When it comes to protecting your skin, sunscreen is one of the most vital tools to keep in your arsenal. Sunscreen should be applied every day, regardless of skin tone and location. After all, SPF is essential for protecting your skin against harmful UVA/UVB rays all year round.
A common myth is that Black people do not need sunscreen. While it’s true that Black people have a less likely chance of developing skin cancer — according to Cosmopolitan — it is still possible. Applying sunscreen to your face, neck, and exposed areas daily, even when the sun is not out, is vital for your skin’s protection.
Over the years, SPF has dramatically improved. Gone are the days when the only sunscreen options were those that left an ashy white cast. Now, beautiful melanated skin can flourish, thanks to the many developments in the brands’ formulas. Looking for the right SPF that works for your skin and lifestyle? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Here are our picks for the best sunscreens for Black skin!
1. Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($10.96 Amazon.com)
Known as one of the holy grails of SPF, Black Girl Sunscreen was crafted specifically for melanated skin. The goal is to provide Black women with an effective formula that doesn’t leave a white cast on dark skin, and they have done just that. The reviews don’t lie! Black Girl Sunscreen is a crown jewel in the SPF world. The cult favorite product is made with SPF 40 and is surprisingly lightweight. Its formula includes avocado and jojoba to soothe and hydrate your skin.
2. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($38.00, Ulta.com)
This completely transparent SPF formula is marine-friendly and has a silky matte finish. It contains red algae and is super lightweight. Supergoop is a fan favorite since it rubs in seamlessly and is oil-free, leaving a soft, velvety feel behind. This product is a must-have and has earned its spot on our list as one of the best sunscreens for Black skin.
3. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer ($40.00, Sephora.com)
One thing about Rihanna is that she never misses. Her sunscreen moisturizer combines hydration and full-scale protection to keep your melanin looking refreshed. This vegan oil-free product is the perfect moisturizer and SPF, as it is not oily and doesn’t cause makeup pilling. The Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor SPF 30 contains ingredients such as Kalahari melon, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and baobab.
In true Rihanna fashion, she developed this moisturizer to give you everything your skin needs in one easy step. It also fades the look of dark spots, protects skin from pollutants in the air, and smooths the look of pores. It was a must to have this product on our list of best sunscreens for Black skin.
4. Kinlò Golden Rays Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($11.99 Kinlò.com)
This tinted sunscreen from tennis star Naomi Osaka is a beauty must-have. Osaka’s Golden Rays Sunscreen has an all-mineral base that helps protect against sun damage and filters blue light. The popular product comes in three shades: deep, medium, and light. The amazing pros of this SPF 50 are that it’s sweat-proof and water-resistant, blocks 98 % of UV radiation, and has zero white cast. Golden Rays has quickly made its way up the list of the best sunscreens for Black skin.
5. Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer with SPF 45 and Niacinamide ($36.00 Sephora.com)
Supermodel Winnie Harlow created Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Moisturizer with sensitive skin types in mind. This lightweight and hydrating sunscreen gives your skin an island glow and protects your skin with SPF 45. Ingredients include sea moss, hydrating nectar, and niacinamide. This offering is the perfect product to end our list of the best sunscreens for Black skin.
Any one of these sunscreens will produce the results you need. Don’t get caught slacking this summer. Get one of these amazing products to help protect your melanin and keep your skin looking better than ever.
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