13 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave a Chalky Cast on Dark Skin Tones (2024)

13 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave a Chalky Cast on Dark Skin Tones (1)

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As a man of color—specifically, a Black man—it is tough to find sunscreen that doesn’t leave my skin and facial hair looking chalky or ashy. No one wants to look like a ghost. You, too, may have given up, since finding the right sunscreen is tough and there is a faulty common understanding that darker skin provides natural protection against the sun. Black and brown does crack; we’ve tapped experts for some serious sunscreen myth-busting.

“It’s a misconception that those with melanin-rich skin don’t need SPF in their daily routine; of course there is some built-in protection, but sunscreen still offers protection from premature aging and skin cancers,” says Dr. Nikhil Dhingra, Spring Street Dermatology. Protect yourself from the melanin myth. “Those with black and brown skin are often prone to hyperpigmentation from rashes and acne blemishes. SPF is important for preventing dark marks from worsening with incidental sun exposure—start the minute you read this.”

Begin your search for the perfect sunscreen by sorting out basic ingredients. Recent advances in sunscreen formulations are less likely to leave you feeling and looking grey. “The key ingredients to look for in sunscreens are either the minerals (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) or the chemicals (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate),” says Dr. Rosemarie Ingleton, Director, Ingleton Dermatology. Mineral-based sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which if not formulated well, will be visible on the skin, even after being rubbed in.”

Next, consider the sun factor protection (SPF) that you need versus the physical activities you have planned. Are you on the hunt for a sunscreen that can stand up to the beach? A go-to for your everyday routine? Whatever you decide, stick with it. “Use at least a SPF 30, with 50 being even better,” says Dr. Peterson Pierre, Pierre Skin Care Institute. “Damage from ultraviolet radiation is cumulative over time and the sun doesn't discriminate, regardless of the color of your skin. A good sunscreen regimen is a serious, long-term affair. “You must protect against sunburns to reduce your risk of future skin cancers, as well as reduce your risk of fine lines and discoloration, which tends to be an issue—zinc is the best ingredient available because it has the broadest spectrum of coverage.”

Check out the 13 best sunscreens for dark skin tones that will provide the protection you need, without any white cast or residue.

Read More: Best Sunscreens for Men

Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin Tones

Best Moisturizer with SPF

Melé Dew The Most Sheer Moisturizer SPF 30

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This versatile, lightweight sunscreen from Black-owned Melé was developed by dermatologists of color specifically for melanin-rich skin. Think of it as more of a moisturizer than a sunscreen, with ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin E to not only hydrate your skin but also help protect it from signs of aging. It rubs into your skin quickly and doesn’t leave a film or greasy feeling behind.

Best Mineral Sunscreen for Dark Skin Tones

Everyday By Unsun SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion

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The best thing about this mineral-based sunscreen from Black-owned brand Unsun is that it truly is invisible, thanks to the tint. Available in two different shades depending on your skin tone, the tint helps the mineral screen completely disappear on your face without any white cast at all. And now it’s even easier to pick up—it’s at your local CVS.

Read More: Best Mineral Sunscreens for Men

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Supergoop! Every. Single. Face. Watery Lotion SPF 50

Mineral sunscreens might get blamed the most for the dreaded ghost-like white cast appearance, but it can happen with chemical sunscreens, too. This chemical-based sunscreen was formulated to be completely invisible on every skin tone and appropriate for every skin type (hence the name). We put it to the test and it actually does live up to the claims, making it an ideal option for literally anyone.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30

Not only is this fragrance and oil-free sunscreen non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or gunk up oily skin types, but it utilizes transparent zinc oxide to blend into darker skin tones without the aid of chemicals. It’s an ideal combination if you tend to break out or have sensitive skin. As an added bonus, it’s packed with antioxidants to further protect your skin from sun damage.

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Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen with Niacinamide

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This invisible chemical-based sunscreen and moisturizer combination is all you need to both hydrate and protect your skin in one easy step. It’s oil-free and won’t clog your pores, which makes it great for oily or breakout-prone skin and also contain niacinamide to help even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots which can pop up on darker skin tones as a sign of sun damage. The original version has a fragrance, so if you have sensitive skin or just don’t love a fragrance in your skincare products, try the new fragrance-free version instead.

Vacation Chardonnay SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil

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Many of the sunscreens on this list are designed to be used on your face—which is great because that’s the part of your body that gets the bulk of sun exposure year-round. But when you head outside or to the beach, you need to protect your body as well. This innovative oil, which moisturizes as well as protects your skin, also contains chemical sunscreens, unlike the old-school tanning oils you may remember. Best of all, it’s completely transparent, so won’t leave any cast at all—just a nice sheen.

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Best Spray Sunscreen

Bare Republic Clearscreen SPF 30 Spray

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We love spray sunscreens because they’re easy to apply and help you reach places like your back that you might otherwise miss when applying traditional sunscreen lotion. This spray is completely invisible on even darker skin tones and also contains vitamin E and antioxidants to help protect against sun damage. Plus it’s free of synthetic fragrances so is a good option to try if you have sensitive skin.

Best Sunscreen for Acne

EltaMD UV Clear Spectrum SPF 46

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If you have sensitive skin, finding a lightweight sunscreen that agrees with your skin can be a challenge. Skip the breakouts and pick up the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46. This zinc oxide sunscreen is oil-free and formulated to calm sensitive skin. Plus, it protects against harmful UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays from the sun. “EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46, which is a hybrid chemical and mineral sunscreen, is a popular lightweight all-in-one daily that suits all skin shades,” says Dr. Dhingra.

Read More: Best Acne Sunscreens for Men

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ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+

Starting your sunscreen effort a little late? The ISDIN Eryfotona Ageless Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50+ is formulated to correct existing signs of photoaging (sun damage), including the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “Ageless has some additional advantages such as the inclusion of antioxidants to fight against environmental damage and DNA repair enzymes that have been scientifically proven to repair the damaged DNA in the skin,” says Dr. Pierre. "It has been shown to reverse precancerous growths, as well as some superficial skin cancers."

Don’t be alarmed, this pick has a light brown tint to ensure a smooth, even finish.

Read More: Best Natural Sunscreens for Men

Best Drugstore Sunscreen

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

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CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is one of the best double-duty daily sunscreen and moisturizers that’s available at your local drugstore. This one is formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help your skin stay moisturized and healthy, along with broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. “Broad-spectrum coverage means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays,"Dr. Ryan Turner, Turner Dermatology. "The UVB rays are more involved in causing burns and DNA damage to the skin. UVA rays are involved in tanning, but exposure to UVA causes sun damage.”

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Bolden Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30

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Bolden is a Black-owned skincare brand that specially formulated the Bolden SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer as a sunscreen for melanin-rich, black and brown skin tones. Put simply, it works for us. The SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer is packed with antioxidants, and vitamin C works to correct and brighten the effects of daily oxidative damage, including pollution. A heads up, this one is lightly tinted to ensure it efficiently blends into the skin. While the SPF 30 Brightening Moisturizer is a chemical option, Dr. Dhingra says many sunscreens may have a useful tint. “The newest mineral-based sunscreens fortunately come in an array of shades and they don’t feel heavy or makeup-like.”

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

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Sunscreen is Anti-aging 101. Some guys with non-sensitive skin opt for chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens like Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 absorb into the skin, unlike mineral-based sunscreens that sit on top of the skin. “From an anti-aging perspective, chronic daily ultraviolet exposure can add years to your skin; I find that people today are generally great about sun protection at the beach, but discard advice to protect their skin on a daily basis," says Dr. Dhingra. "Even ten minutes of ultraviolet exposure during your daily commute is enough to age the skin prematurely and, over decades of exposure, increase the risk of skin cancers.”

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50, 3 fl. oz

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Plan on spending time out on the water? The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 50 is one of the best water-resistant sunscreens for the face and body. The formula is meant to withstand 80 minutes of swimming or sweating before reapplication is necessary. As a gel, Hydro Boost skips the zinc oxide found in mineral formulas, but still delivers lightweight, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Read More: Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens for Men

13 Sunscreens That Won’t Leave a Chalky Cast on Dark Skin Tones (2024)

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