The 18 Best Sunscreens Perfect for Darker Skin Tones (2024)

Henry recommends Black Girl Sunscreen to her clients, which is a culty among shoppers who've looked high and low for SPF that genuinely disappears once it's applied to deeper skin tones. Plus, this tube has a vegan, fragrance-free formula that works for both face and body, making it super versatile.

One satisfied customer writes: "My review is the only one you need to read! While everyones skin is different, from my perspective , this sunscreen is perfect! No white cast , feels amazing on my skin, just 10/10! (Again everyone is different, but I really love it!)" —Ty

Not a fan of how sunscreen feels on your face? Consider adding an oil to your daily regimen instead. Mele's lightweight SPF 30 formula is created specifically for melanin-rich skin, and is made without alcohol, mineral oil, or parabens.

One satisfied customer writes: "Echoing what many other reviews have shared, this oil based sunscreen just melts right into your skin. A little goes a long way and the light scent is very nice and dissipates quickly. How is it possible for an oil to not be greasy at all? Honestly, I was sold before I ever even applied the sunscreen because the bottle is so aesthetically pleasing and smartly designed. It just looks nice sitting on the counter." —Alexis

With over 5,100 reviews and close to a five-star rating from Dermstore shoppers, Henry's next product pick for melanated skin has a serious cult following. One reason is that EltaMD's UV Clear is a great option for those with acne-prone skin, as it contains ingredients like niacinamide and lactic acid to help control oil.

One satisfied customer writes: "I have used this sunscreen for about four years now. It is perfect. It applies very smoothly and dries down quickly. It feels more like a serum than a sunscreen. For years I dreaded applying sunscreen, but this is amazing. I have from time to time wandered away from this product, but always come back. No other sunscreen compares." —Jessica

For an expert-approved option, Henry also suggests CeraVe's tinted sunscreen. It provides lightweight SPF 30 protection and features a subtle tint to even your skin tone. And since it's oil-free, lightweight, and contains niacinamide, it's also great for combination skin.

One satisfied customer writes: "I bought this product last summer and it has been great! I am not a make-up person because of my oily and prone to acne skin so this tinted sunscreen does it for me! I want to buy this for my Mom, Aunt and whoever else—highly recommend!" —Iris

One of Rihanna's unofficial goals with her namesake brand Fenty Skin is make suncare glam—and effortless—for all skin tones and types. Enter: The Hydra Vizor SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer, which combines hydration and broad-spectrum protection into one easy step.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is the perfect moisturizer & sunscreen for my skin. It's not oily or leave a film on my face. Perfect under makeup." —Amy O.

Here's another moisturizer that doubles as a mineral sunscreen, from Thirteen Lune co-founder Nyakio Grieco. It also contains niacinamide, plus a blend of hard-working antioxidants, for a literal "one and done" application that covers all the skincare bases.

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this One and Done face cream. It makes my skin so smooth. I love the moisture it gives. Plus I live the fact that it has SPF 40 in it for sun protection—it really is one and done. I only have to wash my face and it's that easy." —Youngatheart

Supermodel Winnie Harlow's sun care line, Cay Skin, is made with sensitive types in mind. This glowy moisturizer contains broad-spectrum SPF 45 along with niacinamide to tone and smooth your complexion.

One satisfied customer writes: "Favorite face sunscreen. Leaves a great glow, not oily." —bwilso2

If you have oily or combination skin, consider reaching for this broad-spectrum SPF 45 sunscreen from the brand that's not only fragrance-free, but also leaves behind a matte finish.

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this product. It's great for oily skin and it does what it's supposed to do. Does not feel heavy on my face. I usually wait about five to 10 minutes before applying make up." —Jewels

We awarded Keys Soulcare's Protect Your Light Daily Moisturizer with a 2023 Skincare Award for a reason. Not only does it apply next to invisibly, but the moisturizer also gives your skin a healthy, luminous glow once it's applied.

One satisfied customer writes: "Great SPF 30 moisturizer! Easy to dispense! It absorbs quickly into the skin and has a lightweight feel, but yet it's very hydrating! No white cast and an amazing, clean scent!" —annac445

Over 700 beauty enthusiasts agree: This nongreasy mineral face sunscreen from Farmacy is one of the best options for darker skin tones. In addition to protecting against UV rays, the sunscreen also helps block damage from blue light while being reef-safe to boot.

One satisfied customer writes: "I don't know if sunscreens can get any better than this. I have tried a lot of zinc based sunscreens and they often sit on my skin in a noticeable way, makes me break out or feels too greasy. Green Defense is an awesome product that I use at the end of my skincare routine." —Tricia F.

This tinted mineral sunscreen from Unsun is created with darker tones in mind. It also works well as a primer and color-corrector and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes per wear.

One satisfied customer writes: "I give this product five stars. I feel so lucky to have found it. Purchased it in a light color for winter and medium for summer. A little goes a long way. I apply with my fingertips and the finish is amazing. Leaves the tiniest bit of color and is very moisturizing. I often use it with a drop of tinted moisturizer mixed in it and the effect is beautiful. It’s also a gorgeous base for foundation. It’s a little pricey but well worth it!" —Peggymag

Beauty editors and enthusiasts swear by Unseen Sunscreen from Supergoop, since it not only rubs in invisibly but is also oil-free and leaves a soft, velvety texture behind. The versatile formula helps filter blue light to boot, and happens to be water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is my favorite face sunscreen. It is super lightweight and doesn’t leave any residue. I love how it is clear too!" —Nancy

This featherweight mineral SPF from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare effortlessly melts into all skin tones, thanks to its transparent, micronized zinc oxide formula.

One satisfied customer writes: "I’ve used this product for 3 weeks and it is amazing. No white cast. The best thing about this product is that I have acne prone skin and over the last 3 weeks my skin has been completely clear. Nothing else has changed except for me using this." —SB99

Over 500 Credo Beauty shoppers and counting love using this moisturizing, reef-safe mineral sunscreen. In addition to providing broad-spectrum protection, it also uses a plant-based probiotic to help fortify the skin's barrier—talk about getting your money's worth.

One satisfied customer writes: "I use this sunscreen every single day! It comes out the tube slightly tinted but goes on clear. Absolutely zero white cast. I've wasted so much money trying other sunscreens claiming to have no white cast but this is the real deal." —SKW

Created by tennis pro Venus Williams, this fragrance-free sunscreen applies like your go-to serum and features 25 percent zinc oxide. Added naturally-derived skin soothers like prickly pear makes it a dream to wear every day before stepping outside.

One satisfied customer writes: "Loved this instantly! I haven't put it through it's paces in a sweaty outdoor workout or anything, but it's a lovely, radiant, easy daily sunscreen for work. Really pleased." —Rose

An equal part moisturizer and sunscreen, Bolden Skincare's fan-favorite SPF 30 formula includes brightening vitamin C and deeply moisturizing squalane to improve skin's texture and tone over time. The antioxidant-rich cream also nicely minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and happens to be non-comedogenic for those with acne-prone skin.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is my favorite moisturizer. It makes my skin so soft and the glow is life changing." —Tracy H.

• Michelle Henry is a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College.