11 Best Sunscreens For African American Skin – 2023

Keep your skin protected from heat and UV rays with specially formulated products.

By Sakshi BahalSakshi Bahal  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

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!

Top PicksCheck Price
Best Overall:EltaMD UV Sport Full Body Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
Best For Daily Use:La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
Best Fragrance-Free:Thrive Natural Daily Defence Sunscreen Balm
Price on Amazon
Best Water-Resistant:Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil
Price on Amazon
Best For All Skin Tone:Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best Anti Aging Formula:Ultrasun Face with SPF 50 Plus
Price on Amazon
Best Cruelty-free:Coppertone Glow Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best Travel-Friendly:La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil
Price on Amazon
Best For All Skin Types:SPAfrica Broad Spectrum SPF 29 Sunscreen Spray
Price on Amazon
Best Cruelty-free:Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen
Price on Amazon

Top 11 Sunscreens For African American Skin

1. Best Overall:EltaMD UV Sport Full Body Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Sport Full Body

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 antioxidants in this sunscreen protect 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
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 50
  • Travel-friendly packaging
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Non-drying 

Cons

None

protip_icon Remember
Make sure to store your sunscreen at a cool temperature and away from the sun to maintain its efficiency.

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product has received 10,079 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
Price at the time of publication: $28

2. Best For Daily Use:La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay Anthelios

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Sunscreen is a perfect choice if you have sensitive skin. It is a moisturizing sunscreen and is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. You get broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, which helps prevent sun damage and premature aging. It is particularly effective against short UVA rays due to the presence of 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
  • 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 
Price at the time of publication: $33.99

3. Best Fragrance-Free:Thrive Natural Daily Defence Sunscreen Balm

Thrive Natural Daily

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 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 

protip_icon Pro Tip
Use the two-finger rule while applying sunscreen. Dispense some amount of the sunscreen along the lengths of your index and middle fingers. This amount is said to be enough to cover your face and neck.

Why It’s Worth Buying: There are more than 2,539 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Price at the time of publication: $24.95

4. Best Water-Resistant:Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil

Supergoop! Sun-Defying

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 nourishing ingredients in this sunscreen oil include meadowfoam seed oil, marigold extract, and grape seed oil. Take a look at this video to know more about the product.

This 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

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Moisturizing

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
  • 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

Ultrasun Face with SPF

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 application. You may check more about this product in this video.

Pros

  • Gentle on sensitive skin
  • Rich in antioxidants
  • Water-resistant
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 50
  • No added perfume
  • Mineral oil-free
  • No emulsifiers
  • Preservative-free 

Cons

  • Expensive 
Price at the time of publication: $31.99

7. Best Cruelty-free:Coppertone Glow Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion

Coppertone Glow Hydrating Sunscreen

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. 
Price at the time of publication: $8.07

8. Best Travel-Friendly:La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil

La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection

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. The lotion 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
  • Lightweight formula
  • Provides long-lasting hydration
  • No white residue
  • Gets absorbed easily
  • Non-drying 

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Availability may be an issue 
Price at the time of publication: $138

9. Best For All Skin Types:SPAfrica Broad Spectrum SPF 29 Sunscreen Spray

SPAfrica Broad Spectrum SPF

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

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 29
  • 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

Glossier Invisible Shield Daily

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.

Pros

  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 35
  • Paraben-free
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free 

Cons

  • Expensive
  • May irritate sensitive skin
  • Not water-resistant 
Price at the time of publication: $17.32

11. Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen

Unsun Mineral Tinted Face

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 
Price at the time of publication: $29

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.

Sunscreen For African Women (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

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. In addition, these are cruelty-free, water-resistant, and provide long-lasting hydration. However, some products might irritate sensitive skin and causes 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.

Recommended Articles


Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.

LATEST ARTICLES