Meshtrac Solutions Inc
Sunscreen isn't just for beach days; it’s a daily essential for everyone, including those with skin of color. Historically, many sunscreens left an undesirable white cast, making it challenging for darker skin tones to find a suitable product. But luckily, the dermatology industry has caught up!
Here we’ll take a look at the unique needs and concerns of melanin-rich skin and highlight the best sunscreens that offer sheer, weightless protection. Read on to discover the advice of Curology’s licensed dermatology providers on shielding your beautiful skin from the sun’s rays without compromising on aesthetics or efficacy.
Understanding dark skin and sun protection
There’s a common misconception that people with dark skin don’t need sun protection because they have a natural shield in the Best Sunscreen for Dark Skin of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. While it’s true that melanin offers some protection—evident in the fact that those with darker skin tend to develop sun-induced wrinkles later than their lighter-skinned counterparts—it’s not an impenetrable defense.
Research has shed light on the vulnerabilities of skin of color to sun exposure. Despite the protective benefits of melanin, those with dark skin are not immune to the detrimental effects of the sun. They can still experience pigmentary disorders, signs of photoaging, and even conditions like basal cell carcinoma due to prolonged sun exposure.¹
While the importance of sun protection for fair-skinned individuals is frequently addressed, there isn’t much information and understanding about the photoprotection needs of those with skin of color. It’s essential to recognize and promote the significance of sun protection across all skin tones to ensure everyone understands the potential risks and benefits.
Selecting the right sunscreen
For those with more melanated skin, finding the perfect sunscreen presents a unique challenge. Surveys highlight common barriers to sunscreen usage among Asian/Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and Black individuals, which include forgetting to apply it and disliking its greasy texture.² Moreover, certain sunscreens may leave a white residue, which can be especially noticeable on darker skin tones.
Recent concerns about the systemic absorption of certain sunscreens have prompted the U.S. FDA to classify titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as the only ingredients generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE).³ So, if you’re keen on sticking to safety guidelines, mineral sunscreens with these ingredients are recommended.
The good news is that the cosmetic industry is becoming more mindful of the challenges faced by individuals with darker skin. This has led to the emergence of chemical sunscreens with organic filters. These sunscreens offer transparent formulations, addressing greasiness and white residue issues. But it’s essential to keep an eye on further research and ensure these sunscreens comply with FDA regulations for safety.4
Our top sunscreens for skin of color
Selecting a suitable sunscreen for skin of color is crucial for sun protection and ensuring that the product blends seamlessly without leaving any undesirable white cast.
Here are four sunscreens that we recommend:
1. MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme SPF 30
This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen offers a silky texture that easily blends into all skin tones, resulting in a smooth, matte finish. It contains potent antioxidants and skin-soothing agents like vitamin C, green tea, cranberry fruit, and pomegranate extract. It utilizes titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to protect the skin. The product is clinically proven, hypo-allergenic, and non-comedogenic.
Besides guarding against UVA and UVB rays, it protects from blue light and environmental damage. This product can also serve as a primer under makeup or standalone as a tinted sunscreen.
2. CoTZ Flawless Complexion SPF 50
This gentle, tinted cream provides broad-spectrum mineral sun protection using 20% zinc oxide, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The sheer tint is designed to seamlessly blend with most skin tones, leaving a moisturized and even finish. It is noncomedogenic, cruelty-free, and reef friendly.
3. Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc SPF 30 Natural Continuous Spray
This handy, continuous air-powered spray is formulated especially for sensitive skin and utilizes natural-origin zinc oxide as its mineral filter. This lightweight lotion is designed for face and body application and uses compressed air instead of flammable propellants that are typical of many aerosols.
Suitable for all ages and skin types, it offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Enhanced with moisturizing sunflower oil and composed of 13 plant-based ingredients, this fragrance-free sunscreen is dermatologist-tested, cruelty-free, and vegan.
4. Cetaphil Pro Oil Dermacontrol Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30
This product is a lotion designed for oily and combination skin. It offers hydration, shine control, and SPF 30 sun protection. The formula is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly. It contains ceramides to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier and is free of fragrance and parabens. It’s also hypoallergenic and won’t clog pores.
5. CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen
Developed with dermatologists, this SPF 30 lotion contains essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to restore the skin barrier, retain moisture, and soothe skin. The non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free formula is designed for all-day hydration.