white residue
- PABA-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin.
6. Best Anti Aging Formula:Ultrasun Face with SPF 50 Plus
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Sheer finish
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Provides intense hydration
- No white residue
- PABA-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin.
6. Best Anti Aging Formula:Ultrasun Face with SPF 50 Plus
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Sheer finish
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Provides intense hydration
- No white residue
- PABA-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin.
6. Best Anti Aging Formula:Ultrasun Face with SPF 50 Plus
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Sheer finish
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Provides intense hydration
- No white residue
- PABA-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin.
6. Best Anti Aging Formula:Ultrasun Face with SPF 50 Plus
The Ultrasun Face with SPF 50 Plus offers moisturizing, anti-aging, sun protection. It is an advanced blend of lamellar broad-spectrum SPF50+ protection with GSP-T for Infrared protection and Ectoin. Regular use of this sunscreen helps restore moisture levels to dehydrated skin.
The anti-aging properties of this facial sunscreen help reduce the appearance of signs of aging caused by the sun, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and large pores. The composition is impressively lightweight and non-greasy. It gets absorbed quite easily, making for a quick and hassle-free, even application. You may check more about this product in this video where the reviewer tests the products.
Pros
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Fast-absorbing
- Rich in antioxidants
- Clinically tested
- Water-resistant
- Sweat-resistant
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50
- No added perfume
- Mineral oil-free
- No emulsifiers
- Preservative-free
Cons
- Expensive
7. Best Cruelty-free:Coppertone Glow Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion
The Coppertone Glow Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion gives you a shimmery glow while keeping your skin protected against sun damage. The lotion contains illuminating shimmer particles that sparkle in the sun and look particularly gorgeous on dark skin tones.
The lotion is also intensely hydrating and makes your skin feel silky soft and smooth. The formula is safe for daily use and especially useful for the time at the beach or pool, as it is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. The lightweight lotion dries quickly and gets absorbed easily.
Pros- Suitable for daily use
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Water-resistant
- Paraben-free
- PABA-free
- Phthalate-free
- Oxybenzone-free
Cons
- Contains added fragrance.
- Packaging may be half-empty.
8. Best Travel-Friendly:La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil
- Suitable for daily use
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Water-resistant
- Paraben-free
- PABA-free
- Phthalate-free
- Oxybenzone-free
Cons
- Contains added fragrance.
- Packaging may be half-empty.
8. Best Travel-Friendly:La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil
- Suitable for daily use
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Water-resistant
- Paraben-free
- PABA-free
- Phthalate-free
- Oxybenzone-free
Cons
- Contains added fragrance.
- Packaging may be half-empty.
8. Best Travel-Friendly:La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil
- Suitable for daily use
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30
- Water-resistant
- Paraben-free
- PABA-free
- Phthalate-free
- Oxybenzone-free
Cons
- Contains added fragrance.
- Packaging may be half-empty.
8. Best Travel-Friendly:La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil
The La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil is a luxury sunscreen lotion with a lightweight yet intensely hydrating formula. It is naturally enriched with trace elements and minerals that keep your skin moisturized for a long time. The composition also includes a licorice-based brightening complex that controls melanin production and improves skin tone.
The SPF 50 serves as a powerful sun barrier, especially against UVA rays that can cause premature skin aging. This high-performance sunscreen is sheer enough to be layered over a moisturizer in case of dehydrated skin. It also doubles up as a primer for the final step in a skincare ritual.
Pros
- SPF 50 UVA protection
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Melanin-friendly
- Lightweight formula
- Provides long-lasting hydration
- No white residue
- Gets absorbed easily
- Non-drying
Cons
- Expensive
- Availability may be an issue
9. Best For All Skin Types:SPAfrica Broad Spectrum SPF 29 Sunscreen Spray
The SPAfrica Broad Spectrum SPF 29 Sunscreen Spray provides daily sun protection, keeping your skin safe from UV damage that causes premature aging in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The nourishing spray formula is lightweight and gets absorbed quickly into your skin.
The moisturizing sunscreen is also free of synthetic fragrances that can irritate your skin. The absence of other harsh chemicals also helps, making this sunscreen sensitive-skin-friendly. It leaves no whitish cast when applied and is particularly well-suited to darker complexions, including African American skin tones.
Pros- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- Broad-spectrum SPF 29
- Non-irritating
- No artificial fragrances
- Paraben-free
- Hypo-allergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Availability may be an issue.
- Contains octinoxate
10. Best Cruelty-free:Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- Broad-spectrum SPF 29
- Non-irritating
- No artificial fragrances
- Paraben-free
- Hypo-allergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Availability may be an issue.
- Contains octinoxate
10. Best Cruelty-free:Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- Broad-spectrum SPF 29
- Non-irritating
- No artificial fragrances
- Paraben-free
- Hypo-allergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Availability may be an issue.
- Contains octinoxate
10. Best Cruelty-free:Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- Broad-spectrum SPF 29
- Non-irritating
- No artificial fragrances
- Paraben-free
- Hypo-allergenic
- Cruelty-free
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Availability may be an issue.
- Contains octinoxate
10. Best Cruelty-free:Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen
The Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen has a lightweight, transparent, water-gel formula. It does not leave any greasy residue or whitish cast after application. While it is perfect for everyday use, the fact that this sunscreen is not water-resistant makes it unsuitable for a beach or pool day.
It is a sunscreen that feels like a serum and is filled with active microcapsules that are instantly absorbed into the skin. You can layer it with makeup and not worry about the product sitting heavy on your face. It prevents sun damage, neutralizes free radicals, and protects your skin from sunburn. Check out this video to learn more about the tester’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Transparent finish
- Broad-spectrum SPF 35
- Paraben-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Not water-resistant
11. Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
The Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen simultaneously works as a sunscreen, primer, and color corrector! Impressive, right? That’s not all. It is available in several different shades to cater to a wide range of skin tones, ranging from olive to dark chocolate, and does not leave behind that annoying white residue.
The hydrating facial sunscreen helps minimize pores and is formulated with all-natural, reef-safe ingredients to make it safe for your skin and the ocean. The powerful sun protection also comes with the goodness of vitamin E, shea butter, coconut oil, and multiple fruit extracts.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Reef-safe
- Cruelty-free
- No white residue
- Available in different shades
- Mineral-based sunscreen
Cons
- Thick consistency
- May cause breakouts
- Availability issues
Infographic: Sunscreen For African Women: Ingredients To Look For, How To Apply, And Sun Safety Tips
Sunscreens are essential. They protect the skin from harmful sun rays and prevent premature signs of aging. Sunscreens for people with dark skin tones will prevent discoloration and reduce the risk of skin cancers. The infographic below provides detailed information about how to choose a sunscreen for people with darker skin, how to apply sunscreen correctly, and tips to protect yourself from the sun. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic
The Bottom Line
Constant exposure to the sun can damage your skin and set on early signs of aging. Sunscreens are part of a regular skincare routine that protects your skin from harmful sun rays. Traditional sunscreens may leave residue on darker skin tones and make you look ashy, but these sunscreens for African American skin care are formulated to match your skin tone and avoid chalky appearances. If you are someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, the EltaMD UV Sport is a good choice due to its UVA and UVB sun protection formula. Those looking for a sunscreen for daily use that offers a non-sticky finish can go for the La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX, while the Glossier Invisible Shield offers a smooth finish without leaving a white cast. In addition, these are cruelty-free, water-resistant, and provide long-lasting hydration. However, some products might irritate sensitive skin and cause acne breakouts. Choose skin-friendly formulations that blend well and do not cause breakouts.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Sakshi Bahal, has a keen interest in makeup and skin care products. She is familiar with the whitish residue that generic sunscreen leaves behind and has, therefore, found a solution for the benefit of her readers. After reviewing every online product review, she has compiled a thorough list of the best sunscreens for African American skin. These products do not make your skin look chalky after application, and the sun rays are kept at bay.
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