(This article contain affiliate links. If you sign up through them ,we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our editorial verdict is independent of any commercial relationship.)
N/B: We haven’t tested this with our Floom community team members. However, we’ll update this article with reviews from results so check for updates. Our research for this topic is built around reviews from Amazon, Reddit, Boots, Superdung listings and other dark skinned beauty bloggers.
One of the major reasons many black women skip sunscreen for dark skin in their skincare routine is avoiding the white cast that is synonymous with many sunscreens. The most popular sunscreen brands are La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, and Supergoop.
These sunscreen for dark skin brands represent three different formula philosophies and three very different price points but you’ve probably not sure of the right product for you. So we’re going to compare each product based on how they work with melanin-rich skin.
Why Does A White Cast Appear After Applying Sunscreen?
There are a few things you need to know about sunscreens. First, there are two kinds of sunscreens: mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens contain ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These ingredients sit on top of your skin and bounce off the sun’s rays. This is why they can look chalky or grey on your skin. The reason for this is that the tiny particles in sunscreens are white so if you have dark skin, it will be more noticeable.
On the other hand, chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate. These ingredients get absorbed into your skin and turn the sun’s rays into heat. Because of this they do not leave a mark on your skin no matter what your skin tone is—making them easy to layer over hydrating prep products like an Anua PDRN Collagen Glow Serum Spray.
There are also sunscreens that mix both of these classes of ingredients together. There are mineral sunscreens that have a tint to them. The tint is made with iron oxides, which help the sunscreen match your skin tone. This prevents the white mark that some mineral sunscreens can leave.
The important thing to remember is that just because a sunscreen says it is a mineral sunscreen it does not mean it will look bad on your skin.. You might need to get a tinted version of the mineral sunscreen so it does not leave a white mark. Mineral sunscreens are the ones that’re most likely to need a tint to work well with your skin tone.
Comparison
We researched the most popular and easily accessible sunscreen for dark skin from each brand: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Fluid SPF 50+ (chemical), CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (100% mineral, non-tinted), and Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 (chemical, silicone-gel).
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Fluid SPF 50+
It is really good for women with dark skin. According to our research, it doesn’t leave any white cast on the skin, is super absorbent and melts beautifully into the skin. The reason it works well is because of a blend of chemicals like Mexoryl XL, avobenzone and other ingredients that help block UV rays.
Hydration and skin type: This stuff is really matte so it does not feel oily at all. It is very good for people with oily skin or combination skin. The product also controls excess oil production and prevents shine. However, it won’t work well for women with dry skin as it may make your skin even dryer. The formula doesn’t make your skin look dewy but gives a matte finish instead.
Wear time and heat: It was rated to withstand water and sweat for 80 minutes. People who live in humid places like Nigeria and the UK can benefit from the long wear time as it doesn’t get affected by sweat.
Layering: This product generally works well under makeup but it could become chalky if you apply it over a heavy moisturizer or if you rub it in too hard. Don’t apply it immediately after your moisturizer. Let your moisturizer set first and then gently rub in the sunscreen.
Irritation: The general consensus is that it doesn’t irritate the skin and can be used on skin with rosacea or acne. However, it’s possible to get some irritation so it’s best to test the product first.
Value: The price is in the mid-range and it sits between CeraVe and Supergoop.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (non-tinted)
Cast: This is the one thing that’s not so great about this lineup and it is worth talking about. According to our research, most users of the product noticed a significant white cast on the skin after application and they were all dark skinned women. If you blend it well it gets a little better but it does not completely go away on women with deeper skin.
However CeraVe has a more suitable version, called Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint and the shade “Deep” is really good. This is because it has iron oxides in it and it blends in perfectly with no cast. If you want to try CeraVe you should buy this version, not the regular mineral lotion.
Hydration and skin type: CeraVe is the best sunscreen for dark skin choice in this category. It has three ceramides and hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. These ingredients make this product really good for dry and damaged skin that needs nourishment. The product is also great for acne prone and sensitive skin.
Wear time and heat: This product has a rich thick texture. It is thicker and richer than the two options so you have to work it in a bit at a time in sections rather than just swiping it on quickly. When it is genuinely hot and humid outside the texture can feel heavier than the two options.
Layering: This product works under makeup once it is set but since it’s thick, It takes a few extra minutes to sink into the skin first.
Irritation: This sunscreen for dark skin product is very gentle on the skin. It does not have any fragrance, which’s great because it does not sting around the eyes. However, if you have sensitive skin, do watch out for irritation. This product is best suited for women with tolerant skin.
Value: This product offers the best value for money among the three listed here. It is one third of the price of Supergoop and it is also a lot cheaper than La Roche-Posay.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Cast: This product is excellent with melanin-rich skin. Black beauty writers and dermatologists say it is one of the best sunscreens for dark skin out there. It doesn’t leave any cast on the skin and is practically invisible. This is all thanks to its chemical and silicone gel makeup.
Hydration and skin type: This product is really good for women with oily skin who are prone to experiencing shine. It is like a mix of makeup primer and sunscreen. The texture is very smooth. It helps to blur the skin. People with oily skin or combination skin will like it because it does a great job of controlling shine. However if you need something that will give you a lot of hydration this is not the best choice. It is not as good as CeraVe when it comes to helping your skin keep its barrier.
Wear time and heat: Women who live in the UK or in Nigeria will greatly benefit from the strong all-day oil control this product offers. You also don’t have to worry about the product breaking down when you sweat.
Layering: It works great under makeup and doesn’t get patchy.
Irritation: This product is fragrance free. It is very well tolerated. It is also very gentle on sensitive skin that’s sensitive, even after exfoliation.
Value: This product is the most expensive of the three. The only limitation is that it doesn’t come in an SPF 50 version. The highest it goes is SPF 40.
Differences Based on Climate: For women who live in the US, Nigeria or warm, humid climates, Supergoop‘s mattifying finish and La Roche-Posay’s 80-minute sweat resistance are excellent choices. CeraVe’s rich texture will feel heavy.
For women who live in the UK, CeraVe’s ceramide-and-hyaluronic-acid formula is best for skin barrier repair and protection especially in a harsh British winter. La Roche-Posay’s fragrance-free, gentle formula is also good
For women living in Canada, CeraVe is a great choice especially for skin that is stressed by cold weather and indoor heating. It helps to repair and protect the skin barrier. However, if you want to use this product, go for the Deep shade. This is better than the mineral lotion because it does not leave a weird cast on the skin.
Pricing and Availability
All three are available across US, UK, and Canadian retailers, though not always through the same SKU.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Fluid / UVMune Invisible Fluid SPF 50+: You can get it on Amazon, Ulta, and La Roche-Posay US website.
If you live in the UK, you can get it at Boots and Superdrug at £19 – £21, Shoppers Drug Mart and Amazon.ca in Canada.
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen: You can get it here and it’s between $14 – £18 in the US, £14 – £21 in the UK depending on the size and whether it’s on Superdrug’s regular rotation of CeraVe discounts. If you live in Canada, you can get it in drugstores and Amazon.ca.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40: You can get it here. It goes for $34 – £42 in the US based on the size and it’s also available on Sephora, Ulta, and Supergoop’s site. In the UK, you’ll get it through Cult Beauty and Selfridges.
What Our Community Says
We haven’t tested this with our Floom community team members. However, we’ll update this article with reviews from results so check for updates. Our research for this topic is built around reviews from Amazon, Reddit, Boots, Superdung listings and other dark skinned beauty bloggers.
The Floom Verdict: Sunscreen for Dark Skin
Best for oily skin: Supergoop Unseen. It is the strongest oil control product of the three.
Best for dry skin: CeraVe, in the tinted Deep shade as the ceramide and hyaluronic acid formula makes it better than the other two when it comes to hydration, and the tinted version solves the cast problem the plain mineral lotion has.
Best value for money: CeraVe is the most affordable and offers the greatest value for money if you pick the Deep shade.
Best for humid climates: Supergoop is best for women who like makeup as it acts as a primer as well. La Roche Posay is best for women who want a sunscreen primer that doesn’t break down under sweat.
Best for starters: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Fluid is the best option if you’re just starting out with sunscreen. It’s the one product that suits melanin-rich skin the most across all categories. It’s also the easiest to find in pharmacy and beauty stores.