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Daphne Snell

Best Sunscreen for Dark Skin

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Although this post contains some affiliate links, all these opinions are my own. Your support with purchasing from my links helps keeps the lights on.

So here’s the thing about sunscreen. We know that we need to wear them but it’s not always the most things that we prioritize in our skincare routine, It does so much for those that are trying to heal skincare concerns like hyperpigmentation and we don’t even realize it. I just recently started adding sunscreen into my routine consistently, even on the days when I’m home. I am a lover of natural light and always have the curtains open to let in light during the day. Even when you’re inside with natural light, UV rays are still alive. In an effort to keep my hyperpigmentation at bay with my acne, I am even more active about wearing sunscreen daily. 

As a black girl, I struggled to find sunscreen for my skin. Most popular sunscreens left a white cast on the skin and just made it difficult to wear. Of course, brands listened and got with the program. Here are some of the best sunscreens for dark skin that I have found. I have used a few, but some of the others are definitely on my list to try to come HIGHLY recommended by some top dermatologists and estheticians of color. Gotta love having options right. 

The tried and true Supergoop. When I was on the quest for sunscreen, this one came HIGHLY recommended. The matte finish of this sunscreen glides so smooth on my skin and doesn’t leave my face oily or flare up my acne. This sunscreen is even easier to reapply during the day without any residue or caking. I keep this one in my purse.

The holy grail of sunscreen for dark skin. I do love instant gratification from time to time, and I had always heard of this sunscreen, but didn’t couldn’t seem to get it online. Of course, they started selling it at one of my favorite stores, Target, and I was able to get the last two bottles. This is by far the most moisturizing sunscreen I have ever used. With avocado oil and others, it provides great moisture without leaving a greasy feeling. I have even used this sunscreen in place of my moisturizer. It’s just that moisturizing.

This sunscreen has come highly recommended by the Neutrogena fans, and with good reason. The Hydro Boost line from Neutrogena….they did a thing with that! I am absolutely in love with the HydroBoost Moisturizer so it’s no surprise that the sunscreen would come recommended as well. The sunscreen comes in the form of a gel lotion which is different than typical sunscreens, but with the hydrating properties of the line, it’s the best. The best thing about this sunscreen…it comes with SPF50. Most sunscreens are SPF30, but SPF50, which doesn’t leave a white cast, and is moisturizing, Jackpot.

This sunscreen has been deemed as the “sunscreen for people who hate wearing sunscreen”. A super lightweight sunscreen that is easily absorbed into the skin. If you wear makeup frequently, that is a plus. This sunscreen has an SPF of 35, which is above the recommended SPF 30, and also vegan and cruelty free.

I found this sunscreen when it came recommended by one of my favorite dermatologists, Dr. Alexis Stephens. EltaMD has an SPF of 46. I am very drawn to giving this sunscreen a try because it’s great for sensitive skin. With my hormonal acne, I have been using different actives in my routine to help with my flare-ups.  Additionally, this sunscreen is also fragrance-free and contains hyaluronic acid. One thing that is very interesting about this sunscreen is that it has lactic acid in it, which is one of the actives I used in my routine to keep my flare-ups under control. That would be my only hesitation about using this product.

Here are plenty of options to pick from. Protect your melanin and keep your youthfulness alive.