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Friday, Oct 03, 2025

Sunscreens That Won't Leave a Cast on Darker Skin Tones

Sunscreens That Won't Leave a Cast on Darker Skin Tones

Don't skimp on SPF.

Here are some skincare myths that need to be dispelled: Coconut oil is a good moisturizer; makeup wipes count as cleansing your skin; and not everyone needs sunscreen. That last one particularly irks me, because believing it can endanger your health. For so long, we've been told that people who have dark skin don't need to use SPF as religiously as people with light skin.

In this myth's defense, there are some reasons why people might still believe it. For one thing, we've been taught that the main sign of sun damage is an itchy, red sunburn. For people with darker complexions, this classic sign is not always present. But redness is not the only sign of damage, even for people with pale skin.

Sun damage caused by the sun's rays is actually present in skin cells and may not always be visible to the eye. Everyone, regardless of skin tone, is vulnerable to skin cancer. So while sunscreen is always important to wear daily, it's also true that there has not been a large selection of sunscreens that are marketed towards people of color.

So many sunscreens leave white casts that don't blend well on darker skin tones. So, in the interest of getting everyone to wear sunscreen religiously, here are 15 sunscreens that are formulated to work well on darker skin tones.

1. The Soothing Chemical Sunscreen

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 : Black Girl Sunscreen
Although some chemical sunscreens are looked down on by dermatologists, this sunscreen only uses the best possible ingredients while still drying completely clear. White casts are a thing of the past, and naturally-derived ingredients help sooth and hydrate the skin.



2. The Glowing Skin Option

Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturizer : Dermalogica
This moisturizer with SPF 30 is perfect for people who need some extra hydration. This broad spectrum SPF protects from photodamage while giving the skin a lovely glow.



3. The Mineral Powder

Instant Mineral SPF 45 : Peter Thomas Roth
If powder is a normal part of your makeup routine, try switching out your typical product for this mineral SPF powder. The product comes conveniently packaged for on-the-go touch ups. The lightweight powder is an easy way to remember to keep your skin protected.



4. The Invisible Sunscreen

Unseen Sunscreen : Supergoop!
This cult-favorite invisible sunscreen feels like the smoothest pore-erasing primer. It has a gel-like consistency that is so clear you might even wonder if you put anything on. For anyone who doesn't want to spend any time rubbing in SPF, this product is a no-brainer.



5. The Tinted Choice

EVERYDAY Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen : Unsun
Unsun, which makes a collection of tinted sunscreens for darker skin tones, wants their consumers to have the best of both worlds: A healthy mineral SPF, with no white cast at all. These tinted sunscreens not only protect the skin from the sun's rays, but also leaves your skin looking gorgeous.



6. The Parched-Skin Choice

Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 : Josie Maran
For skin that is in serious need of intense hydration, this moisturizer with SPF has you covered. It doesn't feel greasy or leave a residue, but it contains a sizable amount of Argan oil for all-day moisture. If sunscreen clings to dry areas, this product will solve both problems at once.



7. The Even Tone Cream

Urban Skin Rx Complexion Protection Moisturizer SPF 30 : Urban Skin Rx
If sun damage has caused irregular skin tone or dark marks, this SPF helps fade those marks while also giving the skin the hydration it craves. Two birds, one stone.



8. The Setting Spray

UncompliKated Making Setting Spray SPF 50 : Kate Somerville
If setting sprays are part of your makeup routine, swap this one in to add some sun protection. This spray not only contains SPF 50, but also won't smudge your makeup, unlike some other sunscreen sprays. Now there's no excuse not to reapply throughout the day!



9. The Blendable Sunscreen

Prevention+ SPF 50 : IMAGE Skincare
For anyone who wants a classic mineral sunscreen but with less rubbing-in, this product might be what you're looking for. While it may still leave a slight white cast on some skin tones, this sunscreen is incredibly hydrating and easy to blend into the skin.



10. The Athlete's Pick

On-The-Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 : EleVen by Venus Williams
This sheer mineral sunscreen, created with Venus Williams, is perfect for women who are active and don't want to sweat their SPF into their eyes. Even better? This sunscreen has managed to combine the skin benefits of a mineral sunscreen while not leaving a noticeable white cast on darker skin tones.



11. The Skin Mattifier

Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 : Tatcha
For fans of Tatcha's makeup primer, this product does something similar while providing broad spectrum sun protection. This sunscreen eliminates the look of bumpy pores while giving a smooth canvas for makeup.



12. The Sheer Shield

Invisible Shield : Glossier
There's a reason this sunscreen has a massive following. It is a completely clear formula, making it perfect for darker complexions. It also smells vaguely like summertime, so it never feels like a chore to apply.



13. The New Classic

Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30 Sunscreen : Fenty Skin
With the launch of Fenty Skin, Rihanna has redefined skincare routines. Everything is dual-purposed, and this product is no exception. It's a moisturizer with SPF 30, goes on without a trace, and smells like heaven. Plus, when you inevitably finish the bottle, simply buy a replacement capsule and keep the outside packaging. If it's good enough for Rihanna, it's good enough for me.



14. The Clean Sunscreen

Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 White Tea : COOLA
This lightweight sunscreen—which is cruelty free, vegan, and over 70 percent organic—is perfect for people who want to stay protected from the sun while also being kind to the environment. It contains plant extract to help nurture the skin while keeping sun damage at bay. Plus, the package is recyclable, so there's no guilt involved in clicking "purchase."



15. The Mineral Spray

Sheer Mineral Sun Spray SPF 50 : Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
This water-resistant sunscreen spray is perfect for the no-muss-no-fuss customer. It's incredibly easy to apply, and this sheer formula makes it perfect for all skin tones. This mineral sunscreen won't make you look greasy or gray, but guarantees protection from photo damage.


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