The Best Sunscreens For Dark Skin Tones (2025)

For maintaining a brighter, more even and youthful-looking complexion, sunscreen can be your best friend. But with some formulas being chalky, ashy or drying, it’s no wonder many have had trouble finding the best sunscreens for dark skin. Couple that with the misconception that SPF isn’t essential due to natural sun protection factors in melanin, resulting in sunscreen not being a high priority product for some with deeper skin tones. The truth is regular application of sunscreen—that’s SPF 30 or higher and has broad-spectrum protection—is non-negotiable. So if you’re wanting to keep hyperpigmentation, the risk of skin cancer and premature aging at bay, applying one even when you’re indoors is essential.

But not all formulations are created equal, and because of various skin types and preferences, it means that finding the right one for you can seem daunting. Fortunately, our team has gone deep in research, testing and tapping experts, and we’re sharing our top picks. Scroll through to find the best sunscreens for dark skin.

Best Sunscreen For Dark Skin Overall

A Top Pick For All Skin Types

Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35

This clear sunscreen that ticks all the boxes. The transparent and lightweight formula has active microcapsules that instantly absorb into the skin, ensuring that it works well over your moisturizer and under makeup. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block pores and is great for those who are breakout-prone. Reapplication is important, and this is an SPF you’ll want to apply again and again.

Best Value Sunscreen For Dark Skin

A Very Effective Yet Inexpensive Option

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF 70

This affordable and effective sunscreen is formulated with the brand’s Helioplex Technology, which provides enforced broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It’s water-resistant, making it perfect for those dips by the ocean (although reapplication is key). We also love how quickly it absorbs, and that it’s hydrating, leaving skin soft, supple and protected.

Best Clear Sunscreen For Dark Skin

A Lightweight Formula That Works Like A Primer

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

For those who have oily skin or prefer a weightless sunscreen, Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen has a velvety, primer-like feel and clear, non-greasy finish. This fragrance-free is also packed with a cocktail of skincare ingredients including meadowfoam seed oil to hydrate and red algae to help neutralize blue light radiation.

Best Brightening Sunscreen For Dark Skin

A Protective Pick That Also Improves Dark Spots

BeautyStat Universal C Skin Refiner SPF 50

If you want to streamline your skincare routine without compromising efficacy, this brightening sunscreen is a two-in-one star. It addresses dull skin, dark spots and fine lines thanks to its 20% vitamin C formulation while providing maximum UV protection via mineral-based SPF 50. It’s also formulated with squalane for additional hydration and green tea to reduce redness. With very little white cast and a light, serum-like texture it’s an excellent sunscreen for dark skin.

Best Sunscreen For Acne-Prone, Dark Skin

A Gentle Sunscreen That Won’t Cause Further Breakouts

Zitsticka Megashade Sunscreen Serum SPF 50

Balancing acne for dark skin can feel overwhelming if you’re also trying to find the right sunscreen that won’t cause further breakouts. This serum-like SPF is an excellent option for acne-prone skin. The lightweight, non-comedogenic formula has niacinamide and tea tree to soothe and steer skin away from breakout-causing bacteria. The sunscreen also has colloidal oatmeal, ceramides and hyaluronic acid to nourish and moisturize skin.

Best Sunscreen For Sensitive, Dark Skin

A Calming Sunscreen That Coats Your Skin With Antioxidants

MOST POPULAR

Typology SPF 30 Sunscreen

Typology’s SPF 30 face sunscreen is enriched with antioxidant-rich aloe vera and hyaluronic acid to hydrate sensitive skin. The gentle, cooling aloe in the formula is also great for soothing the complexion—especially nice if it has already experienced any sunburn.

Best Spray Sunscreen For Dark Skin

A Trusted SPF For On The Go

Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50

Dermatologists recommend reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours, especially if you’re outdoors, so this shine-free and ultra-fine spray sunscreen is a great option to keep in your bag for touch-ups throughout the day. It features a light-diffusing silicone powder that mattifies and blurs the complexion for a soft-focus effect—and makes for a nice finishing touch over makeup as a setting spray.

Best Stick Sunscreen For Dark Skin

A Travel-Friendly Formula Made For Convenience

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

Featuring licorice and soy lecithin to protect against dark spots and potential fine lines, this convenient stick is also formulated with Shiseido’s Wetforce technology to provide protection even when skin is wet or sweaty throughout the day. This solid sunscreen also has a fresh, citrusy scent for those who like fragrance in their skincare.

Best Body Sunscreen For Dark Skin

A Luminating Formula With Protective Results

Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow Gel SPF 50

This radiance-enhancing body sunscreen gives a subtle lit-from-within glow while protecting your skin from the sun. The hydrating gel formula is water-resistant and features a blend of superfood oils like macadamia nut to reduce UV sensitivity, vitamin E and hibiscus oil to protect against environmental aggressors and avocado and coconut oil to hydrate skin. Plus, it has a sweet coconut scent.

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What to Consider In Sunscreen For Dark Skin Tones

It’s important to pay attention to the formula and how it works with your skin type. Sunscreens vary between texture and delivery systems (more on that below) so the best sunscreen is one that feels comfortable, can be worn every day and doesn’t leave your complexion feeling sticky, greasy or suffocated underneath. Here are some factors to bear in mind.

Chemical Vs. Mineral

There are two main categories when it comes to sunscreen; chemical sunscreens and mineral ones. Cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson says, “Chemical sunscreens are organic compounds that work by penetrating the skin and absorbing UV rays before they cause any damage. Physical sunscreens are made up of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide minerals and block or deflect the sun’s UV rays.” While they both equally protect the skin, it’s important to consider how different they may feel. “Sometimes a chemical sunscreen can feel greasy and heavy, while physical sunscreens can leave a white or grey cast,” he says.

Application

Unlike cleansing, which you would do once in the morning and evening, applying your sunscreen requires regular touch-ups throughout the day. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Kimberly Lee recommends reapplying every 2 hours. For maximum protection when reapplying your sunscreen she suggests an amount equivalent to a nickel to go onto your face and neck. Equally, if your body is exposed to the sun when outdoors, reapplying an ounce every 2 hours will maintain protection.

Active Ingredients

The world of sunscreen ingredients can feel like a minefield especially when conversations around toxic and nontoxic ingredients are brought into the mix. However as the terms are heavily unregulated and are pushed more from a marketing standpoint, it circles back to how comfortable sunscreen feels on your skin. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate and avobenzone whereas mineral sunscreens are formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

In terms of the best sunscreen for your skin type, Lee recommends sensitive and oily types opt for mineral sunscreen, as its ingredients will help to calm skin as opposed to irritating it. For dry skin types, she says, “Make sure your sunscreen has hydrating ingredients such as ceramides, jojoba oil, aloe vera or hyaluronic acid.” Meanwhile, those with acne-prone skin should avoid, “comedogenic ingredients such as shea or cocoa butter, soybean oil and oils in general,” she says.

Texture

Sunscreen textures are innovating every year, and now there are options that range from creams to serums to gels. Focus on what works for your skin type. Gels and lightweight serums are ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, creams for dry skin and serum-like textures for sensitive skin. And those with a relatively balanced skin type can dabble between all three.

What SPF Is Best For Dark Skin Tones?

Sunscreen formulations have come on a long way, and for the most part thick, heavy versions are on their way out. The best sunscreens for dark skin tones should cater to your skin type and wearability and provide the expert-recommended SPF 30 or above. “I recommend sunscreen that has a minimum SPF 30 broad-spectrum protection, that you like enough to wear every day,” says Robinson.

Is Chemical Or Mineral Sunscreen Better For Dark Skin?

Chemical sunscreens are more likely to be free of the dreaded white and chalky cast; however, due to the active ingredients they can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreens are recommended for those with easily irritated or reactive skin types, and certain formulas are less likely to leave a tinted finish. So choosing between a chemical or mineral version is very much dependent on your skin type and preferences.

How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen?

For maximum protection, sunscreen should be regularly reapplied throughout the day. “You should reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours, especially if you are out in the sun, working out or perspiring throughout the day,” says Robinson.

When it comes to the right amount of sunscreen to reapply, Lee recommends an amount equivalent to a nickel or quarter for the face. Also, if you’re on holiday and are dipping in and out of the ocean or swimming pool, reapplication every time you come out of the water is key.

The Best Sunscreens For Dark Skin Tones (2025)

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