Sunscreen for Brown Skin
I have used quite a few sunscreens throughout my life, many of which didn’t work for me as a Black person. Here, I will keep track of all the sunscreens I like that don’t leave a white cast. All listed are at least a 3/5 in my personal opinion.
UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer SPF 50 Biore
Kassia rated
5/5 - My favourite sunscreen ever. Super hydrating and leaves my face so glowy. Light, fresh scent. Really high SPF as well! It’s a little pricey when considering the amount that’s in the bottle, but by far cheaper than most on this list.
Photoderm Max Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+ Bioderma
3/5 - Applies really nicely and easily, with subtle scent. Not that hydrating, so I would probably only use it in hotter weather. Also leaves the tiniest bit of a white cast—only visible if you look really closely, though
Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray SPF 70 Neutrogena
4/5 - Especially useful for reapplication. Nice, light scent. But, while it settles into the skin nicely it does leave a *slightly* greasy appearance.
Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Hawaiian Tropic
Kassia rated
4.5/5 - Was my staple sunscreen for ages. Applies really well (almost like a lotion), comes in a big bottle that lasts forever, and is dirt cheap. However, its scent (while, IMO, pleasant) is rather strong.
Glow Stick SPF 50 Supergoop!
3/5 - Really convenient for reapplication, but a really easy carrier for bacteria because of its mechanism. Extremely glowy.
Anthelios Tinted Fluid SPF 50+ La Roche-Posay
3/5 - Probably won’t work on especially dark complexions. Goes on a *tad* dry (another one that’s probably better for summertime), but provides a nice, matte finish. Pretty expensive for its small bottle.
Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ La Roche-Posay
3/5 - It’s a little more watery than I like, but sinks into the skin nicely. Rather expensive for its small bottle.
UV Daily Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 EltaMD, Inc
3.5/5 - (Used this a while ago so my memory of this is a little shaky). Really nice lotion-like application and seamless finish. Extremely expensive for such a small bottle.