I Asked the Experts—These Are the Best SPFs for Dark Skin

We all have a complicated relationship with SPF, right? Some formulas feel way too heavy, some leave you greasy and others bestow a less than desirable white cast. Add skin tone into the mix and you’re unlocking a whole new level of complexity. But never fear, because I've searched high and low for the best facial SPFs for darker skin, and things are looking up. No more ashy finish; hello, gorgeous, glowing skin.

Enter a new wave of SPFs that are lightweight, absorb like a dream and even have added skincare benefits. Best of all, they're all totally or nearly invisible. Since there's no getting out of using SPF daily—come rain or shine—this new generation of upgraded formulas makes using sun protection a lot easier for everyone, regardless of skin tone.

Do Darker Complexions Really Need SPF?

Despite the common skincare misconception that darker and Black skin doesn't need sun protection, experts have said over and over that everyone, even those with the highest melanin content, will benefit from using SPF every day. UVB and UVA rays affect us all and ultimately result in skin damage from exposure to the sun, regardless of skin tone.

"Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has high levels of UVA protection (as indicated by PA++++ or a star rating of 5 stars), explains consultant dermatologist Dr Mary Sommerlad. "This is because whilst people with deeply pigmented skin have higher natural protection from sunburn, they are prone to patchy hyperpigmentation and worsening of pre-existing hyperpigmentation from UVA exposure. The ideal would be a tinted broad-spectrum sunscreen as this will block high energy visible light too, which is responsible for persistent hyperpigmentation and is more of an issue in those with richly pigmented skin," she says.

How to Find a Sunscreen for Dark Skin

Before getting into our edit of the best SPFs for dark skin, I was keen to know what an expert recommends looking out for. First up is choosing between a mineral SPF or a chemical formula, and the latter usually suits darker skins better. "Neither chemical nor mineral is better on a population level. On a personal level, chemical sunscreens are significantly less likely to leave a white cast," says Dr Sommerlad. "They tend to have flexibility in their application (e.g. as a liquid, spray or mist) whereas mineral sunscreens may be more tolerable to people with very reactive skin, but as they are a physical blockade they are usually cream, balm or lotion formulas.

"The white cast is caused either by the sunscreen filter or by the tint in the product. [The most commonly used filter] is a mineral or physical ingredient such as titanium," she explains. Something else worth noting is that tinted SPFs in one 'universal' shade can also be unsuitable for darker skin as they are often too pale or have the wrong undertone.

It can be helpful to look for additional ingredients in your SPF that will further enhance how well it protects the skin. "A good sunscreen should contain antioxidants too, says Dr Sommerlad. "An effective antioxidant in combination with sunscreen works synergistically to reduce the impact UV rays and pollution have on our skin. Pollution and UV not only contribute to reducing collagen in the skin, leading to premature wrinkles, but the combination can also drive hyperpigmentation," she says.

"I advocate a personalised sunscreen approach. If someone has melasma or hyperpigmentation, they should look for tinted sunscreens that contain anti-pigmentation ingredients. Those with dry or mature skin should look for something hydrating, whilst those who are blemish-prone should opt for formulas [that contain ingredients] such as salicylic acid. People with oily skin might want to [try] mattifying gel or mist formulas," says Dr Sommerlad.

So, if you’ve been searching for that perfect invisible SPF to conveniently slot into your skincare routine sans white cast, look no further than our pick of tried-and-tested SPFs for darker skin tones.

12 of the Best SPFs for Dark Skin

1. Best budget-friendly option: Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF 50+
2. Best for hydration: Korres Cucumber Hyaluronic Splash Sunscreen SPF50
3. Best for under makeup: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30
4. Best total clear protection: Hello Sunday The Take-Out One Invisible Sun Stick SPF 30
5. Best for on-the-go use: Decree Day Shield SPF 30
6. Best for sensitive skin: Typology SPF50 Face Sunscreen With Aloe Vera
7. Best for beach days: Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Lotion SPF50+
8. Best for top-ups: Kate Somerville Uncomplikated SPF50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray
9. Best for every day: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion
10. Best for acne-prone skin: Zitsticka Megashade Breakout-Proof Sunscreen Serum
11. Best for tinted protection: Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30
12. Best for mineral protection: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+

1. Best budget-friendly option: Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Light Sensitive Sun Protection Face Fluid SPF 50+

2. Best for hydration: Korres Cucumber Hyaluronic Splash Sunscreen SPF 50

3. Best for under makeup: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30

4. Best total clear protection: Hello Sunday The Take-Out One Invisible Sun Stick SPF 30

5. Best for on-the-go use: Decree Day Shield SPF 30

6. Best for sensitive skin: Typology SPF30 Face Sunscreen With Aloe Vera 

7. Best for beach days: Shiseido Expert Sun Protector Lotion SPF50+

8. Best for top-ups: Kate Somerville Uncomplikated SPF50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray 

9. Best for every day: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion 

10. Best for acne-prone skin: Zitsticka Megashade Breakout-Proof Sunscreen Serum

11. Best for tinted protection: Ilia Beauty Super Serum Skin Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 30

12. Best for mineral protection: Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+

This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.