Beautiful Virgin Islands

Thursday, Jul 24, 2025

Sunscreens That Won't Leave a Cast on Darker Skin Tones

Sunscreens That Won't Leave a Cast on Darker Skin Tones

Don't skimp on SPF.

Here are some skincare myths that need to be dispelled: Coconut oil is a good moisturizer; makeup wipes count as cleansing your skin; and not everyone needs sunscreen. That last one particularly irks me, because believing it can endanger your health. For so long, we've been told that people who have dark skin don't need to use SPF as religiously as people with light skin.

In this myth's defense, there are some reasons why people might still believe it. For one thing, we've been taught that the main sign of sun damage is an itchy, red sunburn. For people with darker complexions, this classic sign is not always present. But redness is not the only sign of damage, even for people with pale skin.

Sun damage caused by the sun's rays is actually present in skin cells and may not always be visible to the eye. Everyone, regardless of skin tone, is vulnerable to skin cancer. So while sunscreen is always important to wear daily, it's also true that there has not been a large selection of sunscreens that are marketed towards people of color.

So many sunscreens leave white casts that don't blend well on darker skin tones. So, in the interest of getting everyone to wear sunscreen religiously, here are 15 sunscreens that are formulated to work well on darker skin tones.

1. The Soothing Chemical Sunscreen

Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30 : Black Girl Sunscreen
Although some chemical sunscreens are looked down on by dermatologists, this sunscreen only uses the best possible ingredients while still drying completely clear. White casts are a thing of the past, and naturally-derived ingredients help sooth and hydrate the skin.



2. The Glowing Skin Option

Prisma Protect SPF 30 Moisturizer : Dermalogica
This moisturizer with SPF 30 is perfect for people who need some extra hydration. This broad spectrum SPF protects from photodamage while giving the skin a lovely glow.



3. The Mineral Powder

Instant Mineral SPF 45 : Peter Thomas Roth
If powder is a normal part of your makeup routine, try switching out your typical product for this mineral SPF powder. The product comes conveniently packaged for on-the-go touch ups. The lightweight powder is an easy way to remember to keep your skin protected.



4. The Invisible Sunscreen

Unseen Sunscreen : Supergoop!
This cult-favorite invisible sunscreen feels like the smoothest pore-erasing primer. It has a gel-like consistency that is so clear you might even wonder if you put anything on. For anyone who doesn't want to spend any time rubbing in SPF, this product is a no-brainer.



5. The Tinted Choice

EVERYDAY Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen : Unsun
Unsun, which makes a collection of tinted sunscreens for darker skin tones, wants their consumers to have the best of both worlds: A healthy mineral SPF, with no white cast at all. These tinted sunscreens not only protect the skin from the sun's rays, but also leaves your skin looking gorgeous.



6. The Parched-Skin Choice

Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 : Josie Maran
For skin that is in serious need of intense hydration, this moisturizer with SPF has you covered. It doesn't feel greasy or leave a residue, but it contains a sizable amount of Argan oil for all-day moisture. If sunscreen clings to dry areas, this product will solve both problems at once.



7. The Even Tone Cream

Urban Skin Rx Complexion Protection Moisturizer SPF 30 : Urban Skin Rx
If sun damage has caused irregular skin tone or dark marks, this SPF helps fade those marks while also giving the skin the hydration it craves. Two birds, one stone.



8. The Setting Spray

UncompliKated Making Setting Spray SPF 50 : Kate Somerville
If setting sprays are part of your makeup routine, swap this one in to add some sun protection. This spray not only contains SPF 50, but also won't smudge your makeup, unlike some other sunscreen sprays. Now there's no excuse not to reapply throughout the day!



9. The Blendable Sunscreen

Prevention+ SPF 50 : IMAGE Skincare
For anyone who wants a classic mineral sunscreen but with less rubbing-in, this product might be what you're looking for. While it may still leave a slight white cast on some skin tones, this sunscreen is incredibly hydrating and easy to blend into the skin.



10. The Athlete's Pick

On-The-Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 : EleVen by Venus Williams
This sheer mineral sunscreen, created with Venus Williams, is perfect for women who are active and don't want to sweat their SPF into their eyes. Even better? This sunscreen has managed to combine the skin benefits of a mineral sunscreen while not leaving a noticeable white cast on darker skin tones.



11. The Skin Mattifier

Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 : Tatcha
For fans of Tatcha's makeup primer, this product does something similar while providing broad spectrum sun protection. This sunscreen eliminates the look of bumpy pores while giving a smooth canvas for makeup.



12. The Sheer Shield

Invisible Shield : Glossier
There's a reason this sunscreen has a massive following. It is a completely clear formula, making it perfect for darker complexions. It also smells vaguely like summertime, so it never feels like a chore to apply.



13. The New Classic

Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF 30 Sunscreen : Fenty Skin
With the launch of Fenty Skin, Rihanna has redefined skincare routines. Everything is dual-purposed, and this product is no exception. It's a moisturizer with SPF 30, goes on without a trace, and smells like heaven. Plus, when you inevitably finish the bottle, simply buy a replacement capsule and keep the outside packaging. If it's good enough for Rihanna, it's good enough for me.



14. The Clean Sunscreen

Classic Face Sunscreen SPF 50 White Tea : COOLA
This lightweight sunscreen—which is cruelty free, vegan, and over 70 percent organic—is perfect for people who want to stay protected from the sun while also being kind to the environment. It contains plant extract to help nurture the skin while keeping sun damage at bay. Plus, the package is recyclable, so there's no guilt involved in clicking "purchase."



15. The Mineral Spray

Sheer Mineral Sun Spray SPF 50 : Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare
This water-resistant sunscreen spray is perfect for the no-muss-no-fuss customer. It's incredibly easy to apply, and this sheer formula makes it perfect for all skin tones. This mineral sunscreen won't make you look greasy or gray, but guarantees protection from photo damage.


Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
"Crazy Thing": OpenAI's Sam Altman Warns Of AI Voice Fraud Crisis In Banking
The Podcaster Who Accidentally Revealed He Earns Over $10 Million a Year
Trump Announces $550 Billion Japanese Investment and New Trade Agreements with Indonesia and the Philippines
US Treasury Secretary Calls for Institutional Review of Federal Reserve Amid AI‑Driven Growth Expectations
UK Government Considers Dropping Demand for Apple Encryption Backdoor
Severe Flooding in South Korea Claims Lives Amid Ongoing Rescue Operations
Japanese Man Discovers Family Connection Through DNA Testing After Decades of Separation
Russia Signals Openness to Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Escalating Drone Warfare
Switzerland Implements Ban on Mammography Screening
Japanese Prime Minister Vows to Stay After Coalition Loses Upper House Majority
Pogacar Extends Dominance with Stage Fifteen Triumph at Tour de France
CEO Resigns Amid Controversy Over Relationship with HR Executive
Man Dies After Being Pulled Into MRI Machine Due to Metal Chain in New York Clinic
NVIDIA Achieves $4 Trillion Valuation Amid AI Demand
US Revokes Visas of Brazilian Corrupted Judges Amid Fake Bolsonaro Investigation
U.S. Congress Approves Rescissions Act Cutting Federal Funding for NPR and PBS
North Korea Restricts Foreign Tourist Access to New Seaside Resort
Brazil's Supreme Court Imposes Radical Restrictions on Former President Bolsonaro
Centrist Criticism of von der Leyen Resurfaces as she Survives EU Confidence Vote
Judge Criticizes DOJ Over Secrecy in Dropping Charges Against Gang Leader
Apple Closes $16.5 Billion Tax Dispute With Ireland
Von der Leyen Faces Setback Over €2 Trillion EU Budget Proposal
UK and Germany Collaborate on Global Military Equipment Sales
Trump Plans Over 10% Tariffs on African and Caribbean Nations
Flying Taxi CEO Reclaims Billionaire Status After Stock Surge
Epstein Files Deepen Republican Party Divide
Zuckerberg Faces $8 Billion Privacy Lawsuit From Meta Shareholders
FIFA Pressured to Rethink World Cup Calendar Due to Climate Change
SpaceX Nears $400 Billion Valuation With New Share Sale
Microsoft, US Lab to Use AI for Faster Nuclear Plant Licensing
Trump Walks Back Talk of Firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell
Zelensky Reshuffles Cabinet to Win Support at Home and in Washington
"Can You Hit Moscow?" Trump Asked Zelensky To Make Putin "Feel The Pain"
Irish Tech Worker Detained 100 days by US Authorities for Overstaying Visa
Dimon Warns on Fed Independence as Trump Administration Eyes Powell’s Succession
Church of England Removes 1991 Sexuality Guidelines from Clergy Selection
Superman Franchise Achieves Success with Latest Release
Hungary's Viktor Orban Rejects Agreements on Illegal Migration
Jeff Bezos Considers Purchasing Condé Nast as a Wedding Gift
Ghislaine Maxwell Says She’s Ready to Testify Before Congress on Epstein’s Criminal Empire
Bal des Pompiers: A Celebration of Community and Firefighter Culture in France
FBI Chief Kash Patel Denies Resignation Speculations Amid Epstein List Controversy
Air India Pilot’s Mental Health Records Under Scrutiny
Google Secures Windsurf AI Coding Team in $2.4 Billion Licence Deal
Jamie Dimon Warns Europe Is Losing Global Competitiveness and Flags Market Complacency
South African Police Minister Suspended Amid Organised Crime Allegations
Nvidia CEO Claims Chinese Military Reluctance to Use US AI Technology
Hong Kong Advances Digital Asset Strategy to Address Economic Challenges
Australia Rules Out Pre‑commitment of Troops, Reinforces Defence Posture Amid US‑China Tensions
Martha Wells Says Humanity Still Far from True Artificial Intelligence
×