Regardless of your skin tone, wearing sunscreen every day is one of the best (and easiest) ways to protect your skin’s health and appearance, not to mention prevent the signs of aging. Sunscreen can help prevent rough and damaged skin, as well as skin cancer — rain or shine — since the sun emits harmful UV rays year-round. Not sure which sunscreen is best for you? According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), “dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.“
If you want to be extra safe, a higher SPF number blocks more of the sun’s UVB rays, but no sunscreen can block them 100%. For maximum protection, be sure to reapply thoroughly every couple of hours, and don’t forget about your lips (wearing a lip balm with SPF not only nourishes your lips but also protects them from skin cancer). Those with darker skin tones might be worried about sunscreen leaving a white cast, but that’s where these Black-owned sunscreen brands that you’ll want to try ASAP come in. They’re for every skin tone, so keep on reading to find your new product go-to. And remember, you don’t need to wait until summer to try these out.
Our top picks:
These are the top picks of Black-owned sunscreen brands to wear in every type of climate.
Keys Soulcare SPF 30 Sunscreen
This broad spectrum SPF 30 will protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun, while the squalane and niacinamide ingredients keep your skin soft and balanced. Also, vitamin B3 helps to brighten and balance the skin’s appearance. All ingredients are clean and cruelty-free and it’s formulated without parabens. Not to mention, it goes on completely clear, leaving you feeling (and looking) radiant and confident. Bonus: The brand was founded by the queen herself, Alicia Keys (hence the name!).
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Made for melanated skin, this sunscreen brand protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays using a signature, sheer formula. “As a Black woman, it can be a struggle to find a lightweight sunscreen that doesn’t leave behind a white cast,” says BLB editor Valeris. “This fragrance-free formula with SPF 30 has been amazing for my skin. It absorbs quickly and it works well under makeup.” It doubles as a moisturizer, thanks to its hydrating ingredients, like jojoba, cacao and avocado, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
On the hunt for an invisible SPF 30? Look no further! Founded by Rihanna, Fenty Skin’s Broad Spectrum sunscreen locks in hydration, fades the look of dark spots and smoothes the appearance of pores. After one week, 100% of users agree it softened their skin and it didn’t pill under makeup (this was based on the brand’s own eight-week consumer study on 52 people). It is rich in antioxidants and vitamins, like niacinamide and kalahari melon.
Eleven Ace the Day Face Lotion SPF 30
Founded by Venus Williams, Eleven’s lightweight facial sun serum provides protection while simultaneously helping to hydrate, calm and smooth the skin. Shake well before use and then apply daily for maximum protection and skin hydration. It’s dermatologist-approved and quickly absorbs on all skin tones, creating a semi-matte finish. The multifunctional formula can be worn as a lightweight primer to extend the wear time of all of your makeup looks. Formulated to be water- and sweat-resistant, you can wear it for 40 minutes before reapplying.
Absolute Joi Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 40 Mineral Sunscreen
A tinted mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast, it will leave sensitive skin feeling extra hydrated. “The mineral formula was nice and felt moisturizing,” says BLB chemist Sabina. “It was founded by a doctor (a woman) who had an impressive CV and whose daughters had trouble finding the skincare that suited them.” Plus, there are two shades, mocha and cafe au lait. The squalane and hyaluronic acid ingredients provide long-lasting hydration and moisture without clogging pores, while vitamin C combats signs of aging and brightens the skin to create a more even tone. Other important ingredients are green tea and chamomile extract, which reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer
Infused with a large dosage of vitamin C, the Bolden Brightening Moisturizer sunscreen will brighten your skin and diminish signs of sun damage and any dark marks, while also providing hydration and nourishment, thanks to its robust antioxidants. It’s made free of sulfates, parabens or phthalates. Other essential ingredients that make up its composition are squalane, which reduces roughness and fine lines, as well as sunflower oil, which repairs the skin’s barrier and eases dryness. To top off all of its benefits, it dries clear without leaving a white, chalky residue.
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