The 10 Best Sunscreens for Darker Skin That Won’t Leave a White Cast

Dr. Few’s Tinted Mineral formula feels like the Cadillac of sunscreens. When I took it out of the box, the first thing I noticed was how heavy the bottle itself was. The weightiness of it made me feel like I was getting an item of substance. Considering the cost and the natural ingredients that this vegan sunscreen is made of, my expectations were high. Dr. Few’s Tinted Mineral didn’t disappoint.

First of all, the pump made it easy and convenient to use. And I love that it has a brownish tint to it, which matched well with my skin. When I rubbed it into my skin, I immediately noticed the sunscreen’s lotion-like consistency. My skin looked glowy and moisturized, with the added benefit of having enough tint to serve as a foundation primer. Dr. Few’s Tinted Mineral sunscreen didn’t feel as light as I thought it would, and I could still tell there was something on my face — but knowing that I was using a holistic, vegan sunscreen with antioxidants and a great finish made it worthwhile.

Limited shade options are a common problem with sunscreens, so we were delighted when we found one that offers options for such a wide variety of skin tones. When I went online to order Live Tinted Hueguard, I loved that there were 11 — yes, 11 — different shades to choose from. The photos on the website were also helpful for finding the best color match for my skin.

The sunscreen applies with a small spray range and spreads easily. It is very runny when you initially put it on, which is something to be mindful of. It’s also oily, and I felt like it was all over my hands after rubbing it in; a sponge may work better for application.

I especially loved that Live Tinted’s sunscreen worked well as a light foundation. It’s perfect if you want sun protection that blends with your skin and saves you a step in your morning routine. That part alone makes it worth the additional cost.

Smooth. Clear. Completely effortless. When I first spread Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen on my face, those were the adjectives that came to mind. What I love about it most, though, is what wasn’t there. Supergoop offers the best invisible finish, hands down. Once rubbed all the way in, this sunscreen is indeed unseen.

The consistency is a cross between a gel and clear baby oil. It’s light and is barely noticeable once it’s rubbed in. There’s no scent, and it doesn’t hide my features or skin tone.

However, this sunscreen comes at a price. When I first took it out of the box, I was shocked by how small the tube was — 0.5 fluid ounces. While the cost per ounce is more reasonable if you purchase a larger bottle, you still get a lot less product than other sunscreens offer. But if you’re looking for an effective sunscreen that you can almost forget you’re wearing, this is it.

We picked EltaMD as the best sunscreen for acne-prone skin because its oil-free formula caters specifically to sensitive skin. “You’d be hard pressed to find a derm that doesn’t recommend EltaMD sunscreens — the formulas are comfortable and safe for all skin types and tones,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto. “This formula ... [is] oil-free and noncomedogenic, making it especially ideal for those who have acne-prone skin or rosacea; the formula contains niacinamide to help calm irritation, inflammation, and redness while promoting a more even skin tone.”

Because it is tinted, it can also function as a light foundation. The sunscreen blends in nicely, without leaving a white cast. While this formula isn’t hydrating enough for very dry skin, it offers calming ingredients and lightweight coverage that provides a smooth, noncomedogenic finish for acne-prone skin.

Blue Lizard functions like most spray sunscreen products, offering the convenience of easy, wide application. It wins as the best spray for us because it applies evenly and smoothly, and it doesn’t feel oily or heavy. A lot of spray sunscreens can also leave a white film; this one doesn’t. While it comes out white, it rubs in clear. Its high SPF is an added benefit for people with darker skin tones.

While I did notice a slight stickiness on my hands after rubbing it in, it wasn’t significant. For ease of application and its ability to blend in with your skin, Blue Lizard is the ideal spray sunscreen for quick coverage.

We chose this sunscreen as our favorite matte option because it gives your skin a smooth, soft, matte finish at a reasonable price. It has a higher SPF of 45, which is beneficial for melanated skin.

The moment this clear sunscreen came out of the tube, I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about any white residue. It has a consistency similar to baby oil, and it feels light to the touch. I initially worried that the oiliness would translate into a greasy look; thankfully, it didn’t. Once I rubbed it in, it had a matte finish. I also liked the way it moisturized and softened my skin.

While the finish looked matte, I noticed that when I touched my face, a lot of the makeup I applied over the sunscreen came off on my hand. My face didn’t feel greasy, but the makeup seemed to slide off more easily. While that’s something to be mindful of, the soft skin and protective finish, combined with its reasonable cost, make this highly rated sunscreen a top pick.

We selected this moisturizing lotion because not only does its smooth, creamy texture hydrate your skin — it’s also the most inexpensive option among the sunscreens for darker skin tones that we reviewed. “Many mineral-based sunscreens leave a noticeable white or grayish cast, so the ideal picks are ones that provide full-spectrum UV protection while remaining invisible on deeper skin tones,” says Dr. Humphrey. “CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 is an excellent and readily available brand that provides hydration along with sun protection.”

Although it’s a lotion, it is lightweight on your skin. It can function as a light foundation, though the available shades may not match darker skin tones. However, even if you use it just for sun protection, at less than $15, it’s a worthwhile purchase.

This sunscreen is perfect for fun at the beach or relaxing days by the pool. We chose Shiseido’s stick sunscreen for its water-resistant properties. I dabbed some on my hand and ran it under water; the droplets sat on top, which is what you want to see in a water-resistant sunscreen.

While the smaller size of this sunscreen means you get less product, it also means it can easily fit in your purse. The roll-on applicator also makes it easy for quick touch-ups throughout the day. Overall, Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick is a great choice to bring along for fun in the water and the sun.

Colorescience’s formula is very hydrating and left my skin feeling light and smooth. I loved how it matched my skin tone and could function as a light foundation. While it does take a few moments to rub in enough to ensure that a white film doesn’t remain, once the product was fully absorbed, I was left with a smooth finish. The product is a little more costly at nearly $60 a bottle, but with its dual makeup and sunscreen functionality, it felt worth it.

Finding a sunscreen that works well on your face is one thing. Finding one you actually want to use all over your body is a whole other prospect. La Roche-Posay’s Melt-in Milk SPF 60 has the kind of formula you won’t mind applying. Users report that it lives up to its name, absorbing with just a little extra time blending and without leaving an annoying white cast.

It can feel tacky for a minute or two after application, but once it settles, you’ll forget you’re even wearing sunscreen. With SPF 60 protection and a formula that doesn’t make application a chore, it’s the kind of sunscreen you’re more likely to use consistently (which, ultimately, is what matters most, anyway).