First things first: yes, you absolutely need to wear sunscreen [1] even if you have darker skin. This is because though the science tells us that skin with more melanin has a higher natural SPF than white or fair skin, it also shows us that dark skin is still susceptible to sun damage if not properly protected. Which means the myth that Black and South Asian people don't have to worry about sunscreen is just that. A myth.
And though we know British summers can be sporadic, a quality SPF should actually be worn all year round [2], so don't think you can use an overcast day as an excuse not to apply yours. But who could blame you for being reluctant? The chances are if you're reading this that you've tried one too many sunscreens that have washed out your complexion with that ghostly white cast which so many SPF formulations leave on the skin.
It's never a good look, so we want to help you find an SPF that not only protects your skin but also keeps it radiant and moisturised in the process. That's why we asked some of the UK's top dermatologists and aestheticians to recommend their favourite sunscreens for dark skin. You can thank us later!
Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti Dark Spots & Anti Pollution Face Fluid SPF50+
"Personally Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti Dark Spots & Anti Pollution Face Fluid SPF 50+ [3] (£7). I love it. It has hyaluronic acid, which is so hydrating; I have dry skin and find many sunscreens quite drying but this one glides on and feels soothing. It's also low irritation and can be used on eyelids with no problems. I am Black with skin in a darker tone, so it's great to find products that leave no white cast. Also the price is excellent value, which I think is super important as we need to use quite a lot of sunscreen in order to get the intended effect." — Dr Mary Sommerlad [4] UK-based consultant dermatologist.
Bea Skin Care Solar Defence SPF 50
"Bea Skin Care's Solar Defence SPF 50 [5] (£28) not only protects hyperpigmented areas from darkening, but it also contains the treatment ingredient alpha arbutin, which helps to brighten the skin. Alpha arbutin and other brightening ingredients supress tyrosine, an enzyme that helps our bodies to produce melanin, so when you block this tyrosine pathway you'll be less reactive to UV wounds and trauma. A skincare regime with active ingredients like this will help to prevent melanin hyper-synthesis in the cells at the same time as treating excess melanin and offering UVA and UVB protection." — Bianca Estelle, medical aesthetician and Bea Skin Care [6] founder
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen [7] (£30) is probably one of the most versatile sunscreens I've used. It has a makeup primer consistency and it's super hydrating with no white cast whatsoever as it's basically translucent. It's also very versatile across skin types and seasons." — Dr Ewoma Ukeleghe, medical and cosmetic doctor and founder of Skndoctor [8]
Ecooking Sunscreen SPF 30
"I really like Ecooking Sunscreen SPF 30 [9] (£16.50). It's a broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen that absorbs well into the skin with no greasiness or ashiness that can be off-putting for Black skin tones. The texture is great, too. It's creamy, but lightweight, and you can get away with not using a moisturiser as it's also hydrating — not to mention the inclusion of natural and organic ingredients, which ticks many eco-conscious boxes." — Dija Ayodele, aesthetician and founder of West Room Aesthetics [10] and the Black Skin Directory [11]
Heliocare Gelcream SPF 50
"My sunscreen of choice is Heliocare Gelcream SPF 50 [12] (£25), which is tinted (there's a light and dark shade) and works very well — and like a foundation, too. I often use it at night if I have to go out instead of a foundation. It has mineral and non-mineral filters including fernblock, a natural fern extract unique to the brand." — Dr Bhavjit Kaur, director and cosmetic doctor at the Health & Aesthetic Clinic [13]
Epionce Ultra Shield SPF 50
"Epionce Ultra Shield SPF 50 [14] (£30) is the perfect companion for all dark skin types, including the compromised or "stressed out" skin we commonly see in our clinic. Its highly protective formula is rich in natural antioxidants and fatty acids such as meadowfoam and flax extract, which are key to calming inflammation, restoring a healthy skin barrier, and minimising transepidermal water loss (which is the leading cause of dehydrated skin). It has a super sheer texture that blends beautifully on dark skin, and it's for this reason that I use it at the end of all my facial treatments as it doesn't dampen down that gorgeous glow." — Dr Saira Vasdev, medical director at Skin & Sanctuary [15]
Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Face Cream SPF50+
Shiseido has long created high-quality, effective sunscreens. Unfortunately, the creams weren't always easy to rub in, even on paler skin tones. That's not the case with the brand's new Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Face Cream SPF 50+ [16] (£32), a broad-spectrum formula that's invisible on skin, no matter how deep your complexion. (Just watch beauty blogger, Nyma Tang [17], apply it on Instagram; we know the post is sponsored but there's no denying how sheer it looks on her skin.)
In addition to being sheer, the formula also features some fancy new proprietary technology from Shiseido called "SynchroShield". According to the brand, the complex actually allows the sunscreen to become stronger when exposed to heat, water, or perspiration, meaning that it should perform incredibly well in very hot, sunny weather.
Glossier Invisible Shield
While the experts we spoke to didn't mention Glossier Invisible Shield [18] (£20), the brand's sunscreen comes very highly recommended by many a beauty editor both in the US and the UK. There's really so much to love about the clear gel SPF, especially the velvety, clear finish that won't mess up your glow.
Clinique Body Cream SPF 40
"For the body I love Clinique Body Cream SPF 40 [19] (£20). It's inexpensive and comes in a large 150ml bottle. It goes on nicely and lightly and doesn't leave a white hue or film." — Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, medical director at Adonia Medical Clinic [20]
Heliocare 360 Water Gel
"I highly recommend Heliocare 360 Water Gel SPF 50 [21] (£28) as an SPF. This is a particularly great sunscreen for Black and Brown skin as it doesn't leave a white residue like many of the other sunscreens on the market. It also layers on the skin extremely well, so it's perfect as part of your daily skincare routine and as a base under your makeup. It's great for even the most sensitive skin, has a vegan formula, and is oil free." — Juliet Thomas, head aesthetician at dermoi! [22]
Osmosis Protect SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
"Another brand I recommend for Black and Brown skin is the Osmosis Protect SPF 30 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen [23] (£39). It's a broad-spectrum, mineral-based sunscreen that fully protects the skin from UVA/UVB, and combats signs of sun damage. Its ultra-sheer formula makes it invisible on any skin type, including dark and ageing skin. It's a natural, everyday SPF that keeps the skin supple, smooth, radiant, and fully protected." — Thomas
SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defence SPF 50
"Finding a great sunscreen that doesn't feel heavy, tacky, and leave a dreaded white cast on the skin is a real sore point for people with Black and Brown skin. I love to use SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defence SPF 50 [24] (£41) for its lightweight and easy-to-apply formula. It provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, it glides across the skin without the need for tugging, and it leaves no telltale white cast." — Busi Chamboko, aesthetician and founder of Second Skin Therapy [25]
Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster
If classic SPF formulas are hard for you to get behind, try mixing Dermalogica's Solar Defense Booster [26] (£44) into your foundation or daily moisturiser. It's on the pricier side of the spectrum, but we promise that you'll get the UV-blocking benefits without even knowing it's there.
Avène Very High Protection Mineral Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream for Intolerant Skin
"For those looking for a looking for a physical sunscreen (those containing mineral like zinc and titanium) that is cosmetically elegant in skin of color, I recommend Avène Very High Protection Mineral Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream for Intolerant Skin [27] (£18.50). It goes on completely sheer, even on darker skin tones." — Dr Joyce Imahiyerobo-Ip, MD and CEO of Vibrant Dermatology and Skin Bar [28] in Greater Boston MA.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid Sun Cream SPF50
"The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid Sun Cream SPF50 [29] (£17.50) has excellent UV protection, has a very light textures, and suits many skin types." — London-based dermatologist Dr Cristina Psomadakis. [30]
"The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid Sun Cream SPF50 was a game-changing when it first launched because it has no white cast and leaves a very elegant finish." — Dr Sommerlad.
Facial Sunscreen For Darker Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
The Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 [31] (£20) is designed specifically for darker skin tones to be ultrasheer and leave no white cast. It's fragrance-, oxybenzone-, and octinoxate-free if you're keen to avoid those ingredients in your sun care, and it works on both the body and face. It is also nongreasy and works brilliantly under makeup, making it an everyday staple.