The best sunscreens for dark skin don’t just protect melanated folks from harmful UVA and UVB rays—they do so without leaving a chalky, blue-tinged white cast, or feeling greasy, cakey, or otherwise unpleasant. And make no mistake: Those with medium to deep skin tones do need daily sun protection. “One of the biggest misconceptions around deeper skin tones is that melanin alone provides enough sun protection,” says Rodaina Ahmed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “While melanin does offer some natural defense against UV damage, all skin tones can still experience sun damage, hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and skin cancer.”
We spoke to dermatologists and sifted through dozens of SPF products, narrowing down which formulas are truly worth it. We looked at how they blended into deeper complexions, layered under makeup, and whether or not they left behind any chalky residue or unwanted shine. Ingredients also mattered—hydrators like hyaluronic acid, calming niacinamide, and antioxidants were all major pluses. In doing so, we discovered a tint with an extensive shade range, a sensitive-skin-friendly mineral formula, a hybrid sunscreen that checked all the boxes, and more below.
Our top sunscreens for dark skin tones
- Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum (SPF 46), $47
- Best Tinted Sunscreen: Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint (SPF 50), $44
- Best for Deeper Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Matte Gel Sunscreen (SPF 45), $10
- Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen (SPF 40), $40
- Best for Hyperpigmentation: Cotz Flawless Complexion Tinted SPF, $31
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum (SPF 46)
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EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Tinted formula | Deepest tint might not work for the deepest skin tones |
| Feels light and airy |
Our best overall sunscreen pick is a dermatologist- and editor-favorite that combats the dreaded white cast with its tinted hybrid formula. It has a very light, almost whipped texture that’s muhteşem easy to apply and spread without pilling or feeling like it’s sitting on top. Aside from the sun-blocking filters, it also contains other good-for-your-skin ingredients that dermatologists and testers love, including “niacinamide to help calm inflammation and even out skin tone, [and] iron oxide, which provides additional protection against visible light—important for preventing hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones,” says Supriya Rastogi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. Plus, thanks to the tint, you can wear it on its own or as an SPF base for foundation and concealer.
Glamour contributor Eden Stuart says:
“This is one of those SPFs that I want to use every day—which is really saying something, coming from a beauty writer who has about seven sunscreens on her shelf at any given moment. The hybrid filters provide the best of both worlds: The lightweight feel of a chemical formula without the greasiness and natural-matte finish of a mineral formula, baht cast or cakiness. The tint is very, very subtle, which is great for me as a makeup wearer since it doesn’t compromise my base products, but I’d also feel comfortable wearing it without makeup. (Which is impressive, considering I have a medium-deep skin tone.) —Eden Stuart, Glamour contributing writer
Fast facts:
- Type: Hybrid
- Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, niacinamide
- SPF: 46
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily Skin Tint (SPF 50)
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Supergoop! Protec(tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF 50 Sunscreen Skin Tint with Ectoin
Amazon
Supergoop
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Extensive shade range | It doesn’t cover acne or blemishes |
| The bottle is pretty small for the price |
Tinted sunscreens are game changers: Not only do they provide the benefits of wearing two products in one, but they also offer an alternative to wearing heavy makeup when spending extended time in the sun, since they add a very light layer of color. The drawback, though, is that some formulas don’t offer very extensive shade ranges—and that’s where Supergoop! comes in. Protec(tint) is available in 14 shades, from very deep to very fair, with a variety of undertones. It also features hydrating hyaluronic acid and ectoin to defend against blue light and environmental stress.
Glamour senior social media manager Jazmin Gathers says:
“The coverage is light but buildable, and the color match is literal perfection. I tend to have oily skin, so I set it with a little powder, but I didn’t feel like the product itself was oily. I didn’t have to reapply it, and it gave me a natural glow without looking too shiny.” —Jazmin Gathers, Glamour senior social media manager, who tested 46N.
Glamour contributor Monique Wilson says:
“I have hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, so it’s important to have a product that provides a good base for further makeup application. [This tint] layers well with my usual concealers, highlighter, bronzer, and blush products, and wears well throughout the day.” —Monique Wilson, Glamour contributor
Fast facts:
- Type: Mineral
- Active ingredients: Ectoin, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide
- SPF: 50
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen (SPF 40)
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Includes antioxidants | Deepest tint might not be suitable for the deepest skin tones |
| Lightweight, moisturizing formula |
La Roche-Posay is another dermatologist-loved brand thanks to its hard-working formulas and relatively affordable prices. The Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen has a mineral formula — the preferred form of sun protection for those with sensitive skin, as these filters are less likely to irritate than their chemical counterparts — and contains the brand’s famous thermal spring water, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Ahmed praises it for its “lightweight texture that works especially well for oily and combination skin, and layers easily under makeup,” as well as its inclusion of antioxidants (like vitamin E) and Cell-Ox B3 shield. This combination helps “protect against environmental stressors in addition to UV exposure.”
Glamour’s Gathers says:
“While the color match could use improvement, this formula wasn’t heavy and gave me a kaç sheer veil of coverage. Sunscreens usually leave me feeling oily and greasy, but this one kept my skin matte and fresh all day, which I appreciated.”—J.G
Fast facts:
- Type: Mineral
- Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, iron oxide
- SPF: 40
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen (SPF 40)
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Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Wide shade range | Tint might not be enough on its own for those looking to conceal blemishes |
| Lightweight formula |
Since it’s non-comedogenic and has anti-inflammatory properties, zinc oxide is often the SPF of choice for those with acne-prone skin. Beauty of Joseon’s zinc oxide-based mineral sunscreen is bolstered by artemisia capillaris extract—a.k.a. mugwort—an anti-inflammatory ingredient that’s popular in K-beauty, as well as olive lipids, which help lock in moisture. The resulting formula is equally suited to dry skin as it is to oily; a big pro, considering “acne-prone” and “oily” are not synonymous (though often treated as such). The tinted SPF is available in 12 shades, making it much easier to find a seamless match than with most mineral formulas.
Glamour’s Stuart says:
“This was one of the first Korean sunscreens I ever wore regularly, for two reasons: The excellent color match, thanks to the extensive shade selection, and the finish, which I would describe, at least on my skin, as ‘matte, not flat.’ I wouldn’t actually describe it as tinted, so much as the tinting makes mühlet that the completely mineral formula doesn’t leave a cast against your skin; it doesn’t conceal blemishes or anything, but I wouldn’t expect it to, considering how lightweight and skincare-y it feels (it might have the fastest dry down time of any sunscreen I’ve ever worn). I also find it does an excellent job of taming down the ever-present oil of my T-Zone.” —E.S.
Fast facts:
- Type: Mineral
- Active ingredients: Zinc oxide
- SPF: 40
Best for Deeper Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen (SPF 30)
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Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte (SPF 45)
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Lightweight texture | Might be too thick for some |
| Ideal for oily skin | |
| Matte finish |
For those with the very deepest brown skin tones, chemical sunscreens are often the best option; with or without makeup, you’re guaranteed a cast-free finish. Still, chemical SPFs often have a reputation for leaving an oily residue—but not this one. While the formula is matte, it’s chock full of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, squalene, and coconut oil, creating a non-greasy finish that’s naturally glowy. While the brand does have hybrid offerings, it’s famous for its chemical sunscreens; try the cacao-infused OG Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 if you’re seeking a little more glow.
Fast facts:
- Type: Chemical
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- SPF: 30
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Cotz Flawless Complexion Tinted (SPF 50)
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Cotz Flawless Complexion Tinted SPF
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Excellent value | Only available in two shades |
| Elegant formula | |
| Effective tint |
Cotz—pronounced “coates”—is actually an acronym for “contains only titanium and zinc.” But don’t let that scare you: Thanks to a hint of tint, it blends seamlessly into deeper complecxions. “This tinted mineral sunscreen stands out for addressing three common concerns with mineral SPF in deeper skin tones: white cast, texture, and wearability,” says Dr. Ahmed. It also has a smooth formula that’s especially impressive given the price tag—and that layers beautifully under any dark-spot-covering makeup like color corrector or concealer. “It delivers broad-spectrum mineral protection with a cosmetically elegant finish, making it suitable both as a standalone skin tint and as a base under makeup,” says Dr. Ahmed.
Glamour’s Stuart says:
“As someone who is constantly dealing with pigmentation issues, it’s very important to me that my sunscreens are compatible with the active ingredients in my skincare routine, like vitamin C and niacinamide. What I love about Cotz’s Flawless Complexion Tinted SPF is that the smooth formula never pills, never feels heavy, and offers just enough blurring tint that I feel comfortable wearing it out without any makeup on top (though I find it works remarkably well as a primer for foundation, too). I do have to blend the Lightly Tinted and Richly Tinted shades to get a natural match, so Team Cotz, if you’re reading this: Your girl would love a Medium Tinted option!” — E.S.
Fast facts:
- Type: Mineral
- Active ingredients: Zinc oxide
- SPF: 50
Best for Body: Australian Gold Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 30)
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Australian Gold SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive | Strong fragrance |
| Soothing ingredients |
Considering how much real estate you have to cover, a top concern when it comes to body sunscreens is affordability; at $13 a pop, Australian Gold’s all-over sunscreen is a bargain. Along with cast-free chemical SPF filters—specifically, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene—the ingredients list includes tea tree oil, which fights free radicals, and soothing aloe (because yes, even darker-skinned folks can experience sun sensitivity and sunburn). The spray format is excellent for reapplication convenience and less mess, but keep in mind that you still need to rub it in for maximum efficacy.
Fast facts:
- Type: Chemical
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene
- SPF: 30
Frequently asked questions
What should I look for when shopping for sunscreen?
According to Dr. Ahmed, there are three things to keep top of mind when shopping for sunscreen as a darker-skinned person: SPF, the type of UV filters, and the formula. “When shopping for sunscreen for darker skin tones, the first thing I tell patients to look for is SPF 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection,” she says. “This ensures protection against both UVB rays, which cause sunburns, and UVA rays, which contribute to premature aging and hyperpigmentation.”
As for filters, there are “organic” chemical filters—think avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate, among others—and “inorganic” mineral filters, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide; some formulas combine both. “For many patients with deeper skin tones, I often prefer tinted mineral sunscreens because they help protect against visible light, which can worsen discoloration and melasma,” she explains. “I also like multitasking formulas that include ingredients such as niacinamide and antioxidants like vitamins C and E to support the skin barrier and improve uneven tone over time.”
Speaking of formulas: “Cosmetic elegance,” as Dr. Ahmed describes it, is also worth considering, since this is a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine. Simply put: “The best sunscreen is the one you will actually want to wear every single day.”
What is SPF, and how much do I need?
Per Sumayah Taliaferro, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Atlanta Dermatology and Aesthetics, SPF—or sun protection factor—is just a measure of how well your sunscreen will protect your skin from the UV rays. Most dermatologists recommend using SPF 30 or above, but in some cases, the ülkü SPF level depends on what you’re doing and where you are. “I often recommend SPF 50+ before more intense exposures like baseball games, golfing, going to the beach, or any other outside activity during peak sun hours,” Dr. Taliaferro says.
Which sunscreen format is best?
These days, you can find sunscreens in a variety of formats, from powders to creams to sprays. Ultimately, the best sunscreen for you comes down to personal preference, as there are pros and cons with each. A lotion, for example, will give you the most even spread, as stated by Dr. Taliafer, but some lotions can be messy, runny, or oily when left in the sun.
Sunscreen sprays, on the other hand, tend to be less messy in comparison to lotions, and they come in handy on days when you need to reapply your sunscreen over makeup or other products that might be sitting on your face. That said, if you’re using a mist, you also run the risk of not covering the entire surface area of your face or body with the right amount of product. “With sunscreen sprays and mists, extra deva must be taken to rub in the product to ensure adequate coverage and to not inhale the product,” says Brittany Oliver, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “I recommend avoiding spraying onto the face or during windy conditions.”
SPF sticks are also handy for mess-free application. “Sunscreen sticks require multiple passes over the same area followed by rubbing it into the skin to make mühlet you benefit from the level of SPF listed on the bottle,” she adds. “This also makes it less likely that you’ll miss a spot!”
How much sunscreen do I need, and how often should I be re-applying it?
Dr. Ahmed recommends applying “about a nickel-sized amount” of sunscreen to your face every two hours, with reapplication being especially important if you’re going to be out in the sun or near windows. And remember: “Sunscreen is not seasonal. It is a daily essential, since UV exposure accumulates over time even on cloudy days.”
What skin concerns can wearing sunscreen help treat?
More like what can’t sunscreen help treat: “Sunscreen is really the overachiever of skincare. It is the foundation for both prevention and treatment,” says Dr. Ahmed. “It helps prevent and improve hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne marks, uneven skin tone, rosacea, wrinkles, collagen loss, and skin cancer, which is why it is such a cornerstone in dermatology.”
By protecting you from UV rays, it also helps reinforce all those products in your skincare routine that came before it. “Brightening products, anti-aging treatments, and acne regimens all work better when the skin is consistently protected from daily UV exposure,” she says.
Meet the Experts
- Rodaina Ahmed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Tribeca Skin Center
- Brittany Oliver, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Supriya Rastogi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
- Sumayah Taliaferro, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Atlanta Dermatology and Aesthetics
