What to Look for in Sunscreens for Dark Skin
Before we get into the picks, here's what actually makes a sunscreen work for melanin-rich complexions:
- Chemical filters or micronized minerals that absorb into the skin rather than sitting on top
- Tinted formulas with iron oxides that match your undertone and provide extra visible light protection
- Invisible or clear finishes that don't leave any residue, gray tint, or ashiness
- Hydrating ingredients since many "matte" formulas can emphasize dry patches on darker skin
- Dark spot prevention – ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or licorice root that address hyperpigmentation
1. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30
Best Overall for Dark Skin Tones
When Rihanna says "no matter how much melanin you've got, you need to wear SPF," she means it – and she built Hydra Vizor to prove her point. This formula was designed from the ground up to disappear completely on every skin tone from fair to deep, with absolutely no white cast, no flashback in photos, and no chalky residue.
What I love: Beyond the invisible finish, Hydra Vizor is packed with actual skincare benefits. Niacinamide actively works to fade dark spots and even out skin tone over time – a concern that disproportionately affects melanin-rich skin after sun exposure. Kalahari melon provides antioxidant-rich hydration, and hyaluronic acid keeps skin plump without any greasiness. The texture feels like a lightweight moisturizer, not a sunscreen. It's also refillable, which is a nice sustainability touch.
The Verdict: The gold standard for dark skin tones. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor delivers on its promise of truly invisible protection while actually treating hyperpigmentation. If you've given up on sunscreen because of white cast, this will change your mind.
2. Unsun Cosmetics Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Best Mineral Option for Dark Skin
Unsun Cosmetics was founded in 2016 with one mission: create a mineral sunscreen that actually works for deeper skin tones. The brand is Black-owned and specifically formulated this product to cover skin tones from olive to dark chocolate – finally, a mineral formula that understands not everyone has the same baseline.
What I love: This is a true 3-in-1 product: sunscreen, primer, and color corrector in one tube. The tint blends into your skin rather than sitting on top, providing a subtle evening-out effect that works with your natural tone instead of against it. The 100% mineral formula uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, making it reef-safe, vegan, and gentle enough for sensitive, reactive skin. It minimizes pores and creates a smooth canvas for makeup – or looks great on its own.
The Verdict: The best mineral sunscreen for dark skin, period. If you've sworn off zinc-based formulas because of the white cast nightmare, Unsun proves it's possible to get gentle mineral protection without looking ashy.
3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
Best Invisible Primer Formula
Supergoop! Unseen has reached near-mythical status in the skincare world, and for good reason – it's genuinely 100% invisible. The formula goes on completely clear with a silicone-based gel texture that blurs pores and creates the perfect makeup base. On dark skin tones, there's literally nothing to see. No gray tint, no ashiness, no residue.
What I love: This sunscreen feels like nothing while doing everything. The weightless gel absorbs instantly and leaves behind a velvety, pore-blurring finish that makes skin look airbrushed. It's scentless, oil-free, and non-comedogenic – perfect for acne-prone skin. Dermatologists consistently recommend it for patients of all skin tones, and it's become a particular favorite among Black beauty influencers who've put it through rigorous testing.
The Verdict: If you want a sunscreen that genuinely disappears and doubles as a makeup primer, Supergoop! Unseen delivers. It's earned its cult status for being truly invisible on even the deepest skin tones.
4. Black Girl Sunscreen Original SPF 30
Best Moisturizing Formula
Black Girl Sunscreen was founded by Shontay Lundy in 2016 after years of struggling to find a sunscreen that didn't leave her looking ashy. The brand was created specifically by women of color for people of color – and it shows in every aspect of the formula. This isn't a brand that's "also suitable for dark skin" as an afterthought; it was built from the ground up with melanin-rich complexions as the primary focus.
What I love: The formula doubles as a moisturizing lotion, which is perfect if you hate the feeling of layering multiple products. It's packed with nourishing ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba oil, cacao butter, and sunflower seed oil that hydrate while protecting. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving behind a subtle glow rather than a greasy or matte finish. It works on both face and body, making it versatile for beach days.
The Verdict: The original sunscreen made specifically for Black and Brown skin, and it lives up to the hype. If you want hydration and protection in one affordable bottle, Black Girl Sunscreen Original is the way to go.
5. Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50
Best Tinted Coverage
Live Tinted was founded by Deepica Mutyala specifically to solve the white cast problem. After years of watching mineral sunscreens fail people with her skin tone, she created a formula that uses tints to cancel out the chalky effect of zinc oxide. The Hueguard Skin Tint takes it further by offering 13 flexible shades that provide light-to-medium buildable coverage – it's sunscreen and skin tint in one.
What I love: The 9.5% non-nano zinc oxide provides solid mineral protection, while the iron oxide pigments not only prevent white cast but also offer additional protection against visible light – which can worsen melasma and hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. Each shade is designed to flex across multiple skin tones and undertones, so you don't need an exact match. The formula is water and sweat resistant for 80 minutes, making it practical for active days.
If you love the idea of SPF with built-in coverage, check out our full roundup of the best tinted sunscreens for every skin type.
The Verdict: The best choice if you want your sunscreen to pull double duty as a skin tint. Live Tinted Hueguard offers real coverage with real SPF protection – without a trace of white cast.
6. Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45
Best for Oily Skin
If the original Black Girl Sunscreen's glowy finish felt too dewy for your oily skin, Make It Matte is the answer. Same brand philosophy, same commitment to zero white cast on melanin-rich skin, but with a lightweight gel formula that dries down to a true matte finish. The higher SPF 45 provides extra protection for those who want it.
What I love: The gel texture absorbs quickly without any sticky or greasy residue – it genuinely feels like nothing on your skin once it sets. Ingredients like aloe, squalane, and shea butter provide hydration without contributing to shine. It's specifically designed to wear beautifully under makeup, creating a smooth, non-greasy canvas that won't cause your foundation to slide around by midday.
The Verdict: The matte version of the Black Girl Sunscreen you love. If you have oily skin or live in a humid climate, Make It Matte delivers shine control and sun protection without any compromise on the no-white-cast promise.
7. MELE No Shade Sunscreen Oil SPF 30
Best for a Glowy Finish
MELE was created by dermatologists of color who understood that melanin-rich skin has specific needs that mainstream skincare often ignores. No Shade Sunscreen Oil represents a completely different approach to sun protection – instead of a cream or lotion, it's a lightweight oil that absorbs instantly and leaves behind a gorgeous, healthy-looking glow.
What I love: The oil format might sound counterintuitive, but it's actually genius for darker skin tones. It blends seamlessly without any residue, provides a beautiful luminous finish that enhances your natural glow, and doesn't disrupt your skincare or makeup routine. The formula is paraben-free, alcohol-free, and formulated without phthalates. It won an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2022, and you can find it at Target – making it accessible and affordable.
The Verdict: If you want sunscreen that makes your skin look better, not just protected, MELE No Shade delivers. The oil format is surprisingly lightweight and leaves behind the kind of glow that looks like great skin, not product.
8. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
Best K-Beauty Budget Option
Korean sunscreens have earned their reputation for elegant textures and invisible finishes — there's a reason they're taking over everyone's skincare routines (see our full K-beauty sunscreen roundup for more proof). Isntree's Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is a standout example. The watery gel formula absorbs instantly, leaves absolutely no white cast (confirmed by countless reviewers with dark skin), and provides impressive SPF 50+ PA++++ protection – the highest UVA rating available.
What I love: This formula contains 8 different types of hyaluronic acid at various molecular weights, meaning it hydrates at multiple levels of the skin. Despite being deeply moisturizing, it never feels heavy or sticky. The gel texture is genuinely watery and spreads easily, setting quickly to a natural, skin-like finish. It's fragrance-free, which is a bonus for sensitive skin. At around $18, it's one of the most affordable high-quality sunscreens on the market.
The Verdict: The best budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on quality. Isntree proves you don't need to spend $40+ to get an invisible, hydrating sunscreen that works beautifully on dark skin.
Quick Comparison: Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin Tones 2026
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Dark Skin
By Skin Type
Oily Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte or Supergoop! Unseen provide matte or velvety finishes without adding shine.
Dry Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Original, MELE No Shade Oil, or Isntree HA Watery Sun Gel offer extra hydration.
Sensitive Skin: Unsun Cosmetics Mineral Tinted or Isntree HA Watery Sun Gel are gentle and fragrance-free.
Acne-Prone Skin: Supergoop! Unseen is non-comedogenic and oil-free.
By Coverage Preference
Invisible/No Coverage: Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor, Supergoop! Unseen, Isntree HA Watery Sun Gel
Light Tint/Evening Effect: Unsun Cosmetics Mineral Tinted, Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint
Glowy Finish: Black Girl Sunscreen Original, MELE No Shade Oil
By Budget
Under $20: Isntree HA Watery Sun Gel ($18), Black Girl Sunscreen Original ($16), Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte (~$17)
$20-30: MELE No Shade Oil ($20), Unsun Cosmetics ($29)
$30+: Supergoop! Unseen ($38), Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor ($40), Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint (~$42)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunscreens for Dark Skin Tones
Do people with dark skin really need sunscreen?
Yes, absolutely. While melanin provides some natural protection (roughly equivalent to SPF 13), it's not enough to prevent sun damage. UV exposure causes hyperpigmentation, dark spots, uneven skin tone, and accelerated aging on all skin tones. Skin cancer rates in Black patients are lower, but when diagnosed, it's often at a later, more dangerous stage. Daily SPF 30+ is recommended for everyone.
Why do most sunscreens leave a white cast on dark skin?
Traditional mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles that physically sit on top of the skin and scatter visible light. On darker skin tones, this scattered light appears as a white, gray, or ashy film. Modern formulas solve this with micronized particles, tints, or chemical filters that absorb into the skin.
Should I use chemical or mineral sunscreen for dark skin?
Both can work well – the key is finding the right formula. Chemical sunscreens generally absorb more cleanly without white cast. Mineral sunscreens are gentler and better for sensitive skin, but you'll want tinted formulas (like Unsun or Live Tinted) to avoid ashiness. Chemical-mineral hybrids offer the best of both worlds.
Can sunscreen help with hyperpigmentation and dark spots?
Indirectly, yes. UV exposure is one of the main triggers for hyperpigmentation and can darken existing dark spots. Wearing SPF daily prevents new discoloration from forming and allows treatments like vitamin C or retinol to work more effectively. Formulas with niacinamide (like Fenty Hydra Vizor) actively help fade dark spots over time.
How do I reapply sunscreen without ruining my makeup?
For melanin-rich skin, the best options are SPF powders or setting sprays that layer invisibly over makeup. Apply your liquid sunscreen in the morning under makeup, then use a translucent SPF powder or mist every 2 hours for touch-ups. Black Girl Sunscreen also makes a spray version that works well over makeup.
The Bottom Line
The best sunscreen for dark skin is one that actually disappears – because if it leaves you looking ashy or gray, you're not going to wear it consistently. If I had to pick one, Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor offers the best combination of invisible protection, skincare benefits, and dark spot prevention for melanin-rich skin.
But if you're on a budget, Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel or Black Girl Sunscreen Original deliver impressive performance at a fraction of the cost. And if you want mineral protection without the white cast, Unsun Cosmetics or Live Tinted Hueguard prove it's finally possible.
The sunscreen industry has come a long way. You no longer have to choose between protecting your skin and looking good – these formulas deliver both.
