The best sunscreens for darker skin
Our selection of creams that cater to all skin types and won’t leave a white residue
Long gone are the days when sunscreen used to be a thick, greasy cream that left white residues and an oily layer sitting on top of your skin. As they have switched from products panic-bought at the airport to year-round essentials, cosmetics brands have adjusted their formulas to reflect consumer needs.
Darker skin tones in particular have historically struggled with finding adequate coverage — both because sunscreens were often formulated with fairer skin in mind and because of myths about melanated skin being immune to the dangers of sun exposure. Whatever your shade, you should be applying a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 that provides protection from both UVA (the ultraviolet rays associated with premature ageing and melanoma skin cancer) and UVB (the rays that cause sunburn), every day, no matter the weather.
We’ve collated a list of sunscreens that cater to a variety of skin types and won’t leave a white cast.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50, £13.50
Korean brand Beauty of Joseon’s organic sunscreen is popular for a reason. Combining high-level sun protection with a lightweight formula that doesn’t leave skin feeling sticky when applied under makeup, it also contains high-performance ingredients including niacinamide, green tea and ginseng root extract to soothe and hydrate the skin. Suitable for skin types including dry and sensitive, this SPF is nourishing enough to use as a moisturiser too.
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BYOMA Ultralight Face Fluid SPF50, £14.99
An all-round SPF superstar. Not only is it ultra-lightweight, hydrating, soothing, barrier-boosting and non-comedogenic, it’s also budget-friendly. BYOMA’s product features hyaluronic acid and asthaxanthin to calm irritation, brighten the skin and leave you with a radiant glow. It’s also dermatologist tested and approved, vegan, cruelty, alcohol and fragrance-free, so suitable for sensitive skin.
The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Dewy Sunscreen SPF30, £15
This non-greasy sunscreen blends easily into the skin for an invisible, dewy finish. It’s ideal for anyone looking for an SPF that is also super-hydrating: a cocktail of polyglutamic acid, glycerin and squalane all work to hydrate skin and lock in moisture. It claims to be everyday sweat-proof and can be comfortably layered over skincare and under makeup without pilling.
Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50, £17.60
Another supercharged Korean beauty favourite, the brand’s original SPF formula contains high-potency aloe extract that soothes and protects skin against UVA and UVB rays, while hydrating it. Lightweight enough to double up as a moisturiser, it’s suitable for all skin types and particularly ideal for skin that is dry, sun-damaged or sensitive. A great option for your summer holiday.
Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Clear Stick SPF50, £24.75
Compact, mess-free, and handbag-friendly, SPF sticks are great for reapplication on the go. Shiseido’s claims to offer protection that gets stronger when exposed to sweat or heat, making it ideal for sporty types — or anyone riding a Lime bike during a heatwave. Highly water-resistant, it goes on completely clear, making it ideal for reapplication over makeup and darker skin tones. It’s also infused with argan oil to keep the skin hydrated for up to eight hours.
Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF 50+ Superlight Mineral, £38
Made and tested in Australia, Ultra Violette is a brand that takes sun protection seriously. Mineral sunscreen sits on the skin’s surface to create a barrier, rather than being absorbed. That means it’s less likely to cause irritation and, therefore, ideal for people with rosacea, sensitive or acne-prone skin. Infused with Japanese zinc, squalane and vitamin E, this lightweight formula gives a radiant glow with no greasy sheen.
Heliocare 360 Gel Oil-Free SPF50, £24.80
Another great option for sensitive and acne-prone skin, Heliocare’s 360 Gel is enriched with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and sebum-controlling technology. Fortified with vitamins C and E and green tea extract, it also says it provides antioxidant defence against pollutants. The gel texture makes it a refreshing option for the hottest days, while a dry touch, matte finish helps counteract shine. Suitable for normal to oily skin types.
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Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50, £16
Formulated with a multi-functional, skin-first approach, Haruharu Wonder’s SPF has a velvety texture that glides on like a dream and moisturises as it protects. Enriched with black rice extract, safflower oil and niacinamide, it hydrates, protects, brightens and nourishes the skin all at once for a brighter, more even-looking complexion. Suitable for all skin types.
Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Setting Mist Sunscreen SPF50, £18
One for the makeup girlies, Kopari’s Mist Sunscreen goes on as a non-aerosol spray to provide a natural, radiant finish. Infused with hyaluronic and polyglutamic acid to help moisture retention and hydration, it can be used as the last step in your beauty routine to set makeup in place, and to refresh the skin throughout the day. A great option for keeping your SPF levels topped up.
