“It makes me break out”.
– people who don’t use sunscreen
“I’m dark-skinned so I don’t need it”.
“I don’t get sunburns”.
“My skin is sensitive”.
“Sunscreens are too greasy”.
“It leaves a white cast”.
“I hate putting on sunscreens”.
“It takes too long to rub in”.
“It makes me sweat”.
These are the most common excuses I have heard from friends, family, acquaintances, social media comments and clients over the years for not applying sunscreen. None of which holds water anymore because there are now sunscreens created with you in mind. Regardless of your skin type, tone or sensitivity, there is a sun protection for you out there.
Here is a compilation of sunscreens that are dark skin compliant. I have broken the list up in two parts, The first 10 tick the following boxes:
- Zero white cast
- Broad-spectrum
- Absorbs easily
- Non-oily
- Won’t sting the eyes
- Water-Resistant
- Fragrance-Free
1. COLORSCIENCE SUNFORGETTABLE TOTAL PROTECTION FACE SHIELD SPF 50
A tinted sunscreen that comes in three shades, one of the best I’ve tried and loved. Along with providing broad-spectrum UV protection, it contains Iron Oxides which protect from environmental aggressors such as pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation. Fantastic option if you spend prolonged periods starring at (computers or phone) screens.
2. TIZO ULTRA ZINC SPF 40
Quite rare to find a high concentration mineral sunscreen that rubs in clear on all skin tones, but this one is an exception. With its 20% zinc oxide + almost 9% titanium dioxide formulation. Perfect to use after a clinical procedure like chemical peels, facials, micro-needling, etc.
3. SUPERGOOP UNSEEN SUNSCREEN![]()
Supergoop is known for their cosmetically elegant, easy to layer, fast-absorbing sunscreens and this one is my absolute favourite. Serum-like texture which leaves a sheer finish and wears well under makeup. Its fragrance-free, oil-free and it contains red algae, an ingredient which is believed to protect from blue light rays.
4. OBAGI SUN SHIELD MATTE BROAD-SPECTRUM SPF 50 SUNSCREEN
This sunscreen is very lightweight and fragrance-free. Perfect for people with acne/acne-prone skin and very moisturizing. Won’t clog your pores or cause your eyes to sting.
5. KRAVE BEAUTY THE BEET SHIELD
This was the first sunscreen I used at the start of my skincare journey and it didn’t disappoint. An elegant lightweight fluid sunscreen that is packed with antioxidants to not only give you broad-spectrum UV protection but also defend your skin against other environmental pollution factors.
6. PAULA’S CHOICE RESIST YOUTH-EXTENDING DAILY HYDRATING FLUID SPF 50
Another beautifully formulated sunscreen with an almost water-like texture that leaves a near-matte finish. I especially love it because it contains antioxidants and hydrating ingredients that enhance its potency and helps to visibly smoothen the skin after application.
7. MURAD CITY SKIN AGE DEFENSE BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50 | PA++++
Slightly tinted with 100% mineral filters, this Murad sunscreen is perfect for all skin types. It not only has broad-spectrum UV protection, but also offers Blue light protection, whether indoors or outdoors.
8. PURITO CENTELLA GREEN LEVEL UNSCENTED SUN SPF 50
Extremely mild and my first recommendation for sensitive skin on a budget. It has no scent at all and contains a lot of soothing and moisturizing ingredients to promote skin health. It applies thin and almost matte which makes it suitable to wear under makeup. Oh! and did I mention? It is quite affordable too.
9. HELIOCARE ADVANCED GEL SUNSCREEN
The perfect anti-ageing sunscreen. It’s quite easy to fall in love with this sunscreen because of its extremely light gel-texture and fast-absorbing nature. It is easy to apply and also contains some nourishing and antioxidant ingredients in addition to providing broad-spectrum UV protection.
10. Bioderma Photoderm MAX Lait SPF 100
Apart from the fact that it comes in a small tube, this sunscreen checks all the boxes needed by dark skin. It is smooth, glides on easily and offers very high UV protection along with antioxidant protection from cellular damage.
Which of the sunscreens on this list are you looking forward to trying?
Ps: If you are wondering where you can get Skincare Products in Nigeria, checkout out our beauty directory where we have 20+ different nigerian skincare retailers listed: BEAUTYDIRECTORYNG
Click for Part 2: 20 BEST SUNSCREENS FOR DARK SKIN TONE (Part 2)
2 Comments
Toyosi Shoremi
5 years agoThanks so much for this list. It broadens options for those of us who keep looking for sunscreen to try. Could you please include in the part 2 why some sunscreens makes us darker in complexion and what to do about them. Also could you include the prices or price ranges os this products in naira? Thank you
BiL
5 years agoPart 2 is live, you can read it here: 20 BEST SUNSCREENS FOR DARK SKIN TONE (Part 2)
For prices you can reach out to any of our listed skincare retailers and they will respond. Simply copy the name on the Sunscreen you’re interested in and send them a message using the message box in their listing: Skincare Retailers
Also sunscreen doesn’t make you darker, being out in the sun for prolonged period of time makes you darker.