What Type of Sunscreen Is Best for Black Skin?

You will always need sun protection, regardless of your age, skin type, or skin tone. 

But what type of sunscreen is best for black skin? Is one kind of sunscreen superior to another when it comes to protecting dark skin? What qualities should you consider before buying sunscreen?

Check out our guide below!

What type of sunscreen is best for dark skin?

Why Use Sunscreen For All Skin Types?

Contrary to the widespread belief that people with darker skin tones cannot be sunburned, anyone can suffer from sun damage, which can range from sunburn and aging indications to potentially fatal skin cancer.

The sun’s harmful rays don’t discriminate!

According to Maritza Perez, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, "As ultraviolet (UV) rays are color-blind, they impact all skin with equal intensity."

The melanin in darker skin tones does, in comparison to fair skin tones, help shield the skin from scorching, but regrettably, people with darker skin aren't entirely immune from the terrible damage UV rays can do.

This means that everyone, regardless of skin tone, needs to use sunscreen every day.

What type of sunscreen should black people use? Read on to know the answer!

Everyone needs to use sunscreen

Things to consider before purchasing the best sunscreen for black skin?

Researchers asked 31,162 adults in a 2018 study that was published in the journal JAMA Dermatology about their sun protection practices. 

They discovered that 30% of Hispanics and 13% of Black adults, respectively, got sunburns within the previous year.

And even if you don't get burned, spending too much time in the sun without protection can still be harmful.

So, pick a sunscreen right now based on those considerations.

Safe ingredients

How can you be certain that the sunscreen you're thinking about contains safe ingredients? Among two different types of sunscreen, picking a mineral sunscreen over a chemical one is the simplest way to be sure.

Chemical sunscreen is loaded with dangerous active chemicals, especially for sensitive skin. This kind of sunscreen functions by soaking up your skin.

You should use mineral sunscreens

The natural components in mineral sunscreen, on the other hand, lay on top of your skin to form a barrier that protects you from the sun's rays.

Only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are used as active components, and both are safe for sensitive skin and the environment.

Octocrylene, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, and oxybenzone are chemicals in sunscreens to watch out for.

Go broad-spectrum 

Broad-spectrum sunscreen is a type of sunscreen that offers UVA and UVB protection.

It's important to protect yourself from both UVA and UVB radiation because while UVA rays are the ones that induce early aging, UVB rays typically cause sunburn.

SPF number

To give the best possible protection from the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) advises applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream is an example of a good product with an SPF 50, for instance.

Furthermore, the best approach to make sure your sun protection product is actually working is to reapply it frequently. Sunscreens with a high SPF last just as long on your skin as ones with a low SPF.

What type of sunscreen to use for black skin?

Best sunscreen for black skin

Considering those aforementioned factors, we have chosen the 5 best sunscreens for black skin that are worth your money.

Have a look!

Black Girl Sunscreen

Nothing compares to using a product that was created just with you in mind. 

This sunscreen, which is Black-owned, may be the best option for you if you've had trouble finding sunscreen to effectively protect and care for your skin.

Reviewers have praised Black Girl Sunscreen for having a creamy, lotion-like feel; many customers have switched from using moisturizers to this SPF, saving one stage in their skin care routines.

Its easy application, cruelty-free chemicals, pleasant scent, and naturally the evident absence of any white residue are further bonuses.

Black Girl Sunscreen

Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30

What type of sunscreen is best for hyperpigmentation? It is Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

According to board-certified dermatologist David Colbert, MD, of New York City, the American Academy of Dermatology always advises an SPF of 30.

It is clinically proven to be a significant quantity of protection to reduce or eliminate the detrimental effects of sunshine.

The perfect amount of protection is provided with Tula's Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30. 

Hyperpigmentation, which is more likely to afflict darker skin tones, can be evened out with the aid of papaya and pineapple extracts.

Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel 

Alba Botanica Sensitive Sheer Shield Sunscreen

Finding non-irritating sun protection for sensitive skin can be challenging, which is where Alba Botanica Sunscreen comes in. 

Customers have commended this product for how quickly it melts into the skin without leaving any residue and for being cruelty and fragrance-free.

Especially, customers with sensitive, dry skin in particular have found the Alba Botanica sunscreen to be perfect.

Alba Botanica Sensitive Sheer Shield Sunscreen

Unsun Mineral Tinted Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF 30

Unsun was among the first companies to offer sunscreen for those with a darker complexion, and since its debut in 2016, it hasn't let customers down.

There are two shade options for the tinted sunscreen: Light/Medium and Medium/Dark.

Glycerin, aloe leaf juice, coconut oil, and other moisturizing components in Unsun may be the ideal compromise for year-round protection.

Unsun Mineral Tinted Broad Spectrum Face Sunscreen SPF 30

Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35

One of the most Black and brown girl-friendly sunscreens available is Glossier's Invisible Shield. 

It applies absolutely clearly and has a colorless, silky feel that works wonderfully on almost all skin tones and complexions. They weren't kidding when they said: "invisible." 

Former commerce editor of Allure Nykia Spradley adds, "The satiny texture also provides my slightly oily complexion a faint matte impression, which is wonderful on a pleasant summer day."

That’s why this SPF is also one of the best type of sunscreen for oily skin.

Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35